Canada All-inclusive

Canada is proud of its LGBTQ+ community and regularly comes top of reports listing the world’s gay-friendly destinations, says Rupert Parker

Why sell it?

A UNWTO Global Report on LGBTQ+ Tourism found that 86% of Canadian millennial-aged respondents believe homosexuality should be “accepted”.

It highlights attitudes in a liberal and moderate country that takes all-inclusivity seriously. Against that background, Canada represents a major opportunity for LGBTQ+ travellers, who can plan holidays reassured that they will feel comfortable touring a country that has long been open and welcoming to all.

And, as Canada was one of the first countries in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, it is also an ideal destination for a gay or lesbian honeymoon.

LGBTQ+ travellers will feel particularly welcome in Canada’s larger cities where there are gay villages, lively gay-orientated nightlife options and many community associations and support groups.

In addition, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Whitehorse, Yukon, there is a lively drag scene across Canada.

For example, Calgary is home to the Fake Mustache Drag King Troupe, which claims the title of Canada’s longest-running drag troupe. Its shows feature a mix of performers, including ones with non-binary personas like drag monarchs.

Across the year there are countless LGBTQ+ events, big and small, such as Toronto Pride in June, Capital Pride Edmonton (also June) and the Fierté Montréal Pride Festival and Fredericton Pride Festival (New Brunswick) both in August.

Says Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada: “Canada is well known for being friendly and welcoming to all visitors, and this hospitality extends to the LGBTQ+ community. Canada is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world and a must-visit for all LGBTQ+ travellers.

He added: “Toronto and Vancouver are popular destinations due to their inclusion, great spirit, and incredible LGBTQ+ nightlife.

What to sell

Echoing Canada’s all-inclusive ethos, every city has a gay quarter.

Toronto is home to the largest LGBTQ+ community in the country and the biggest draw is the famous Church Wellesley Gay Village, with its epic nightlife, inclusive community centre, and magnificent restaurants. One of the only cities in the world to have multiple gay districts, there’s the edgier Queer West Village, fuelled by happening restaurants and hipster bars.

Also there’s Old Cabbagetown, which is another up-and-coming ‘gaybourhood’.

Vancouver has two colourful gay villages: Davie Village is home to several gay bars, clubs, restaurants and gay shops, while Commercial Drive (The Drive) is a draw card for the city’s lesbian community.

Montréal has one of the largest gay villages in the world and the annual Fierté Montréal Pride Festival is one of the country’s most colourful.

Most of the festivities happen in the Gay Village and Rue Sainte-Catherine is transformed into a walking promenade during the summer months.

The capital, Ottawa, also has a Gay Village: a six-by-two block section of Bank is already home to multiple established and newly blossoming LGBTQ+ friendly bars and hotels, many of which are gay owned.

When to sell

Each year, Canada’s LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride in all the major cities and towns, from coast to coast.

This is an occasion for celebrations based on diversity and inclusion. Check out the calendar to visit a destination during Pride: Toronto late June, Montréal August, Vancouver August and Ottawa in February.

Pride is a great time to visit Toronto as Toronto Gay Pride is one of the most celebrated Pride events in North America, attracting an estimated 1.2 million spectators each year.

Visitors certainly can’t fail to notice an array of people dressed in the most flamboyant outfits, with an amazing range of colours and styles.

The centre of the festival is the city’s Church and Wellesley village, while the parade and marches are primarily routed along the nearby Yonge Street, Gerrard Street and Bloor Street.

There are events on just about every corner, and a main area with stalls, music and dancing. Sunday sees the main parade, when over two million people flock downtown to enjoy the extravagant costumes and uplifting music of the floats.

Gay Ski Weeks are also well established. Since 1992 gay-friendly winter sports have been held on more than 250 km of ski slopes during The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. The annual gay and lesbian ski weekend, held in January, also features a loaded entertainment programme.

Similar events are staged in Mount Tremblant, Québec, in February and Jasper, Alberta, in April.

How to sell it

Stress the safety aspect and Canada’s general inclusiveness for LGBTQ+ visitors, and the range of districts, bars, festivals and events that cater specifically to this market. Point out that Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal are some of the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities.

Suggest enjoying the urban centres of Ontario and Québec by packaging an eightday fly-drive from Toronto. This takes in Niagara Falls and Ottawa before crossing into Québec, following the St Lawrence River to Québec City and then to Montréal.

Or suggest touring Canada by rail. Via Rail’s The Canadian sees the train travel from Toronto to Vancouver, via Winnipeg. It glides past prairie fields, lake country and small towns before meeting the snowy peaks of the Rockies. Overnight accommodation on the train is available. The Rocky Mountaineer offers various routes into the Rockies from Vancouver.

Why visit in 2023

Covid restrictions meant that many Prides were cancelled completely or, since 2020, have taken place only in a limited form.

Toronto held a large and spectacular event in June 2022 although the Montréal Pride and others were cancelled due to staffing shortages. Organisers hope 2023 will see again see ‘fully blown’ Prides taking place across Canada.