Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay & Lesbian
Vancouver's gay and lesbian scene is part of the city's culture rather
than a subsection of it. The legalization of same-sex marriage here
makes it a popular spot for those who want to tie the knot in scenic
style. But if you just want to kick back and have a good time, this is also
Canada's top gay-tastic party city.
West End
The West End's Davie St is the center of Vancouver's gay scene. Sometimes called the
Gay Village, this is Canada's largest 'gayborhood' and is marked by rainbow flags,
hand-holding locals and pink-painted bus shelters. There's a full menu of scene-specific
pubs and bars, and it's a warm and welcoming district for everyone, gay or straight. Find
the perfect spot sitting at a street-side cafe pretending to read
Xtra!
while actually check-
ing out the passing talent; you can expect to make friends pretty quickly here. Van-
couver's Commercial Dr is a traditional center of the lesbian scene. Keep in mind,
though, that Vancouver is highly gay-friendly, so you can expect events and happenings
all around the city.
Nightlife
You're unlikely to run out of places to hang with the locals in Vancouver's lively gay
scene. Davie St, in particular, is home to a full bar-crawl of diverse gay-driven watering
holes, from pubby haunts to slick lounge bars. You'll also find places to shake your
thang on the dance floor here. But it's not all about the West End: look out for gay-
friendly nights at clubs and bars around the city. Peruse some options at
Pride Week
Showing how far the scene has progressed since the days when Vancouver's gay com-
Canada's biggest annual gay celebration. Staged around the first week of August, the
centerpiece is the parade - a huge street fiesta of disco-pumping floats, drum-beating
marching bands and gyrating, barely clad locals dancing through the streets as if they've
been waiting all year for the opportunity. The parade is only the most visual evidence of
