Even by Canadian standards, Vancouver is progressive and welcoming. British Columbia’s largest city, with a metro population of 2.6 million, it’s known for its relaxed attitudes toward many of the things that might turn heads elsewhere in the country or in North America. They were cool about pot long before other jurisdictions got hip to it.
That laid-back liberal atmosphere, along with its stunning landscape of coastal mountains disappearing into the Strait of Georgia, has for decades made it a popular city for LGBTQ2S+ people. Statistics Canada estimates that 10 percent of all of Canada’s same-sex couples live in Vancouver—it has the largest LGBTQ2S+ population in Western Canada.
It’s also very ethnically diverse, home to a vibrant Chinese community (its historic Chinatown is a must-visit) and one of the largest South Asian communities in Canada.
Often ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities (and healthiest and most active), it’s also one of the world’s most expensive. The mild winters and easy access to nature—black bears can be spotted around some suburban neighbourhoods—make the city a treat for visitors who love the outdoors. The local queer community is a particularly sporty one. Vancouver was the second city, after San Francisco, to host the Gay Games, and it hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Located in the southwestern corner of British Columbia’s mainland—a four-and-a-half-hour flight from Toronto and three hours from Los Angeles—the first non-Indigenous settlement in the city limits was in 1862. By 1871, British Columbia had joined Canada and it was decided that Vancouver would be the end point for a transcontinental railway, giving it the nickname Terminal City.
If this city seems strangely familiar as you wander its streets, remember: this is Hollywood North. The mix of super modern architecture and gritty historic buildings in Gastown and parts of downtown, combined with luscious green spaces and ritzy residential neighbourhoods, make it a location manager’s dream. Well-known series like Arrow, The Flash and Supergirl, Riverdale and Yellowjackets, and movies like the Deadpool series and Fifty Shades of Grey were filmed here.
The LGBTQ2S+ culture in Vancouver is especially rich. Visitors can learn about its history during the two-hour Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours’ Really Gay History Tour, which celebrates some of the unsung heroes who changed the social fabric of the city, including the drag queen who fought for federal decriminalization of homosexuality, and North America’s first openly gay minister.
The tour includes a stop at Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium (more on it later), which was bombed in late 1987 and early 1988, and fought government censorship and claims that its materials violated Canada’s obscenity laws. The store took its case all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada and won. Svend Robinson, a Canadian Member of Parliament who represented the Vancouver-area riding of Burnaby from 1979 to 2004, was the first MP to come out as gay while in office.
Here is our insider’s guide to the best of LGBTQ2S+ Vancouver. Remember that in this West Coast city, “West End,” “West Side” and “West Vancouver” are all different places, the first being the highrise downtown neighbourhood that’s home to the Gay Village.
Pride
Vancouver Pride (July 28 to August 3, 2025). With hundreds of thousands of attendees, Vancouver’s Pride is the heavy hitter of Western Canada. VanPrideFest is a free two-day outdoor festival at a green waterfront space, featuring multiple stages and lots of dancing. In 2024, the Sunday parade attracted 100,000 attendees, when Vancouver hosted Canada Pride, a supersized edition of the usual festival. The Vancouver Dyke March and Festival, which usually takes place the final Pride weekend, has been organized by a women-led nonprofit group since 2004. The Trans, Two-Spirit, Genderqueer, Intersex March also usually takes place on the final Pride weekend.
What to see and do
Vancouver’s LGBTQ2S+ communities have a presence all over the city, but two neighbourhoods feature large collections of queer-specific businesses and attractions. The West End, a dense neighbourhood between downtown and Stanley Park, is the home of Davie Village, a collection of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs and where you’ll see the city’s permanent rainbow crosswalk at the corner of Davie and Bute streets. The other queer ’hood is Commercial Drive in Grandview, known simply as The Drive. The neighbourhood, more bohemian and granola-fed than the West End, has a long queer history and is the location of the annual Vancouver Dyke March and Festival.
The city is home to many other unique neighbourhoods, but there are two that really capture the feeling of Vancouver. Gastown is the original downtown and is home to roughly a dozen blocks of cobblestones streets, historic buildings now full of trendy bars and boutiques, and a still-working historic steam clock. On the opposite side of downtown, under a bridge to the West Side, Granville Island has a nearly 50-year-old public market full of local produce, crafts and other goods. It’s considered to be a key Vancouver artistic and cultural hub thanks to its various venues and festival spaces.
Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St., Vancouver). Recognized as one of North America’s most innovative visual arts institutions, the gallery has more than 12,000 pieces of art, including works by international and nationally renowned artists, as well as a collection of Indigenous art. Among its collection are works by Emily Carr, who in the late 19th and early 20th centuries captured the landscape and feel of the province, and whose sexuality has been a matter of conjecture.
With its mild climate (by Canadian standards) and seaside location, Vancouver is home to several beaches perfect for whiling away an afternoon. In fact, there are nine beaches—eight by the ocean, one located lakeside—offering 18 kilometres of sandy retreats in the city proper, and several located a little farther afield.
Wreck Beach (down a steep trail starting near the intersection of Northwest Marine Drive and University Boulevard, near the University of British Columbia, Vancouver). This clothing-optional beach is tricky to get to, but if you love being naked, and being around others who love being naked, it’s an essential stop. It’s very popular among gay men. Licenced vendors sell clothing, jewellery, drinks and snacks, while unlicensed vendors sell, uh, other intoxicating items. Compared to other clothing-optional beaches around the world, Wreck Beach has a distinctive hippie-party vibe.
Kitsilano Beach (accessible from Cornwall Avenue and Arbutus Street, Vancouver). Known as Kits Beach, this beach has a young, fit crowd who come for beach volleyball and people watching.
Stanley Park is a 400-hectare swath of natural West Coast rainforest, surrounded by scenic views of the mountains and water. You can get lost (or go cruising) inside the forest, or you can circumnavigate the park by walking, hiking, biking or rollerblading along the park’s famous Seawall. It’s a great way to see just how fit Vancouverites are. There are two beaches in the park, Second Beach and Third Beach (there is no First Beach).
Grouse Grind (trailhead and Skyride gondolas accessible in the parking lot at 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver). Build up a sweat and tone those calves and glutes by taking on “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” The nearly three kilometre–long, 800-metre gain up Grouse Mountain is called the Grouse Grind. For those who aren’t interested in burning calories, there are gondolas that will take them up and down the mountain. You can also ski down it in season. Coming over to North Vancouver gives visitors an opportunity to ride the SeaBus, a ferry boat that’s part of the public transportation system.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver). For a gentler outdoor experience, sway and sashay your way across the 137-metre-long bridge that stretches 70 metres above the Capilano River. Treetops Adventure, seven suspension bridges high-up in the coastal rainforest trees, is located in the park, as is Cliffwalk, a not-for-the-faint-of-heart cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon. The park also provides opportunities to learn about the area’s traditional Indigenous people.
Prince of Whales Adventures (1666 Duranleau St., Vancouver). Don’t leave Vancouver without trying to meet some of its most famous residents, the pod of orcas living in the nearby waters, as well as other whale species, like Humpbacks, that migrate up and down the Pacific Coast each year. Prince of Whales, which is certified as LGBTQ2S+-friendly by the Rainbow Registered program, offers seasonal excursions including half-day trips and sunset cruises.
Where to stay
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (1000 Burrard St., Vancouver). Steps from Davie Village, the Sheraton offers spacious rooms and suites in both its north and south towers, all with floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views across the city, Stanley Park and the coastal mountains. There is an on-site café and bar. They also have an indoor pool and full fitness centre.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 W. Georgia St., Vancouver). Staying at this hotel, which opened in 1927, will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time 100 years. The property underwent renovations in 2011, to ensure new generations can enjoy this gem near Gastown. The five-star hotel has 156 rooms and suites featuring spa-inspired bathrooms. There’s a spa, a 52-foot indoor lap pool, the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant and the intimate 1927 Lobby Bar.
OPUS Vancouver (322 Davie St., Vancouver). This 96-room boutique property, in the hip Yaletown neighbourhood, has stylish contemporary rooms, the Italian restaurant CAPO and the cocktail bar Spritz as key selling features. They also provide guests with electric bikes (along with helmets and locks) at no extra charge. Best yet, this Michelin Guide–awarded hotel is also pet friendly, so your four-legged friend can vacation with you.
The Burrard (1100 Burrard St., Vancouver). This queer-welcoming locally owned indie hotel playfully leans into its 1950s origins—it’s got style to spare. The courtyard is perfect for fraternizing with fellow guests and they’ve got complimentary bike rentals.
Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver). Of Vancouver’s three luxurious downtown Fairmont properties , this is probably the most modern and opulent option, with spectacular views of Vancouver Harbour. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (900 W. Georgia St., Vancouver) is more historic and closer to the Davie Village and shopping on Robson Street.
Where to eat
Tall Shadow Bakery (2474 E. Hastings St., Vancouver). More than just a place to get organic sourdough bread or amazing pastries, this busy café is known for its amazing breakfasts, lunch sandwiches and weekend brunches. There is even the occasional sourdough pizza night.
Cantina Norte (108-3246 Connaught Cr., North Vancouver). A sibling duo created this upscale yet down-to-earth Mexican restaurant on the North Shore. Try the ceviche made from B.C. seafood before biting into the chicken and mushroom quesadilla or the duck breast with mole verde.
Botanist (1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver). This treat for the senses, located inside the Fairmont Hotel, serves modern Canadian cuisine made using produce, seafood and other ingredients from local producers. The result is dishes such as striploin served with foraged mushrooms and spring peas and olive oil poached halibut.
Mott 32 Vancouver (1161 W. Georgia St., Vancouver). There is no shortage of amazing Chinese restaurants in Vancouver, but this one, located inside the Paradox Hotel, is a cut above. Known for its homemade dim sum, Kobe and Wagyu beef, and crispy apple wood–roasted Peking duck.
Vij’s Restaurant (3106 Cambie St., Vancouver). This Bib Gourmand–awarded local institution is operated by celebrated Vancouver chef and personality Vikram Vij. The menu is full of shareable plates, small curry dishes and vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes.
Where to party
Numbers Cabaret (1042 Davie St., Vancouver). The history of Vancouver’s longest-running gay bar goes back to 1980. But it’s still young at heart, with a dancefloor and cozier spaces to just chill with friends. Drag shows on Fridays, karaoke on Sundays.
The Fountainhead Pub (1025 Davie St., Vancouver). Billing itself as one of the gaybourhood’s original bars, The Fountainhead has a large patio, karaoke nights and a popular weekend brunch. They’re known for their cool cocktails. Attracts a mature, relaxed crowd.
Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie St., Vancouver). This long-standing (some would say legendary) straight-friendly dance club has an elaborate light show. It’s known for attracting some of the hottest touring DJs.
PumpJack Pub (1167 Davie St., Vancouver). This neighbourhood gay pub, which opened in 2001, is great for a casual drink. But it also has a naughty side. They’ve got a shower where go-go boys show off their soaping skills, jockstrap nights and a monthly night for guys into leather, rubber and other fetish wear.
Junction Pub (1138 Davie St., Vancouver). Pub by day, club by night, they’ve got drag shows, bingo, improv, trivia, live music and DJs. Oh, and food and cocktails, craft beer and boutique wine.
Eleven 81 (1181 Davie St., Vancouver). One of Davie Village’s more swellegant spots. But when the lights go down, they’re not afraid of some wacky drag, standup comedy or themed music nights.
Score on Davie (1262 Davie St., Vancouver). This come-one-come-all sports bar frequently makes the city’s best-of lists because of its over-the-top Caesars, hot wings, burgers and more.
The Cobalt Cabaret (917 Main St., Vancouver). And now something beyond the village. A popular spot for queer women, this dive bar is known for punky live music, drag and karaoke. The crowd varies drastically depending on the programming, but it’s always queer friendly.
Where gay and bi men can find fun
Steamworks Vancouver (123 W. Pender St., Vancouver). This well-run and well-designed private men’s bathhouse is part of the U.S.-based Steamworks chain. Open 24/7 for whenever the urge arises. They’ve got a gym and sauna.
F212 Steam Gym & Spa (1048 Davie St., Vancouver). This Canadian-owned 24/7 gay bathhouse is located in the heart of Davie Village. In addition to the private rooms, cruising areas and steam rooms you’d expect, they’ve also got a tanning booth. All genders are welcome Tuesdays 4 p.m to 8 a.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Where to shop
Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium (1238 Davie St., Vancouver). A legend in Canadian queer rights history, this bookstore/gift shop was founded in 1983 and has survived decades of government harassment. The business led a long, expensive legal challenge against government laws targeting LGBTQ2S+ content as “obscene materials” that they won in the Supreme Court of Canada. They also survived three anti-gay terrorist bombings. But don’t go just for the history. The store has an excellent selection of books, art, adult toys, trans gear and clothing.
Cross & Crows Books (2836 Commercial Dr., Vancouver). Calling itself your “queerly friendly neighbourhood bookstore,” this East Van institution carries a collection of new, pre-owned and collectable books. They also hold literary workshops and other events.
Topdrawers (939 Hornby St., Vancouver). This sexy, large, long-standing boutique carries popular brands of men’s underwear, swimsuits, jocks, singlets, harnesses, fetish wear and other gear.
JQ Clothing (2120 Commercial Dr., Vancouver). This “funwear” store for all gender identities has rave wear, festival wear, stage wear, cosplay gear and metallics.
Womyn’s Ware (896 Commercial Dr., Vancouver). This woman-owned and -operated business was founded in 1995 on the idea that a women’s sexuality business is a political statement. But a lot of what they sell—toys and clothes—is pure sexy fun. Though their focus is women, they welcome men, trans people and allies on the sexual spectrum. They operate Your Open Closet out of the store, which sells gender-affirming gear.
Awl Together Leather (1183 Odlum Dr. #101, Vancouver). This female/nonbinary/queer-owned shoe shop does shoe repair and upcycling, and sells custom leather items that make for great gifts.
