Diverse, exciting, buzzing and…best ass?
Yup, that’s actually a thing in the Toronto gay scene! Over at Woody’s gay bar, every Friday evening, they host the “best ass” competition!
Butts aside, the gay scene of Toronto truly has something for everyone. The city is home to Canada’s largest LGBTQ community and welcomes visitors from all walks of life.
Just like the gay scene of Montreal, the gay village of Toronto is huge. It is located at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, hence its nickname: the “Church and Wellesley Village”, or just “The Village”…or, “ya’ll wanna go out in Church later?”. This is where the majority of the best gay bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes and clothing stores can be found.
Toronto’s Gay Village is also ground zero for the annual Toronto Pride week every June, which is one of the largest Pride events in the world. Whether you come to the Toronto gay village in the deep winter or summer, there’s always a buzz in the air, which is why we love it.
In this guide, we’ve put together our list of favourite Toronto gay nightlife – gay bars and clubs in Toronto. Also, be sure to watch our vlog about the gay scene of Toronto above.
West Queen West, as locals have dubbed it, is the lesser-explored stretch of Toronto’s main shopping thoroughfare. It remains relatively spared from mega-chain stores while catering to a gayer, art-savvier population.
Start your day at the Gladstone Hotel), a historic landmark and cultural center where you can enjoy a spot of tea — with a scone — while browsing cutting-edge installations on the upper floors.
More eye candy awaits as you head east toward Ossington Avenue. Check out the nearby Twist Gallery — a 5,000-square-foot converted loft space with arched windows and exposed wooden beams — showcasing noteworthy local photographers and art events. Down a few blocks, the Stephen Bulger Gallery (BulgerGallery.com) is one of the most respected photography showrooms in the country. Recent exhibits have included works by Joel Meyerowitz and Vivian Maier, and Bulger also hosts free film screenings every Saturday in their 50-seat projection room and bar, Camera.
My friend Ming and I had been housemates in London and I was a bit gutted when he decided to move to Toronto. He seemed to settle in quickly to his adopted city, so it didn’t take much persuading from him before I was cashing in my air-miles and making my first visit to Canada.
I’d subconsciously decided not to like Toronto – I was here to remind Ming what he was missing out on in London and, in my own subtle way, encourage him to move back.
I took a taxi from the airport to Ming’s house in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighborhood. After dropping off my luggage, it was straight out to dinner with Ming, his boyfriend Terry, and his friend Moine. It was a short wait for a table at izakaya-style Japanese restaurant Guu but we were soon tucking into tasty sharing plates of chicken, pork, and beef, all washed down with beer. ‘Irasshaimase!’ shouted the happy restaurant staff every time someone arrived – this is a busy, noisy, vibrant place. Undeniably great food.