Quebec City, with charming, cobblestone streets, is the old-world style capital of the province of Quebec. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City has developed into a cosmopolitan centre of commerce, trade, culture, and culinary delights, since Samuel de Champlain first set foot on shore in 1608.
Quebec City also enjoys a thriving LGBT scene, with a popular selection of gay pubs, bars, dance clubs, saunas, and restaurants situated in the Faubourg St-Jean area, near the gates to the old city. Liquor service hours are very liberal throughout the province of Quebec, so the fun continues into the wee hours nightly. Quebec City celebrates LGBTA Pride, Fete Arc-en-ciel de Quebec, Quebec City Gay Pride, September 3 to 5, 2010.
Montreal
Montreal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world, is an exciting, cosmopolitan city, which has not one, but two large-scale, annual LGBT festivals each summer; Divers\Cite July 27 to August 1, and The Montreal Pride Celebrations, August to 12 to 15, 2010. The theme for the celebrations this year is “Share the Pride”, in recognition of the fact that not all LGBTA people around the world have the freedom and acceptance we enjoy here in Canada. The Pride Parade will take place on a new route, along Rene Levesque Boulevard West, through the heart of downtown Montreal, with “Our Superheroes” being the concept for float design this year.
New this year is Montreal’s global search for the “Queer of the Year,” in a contest where contestants are required to submit a one-minute video telling the world why they are the best choice to win. Near the end of Pride week, the contestant with the most public votes will win the chance to be in the Montreal Pride Parade, a personalized shopping spree, gourmet dining, and more.
Le Village, Montreal’s world-famous gay village is the largest of its kind in North America, and is considered by many to be the sexiest. Centrally located, within walking distance or a short Metro ride of the downtown business district, this vibrant neighbourhood is a car-free playground for 124 days of hot shopping, dining, clubbing and cruising, from May 28 through September 8.
World-renowned as one of the hottest gay party destinations anywhere, in addition to the two large summer festivals, Montreal hosts several other spectacular annual events that include, Red at Valentines, Hot & Dry in May, the Black and Blue Festival in October, and the Bal des Boys on New Year’s Eve.
Resources:
www.fiertemontrealpride.com
www.diverscite.org
www.tourisme-montreal.org
www.quebecregion.com
www.glbtquebec.org
www.bbcm.org
www.queeroftheyearcontest.com
