2SLGBTQ+ travel

Explore a vast array of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism experiences, attractions and events that celebrate our vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and highlight the diversity of Ontario.
 

Places to go and stay

From Toronto’s trendy city strips to scenic country vineyards in Niagara and Prince Edward County, Ottawa’s national treasures to expansive wilderness in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario is a place of diverse experiences and welcomes LGBTQ+ visitors to explore it all.


Toronto

Savour a cocktail, relax on a patio, catch a drag show or dance until the early morning hours at one of countless LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in Toronto.

  • Church-Wellesley Village is Toronto's largest gay community and is busy day and night. At its core is Church Street, located close to shopping, theatre, attractions and internationally inspired cuisine.
  • Toronto’s Queen Street West boasts hip, queer-friendly bars, cafés and shops. 
  • Find out what’s going on in DailyXtra online, IN Magazine and on ProudFM.


Ottawa

Soak in Canadian culture in Ottawa, the nation's capital, with galleries, theatres, museums and icons of historic and political significance.

  • The ByWard Market is an attraction of market stalls, shops and cafes - and when in Ottawa, sample the world famous 'BeaverTail' treat.
  • Bank Street, the heart of the city’s growing gay village, is surrounded by well-established and newly blossoming LGBTQ+ friendly bars, restaurants and accommodations.


Beyond Toronto and Ottawa

For the foodies and liquorist there are countless wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries, taste trails and local delectables like butter tarts, chocolate or cheese creations. And, of course, maple-infused everything ... from beer to bacon to donuts.

  • Just over an hour drive west from Toronto, the Niagara Peninsula is a picturesque area with over 80 wineries.
  • If you decide to travel east of Toronto, check out Prince Edward County, another inviting wine region.

 

Accommodations

Ontario is home to a host of gay and lesbian welcoming, IGLTA-approved accommodations throughout the province.


Niagara Region

Experience the wonder of the Falls and sample the flavour of wine country, find world-class theatre and indulge in locally inspired, farm-to-table cuisine in the Niagara region. You’ll also find equally great places to stay in the Niagara region.


Toronto

Find a LGBTQ-friendly accommodation in Toronto that caters to you. There’s no shortage of chic at trendy hotels, or for that personal touch, opt for a B&B or boutique inn.

  • A Seaton Dream: Inviting bed and breakfast located in Old Cabbagetown, close to Church Street.
  • Victoria’s Mansion: Downtown Church Street Village guesthouse that combines 19th century charm with 21st century comforts.
  • The Gladstone Hotel: Located in Toronto’s West Queen West queer neighbourhood, this creative boutique accommodations celebrates local art, music and food.
  • The Drake Hotel: Labelled the ‘nerve center of the Toronto arts world’ by the New York Style Times Magazine, the Drake is a local hotspot.
  • The Broadview Hotel: East end digs in a gorgeous renovated heritage building, formally a strip club.
  • Hotel X: Lavish harbourfront resort-style hotel with sweeping views and cool amenities including Toronto’s only tri-level rooftop SkyBar.
     

Ottawa

Ottawa is brimming with culture, history and attractions, a growing gay village in the heart of the city. Let one of Ottawa’s welcoming accommodations direct you towards some capital fun.


The great outdoors

Get back to nature at one of Ontario’s gay and lesbian campgrounds, inclusive resorts and beaches.

  • Cedars Campground, Milgrove: Gay and lesbian tent and trailer resort near Hamilton.
  • The Ridge, Grand Valley: Adult LGBTQ2+ resort and campground near Orangeville.
  • Clearview Resort, Young’s Point: Family-friendly, gay and lesbian welcoming cottage resort in the Kawarthas on gorgeous Stoney Lake.
  • The Point Tent & Trailer Resort, Vittoria: Just minutes from Turkey Point, resort for gay men on Ontario’s south coast.
  • Riverside RV Campground, Tweed: Members only campground and RV park in eastern Ontario’s Land O’ Lakes area that caters to gay men.


Further north, you will be blown away by the beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the iconic wilderness parks in the province. If camping is not your style, tried-and-true queer-friendly resorts with rustic chic cabins, glamping tents or luxury lakeside rooms in and near Algonquin include:


Events and festivals

Ontario hosts several Pride festivals and events each summer, as well as LGBTQ+ gay and lesbian film festivals, so plan to join these queer-positive celebrations.


Pride festivals

Celebrate our diversity and inclusiveness at a local Pride event.


Film festivals

Experience moving and meaningful storytelling in queer cinema.


Additional travel resources

Last updated: January 31, 2023

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