Gay Travel Vancouver

Locals have become immune to declarations of Vancouver’s wonderful quality of life, and once visitors have been here a few days, it is abundantly clear why the city is regularly rated as one of the most livable cities on the planet.

Don't miss Davie Village, Vancouver's Gayborhood! The Village hosts a variety of events during the year, including the Davie Street Pride Festival which runs in conjunction with Vancouver's annual Gay Pride Parade, during which sections of the street are closed to motor traffic. Davie Day is also held each year in early September, to celebrate local businesses and the community itself. 

Nature surrounds VanCity, and three separate mountains are accessible within thirty minutes, making this city one of the best for nature lovers of all kinds. In fact, public transportation is so well developed here, travelers can get anywhere they like without their own wheels. The SeaBus will take you across the harbor to North Van, and then another bus will drop you at the foot of many attractions – like the towering chunk of rock that is Grouse Mountain.

Vancouver also boasts a coffee culture that rivals its neighbor to the south, with Commercial Drive serving as the caffeinated epicenter of the hipster set. Granville Market serves up local produce and dishes to a crush of locals and visitors every day, while the sun brings out nearly everyone in the city to the seawall along Stanley Park. Vancouver has a temperate climate that has a clear distinction between seasons. Travelers can expect overcast and gray skies during the winter months, with dry warmth arriving in June and staying through September.

Vancouver Gay Scene

The largest gay population in Western Canada lives in this ocean-wrapped and snow-capped city. Its gay community is centered around two distinctly different neighborhoods - the West End and Commercial Drive; both of which enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and boutiques catering to gays and lesbians.

West End

A high-density residential neighborhood in the heart of downtown, the West End is an engaging mix of retirees, immigrants, urban youth, and gay residents. The epicentre of the scene is the stretch of Davie Street between Burrard and Jervis, known as Davie Village with its cluster of cafes, casual eateries, pubs, nightclubs, and shops offering designer clothing and sleek housewares. The beautiful beaches of English Bay are also popular attractions in this area. For more information, please visit: http://www.westendbia.com

Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive, known locally as “The Drive”, is a popular neighborhood for Vancouver’s thriving lesbian community. This funky, Eastside neighborhood is packed with reasonably priced ethnic restaurants, cafes, shops, and services. The Drive can be easily accessed by car and transit. For more information, please visit: http://www.thedrive.ca

Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach is the place to go if you are looking let it all hang out. This fantastic all-inclusive nude beach is filled with an eclectic mix of people that fit every category of gay (and straight) that you can find. Wreck beach is great because the activity that you find there isn't any different than what you would find at a park: people playing board games, beach drinking, playing Frisbee, etc. The only difference is that most of the people are naked. The beach has several tents with hospitable products and services including snack foods, massages, and haircuts. If you are a fan of nudity and a fun/open atmosphere. This is definitely the place for you.

Gay-Friendly Dining

The Dirty Apron Cooking School

The Dirty Apron Cooking School is Vancouver’s newest, most exciting culinary playground. For the culinary-inclined to the curious, classes span regional classics, ingredient-focused cooking, and knife skills.

Bishop’s

The fare at Bishop’s is regional and seasonal. In restaurateur John Bishop’s view, it makes sense to showcase British Columbia’s lush bounty of seafood, organic produce and meats. His exquisite West Side restaurant blends classic and modern flavours with a casual elegance that keeps clients coming back for a truly exceptional dining experience.

Chambar

Leave your day at the door and enjoy the essentials; superbly sourced food, service, cocktails & music. Chambar - an unpretentious fling with fine dining.

Café Medina

Café Medina is a stylish daytime bistro serving connoisseur-savvy coffee, Belgian waffles, and an eclectic Belgian/North African-inspired menu of breakfast, lunch, and brunch dishes.

Related Blog Posts

View All Blog Posts in Vancouver

Gay Vancouver: 6 Things to Do on Your Next Visit

Canadian Man Blocked by US Customs Over the Content of His Scruff Profile

Transforming Burrard Bridge Into the Biggest Pride Rainbow Ever

Best Fall Gay Getaways