Photo Courtesy of Tourism Toronto

Ontario, situated in central Canada, is Canada’s most densely populated province, with close to 13 million inhabitants. Second in physical size only to Quebec, nearly 40% of all Canadians call Ontario home. 

Ontario is home to Toronto, Canada’s largest city, Ottawa, the nation’s capital, world-famous Niagara Falls, and six other urban centres of note that are in the top 15 most populous in the country. If urban adventure is your pleasure, there is a never-ending supply of options to explore. 

The first province in Canada to legalize same-sex marriage in June 2003, home to twelve separate community Pride festivals, including one of the largest in the world, world-class wineries and attractions, exciting outdoor adventure, and a sophisticated tourism infrastructure, make Ontario a top of the list choice for many LGBT travellers.

TORONTO

Toronto, Canada’s largest city is a thriving megalopolis of over 5 million people, situated in Southern Ontario, on the shores of Lake Ontario. Home to Canada’s largest LGBTQ population, and one of North America’s largest Pride celebrations, Toronto Pride rivals New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

Toronto is considered an Alpha World City by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Research Network, centred at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, meaning the city is of high importance in the global economic system. In this light, Toronto Pride Week is a force to be reckoned with, with hundreds of thousands of attendees taking part in the celebrations. One of the largest festivals in the city, it also is a major money generator for many local businesses and services, and attracts visitors from around the world. In 2010, Toronto Pride had to switch the dates for Pride into early July, which usually coincide with Stonewall celebrations in late June, to accommodate the G8-G20 Summit taking place in the downtown core.

Toronto is also a city of distinct and colourful neighbourhoods that seamlessly co-exist in what is considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. You can seemingly travel the world in a day, or over several days, and never see it all. A few districts of note include Bloor-Yorkville, Rosedale, Little Italy, Danforth (Greektown), Chinatown, Koreatown, Little India, King East, King West, Harbourfront, Leslieville, Queen West, West Queen West, Kensington Market, and of course, the Church-Wellesley Village.

The epicentre for LGBTQ life in Toronto for many is the Church-Wellesley Village. Home to the largest percentage of LGBTQ-focused businesses, including world-renowned bars and clubs, gay bookstores, saunas, cafes, restaurants, clothing stores, hair salons, music stores, sex stores, travel agencies, and more, all conveniently located in a multi-block area of downtown. The village is also within walking distance of major downtown hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and several stops on the Toronto subway line.

West Toronto is another neighbourhood of substantial interest to the LGBTTIQ community, known as locally as the Queer West Village. Toronto’s second gay village exists without the usual core of gay bars found in most gay villages, with many gay friendly bars, restaurants, shops, and cafes. The Queer West Fest has been rebranded this year as the Toronto Queer West Arts and Cultural Festival, and has moved the dates to August 7 through August 15, 2010.

Check our resource recommendations for detailed information on events, neighbourhoods, and more on this fascinating part of Canada.Resources:

www.torontotourism.com
www.pridetoronto.com
www.queerwest.org  
www.xtra.ca
www.ottawatourism.ca   
www.capitalpride.ca

DELTA CHELSEA DOWNTOWN TORONTO

Let the Delta Chelsea, Toronto's Entertainment Hotel, put you in the centre of it all. We're located in the heart of downtown Toronto, around the corner from The Village - just steps from vibrant nightclubs, world-class theater and amazing shopping. We feature six restaurants/ lounges, an adult-only pool and health club, as well as an on-site Ticketing Department for the hottest shows in town. whether you choose to stay in or step out, you'll find it all at our urban resort. 1.800.243.5732 or www.deltachelsea.com

OTTAWA

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is the seat of national government, home the National Arts Centre, National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Monument, and other national institutions of interest. This is also where legalized same-sex marriage was proclaimed into law nationally, on July 20, 2005.

In 2010, the Capital Pride Festival celebrates 25 years of being Ottawa’s most colourful festival, kicking off on August 20 with A Taste of Pride event at Ottawa City Hall, with samplings from many of Ottawa’s favourite restaurants. Ten days of festivities are planned, including an Official Opening Party, Ottawa’s first Leather Pride, Bank Street Re-opening Block Party, Ottawa Police Services Pancake Breakfast, Flag Raising Ceremony at Ottawa City Hall, Picnic in the Park, Human Rights Vigil, Capital Pride Partnership Awards, Ottawa Bear Competition, Proud Chicks Dance Party 6, Women’s Stage, Queer Youth Prom, Blast from the Past Rainbow Party, Capital Pride Parade, Capital Pride Entertainment and Community Fair, and the Capital Pride Festival Closing Party to wrap things up on August 29.