VANCOUVER — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unscheduled stop today at Vancouver’s Pride festivities but did not walk in the annual downtown parade.

Trudeau walked a block in city’s West End before the event’s official start.

The prime minister stopped to shake hands and take selfies with people gathering for the parade.

Shouts of “free Palestine” could be heard from the parade crowd, but many people appeared largely pleased to see Trudeau.

Trudeau wore a black T-shirt, with an image of a rainbow-coloured feather on the front, grey pants and black running shoes.

Thousands attend Vancouver’s annual Pride Parade, which includes vibrant floats, numerous groups and organizations and joyous people.