With its eclectic, artsy neighbourhoods, chic coffee spots and room at the table for all kinds of foodies, Toronto has its arms wide open to all visitors.
Rights are respected and love celebrated throughout the city and there are plenty of community spaces for all gender identities and sexual orientations. If you’re looking for a special stay, a way to connect with the community or tips to time your trip, we’ve got your ultimate guide to Toronto below.
Time to take on Toronto like a pro - we'll show you all the places that you definitely don’t want to miss.
An iconic city landmark. Brave the heights and admire the Toronto skyline from 346 meters up. If you can stomach it, there’s another level at 447 meters. Word has it that you can feel the tower sway in the wind.
Lots of Torontonians do their weekly shop at St. Lawrence’s. The market has around 120 speciality food stalls and shops that cater to every tastebud. Saturday is for the Farmers Market, while Sunday is for antiques. Beats shopping at Tesco.
We wouldn’t mind calling this our mi casa. This immense Edwardian mansion (98 rooms to be precise), built between 1911 and 1914, has a modern and edgy feel with a mix of classic heritage architecture, unique antiques and modern art pieces by Warhol, Mr. Brainwash and Salvador Dali.
Ice-hockey. The nation’s sport and a heck of a watch for hardcore followers and first-timers alike - the rivalry between Toronto and Montreal makes the Montagues and Capulets look lame by comparison. It’s well worth a watch if you can score yourself a ticket.
Lovingly labelled the Gay Village, this district is the hangout spot for locals. When the sun's up, head to the oldest queer book shop in all north America: Glad Day Bookshop. Then start your night at Woody's, Canada's #1 gay bar and the beating heart of the village, for one of the weekly performances.
Guaranteed no Bad Times to be had here. Established in 1979 makes it the longest running queer theatre in the city. For decades, their queer productions have challenged gender and sexuality norms. It’s a champion of activism through the arts.
Photo credit: Wade Muir
Strut your stuff down this rainbow crosswalk between Church & Isabella street. Painted before the 2014 Pride, the rainbow crosswalk has bookmarked its place and become a permanent feature in the city.
This month-long celebration in June is a force to be reckoned with, with millions taking to the streets in a torrent of rainbows. The 2SLGBTQI+ event is packed with pool parties, street fairs, performance art, an array of floats, costume events and a day long Pride Parade. Best loved highlights include Blockorama, Black Pride, Trans march, and Bi+ Pride.
As part of Toronto's Pride celebrations in June, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada becomes a neon-lit underwater paradise, where dazzling lights, dance floors, live performances and cocktails keep the party popping all night long.
For lovers of the silver screen, we got you. Discover two of Toronto's most iconic film festivals that have been championing the 2SLGBTQ+ community for years. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Inside Out Film Festival feature queer cinema, documentaries and shorts, and create a platform for filmmakers to tell their stories through the big screen.
Typically hosted in May (Inside Out) and September (TIFF), tickets usually go on sale up to 6 months before.
Don't just take our word for it. We've had a chat with some lovely locals to fill us in on what it's like identifying as LGBTQ+ and living in Toronto.
"As a gender diverse couple, my spouse and I are so proud and grateful to live in Toronto. The diversity of our city is beautiful but we find it’s the kindness of the LGBTQ+ community across Toronto that differentiates the city. For our family, we feel the support of the LGBTQ+ community and allies everywhere we go".
We asked Lindsey: What's your favourite thing to do in Toronto?
"We are live music junkies! We're often out at a concert at least once per week, the Toronto music scene is incredible. Whether its subwaying across the Bloor line to the Danforth Music Hall, the Concert Hall on Yonge, or strolling down Queen West to the Great Hall, we have never felt anything but belonging when we are out at a show. Music lovers united!"
aka @gunnarolla might be a familiar face for some of you. A video producer and big-time traveller, he’s hosted on Travel Channel, Tastemade and Game TV. A self-confessed major foodie and avid cyclist, Andrew loves Toronto for its "mosaic of cultures and generations."
We asked Andrew: What's your favourite thing about Toronto?
"Anyone visiting Toronto should be prepared to eat! love eating my way through our Chinatowns (we’ve got two – Downtown and East Chinatown) and café hopping along West Queen West. When I'm feeling indecisive, I've got food halls like Queen’s Crossing, Wellington Market Food Hall and Waterworks. It's not just the food though. I love that you don't always need a plan in this city. Its the kind of place where you can stroll or bike and find something new. That's what I love the most - exploration is endless here."
Sifting through day trip ideas? We’ve done the legwork and found the ones that pack the most punch.
Thousands come to visit this absolute force of nature, where three colossal waterfalls straddle the border between New York state, (US) and Ontario (Canada). Fun fact: 63 year old teacher Annie Edson Taylor was the first to survive a trip over the falls - in a barrel!
Easy to reach from Toronto, there’s a lot to discover in Hamilton. Nature lovers can explore some of the 100+ waterfalls in the area and enjoy a forest hike. The perfect way to decompress after the city bustle. Galleries, museums and antique shopping malls are yours for the picking too.
Crowned one of the best beaches in Canada. Get your Baywatch on and slow-run along the eight mile long sands, or take an energising plunge in the sea. Part of a provincial park, there’s also a bunch of trails to hike or cycle.
We’ve got your back with hotels that cut through the clutter.
Toronto, Canada
Canada’s largest hotel with 1,590 rooms with most rooms featuring balconies, offering stunning views of the downtown core.
Offers a variety of dining options that feature innovative dishes prepared with fresh Canadian produce.
Home to Deck 27, an adult-only urban oasis, featuring indoor heated pool and whirlpool, full-scale Fitness Centre, sauna and seasonal sundeck.
Toronto, Canada
Located in the financial district, steps from the entertainment district and all major attractions.
The recent transformation of the hotel brings a new arrival experience, a lobby with open and collaborative workspaces and world-class culinary experiences.
Upscale amenities include an indoor/outdoor heated pool, modern gym, and renovated 43rd floor Club Lounge.
Toronto, Canada
Situated right on the shores of Lake Ontario, the Westin Harbour Castle offers stunning waterfront views and direct access to Toronto’s beautiful Harbourfront.
Many of the rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of either the lake or the city skyline. The rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation, with plush bedding and modern amenities that create a tranquil escape after a day of exploring Toronto.
We’re all about safe travels and good vibes — so here’s some info to help you enjoy Canada with a little extra sparkle.
Laws & regulations
Practical tips
Support & services
Canada is a progressive one when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Lots of other countries could take a (maple) leaf out of their books.
Canadian Human Rights Amendment, 1977: This included sexual orientation as prohibited grounds for discrimination in the workplace.
Civil Marriage Act, 2005: Same-sex marriage was legalized across Canada. The fourth country in the world to do so.
Gender Recognition Act, 2017: Individuals were allowed to change their gender on federal documents.
Ban on Conversion Therapy, 2021: Criminalised conversion therapy, prohibiting both promotion and practice.
Canadians are famous for being a friendly lot. Still, everywhere has its bad apples. Do one better than Snow White – read our tips and the latest government travel advice before you go.
1) Sparkle up your itinerary: travelling shouldn’t be a stressful time. Book your trip with operators who truly empathise and understand your needs (hello).
2) Stay fabulous: stay at safe and well-reviewed accommodation. Addresses are a need-to-know. Anyone who isn’t a trusted friend, shouldn’t get these details.
3) Know where to go: some postcodes are best avoided late at night. Make sure you’re clued up on where not to go after your night out.
4) VIPs on speed dial: save the emergency contact numbers on your phone. These could be friends, family, your tour guide operator or LGBTQ+ support numbers.
5) BYOB (buy your own beer): You being you, of course everyone’s going to want to buy you a drink. Still, it’s a good idea to buy your own rather than accepting one from a stranger.
6) Purse on your person: keep those valuables close and don’t carry bundles of cash when you’re out.
Toronto Police LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer - In case of emergencies or incidents involving discrimination or violence, travellers can reach out to the dedicated LGBTQ+ liaison officers for assistance.
Non-Emergency Assistance: Call the Toronto Police Service non-emergency line at +1 (416) 808-2222. You can request to be connected to an LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer or ask for assistance from someone familiar with LGBTQ+ issues.
Emergency Assistance: In case of an emergency or if you need immediate help, dial 911.
The 519
Located in the Church-Wellesley Village, this community centre offers resources, support, and advice for LGBTQ+ people. It's a good resource for travellers looking for community connections or in need of assistance.
Language evolves - and just like the best journeys, it doesn’t always follow a straight line.
In this guide, we use terms like LGBTQIA+, queer, gay, lesbian, transgender, intersex, asexual and more. These reflect the language that felt inclusive, accessible, and widely understood at the time we put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
We often use “queer” as a shorthand - a word that’s been proudly reclaimed by many, though we know it won’t resonate with everyone. The same goes for LGBTQIA+: used as a broad umbrella term, not exclusive one. Where it feels important, we’ve used more specific labels - in hopes of reflecting the richness and diversity of the community and shared experiences.
We know the language of identity is personal, political, and constantly evolving. This isn’t a dictionary - and it’s certainly not the final word. We simply hope this guide speaks with clarity, compassion, and respect.
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