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Its public schools offer comprehensive sex and gender education courses, while colleges like the University of Toronto host LGBTQ+ events and have their own LGBTOUT organisation.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to experience Toronto’s gay nightlife. You can also plan to be in town for the Reel Pride Film Festival, which celebrates the arts community with film showings around the city.

Summer tends to be crowded with higher prices, but a favorable exchange rate still makes summer holidays in Canada doable for Americans!

Fall offers fewer crowds than summer. Pride Winnipeg is the main event in this central Canadian locale. There wasn’t a lot of diversity of any kind.

Toronto was such a formative experience for me of how vastly different the world could be outside of my New England bubble.

This is what I love about travel – how it exposes us to new ideas and ways of living, which can radically influence our possibilities.

During my senior year in high school, our French class took a trip to Quebec City.

Running over the course of 10 days, the festival has become a staple in the community. I’ve returned to Ontario, getting to know Toronto’s lesbian neighborhood and exploring nearby Prince Edward County on a wine and cheese tasting tour. And loving food as much as I do, Montreal’s incredible food scene is always worth the drive!


When To Go

Canada is a great destination year round.

Summer is the warmest season, filled with festivals and events.

Boston, where I grew up, was predominantly white. Legislative measures protecting the rights of the gay community are meticulously enforced, making Edmonton an oasis of justice and fairness.

The Pride celebrations here are a glorious show of solidarity and joy.

I’ve taken multiple trips to Quebec City and Montreal.

Gay and lesbian couples in Quebec City can feel comfortable showing affection in public without fear of discrimination.

The Canadian Human Rights Act was updated in 2017to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. The town is home to inclusive hotspots like the Savoy Hotel, a LGBTQ+ favourite. Check out one of these neighborhoods and experience the vibrancy and diversity of this northern escape.

LGBTQ Friendly Canada

I still remember my first trip to Canada, for a Model U.N.

Conference at the University of Toronto.

Quebec City provides a safe and accepting destination for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to simply enjoy the city as themselves, with a small but close-knit gayborhood known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

Explore the Highlights of Gay and Lesbian Quebec:

Canada Stories

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If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and have a lust for everything maple, then, oh boy, do we have a treat for you?

From the ski resorts of Alberta and British Columbia to Quebec City’s winter carnival, the country takes on a magical winter wonderland vibe. I’ve spent the most time in the province of Quebec because it’s closest to me. It goes the extra mile to shine brighter and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with more gusto.

But that’s not all.

And there’s Kootenay Queer, a group constantly creating events and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ folks of this enchanting town.

Local Tip: Hang out at the Expressions Cafe, known for its fabulous performances and open-mic nights.

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Plus, the city’s penchant for equality is reflected in its colourful amenities. 

It’s home to swathes of gay-friendly establishments, particularly in the vibrant Church-Wellesley Village.

This momentous event is a jamboree that sparks joy, induces laughter, and knits the fabric of love tighter with every passing year.

The city is a smorgasbord of LGBTQ+-friendly amenities. 

From the robust Gay Village, dominated by gay bars, clubs, and shops, to gender and sexual diversity centres like the Centre for Gender Advocacy, Montreal welcomes all with open arms and rainbow flags.

Local Tip: Make the most of your time in Montreal by visiting Restaurant Au Petit Extra, a restaurant determined to bring out the best experience for lgbtq+ members.

Winnipeg

Directions

Just like its fellow Canadian cities, Winnipeg is underpinned by laws that prohibit discrimination against individuals due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

The city encourages dialogue, promotes understanding, and nurtures respect for the LGBTQ+ community.

canada gay friendly

You get St. John’s, the easternmost city in North America, and an ideal LGBTQ+ oasis.

In St. John’s, the legislative model upholds and protects the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring no individual faces unfair treatment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. You don’t just get to show up at Pride; you get to show off—now how’s that for a good time?

Community-driven initiatives like Pride Centre of Edmonton offer a variety of programs and services, including counselling, youth and senior groups, and educational workshops.

Similarly, the University of Alberta is known for its ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and awareness.

Local Tip: Stop by the annual Edmonton Queer History Project, an event that brings to light the spirited history of the city’s LGBTQ+ community in a unique and insightful way.

Calgary

Directions

Calgary in Alberta champions human rights and is stringent in enforcing laws that protect its citizens against discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Just like Toronto, Halifax boasts comprehensive laws safeguarding the rights of its gay community.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation—that’s simply not Halifax’s style. Yes, this is a city where human rights are not only recognized but championed!

Ottawa’s Capital Pride celebration takes over the city each summer with an explosion of rainbow flags, music, and high spirits.