Thoroughly accessible and friendly, Toronto – “T-dot” to its friends – has long been one of Canada’s top destinations for LGBT travelers. In recent years, the city has transformed into one of our sexiest hotspot as well. Development of several neighborhoods and a proliferation of new, sleek housing have imparted an upscale shimmer, with indie boutique businesses and no shortage of chic dining, lounges, hotels, and spas.
Those who first learned of Toronto thanks to press regarding Showtime’s “Queer As Folk” – the series, although set in Pittsburgh, was actually shot in and around Toronto’s famed Gay Village and its actual bars and clubs – will find that the scene is hopping as much as ever, from famed watering hole Woody’s to full-monty Remington’s to a number of well-kept saunas.
A creative epicenter, Toronto booms with local film, music, performing and visual arts, and many venues and festivals to celebrate each including the internationally renowned Toronto International Film Festival, Luminato, Nuit Blanche and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
Gentrification has spread fast and furiously since the early 2000’s – and in a good way. Once an oft-maligned/avoided skid row, Queen Street West has emerged from its cocoon as a colorful, artsy ’hood lined with small galleries, boutique shops, great restaurants and see-and-be-seen spots. Thriving Yorkville, a hippie haven decades ago, is relaxed and upmarket, blending quaint businesses on cobblestone streets and major fashion label retail along Bloor Street. Kensington Market is a favorite weekend destination for foodies and bargain hunters. Being the most culturally diverse city in Canada, there are two Chinatowns to investigate (and lots of tasty Bubble Tea!) and other fun neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Greektown and Little India to woo you, too.
Despite all the changes, Toronto remains one of North America’s most progressive cities legally – hosting legal same-sex marriages since 2003 – and tourism-wise, actively courting and supporting the LGBT market (http://www.SeeTorontoNow.com), and is home to a jubilant mid-June Pride Week festival that is one of the largest in the world (http://www.pridetoronto.com). This is one cup of “T” you’ll always want more of.
