Gay Canada Guide R Shirley Editor

Published since 2002
|
Spring – Summer 2005
www.gaycanadaguide.com
gaycanadaguide
dition 2005
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gaycanadaguide
dition 2005
in
this
issue
Spring – Summer 2005
editor’s
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thoughts
4,
Where’s the best place?
As I travel the world people ask what
Canadian destination is best for gay
travellers.
In this issue
4
6
News and deals
It’s a question I can’t answer easily.
To Americans I simply say, “most
anyplace in Canada is gay-friendlier
than most parts of the U.S.” I’ve
lived in the U.S., and I believe that.
48 Perfect Gay Hours: Toronto
Canada’s biggest city has loads for the gay
traveller – but what if you’ve only got a
two-day layover?
8
Studies show that gay travellers
spend billions of dollars each year.*
Wine, Wonders and Song
Think Niagara is all about falls? Think again.
The region might steal your heart.
10
8
Proud to be Cowtown
Calgary has Canada’s hottest economy, and
some of Canada’s hottest men. And you just
might see a Stetson or two.
12
Tying the Gay Knot
The dream of gay marriage is reality in Canada.
Here’s how to do it – and where to find your
very own gay wedding planner.
16
Getting out of the Ottawa Heat
The politics are hot. The weather is hot.
The bodies on the canal are hot. How to
handle all this heat in Canada’s capital city.
18
10
OutGames Special:
The Right to be Equal
Famed Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury
shares his thoughts on preparing for the
1st World Outgames Montréal 2006.
20
Totally-gay isn’t the way most of us
travel. So Gay Canada Guide looks
at all sorts of places and experiences
from a gay traveller’s perspective.
We continually strive to keep you up
to date on the totally gay stuff, but
we know that you want other gay
perspectives, too. So enjoy unique
gay views in this issue on places like
P.E.I. and Ottawa.
And remember: the only way a place
becomes more gay-friendly is for you
to travel “out.” Let them know who
you are. And gradually we’ll have
more and more “best places to go.”
The Big Gay Party: Montréal
Polish up your French and let Montréal
help you create your own kind of fun.
23
Where should we spend that kind of
money in Canada? We have a lot of
choices. We can travel exclusively
gay, visiting only the “gayest” spots.
We can blend into the mainstream.
Or we can mix it up – perhaps
staying at a gay B&B and playing at
a mainstream ski resort, which is
what most of us do most of the time.
– Randall Shirley
P.E.I. – Pride on Edward Island
Join humourist Richard Burnett for a
gay look at Canada’s smallest province.
Publisher: Alan Beck,
Columbia Fun Maps
Ph: 973-275-1700
Email: [email protected]
Editor: Randall Shirley
Ph: 778-389-2246
Email: [email protected]
Advertising:
Michael Wile, East
Ph: 416-531-1483
Email: [email protected]
John Boychuk, West
Ph: 604-339-1265
Design: Susan Elliott,
McGill Design Group, Australia
www.mcgilldesigngroup.com
20
*See story, page 19
Cover photograph: Randall Shirley Model: Urban Cowboy Kev
Visit us: www.gaycanadaguide.com
Gay Canada Guide presents travel from an objective perspective.
Our writers occasionally travel as guests of tourism bureaus or organizations
mentioned. We gratefully acknowledge their assistance.
Copyright 2005. This publication may not be reproduced in anyway
without permission from the publisher, Columbia Fun Maps.
No responsibility is accepted by the publisher for the accuracy of information
in any part of the text or advertisements in this publication.
Photographs used to illustrate editorial or advertisements do not necessarily
depict the behaviour or sexuality of those photographed.
Gay Canada Guide is published twice yearly and distributed in
North America and Australasia with assistance from the Canadian
Tourism Commission.
WE ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR RENDEZ-VOUS MONTRÉAL 2006.
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N ew
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Attn: Singlet and
Speedo Lovers
The Pride of Canada
Pride celebrations take place all across Canada from
spring to early fall. While the big cities host famously
huge parties, the efforts of smaller communities can be
just as interesting, rewarding, and fun. Be proud
wherever you’re going…
Charlottetown, PEI,
July 9-16
Ottawa, ON, July 1-11
Halifax, NS, July 18-24
Saskatoon, SK, June 10-18
Saint John, NB, July 18-24
Calgary, AB, June 1-12
Montréal, QC,
July 25-31
Edmonton, AB, June 17-26
London, ON, July 1-10
Cambridge, Guelph,
Kitchener/Waterloo, ON,
May 28-June 5
Hamilton, ON, June 12-19
Toronto, ON, June 20-26
Winnipeg, MB, June 2-12
Okanagan, BC, June 18-25
Vancouver, BC,
July 23-31
Victoria, BC, July 3
Visit gaycanadaguide.com
for web links to these
Pride events.
On Your Knees…
…in prayer, that is! Rub shoulders with over
1,000 faithful from all over the globe in
Calgary, July 21-26, 2005. The
worldwide “general conference” of the
largely gay Metropolitan Community
Church will be held in the city’s
downtown core. The Hyatt & Fairmont
Palliser are official hotels. Events will take place
in the hotels and Calgary’s performing arts centre.
The conference will celebrate the leadership of the Church’s
founder – and a legend in the gay community – Rev. Troy
Perry, who is retiring. The conference will be followed by a
three-day birthday celebration for Rev. Perry in Banff.
Hallelujah! www.mccchurch.org
4 gaycanadaguide 2005
Frontrunners (gay & lesbian running groups) generally meet at
a pre-set location on a Saturday morning (sometimes Sundays,
and sometimes a weeknight), go for a trot, and then go for
brunch. You’ll find Frontrunners in Vancouver, Calgary,
Edmonton, Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, and
Halifax. Visit www.frontrunners.org for more info.
Gay Swim Clubs/Teams are also all across the country. Don’t
go just to look—get in the pool and get in shape! Swim
clubs/teams can be found in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton,
Toronto, Montréal, and Moncton. See www.igla.org.
Also, check out Toronto’s gay bowling tourney at
www.mapleleaf classic.com, and Toronto gay softball at
www.gaysoftball.ca.
Group is Fun!
All gay group travel in Canada? You bet. Contrary to popular
belief, gay cruises are not floating bathhouses, and not everyone
on an all-gay trip is 26 with a perfect body. They’re incredibly
diverse, and attract
guests from all over
the world. Check out
these 2005 Canadian
highlights, and call
your travel agent:
Parkas and
Speedos. Atlantis
Events brings an allgay Alaska cruise to
Canada this August.
The ship, Celebrity
Infinity, starts (August 21) and ends the 7-night cruise
in Vancouver.
Mountie Mountains. Coda Int’l Tours (July 3, Aug. 14) and
Alyson Adventures (July 30) both have all-gay Canadian
Rockies adventures. You’ll hike, bike, canoe, or raft. You might
expect to see Dudley Do-Right come riding by in Canada’s
mountain paradise.
Girls Gone Wild. Olivia Vacations takes women only hiking
and exploring in spectacular Banff and Jasper National Parks,
August 15-20.
Newfound-fun in Newfoundland. Toto Tours has chartered the
small sailing ship Concordia for their all-men adventure cruise
through the beautiful fjords and shoreline of eastern Canada,
July 29 – August 6.
PIC: TOURISM VANCOUVER
PIC: ODETTE PELLETIER / TOURISME QUEBEC
It’s easy to stay in shape and meet
people when you travel in Canada –
and it’s not cruising at the gym! The gay/lesbian sports groups
listed below love to have visitors.
PIC: ALBERTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Two Ski Weeks!
Ok, it’s a bit early for skiing. But since you might already be planning
next winter’s holidays, you’ll want to know that Canada now has two
gay ski events—the long running “Altitude” (www.outontheslopes.com)
at Whistler, near Vancouver (late January), and the newer “Powder &
Pride” (www.ubproductions.com) at Lake Louise, near Calgary
(early April).
Mais Oui!
Montréal
OutGames
Pulls Them In
With less than 500 days to go
to the first ever OutGames,
Montréal organizers have
surpassed 4,000 registrants from
85 countries! From aerobics to
wrestling, and choirs to square
dancing, this festival of sport
and culture is guaranteed to be like none before it!
Packages have been created by travel
organizers from all over the globe to help you
get there and put a roof over your head.
There’s still time for you to sign up and be
part of this exciting event. Just visit
www.montréal2006.org for all the details.
Do they have rainbow flags
on the bumper?
Renting a car has often been
frustrating for gay couples,
since the rental companies
treated us as two separate
individuals, and usually
required an additional
driver fee.
Avis has changed all that. Rent
with them, and your partner is
automatically included as an extra driver.
Avis considers “life partner” equal to spouse, and their
website notes “The above additional drivers are
considered ‘authorized drivers’ and need not be
present at the time of rental nor do they need to sign
an additional driver form.” www.avis.com.
Kudos also go to Hertz for making us equal (although
just like straights, you’ll need to be a member of their
renter’s club).
The other rental companies aren’t as straight forward.
If you choose to reserve with them, ask about their
policies, and tell them you expect your life-partner or
same-sex-spouse to be automatically included as an
additional driver at no charge.
Pope to Appear at
Same Sex & Marriage Show
Check out everything gay, including a special section
on same-sex marriage, at the Same Sex Show,
complete with wedding fashion shows, and even an
appearance by singer Carole Pope. The show runs June
23–24, 2005 during Pride, at the Toronto Metro
Convention Centre. Check www.samesexshow.com.
We strive for accuracy in our information. However, Gay Canada Guide assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of dates, times, venues, or prices that
may be listed. Times change. Prices go up. Organizations cancel events. Call, email, or check an organization’s website before confirming your travel plans.
We apologize to any community not listed. Please send information on future news and events to [email protected]. The information in this
section is provided free, based on our research. Gay Canada Guide doesn’t endorse any travel provider.
Discover Canada by train
To visit places of epic beauty and discover how inspiring this country truly is, come aboard VIA Rail Canada.
With huge picture windows, panoramic dome cars and cosy accommodations, VIA trains bring you the best
of Canada in comfort and style. Call your travel agent or visit www.viarail.ca for more details.
For details, visit us at www.viarail.ca,
contact your travel agent or call VIA Rail Canada
at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245)
TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired)
TM
Trademark owned by VIA Rail Canada Inc.
DAY ONE
3.00p.m. Arrive at Toronto Pearson
International Airport. Strangely, taxis
aren’t allowed to pick up at the airport, so
catch a limo to town. They work on flat
rates – be sure you confirm your rate with
the driver.
11:00p.m. Continue your evening of
refined taste at Statler’s, Toronto’s only
gay piano bar, (471 Church). It’s more of
a sit-and-listen than a sing-along place,
and the talent has never wowed me. But
it’s a pleasant spot to reminisce about the
excellent theatre you’ve just seen. Home
early for bed, because tomorrow is a Big
Girl Day!
3:45p.m. Check in at
Gloucester Square
Inns, (aka Cawthra
Square) in the heart of
Toronto’s Gay Village (rates start
at $125/night). This elegant property
comprises three different Victorian houses,
well
known
among
Torontonians
(www.gloucestersquare.com). Host Ric
Tremain has lovingly restored the common
areas and filled them with period
furnishings. If B&Bs aren’t your thing, there
are excellent gay-friendly mainstream
hotels nearby. Call ahead to Fire On The
East Side (6 Gloucester St.) for a dinner
reservation.
4:30p.m. Take a twirl around the Gay
Village, centred around Church and
Wellesley streets. You’ll find a solid
assortment of bars, shopping, coffee shops
and by-the-slice pizza joints. It’s a friendly
neighbourhood
where
you’ll
be
comfortable holding hands. If it’s a
weekday, you’ll be just in time to see the
locals parade home from work.
6:00p.m. After a quick freshen-up, dinner
is just down the street from your inn. The
food at Fire On The East Side is both
upscale and down-home. The quality is
excellent at very reasonable prices. Your
entrée will be substantial. The
meat loaf is delicious.
DAY TWO
8:00a.m. Off to bustling St.
Lawrence Market for breakfast. If you’re
there on a weekend, there’ll be lots of
pretty boys and girls to cruise. The market
is over 100 years old, and is in a fabulous
brick barn-like
building. Have sit-down
breakfast at Paddington’s
Pump, or nibble your way
vendor-by-vendor,
with
fresh baked goods, fruit,
cheese, and such. There’s also plenty of
crafts and local bric-a-brac for sale.
9:30a.m. Outside the market, walk west
on Front Street to admire Toronto’s
“Flatiron” building. It’s about half the size
of NYC’s, but creates a perfect spot for
picture-taking with the CN Tower and
Toronto’s skyline in the background.
Close by is the Hockey Hall of Fame (30
Yonge St.), which may get you lesbians
excited (if they had locker room films the
48 PERFECTLY
GAY HOURS IN
TORONTO
Join editor Randall Shirley for a quick visit to
Canada’s most populous city.
8:00p.m. Grab a cab,
and head to the
theatre
(you
reserved tickets
weeks ago, right?).
Toronto claims to be
the third theatre
capital of the Western
World, behind New
York and London.
Generally, there are 2–3
Broadway-scale musicals playing at any
given time, and they are excellent. Top rate
musicals coming up this summer season
include Evita and Les Miserables
(www.mirvish.com), and Ain’t Misbehavin
(www.canstage.com).
6 gaycanadaguide 2005
A gay man could hardly have created more camp than
you’ll find at Honest Ed’s – a true Toronto institution.
boys would like it too). The guys might
prefer the many antique shops along
nearby Queen Street East.
10:30a.m. Walk to Union Station, where
you can go underground to the CN Tower,
and shell out $19 for a spine-tingling ride
to the top of the world’s tallest structure.
On a clear day, you can see forever, or at
least to America. Don’t miss the glass floor
where you can look straight down 1,122
feet. You’ll see the Toronto islands nearby
in Lake Ontario – high-power binoculars
will let you see the naked bodies on
Hanlon’s Point Beach.
Noon Low-carb beer and chicken Caesar
salad at one of many Queen’s Quay
restaurants, at an outdoor café overlooking
furnishings, Red Tea Box (696) where
you’ll ogle spectacularly decorated cakes,
and Cabaret (672), a glorious consignment
shop where you’ll find those Rock Hudson
silk PJs you’ve been longing for. Each of
these is truly unique and worth exploring.
Take a break at Dufflet’s dessert shop (787),
home of Toronto’s finest sweet treats.
3:30p.m. Art Gallery of Ontario (317
Dundas, known locally as the AGO). This
stately structure is being doubled in size,
with architecture by Frank Gehry.
Spectacular.
4:45p.m. Walk to nearby 50 Bloor Street
West, one of Toronto’s swishy shopping
zones. If the weather’s nasty, head into the
underground level of shopping. Enjoy a
cappuccino at Holt Renfrew’s swank
coffee bar. Zara (the European Gap) might
just have a little frock you need.
6:00p.m. Cab to the Village. You’re headed
OUT tonight, so make sure you’ve got the
wardrobe! Continue your search for the
perfect outfit at Out On The Street (551
Church). This is a great clothing store with
adult supplies in the basement (amazingly
low lube prices!), not to mention cute staff.
7:00p.m. Dinner in the Village at Zelda’s
(542 Church). This Toronto institution
serves up a value-priced meal – not
haute, but filling. Fare is burgers,
sandwiches, salads, and such.
Zelda’s hosts a lot of drag
shows of varying quality.
Sometimes they’re hilarious,
sometimes you just want
to gulp down your
burger and run.
8:30p.m. Thirty-minute
disco nap, a shower,
and a costume change.
Lake Ontario and the marina. There are lots
of good food choices along the quay, and
it’s a great spot to relax.
1:00p.m. Choose an option: sun or
shop. For sun, you head to the
above-mentioned Hanlon’s Point
Beach where you can shed
your clothes and discreetly
ogle and be ogled. It’s a
mixed nude beach, but the
gay quotient is very high.
Shop option: Catch a cab
to Queen Street West (at
University), for eclectic shopping.
Especially fun are Morba (665
Queen St. W.) selling an amazing
assortment of 60s and 70s retro
10:00p.m. Your bar crawl
begins at Woody’s. Their distinct black
awning is a regular feature on Queer As
Folk. It’s friendly, and if you spot someone
you like, that may determine your next bar
(or if you need one). Dancing at Fly?
Leather at Black Eagle?
Or perhaps Remington’s (377 Yonge),
Toronto’s gay strip bar. Bring lots of cash
– there’s plenty of hotties here working
for your tips. (A private “dance” will cost
you $20+).
Now it’s really late. If you’re of such a mind,
several bathhouses are nearby.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDALL SHIRLEY EXCEPT
PRIDE SHOT TAUB/ONTARIO TOURISM & PIC OF ZELDA
BY BRUCE MACNEIL.
Is that the CN Tower… or is
Toronto just happy to see you?!
DAY THREE
9:30a.m. Drag your sorry butt out of bed
and check out. Have the Inn keep your
luggage. Now cure your hangover with a
mimosa and eggs benedict at Hair of the
Dog (425 Church).
10:30a.m. Catch a cab to 581 Bloor
where you’ll experience the campiest spot
ever created by a straight guy: Honest
Ed’s. It’s a shopping extravaganza. They
sell everything, although most of it won’t
be up to your standard. It is absolutely
hilarious and loads of fun … for about 15
minutes, after which you walk (or cab)
quickly on to a gay man’s dream: the
nearby Bata Shoe Museum.
11:30a.m. Spend an hour in fantasyland as you view Bata’s spectacular
collection of shoes throughout history,
including pairs worn by Marilyn Monroe
and Elton John.
12:30p.m. Get a quick lunch at Five
Alarm Diner (555 Church), a gay nod to
the fire station. Fun.
1:30p.m. Grab your bags, and catch a
cab to the airport. Check in for your
flight, then spend a few minutes
absorbing
Pearson
International’s
sparkling new masterpiece, Terminal One.
It ran millions over budget but in the
strangely competitive world of airport
architecture, it’s up there with the best.
3:00p.m. Sleep soundly on the plane
home! t
You’ll never get lost with Columbia Fun
Maps’ Toronto Edition!
gaycanadaguide 2005 7
WINE,
WONDERS
AND SONG
NIAGARA HAS IT ALL
The popularity of the sleeper hit Sideways has made
California’s wine country one of the “must-see” locations on a
trip to the WestCoast. Canada’s own wine country, nestled in the
heart of the Niagara region between Toronto and the CanadaU.S. border also boasts an impressive number of wineries, and
unique vintages all of its own.
By Heather Donaldson
W
ith fabulous spas, fantastic
dining, professional theatre and
gracious bed and breakfast
accommodations to stop at along the way,
Ontario’s wine country is no less inviting
than its American cousin.
Winston Churchill called his trip down the
Niagara Parkway in the 1930s “the prettiest
drive in Canada.” Spanning some 45
kilometres from Fort Erie, Ontario, where
the Peace Bridge crosses the Niagara River to
Buffalo, New York, down to Niagara-on-theLake, the drive features elegant homes,
picturesque fruit stands, beautiful scenery
and some of the country’s top wineries and
bed and breakfasts.
Niagara-on-the-Lake bears a stunning
resemblance to the English countryside, and
has the quaint antiquity of St. Andrews in
Scotland. Fantastic golfing, art galleries, the
Shaw Festival Theatre and epicurean
treasures (the Prince of Wales Hotel,
while pricey, is an absolute must,
8 gaycanadaguide 2005
even if it’s just for a quick break from the
shops or an after-show drink), makes
Niagara-on-the-Lake one of the most
popular day trips for people visiting
southern Ontario.
Spa getaways feature “a deux” treatments
for couples, allowing for some together time
before a leisurely stroll through the Old
Town, a night at the Shaw, or taking a trip
down the Parkway to try their luck at the
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.
Driving from Detroit or Chicago?
Consider a stop to sample the wine at
Canada's southernmost point, Pelee
Island, in the middle of Lake Erie.
www.peleeisland.com
Although it is a community staunchly rooted
in tradition and its Germanic Mennonite
roots, Niagara-on-the-Lake has become one
of the most popular destinations for gay and
lesbian travellers who want to take a break
from the fast pace of Toronto, or the
carnival-like atmosphere of Niagara Falls.
And with good reason, said Eva Kessel, who
owns and operates the Grand Victorian B&B
on the Niagara Parkway just a few minutes
outside of town.
“They seem to co-exist quite happily,” she
said of the two seemingly opposing
lifestyles. “There’s a really active gay
community here, and there are many things
in town specifically for gay visitors. I’ve
heard there are even a couple of gay B&Bs.”
Kessel may be coy about naming her
competition, but she’s not shy about saying
why she has drawn more gay travellers to
her sprawling Victorian mansion in the past
year.
“I think the gay couples who have stayed
here have stayed because of the privacy,”
she said. “I think B&Bs are very attractive for
the gay community, because it’s a very
private, very intimate atmosphere.”
The same applies to the gay and lesbian
weddings she has hosted. “I think for many
people, gay weddings are still very unusual,
and so for a (gay) couple to have a private
wedding, a B&B is a very good choice,”
Kessel said. “I think doing a gay or lesbian
wedding in a setting like this instead of in a
commercial hotel is a great option, because
the couple isn’t sharing the venue with 300
other hotel guests who may point and look
at them. It takes away the gawk factor.”
And it doesn’t hurt that Kessel’s significant
other, Klaus Reif, runs Reif Estate Winery
right next door.
Tour Ontario's wineries such as Pelee Island, sample decadent cuisine,
and catch brilliant theatre at the Shaw Festival ... all in one day!
and they didn’t have to go far to sample the wines,” she said.
“Plus we work with a number of chefs, so they were able to get
fantastic meals.”
Inside the Old Town is the Shaw Festival, currently gearing up for its
2005 season, which begins in May. Nineteenth and 20th century
plays by George Bernard Shaw such as Pygmalion are the theatre’s
mainstays, but the works of his contemporaries are also regular
features. Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest has met to
rave reviews, and this year, Shaw’s You Never Can Tell and Major
Barbara, Somerset Maugham’s The Constant Wife and musical
revivals of Gypsy, and Happy End by Kurt Weill and Bertold Brecht
are among the 10-show lineup.
With 12 generations of winemaking behind him, Reif brought his
German roots to Canada to start a winery in Ontario’s wine region,
and now specializes in some of the top VQA (Vintner’s Quality
Alliance, wines made with 100 per cent Ontario-grown grapes)
table wines in the world. He’s garnered dozens of awards, including
the Best Canadian Winery award at the International Wine and
Spirit competition in London, England in 2002, three years after
VinItaly bestowed Reif Estates with the same honour.
Kessel said the two gay weddings she performed hinged in no small
part on the proximity of the winery, and the quality of the wines.
“Both told us that the success of their wedding, and their reason
for choosing us for the setting, is because Klaus is right next door
Kessel said many of the gay patrons who have stayed with her have
enjoyed nights or afternoons at the Shaw, followed by meals at the
Prince of Wales, Queens Landing and other fine-dining
establishments in Town.
“I think many of the gay people who visit Niagara-on-the-Lake
enjoy the thriving arts community, and enjoy nights out at the
theatre,” Kessel said. “From what I’ve seen, they have larger
disposable incomes, so they aren’t afraid to invest a couple of
hundred dollars a person to have a nice evening out with dinner
and a show. Plus they are very discerning, so a night out at the
Shaw for them is a very nice experience.” t
Heather Donaldson is a Niagara region writer.
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CALGARY’S
“ C O S M O P O L I TA N C O W B O Y S ”
While cowboys, the Wild West, and oil wells still dominate the images of
Calgary, this booming prairie city has developed a true “cosmopolitan cowboy”
flavour. In Calgary, you’ll even find gay cowboys drinking cosmopolitans!
By Todd Hirsch
ig a little deeper past Calgary’s smallc conservative veneer and you’ll find
a thriving gay and lesbian
community. With the city’s population
having nearly doubled over the past thirty
years (now pushing one million), Calgary’s
cultural and social diversity has really
expanded.
D
Unlike other large cities, Calgary’s gay
community is not anchored by an obvious
street or “village”. In Calgary, it is much
more subtle. But like all good things in life,
it takes a bit of effort to find, and it’s worth
it when you do.
The world-famous Calgary Stampede is
usually the first thing that comes to mind
when people think of Calgary. This year’s
Stampede is July 8-17 and offers some of
the best rodeo action (and chances to view
nice butts in Wranglers!) in the world. The
Stampede tends to overshadow anything
10 gaycanadaguide 2005
else happening in the city for 10 days, and
hotel rooms are tough to find.
But while it is a great party and most local
gays hit at least one night of Stampede,
there’s an entirely different rodeo for
Calgary’s gay world: the Canadian
Rockies International (Gay) Rodeo, July
1-3. You’ll see the Wrangler butts of the
Stampede, but in a gay format! It’s put on
by the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Assoc.,
ARGRA (www.argra.org), and like the
Stampede, visitors come from across
Canada and the U.S.
These guys and gals are the real thing. Real
cowboys, real boots, real hats! The
weekend takes place on a real ranch at
Symon’s Valley, just north of the city. In
addition to the buckin’ broncs, there’s
camping (the mind reels), dining, and lots
of dancing. It’s an amazing time to
experience sizzlin’ hot cowboys in action.
Not only does ARGRA host a major rodeo,
they hold monthly dances throughout the
year – complete with country
music and line dancing earlier in
the evenings. You’re guaranteed
to find a cutie who will take you twirlin’.
But what about the “cosmopolitan” side?
The eating, drinking, clubbing and
shopping scene in Calgary offers some
great choices for gays and lesbians visiting
the city.
If you need a shopping fix, Calgary’s
downtown has everything you need. A
series of shopping centres are connected by
above-ground walkways (called Plus 15s).
You’ll find department stores and all the
usual chains. If the weather’s good, lovely
Stephen Avenue Mall can be peoplewatching heaven.
For funkier shopping, 17th Avenue has
interesting shops all along. You might enjoy
a visit to Priape (1322 – 17 Ave SW), for all
things gay – especially club wear, leather,
and a huge assortment of “reading
materials.”
Calgary’s restaurants have earned high praise for
interesting use of local wild game and produce.
While there really isn’t a “gay restaurant” there
are several excellent, gay-friendly spots (most of
the staff and clientele are gay anyway, so no one
cares if you lose control and brush your partner’s
hand while reaching for the salt). A few of the
best are Divino Wine & Cheese Bistro (113 – 8
Ave SW), Brava Bistro (723 – 17 Ave SW), The
Living Room (514 – 17 Ave SW), and Gypsy (817
– 1 St SW). All have excellent menus, stylish decor,
and servers that are easy on the eyes! Reservations
are highly recommended.
So it’s that awkward time around 10:30 p.m.,
when dinner is over but it’s too early for dancing.
Calgary has some great places for “the first drink”
before you hit the clubs. (Love it or hate it: Calgary
bars allow smoking). Try The Backlot (209 – 10
Ave SW) for an unpretentious, gay pub setting. It
has two (smallish) levels, a pool table upstairs, and
a cute little patio when weather is good. Martini
bar Ming (520 – 17 Ave SW) is more stylish but
not exclusively gay. Money Pennies (1742 – 10
Ave SW) is a lesbian institution in the city, with
casual, rustic ambiance and karaoke some nights
of the week.
Calgary’s newest gay dance venue, The Twisted
Element (1006 – 11 Ave SW) has scored bigtime with the clubbers. It’s definitely on the twink
end of the spectrum, but still attracts a good mix
of people. For the largest crowd, the cutest guys,
and the most energy, you can’t beat it. Get there
before 11p.m. or you will have to queue.
Metro Boyztown (213 – 10 Ave SW ) plays a
variety of club, house, and techno music, but has
lost a lot of its crowd lately to The Twisted
Element. As a way of gaining back some of its
market share, Boyztown has recently introduced
“Fever,” a well-needed after-hours party on
Saturdays. It starts at 11p.m. but goes until long
after the other bars close. No alcohol and an $8
cover charge after 2a.m.
Detour (318 – 17 Ave SW) has perhaps the
coolest, edgiest music in the city and by far the
most interesting venue with two dance floors
(each with its own DJ). But much of the clientele
Calgary’s Stephen Avenue Mall
is full of hotties at lunchtime!
seems to be straight, 18-year-old girls. It seems
that the cool factor has worked to the
disadvantage of Detour.
The Calgary Eagle (424a – 8 Ave SE) fashions
itself as a bear and/or leather bar. No dancing,
and the music volume actually permits
conversation. The crowd is older and relaxed.
While leather or military outfits are not
mandatory, don’t show up in Dockers and a
turned-up collar pink Polo shirt. Jeans and a tshirt are perfectly acceptable. It’s in a rough part
of town, though, and sometimes cabs are hard to
get in that neighborhood, so watch out.
For ongoing events in Calgary, the Apollo,
Friends in Sports group offers year-round
opportunities to meet others and get active. They
offer activities like badminton, volleyball, curling
(sort of shuffleboard on ice), and golf. Best of all,
if you want a day hike in the nearby Rockies –
and you should – their hiking group would
be glad to take you along. Apollo also
sponsors a huge gay sports festival, called the
Western Cup, every Easter weekend. Many of
Apollo’s events are open to drop-in guests
(www.apollocalgary.com).
Whether you’re after cosmopolitans, cowboys,
or both, you’ll find them in this booming
prairie city. t
Calgary writer Todd Hirsch is a suit-wearing
economist by day. He admits to owning a
cowboy hat and a pair of boots.
Check out Columbia Fun Maps’ new
Calgary/Alberta map!
CALGARY
COMES WAY OUT
No one can quite explain it,
but Calgary is bursting out
of its conservative closet this
year by hosting three major,
international gay
conferences.
The International
General Conference
of the Metropolitan
Community Church/MCC
(see news item, page 3).
The International Gay
Rodeo Convention,
October 20–23, 2005.
ARGRA is the host
association for this event.
The International Gay
Bowlers Organization
(IGBO). The IGBO Mid-Year
2005 Event (November
8–14) will include the IGBO
board meetings, lots of
tournaments, socializing,
and a big dance at the
Calgary Westin Hotel. The
event celebrates the IGBO’s
25th anniversary
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ALBERTA TOURISM.
COWBOY PHOTO BY RANDALL SHIRLEY.
THE PERFECT CALGARY TRIP
“Should I go to the Stampede or the Gay Rodeo?” It’s a frequent
question. The best answer: both! The Gay Rodeo is always the first
weekend in July (Canada Day holiday, and handy for Americans,
too), and the Stampede always starts the following weekend.
So catch the Gay Rodeo, spend a week exploring nearby national
parks like Banff, and return to Calgary for the start of Stampede
before catching your flight home. – Ed.
gaycanadaguide 2005 11
By Margaret Webb
Let me just start by saying
that I am very, very concerned
about this gay marriage thing.
To bone up on research for this article (and hey, I
admit it, my girl and I, we’ve been thinking…), I went
to a gay wedding expo in Toronto. The first thing I
encountered was a big hairy dufus of a straight guy
telling me he was a gay wedding planner.
“Er…well…” he mumbled, he wasn’t gay and he
wasn’t exactly a wedding planner either. His wife runs
the wedding business, eh. And, no, they’ve never
done a same-sex wedding, but they’d sure like to get
in on the business.
So, I asked, what are gay couples looking for in a
wedding?
Tying the
GayKnot
“Ah,” he responded, relieved by my slow-pitch question, that’s
easy! “Gay couples want pretty much the same thing as straight
couples.”
See what I’m worried about? Why on earth would I have divorced
my husband and spent a year on the therapist’s couch if I simply
wanted the same thing?
Gay activists and lavender lawyers have won the right for
gays to marry in the provinces of British Columbia,
Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. Our
federal politicians have, hopefully, but a few T’s to cross
to extend the right to gays nationally.
The last task falls to us regular, silly-in-love gay folks.
We must turn this stale, tired and all-too-traditional
institution on its square head and make it into
something fabulous, personal, romantic, and, oh, I
don’t know, queer. Or, I ask you, why bother?
Lucky for us, getting married in Canada can be as
scintillating as your Wilde imagination can
conjure – thanks to a few pink pioneers. They
readily offered up tips on how to get
hitched in our three gayest provinces.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Imagine getting married under a 1,000-yearold rainforest cedar. Or on the gay end of
Vancouver’s famous Wreck Beach (clothing
optional). Or at the top of Vancouver’s
Grouse Mountain, a ski hill in the city.
Taylore Darnel and Daiana Leask, partners
in life and in Belles and Balls,
12 gaycanadaguide 2005
(www.bellesandballs.com) have been planning same-sex weddings
in BC for the past year (prior to that, Darnel worked as a straight
wedding planner for 15 years). They say most of their gay clientele
are attracted to BC for its incredible nature.
On the legal side, with identification (preferably a passport), you
can obtain a marriage license in about 20 minutes, for C$100, at
the Office of Vital Statistics and, for about another $150 or so, be
married by either a gay or gay friendly clergy or marriage
commissioner.
Then there’s the bash. Belles and Balls have transformed a
mansion for a Cole Porter-themed wedding and a hotel room
into a chapel for two American men with just $1,500 to
spend.
For the honeymoon, Belles recommends hiking, kayaking or
killer-whale watching in the Queen Charlotte Islands; a
sipping tour of the Okanagan wine region; a car trip through
the Rockies or skiing or mountain biking at Whistler Ski
Resort.
ONTARIO
Ontario became the first province to sanction gay
marriage, in 2003.
Rita Leonard and Paula Rutledge of Pride Bride
(www.pridebride.com) are based in Winnipeg but
have planned hundreds of weddings all over
Canada, including Ontario.
Their motto is to help couples do their own
thing, where they want to do it, then to
arrange gay-owned or gay friendly vendors to
help pull off the ceremony.
They helped a gay couple tie the knot on a
yacht, two cowboys get married home-onthe-range and, one of their favourites, two
small-town gals get married in their small
home town – Pride Bride ran block on
homophobic vendors and sussed out the
friendlies.
Toronto – Canada’s largest city and the most
multicultural place on this planet – offers
sophisticated big city fun.
With passport identification, you can obtain a
marriage license at Toronto City Hall for
C$130 and get married at City Hall for $155
(416-363-9248) or by gay or gay friendly
clergy (Pride Bride has a list).
Top left: Emma and Beryl came from
the UK to tie the knot overlooking
Vancouver’s English Bay…doesn’t get
more romantic than this!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ELLINGSEN
Above: Lance and Alex used Belles
& Balls to help plan their Canadian
wedding. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET RERECICH /
WWW.IMAGEMATTERS.CA
For the honeymoon, Pride Bride recommends
staying at a gay-owned bed and breakfast inn.
Pride of Niagara (www.prideinn.com) is
located in the world honeymoon capital of
Niagara Falls. Cedar Stone is a rural retreat just
outside of Toronto, handy to hiking trails on
the Niagara Escarpment. Consider also a stay
right in the heart of Toronto, the Sheraton City
Centre or Day’s Hotel welcome you.
French offers the romance; Quebec’s civil code
legal system throws up the road blocks, for
both straight and gay couples.
Lawyer Louis Charron can help out-of-town
couples through the legal red tape and, as
president of Quebec’s Gay and Lesbian
Chamber of Commerce, also recommend gay
vendors to organize the ceremony, party and
honeymoon. He’s had so many requests for
help that he’s becoming a wedding consultant
by default
The chief obstacle for out-of-towners getting
married in Quebec is the province’s legal
system. Couples must meet with a notary to
fill out a questionnaire and file notice of
marriage banns for 20 days before getting
married. That means two trips to Quebec or a
very long stay.
QUEBEC
For the honeymoon, Quebec offers plenty: a
romantic stay in old Quebec City, the only
fortified city in North America; adventure
thrills (kayaking, canoeing, mountain
climbing, skiing) in mountain ranges just north
and south of the city; or a relaxing stay at the
province’s plethora of romantic country inns.
Everywhere feels gay friendly here. t
There’s no more romantic – or difficult – place
to be married in Canada. Being predominately
Toronto writer Margaret Webb can get married
without leaving town.
Canada. It’s a huge, diverse country with gays and lesbians
throughout. Look closely. You’ll find gay fishermen in the
Maritimes, gay farmers in the prairies, and gay cowboys
in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Capital: Ottawa, Ontario
General Gay Canada Websites:
www.gaycanadaguide.com
www.gaycanada.com
www.queercanada.ca
www.travelcanada.ca
www.travelgaycanada.com
www.cglcc.ca
(Canadian G&L Chamber of Commerce)
Largest Cities:
Toronto, Ontario (pop. 4.6 million)
Montreal, Quebec (pop. 3.4 million)
Vancouver, British Columbia
(pop. 2 million)
Ottawa, Ontario (pop. 1 million)
Calgary, Alberta (pop. 930K)
Edmonton, Alberta (pop. 930K)
Population: 31.6 million (at 10%, that’s
over 3 million gay & lesbian Canadians!)
Area: Over 9,000 kilometers
from east to west.
PIC: TOURISME QUEBEC
GayCanada
Canada Facts
Quebec
The North
YUKON
TERRITORY
There’s plenty to do in Canada.
Virtually all regions offer amazing
outdoor possibilities. The cities offer
excellent cuisine, theatre, music,
shopping, sports teams, and nightlife.
Each region has its own variety of pride
festivals and other gay events.
Canada is among the world’s most
gay-friendly countries. That’s not to say
everyone is super friendly. But in
general, Canadians are far more
tolerant of different opinions and
beliefs than many other Western
nations. Canada often leads the
world on gay-positive laws,
including marriage and immigration
for same-sex partners of Canadians.
NUNAVUT
Whitehorse
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Yellowknife
Ontario
BRITISH
Churchill
COLUMBIA
ALBERTA
SASKATCHEWAN
MANITOBA
Edmonton
British Columbia
Banff
Okanagan
Calgary
Saskatoon
Vancouver
The most populous province in Canada,
Ontario is home to the nation’s capital and
largest city. The Toronto region is a megacity, with a thriving gay village (Church
Street). Farther south is the spectacular
Niagara region, with wineries, charming
Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Falls.
The province borders four Great Lakes,
and is peppered with friendly small towns
and “Cottage Country.” Stratford is home
to a world-renowned summer theatre
festival.
General: www.ontournet.com
Toronto: www.torontotourism.com,
www.torontopronto.com,
www.gayguidetoronto.com
Ottawa: www.ottawatourism.ca,
www.gayottawa.com
London: www.londontourism.ca
Central Ontario: www.centralontario.com
Niagara O.T.L: www.niagaraonthelake.com
St. John’s
QUEBEC
Prince Edward
Island
NEW
BRUNSWICK
K
Quebec City
Winnipeg
NEWFOUNDLAND
& LABRADOR
Goose Bay
Regina
Victoria
PIC: TOURISM VANCOUVER/JOHN SINAL
This province features a wide variety of landscapes –
semi-arid desert, rugged mountains, lush rainforest, and
stunning coastline. In the “interior,” you’ll find the gayfriendly Okanagan region, peppered with lakes and wineries.
The coast features Vancouver – among the world’s most
beautiful and gay friendly cities. Vancouver is a rare place
where mountains meet ocean. Farther west
is huge Vancouver Island with lovely Victoria.
The area includes many smaller islands that
are fun to explore, and gay-friendly.
General: www.hellobc.com
Vancouver: www.tourismvancouver.com,
ww.vanpride.bc.ca
www.gayvancouver.net
Victoria: www.tourismvictoria.com,
www.victoriapride.com
Okanagan: www.gayokanagan.com/
Quebec is an anomaly. It’s part of Canada, but has a very
distinct French-Canadian culture. French is the official
language, but many Quebecois will move easily between
English and French. The people are fun-loving, generally very
gay-friendly, and proud of their distinct culture.
Montréal and Quebec City (a little slice of Europe) are the two
major centres. The province also offers ample opportunities
for skiing, fishing, and hiking. You’ll find a great assortment of
gay businesses and bars, especially in Montréal. Montréal will
host the First OutGames sport and culture festival in 2006.
General: www.bounjourquebec.com Quebec City: www.quebecregion.com
Montréal: www.tourisme-montréal.org, www.diverscite.org, www.montréal2006.org,
www.bbcm.org
Much of Canada’s land is in the areas of the
Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
There are small communities in these regions,
and it’s important to note that gay marriage is now
available in the Yukon. Visit www.travelcanada.ca
Fredericton
Fredericton
n
NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax
ONTARIO
Montreal
The Prairie Provinces
There’s a lot to do in the “flat” part of Canada! The prairies provinces are Manitoba,
Saskatchewan and Alberta. Winnipeg, Manitoba, recently had an out gay mayor.
Alberta is the most populated. Calgary is home to Canada’s only gay rodeo while
Edmonton hosts North America’s original fringe theatre festival, always with gay content.
Alberta: www.travelalberta.com, www.gaycalgary.com, www.pridecalgary.ca,
www.edmontontourism.ca, www.prideedmonton.org, www.gayedmonton.com
Manitoba: www.travelmanitoba.com, www.gaypridewinnipeg.com, www.gaywinnipeg.com
Saskatchewan: www.sasktourism.com, www.saskatoonpride.ca
Ottawa
Toronto
The Atlantic Region
Canada’s far east is where the country began. It includes the provinces
of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island
and New Brunswick.
Gay life in the Maritimes is not as visible as we might like, but does exist.
Nova Scotia: www.novascotia.com, www.halifaxpride.com
New Brunswick: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Newfoundland & Labrador: www.gov.nf.ca/tourism
Prince Edward Island: www.peiplay.com, www.peipride.com
PIC: TOURISME MONTRÉAL
PIC: TOURISME QUEBEC
You’ll find Columbia Fun Maps for many Canadian destinations. Listings here are at
the editor’s discretion, based on quality information for the area. No organization has
paid for this listing or received the listing in return for any compensation
Getting Out of
the Ottawa Heat
You could do worse than spend a couple of days in Ottawa.
Enough time for some good meals, a check of the sights, a
night out, and there’s always a chance to get the political
scoop (a different kind of Ottawa heat!).
By Greg McKiel
o what if the temperature hits 35C –
those late-afternoon thunderstorms
in the daily forecast rarely happen.
Pack a hat and sunscreen, maybe an
umbrella, stay central, and splurge on a
few short cab rides when the going gets
sticky. You’ll stay cool and dry on the wellair conditioned interiors of Canada’s capitol
city.
S
Whether you’re here on business or
pleasure, it’s great not having to cook or
make the bed for a couple of days.
Speaking of which, where are you staying?
You’re staying at ARC The.Hotel, (140
Slater St.). Because it’s nice, smart people
stay there and it’s smack in the middle of
downtown. Who knows, maybe you’ll
bump into a celeb.
ARC The.Hotel is Ottawa’s first boutique
hotel. You’d never know it used to be a
Hojo’s with a basement full of underage
drinkers. They bulldozed the interior a
couple of years ago and installed low-key
Euro style. The place is compact, the staff
savvy and if you decide to stay in one
evening, Corey might be making cocktails.
This guy is amazing – he has the best
memory for names and what a person likes
to drink. He probably knows a lot more
about the Ottawa who’s-who than he
admits, but it’s always worth asking. Done
with Corey, you head upstairs and order
something from the hotel’s comfort food
menu, jump in the tub and call it a night.
Out and about by day you go by
Parliament Hill. Not because it’s en route,
but because you’re a bit of a history-politics
buff and it’s the place to start. It is also an
impressive amount of stone and copper
made into, well, important buildings. Plus,
you can set your watch by the clock. For a
close look, catch the last tour of the
afternoon when you can chat up the
attractive young guide with less
competition. Ask something challenging,
like: “Is there anything relevant to, say, gay
and lesbian culture?” If you’re directed to
the work of Canada’s first female
stonemason, you might have to come up
with something harder.
Are the nuts complimentary?
The barman’s looking at you
funny. You’ve just brushed
your fingers across Senator
Lynch-Staunton’s rear-end.
The end of a day calls for a drink at Zoe’s,
Chateau Laurier (1 Rideau St.), next door to
Parliament Hill in the Chateau Laurier,
another stone and copper landmark. On
your way to “the Chadeau” as it is
affectionately called, you’ll pass over the
Bytown Locks, which shuttle boaters from
the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River. The
canal may be a skating rink in winter but
the summer version is a rollerblader/
cyclist/jogger’s paradise, with paved
pathways stretching from end-to-end on
both sides – perfect for catching beautiful
people in motion.
Zoe’s café-bar is a grand space. Mill about
the bar area nodding and smiling, rub
elbows with the pushy and powerful.
Questions flood your mind. Why do so
many female MPs wear red blazers? Are
the nuts complimentary? The barman’s
looking at you funny. You’ve just brushed
your fingers across Senator LynchStaunton’s rear-end.
While it’s important to get to the bottom (so to speak) of things
political, it may be time to hit D'Arcy McGee’s (44 Sparks St.) on
the way back to the hotel. D’Arcy McGee’s pub is one of the
political set’s fave drinking spots. It must be its location just steps
from The Hill at the top of the Sparks Street Mall .
Murray Street in the Byward Market, our year-round public market,
and get a table in the window of Khao Thai. Think salmon cooked
inside a coconut shell. But don’t think about eating the shell
because there are countless places for coffee and dessert right out
the door.
“The Mall” was Canada’s first pedestrian walkway reclaimed from a
street (back then it was novel to stroll onto a road without getting
hit by a car). Again, mill about the bar area. Younger, better looking,
and poorer than Zoe’s, this crowd plays on the front lines. You may
bump into a gay Cabinet Minister or two, but the only ones
counting are still in the closet. Thursdays are best for eavesdropping
– it’s last call before Members of Parliament head back to their home
ridings (Canada’s name for electoral districts) for the weekend. But
pay attention; the place is always packed and people communicate
in yells. Expect your own butt to be accidentally contacted.
You’ll eventually want a drink and some music. Go to The Lookout
(41 York St.) anytime, but Thursday is boys’ night and Friday is girls’
night. There, you can dance and, before 11 p.m., it’s possible to
converse with people. After that, squeeze your body into the bar
area and speak directly into the mouth of the person next to you.
“Hey, weren’t you at Zoe’s earlier?” Careening back to the hotel you
can’t miss Helsinki Lounge & Disco (15 George St.), where the
happy atmosphere, quality music and great looking unbiased crowd
leave you wondering if it really isn’t a gay bar. No prob, by blending
DJs, drag shows, go-go boys and go-go girls they devised “HUMP”
on Wednesdays, the best way for GLBTs to celebrate making it to
midweek in the Nation’s Capital.
Ottawa is mostly casual so don’t expect your AX jeans to get the
bum’s rush at a restaurant. Head down Bank Street, longabandoned by banks, and into The Buzz (374 Bank St.). It’s in the
heart of Ottawa’s 1.5 block-long gay village. Beyond the friendly bar
(especially on half-price martini Wednesdays) energetic servers
bound up from the subterranean kitchen carrying eclectic,
affordable bistro fare. Alternately, cross a few streets to Bronson
Avenue for South African specialties at Stone Face Dolly’s (479
Bronson Ave.), a former diner where Dolly barked commands like
“Sonny! Move to that table of three, I need your seat!” Now, you
can count on a warm greeting, a blackboard full of ideas, sound
wine advice and lush desserts, all at decent prices. Or walk down to
God, is it that time already? You thought you’d end up watching
the Shopping Channel. It’s almost flight time. You made a bunch of
new friends and you even got the political scoop and the poop.
And, you accomplished all of this on the inside, out of the heat.
Next time bring skates, cruise the canal and celebrate gay Ottawa
outdoors! t
Greg lives in Ottawa. If you spot him spending too much time at
Zoe’s, tell him an MP needs his seat.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ONTARIO TOURISM, TOP: MACDONALD, BOTTOM 3: ST. JACQUES
gaycanadaguide 2005 17
THE RIGHT
PLACE TO
BE EQUAL
By Mark Tewksbury
As the 1st World Outgames
Montréal 2006 comes nearer,
Mark will to share his thoughts on
the process, and the remarkable
reasons that you, and everyone you
know in the gay world should be
planning to attend this amazing,
re-built version of gay sport and
festival. You’ll find Mark’s thoughts
in each issue of Gay Canada Guide.
Learn more about the events at
www.montréal2006.org.
Monday morning. The sky is perfect blue,
summer is in the air. Lucky me. I have to go
to a working breakfast.
I had thought the meeting started at 9, so
I was a bit surprised when I arrived at 8:45
and the tables were all full. Oops! Breakfast
was already being served. Since I was up, I
took the opportunity to be introduced to
some people.
As I slowly made my way around the room
– the indoor courtyard of the beautiful,
historic Montréal City Hall – I became
overwhelmed by the people I was meeting.
A human rights activist from Pakistan. A
woman from Chile. A judge from New
York. Representatives from China. Brazil.
Britain. France. Mexico. Country after
country, group after group.
Finally, I sat down to catch my breath. After
loading my plate with some fruit, cheese
and bread I became better acquainted with
my tablemates. On one side sat Ms. Joke
Swiebel, Dutch member of the European
Parliament since 1999. On the other sat the
Honourable Madame Justice Claire
Heureux-Dubé, retired judge of the
Supreme Court of Canada. Needless to say,
the conversation was stimulating.
We spoke of Montréal. People from all parts
of the world love coming to this city. The
night before a group had taken a long walk
and had a meal in Old Montréal. It was
charming and romantic in spite of all the
activity. I agree! Not long ago my boyfriend
and I took a walk – and a nap! – on the
banks of the docks. Even with concert and
science fair mayhem around us we were very
comfortable resting together on the grass.
There is something magical about this part
of Montréal in the summer, and also the fall.
Conversation moved to how unique
Montréal is in another aspect, that it was a
city that could bring us all together for
breakfast. I was with members of the
international steering committee for the
human rights conference, The Right To Be
Different, which will be held as part of the
1st World Outgames Montréal 2006. 3,000
participants from over 100 countries are
expected to participate in the conference. I
was reminded that there are very few places
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in the world where the kind of support
needed to host a conference of this size
could be found. The mayor himself told the
committee he is “convinced that this
conference will make a positive contribution
to the evolution of human rights.”
Sometimes you travel to relax, unwind, to
find an adventure. Sometimes you travel
for work, to volunteer, to play sport.
Travelling, seeing the world and getting
different perspectives are great ways to
grow. As is being a part of something that
brings the whole world to one place, which
is starting to take real shape here in
Montréal. Madame Justice told me why she
was involved that morning. “We all have
the right to be EQUAL,” she said. Damn
right! This Monday morning breakfast
meeting would not soon be forgotten. t
Mark Tewksbury is a three time Olympic
Medallist, seven-time world record holder in
swimming who now lives in Montréal where
he is Co-President of the 1st World
Outgames Montréal 2006.
MARK TEWKSBURY, IMAGE BY
WWW.STUDIOPHOTOFUSION.COM
1-800-663-2772
www.bigwhite.com
1-800-663-4431
www.skisilverstar.com
Queers are never short on
opinions. You’ve proven that again
with the amazing response to the
first ever survey about gay/lesbian
travel to and within Canada. The
survey was a joint venture between
Gay Canada Guide and the
Canadian Tourism Commission,
and was handled by worldwide
accounting and consulting firm
Grant Thornton LLP.
You gave
your opinion
• 847 respondents (85% gay men) opted into the survey,
demonstrating a tremendous interest in gay Canadian travel.
• 86% of gay travellers are more likely to support a business
that’s known to be gay-friendly. Gay ownership is not as
important as gay “friendliness.”
• 37% take 4–6 vacations per year, defined as leisure trips with
one or more nights away from home, although 60% of us say
the average length of our leisure trips is 4–9 nights.
• 21% take a staggering seven or more vacations per year
• 39% travel to/within Canada for Gay Pride events.
10.5% identify gay nightlife as our favourite travel activity.
Sunbathing/beach comes in second at 10.4%. Visiting
historical sites gets 9.6%, community events 8.9%, and
shopping 8.7%. These numbers show we’re far more diverse
in our interests and activities than many people may expect.
• A whopping 51% plan to attend Rendezvous
Montréal/OutGames 2006.
• 51% of non-Canadian respondents say the ability to legally
marry in Canada attracts them to visit (see story, page 12).
• Canada’s most gaily visited cities, in order of most visited:
Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Calgary.
The results show that gay travellers are constantly on the go,
and that Canada continues to be a very desirable gay travel
destination. Recent study results by Community Marketing, Inc.
in the U.S. demonstrate that gay American travellers are spending
U.S. $54 billion per year, and that over 80% of gay men have
a valid passport (vs. 29% of the general population).
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TOURISM VANCOUVER
gaycanadaguide 2005 19
THE BIG GAY PARTY:
Montréal
By Randall Shirley
“Where is Canada’s gayest city?” It’s a
question I hear over and over.
It’s a hard question, because each of this
country’s cities offers a different gay
experience.
But when the Bad Boys’ Club throws a
party, the answer is easy: Montréal.
Montréal is a spectacular, gay-friendly
city any time of year. They’ve loaded the
summer with outdoor festivals, autumn is
ablaze with colour, and winter is the
perfect
time
for
the
famed
“underground city.” And of course, you
get incredibly hot Montréal men and
women to ogle in every season.
But add in those Bad Boys, and Montréal
becomes something else entirely. It gets
gayer. Nobody seems to mind a few
thousand extra homos hitting town for a
few days, several times a year. Upcoming
20 gaycanadaguide 2005
Bad Boys’ Club parties include “Twist”
during Montréal Pride (July 25-31) and
the main event, “Black & Blue,” (Oct. 511, www.bbcm.org).
If they’re planning anything like the 2004
event, you can bet Black & Blue will be an
eye-popper.
If you’re not the baddest boy, pick
anytime to create your own style of
Montréal party. The gay village along
eastern rue Ste Catherine est has
plenty of restaurants and bars to make
you feel like you went to a party. And if
the only reason you’d go to a party in the
first place is for a chance to see hot guys
in scant clothing, pop into Campus
(1111, rue Ste Catherine est). A tamer
option is up the street at Sky Pub (1474
rue Ste Catherine est).
The biggest problem with party time is
too many party-goers play all night and
miss Montréal’s spectacular daytime
options. It’s well worth the effort to tuck
in a little early so you can explore some
of Montréal’s superb sights.
If art interests you, check out the
Montréal Museum of Fine Arts
(www.mmfa.qc.ca). If you don’t care
about art, the museum is worth a peek
for its blend of modern and traditional
architecture. Nearby you’ll find the truly
original home of the smoked meat
sandwich. Ben’s Deli started it all and
Below left: Even the street signs
get in on Montréal’s gay party.
Below middle: Montréal's street merchants
offer a rainbow of colourful items.
Selection is best in the morning when
you're probably just going home....
Below: Old Montréal meets new tapas
at swank Verses.
No matter what your play vs. tourism
schedule, you’ll need a spot to sleep.
Montréal has no shortage, and most
places in the city core make for easy
walking distance to The Village,
shopping, and great dining.
A solid option is the delightful and very
hip Hotel Gault, in gentrified Old/Vieux
Montréal (www.hotelgault.com). This
place puts a whole new spin on the
phrase “It’s fun to stay at the YMCA.”
Hotel Gault is in the building where
Canada’s YMCA’s were first created. Not
to worry – the only Village People in sight
will be you and your date. Just around
the corner is all the charm of the old city,
with loads of mainstream places to eat
and drink. But this is Montréal, you’ll feel
very comfortable. The tapas and martinis
at Verses are outstanding (100 SaintPaul Street Ouest).
Montréal gives you all the
party supplies you need.
And as long as you’re there,
Montréal will be Canada’s
gayest city.
So, bad boys (and girls), when you’re
ready for a truly gay party – even if it’s
simply one of your own making –
Montréal gives you all the party supplies
you need. And as long as you’re there,
Montréal will be Canada’s gayest city. t
Navigate the city with ease using
Columbia Fun Maps’ Montréal edition.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDALL SHIRLEY
PIC: TOURISM QUEBEC
still serves the sandwich the way it’s
meant to be. They’re greasy and
absolutely divine (990 De Maisonneuve
Blvd. Ouest).
After lunch, you’re not
far from Mount Royal, locally called The
Mountain. A stroll up will work off the
calories (in case you’re headed out for a
shirtless night), and reward you with the
postcard-perfect view of Montréal’s
skyline. In addition to The Village,
Montréal
has
other
sublime
neighbourhoods for an afternoon stroll,
shop, and coffee. Rue St. Denis in the
Plateau neighbourhood is the perfect
spot for just such delights.
MORALITY CUTS
In Parc Montréal (the park that takes
up much of The Mountain), you might
notice swaths of trees and bushes cut
away. These are locally known as
“morality cuts,” and believe it or not,
they’re there to prevent sex in the
bushes. Of course, if you take such
risks, locals advise that “boys with girls
go up the hill, boys with boys go down
the hill.”
P.E.I.
Pride on Edward Island
“There are only two things to do in Prince
Edward Island – sex and fishing – and you
can’t fish in winter,” the owner of the
Bouquet Point, P.E.I., cottage I stayed in
told me one evening.
And, dammit, the man wasn’t kidding.
This, in the land the Mi’kmaq Indians once
called “Abegweit” – for “Home cradled on
the waves” – before white folk kicked
them out. It’s been downhill ever since
and, darling, let me tell you why: highwaycode obeying islanders are lazily content to
obey preposterous 40- to 80- kilometre
speed limits (and boy, did they grip their
steering wheel when I showed them how
we drive in Quebec). Then, when there are
road signs there are no street lamps, and
almost all the bridges here would remind
Ted Kennedy of Chappaquiddick.
When they’re not
playing country music
on the radio,they’re
reading obits 24/7
(I kid you not)...
Lovely Prince Edward Island isn’t
Canada’s gayest spot – but as Montréal
humourist RICHARD BURNETT
discovers, it’s still a gorgeous place to
visit with local dykes, drag queens, and
plenty of pride if you’re keen to go.
Simon Corneau filed a discrimination
complaint?
“That’s the custom that we are used to,”
Beach View B&B owner Dagmar Cepica
quipped at the time. “The bed is shared by
people – by married people of the opposite
sex – or possibly by relatives that have a
reason to do so.”
Of course, the week I was there I arrived
smack in the middle of Harley Davidson’s
annual international Harley Owners Group
(HOG) biker rally, which drew 3,500 easy
riders and bear-hugging Harley chicks from
across the Americas, not to mention the
14,000-strong, annual national Scouts
Canada Jamboree at Cabot Beach
Provincial Park. (By the by, Scouts Canada,
unlike Big Brothers Canada, still doesn’t
unequivocally state it welcomes gay
leaders.)
Of course, there isn’t one gay bar on the
entire island, so there was no escape. But
providence was looking over me, and there
was gay life to be found: Charlottetown’s
Story continued on page 25.
Right: The romantic waters of P.E.I. are
postcard perfect. Perhaps you’ll find a gay
seaman.
Below: Evocative names such as Savage
Harbour, Naufrage Harbour, North Rustico
and Shipwreck Point enable visitors to
better understand the daily reality of
today’s fishermen. Probably best to keep
your gay fisherman fantasies to yourself,
though…
You must also buy your Moosehead at the
beer store and can only return your
empties to some island-wide depot out in
the sticks; it costs $3.82 to call
Charlottetown from Summerside (just 50
kilometres away) on a pay phone; and
when they’re not playing country music on
the radio, they’re reading obits 24/7 (I kid
you not).
But, you say, what did I expect in a
province where a Stratford bed and
breakfast decided to close its doors rather
than allow gay couples to stay there, as the
P.E.I. Human Rights Commission ruled
after Montréal couple Jean Bédard and
gaycanadaguide 2005 23
Vancouver’s
Out T.V. Star
Out T.V. personality Bill Mantas just wrapped
the first season of Pink Planet, a gay travel
series, on Vancouver’s CityTV. Season two is
in the works. Here’s what Bill says is best
about his town – Vancouver.
“I’m a big city guy. I need a large, cosmopolitan city around me,
which Vancouver is. I love its mix of mountains and ocean. I think
it’s one of the prettiest cities in the world.”
Best Food:
“The Asian influence means you get some amazing sushi, great
Indian food. A mix of eastern influences and western cooking
techniques. It’s a very foody town. We’re completely comfortable
as a gay couple in Vancouver restaurants. My favourite restaurant
is Vij’s (Indian/French fusion), and second is Shiro sushi – the best
I’ve ever had.”
Best Bar:
“I love a gay bar on Davie Street called Oasis. It’s a great spot to
have appetizers, drinks and good conversation. When I have family
or friends visiting – who are perhaps straight – I take them there.”
Best Stroll:
“Hold your partner’s hand and go for a stroll on the seawall. You’ll
feel completely comfortable. It’s a beautiful walk that lets you see
the city and the ocean.”
Best Weekend Getaway:
“Whistler. The mountains are so majestic they’ll take your breath
away. Vancouverites kind of consider Whistler part of our city.”
Catch Season #1 of PinkPlanet at a new time! Starting June 6th Pink
Planet will air Mondays at 11:35p.m. PST and Saturdays at 11:30p.m.
on Vancouver’s CityTV and on satellite services: Bell Expressvu, 260
and Star Choice, 359. More info at www.pinkplanet.tv
PHOTOGRAPHS OF BILL MANTAS BY WILLIAM JANS,
OTHERS COURTESY OF TOURISM VANCOUVER
P.E.I.– pride on edward island
VANCOUVER
Robson Street Location
Story continued from page 23.
Gay and Lesbian Pride Week kicked off
that week with a karaoke night at the
Kinsman Centre and mini-golf at the
Sherwood Greens Driving Range.
Since golf isn’t my thing, I decided I’d
best attend a social at the Beanz coffee
house a couple of nights later. There I was
truly awestruck by the island’s incredibly
brave Pride organizers who told me the
Abegweit Rainbow Collective organizes
monthly dances at the Charlottetown
Delta Hotel.
“We tried to open a gay bar in town last
year but it wasn’t the proper location,”
explained thirtysomething veteran activist
Wayne McQuaid who, when I asked what
the proper location is, cracked, “Out of
the city!”
“People here are too closeted,” said Pride
organizer Libby Ramsay, pointing out
most queer islanders are still afraid of
being spotted walking into a gay club.
“The numbers attending our dances have
gone up from 80 to 200, so the more gay
couples are in the paper, the safer it
becomes for them.”
“No flash photography for
the safety of the people
on the stage,” hostess Barbie
Bendover told an audience of
diesel dykes, teenage fag hags
and their cute gay boyfriends.
McQuaid and Ramsay aren’t kidding.
When a Pride parade was held here back
in ‘95 bystanders pelted 80 marchers
with rotten fruit and vegetables. So this
time diesel-dyke, march coordinator
Robbie Venoit – who runs Charlottetown’s
all-dyke courier company – arranged for a
police escort for the parade. Venoit told
me she was “optimistic” their march
would draw “over 100 participants. We
already have 15 groups and six cars.”
All this costs money, of course – $5,000
to be precise. At the start of the weeklong festivities organizers had only raised
$950, including $250 from Bacardi Rum.
So my sister Jennifer, cousin Audrey and I
each paid $8 to attend the first annual
Ms. Gay Atlantic Canada Pageant at the
Delta Hotel on the Friday night.
“No flash photography for the safety of
the people on the stage,” hostess Barbie
Bendover told an audience of diesel
dykes, teenage fag hags and their cute
gay boyfriends, not to mention a healthy
contingent of denim-clad, gay he-men
(one, excuse the pun, sported a ZZ Top
beard).
Now, while these Maritime queens don’t
come anywhere near the girls in Priscilla,
Queen of the Desert, what they lacked in
delivery they sure made up for in sheer
stockings and courage (the winner was
Amber Williams, who won a $100 worth
of Faces makeup). And most stuck
around for the dance afterwards, hoping
to meet Mr. or Ms. Right (Now).
Which brings me to P.E.I.’s fictional
heroine, Anne of Green Gables. Like my
Charlottetown barber told me as he was
shaving my head, “Everybody here is sick
of Anne of Green Gables. But when they
came out with Anne of Green Gables
license plates a few years ago, that was
the last straw.”
The Best of Both Worlds
Well, I figure I’m the biggest diva to hit
the island since, well, Anne herself. Just
ask any islander behind a wheel. Now, I
wonder, will they write a book about me?
And if they do, shall I meet my own Prince
Charming and live happily ever after?
I’m no fool, of course – there is no such a
thing as happily ever after. But we all
have good days, and queer islanders had
theirs the next day when over 200 people
marched in the Pride parade without
being jeered or pummelled with rotten
fruit.
“They did a good job of it, for a province
like this,” one onlooker told the local
Guardian daily newspaper.
I’m
sure
Canada’s
fathers
of
Confederation, who forged this great
nation on the very spot where the parade
began, just outside historic Province
House in downtown Charlottetown,
would have been proud, too. t
Richard Burnett is Editor-at-Large of
Montréal’s Hour magazine where he
writes “Three Dollar Bill,” a column on gay
life across Canada and around the world.
www.hour.ca. When you visit P.E.I., be
sure to tell them Richard sent you!
PHOTOGRAPHY: TOURISM PEI / JOHN SYLVESTER
www.bluehorizonhotel.com
Exceed Your Expectations
Large Corner Rooms with Balconies
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Indoor Pool • Sauna • Jacuzzi • Treadmills
Tel: 604-688-1411 Fax: 604-688-4461
1225 Robson St. Vancouver BC
gaytravelclassifieds.com
CANADA: National
CANADA: Ontario
Pride Enterprises Limited
Toronto
Woody’s and Sailor
The natives are friendly –
but do you speak the language?
Gay travel marketing and
consulting services to
ensure success.
Ph: 1+604-789-8226.
E-mail: [email protected]
Canadian Gay & Lesbian
Chamber of Commerce
Promoting equality and improving
opportunities for GLBT
owned/operated/friendly businesses
and professionals while expanding
markets and values.
Web: www.gclcc.ca
CANADA: Vancouver
Blue Horizon Hotel
Spectacular views of Vancouver.
Large corner rooms with balconies.
Centrally located, Ph: 604-688-1411.
Web: www.bluehorizonhotel.com
CANADA: Montreal
Delta Montreal Hotel
Friendly and comfortable hotel
located in the heart of downtown.
Oversized rooms, indoor pool and
workout centre.
Ph: 514-286-1986.
Web: www.deltamontreal.com.
Two of Torontos hottest bars
conveniently located in the gay village.
Ph: 416-972-0887.
Web: www.woodystoronto.com
The Black Eagle Toronto
Torontos original leather-denim cruise bar.
Two levels, three bars. Heated smoking
patio. Ph: 416-413-1219.
Web: www.blackeagletoronto.com
House on McGill
Village Rainbow Restaurant
A sunny patio and excellent
Mediterranean and Canadian cuisine.
Ph: 416-961-0616
Play on Church
Hot Latin men at Canada’s premiere
Latin dance club. Ph: 416-963-8251.
Web: www.playonchurch.com
Statlers
Live music seven nights a week.
Ph: 416-925-0341. Web: www.statlers.ca
Dundas Square Hotel
Comfortable, affordable and
downtown. Ph: 416-703-3939.
Web: www.dundashotel.com
Dundonald House
Centrally located at the heart of the gay
village. Parking, sauna, hot tub and more.
Ph: 416-961-9888 or 1-800-260-7227.
Web: www.dundonaldhouse.com
Canadians often wonder about the history of
Gay Canada Guide. “How can it say Edition 3
or 4 on the cover when I don’t recall seeing
editions one and two?”
Simple – the first two editions were created for
the international travel market, and distributed
at travel events around the world. Once a few
Canadians saw the publication, it was obvious
that the home crowd was also hungry for a top
rate, gay travel magazine. So, beginning with
Edition 3, we began offering Canadas premier
gay travel magazine within Canada.
26 gaycanadaguide 2005
An award-winning, 4-season. Pet-friendly
resort in the Kawarthas, 1.5 hours N-E
of Toronto. Smoke-free, fully-equipped,
1- and 2-bedroom cottages and Deluxe
Kawartha Suite intimately arranged along
the lakeshore of Katchewanooka Lake.
Fireplaces, private outdoor hot tubs,
gorgeous lake views. Swim, boat, hike,
x-country ski, relax. Close to village shops,
restaurants, natural beauty, attractions
and culture.
Toll-Free North America.: 1-866-525-3343
Web: www.lakeedge.com
Charming Victorian townhouse
accommodation in Toronto’s gay village.
Ph: 416-351-1503. Web: www.mcgillbb.ca
Just like you,
we’ve been around…
HUGE thanks to the following Canadian
and American businesses for welcoming
the first major North American distribution
of Gay Canada Guide (Edition 3):
Lakefield
Lake Edge Cottages
Gay Canada Guide is now published by
Columbia Fun Maps (CFM), the worlds
leading producer of G&L destination
maps. Youll find CFM maps free in many
cities. For a full listing of distribution
spots, or to order maps, contact CFM at
www.funmaps.com.
Alan Beck, executive publisher, is
delighted to welcome Gay Canada
Guide to the CFM family. “It’s a natural
fit for us,” he says. “We’ve been
mapping the gay world for years, and
with Canada being the premier gay
destination, were delighted to join the
Canadian Tourism Commission and other
organizations to provide the finest gay
travel magazine.”
Vancouver
Little Sisters Bookstore
Regina
Outside Bar & Lounge
Calgary
With the Times
(4th Street)
McNally Robinson
Downtown
Priape
Winnipeg
McNally Robinson
Portage Pl.
Edmonton
Audreys Bookstore
Woodys Pub
Saskatoon
Headquarters
Bar & Lounge
Divas
London, ON
Pride Library, UWO
Toronto
519 Community Centre
Hair of the Dog
Rainbow High Vacations
Zeldas
Ottawa
After Stonewall Books
Montréal
Bad Boys Club Events
(Black/Blue, etc.)
Rendezvous
Montréal/Outgames
Events
Los Angeles &
San Francisco
A Different Light
Bookstore
Philadelphia
Giovannis Room Books
Washington, D.C.
Candidas World of Books
*Note – we are now part of the Columbia Fun Maps company, expanding our North
American availability to all major cities. We also continue distribution at gay travel expos.
They’re a lot of fun. Check out www.CommunityMarketingInc.com for info on these events.
1ST WORLD OUTGAMES
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IN YOUR COUNTRY
Shouldn’t you get out more?
BE YOURSELF. BRING A FRIEND.
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ord
adventures in Whistler,
Whistler, B.C. ©Allan Crawf
Crawford
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Performers:
erformers: CHAMADE Friche
Friche théâtre urbain ©Louise Leblanc
Distiller y District, Toronto,
oronto, Ont ario © Ont ario Tourism
Canada.
There is no better place to be out and
about. Celebrate life and love with us.
Experience diversity, in all of its
natural splendor and cultural richness.
Reach for the sky, dance the night away,
dine like royalty.
Be embraced - just as you are.
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ancouver,, British Columbia ©Tourism
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