Built along the shore of the great Lake Ontario is Canada's largest and most diverse city. Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario, where urban sophistication and natural beauty coexist in harmony. Its skyline is dominated by gleaming glass and steel high-rises, most notably the iconic CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, which rises gracefully above the city and the shimmering – or often frozen – lake below.

Canada has long been ahead of the pack with regards to LGBTQ+ equality. In fact, it was the first country outside Europe to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. It's also a country known for the outstanding hospitality of its people, and Toronto, as a city, embodies this. Toronto is home to the country’s largest queer community, and in terms of gay bars, clubs, and events, it really holds its own.

Toronto's cityscape is as diverse as its population, and visitors will find much to see among the mosaic of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. From Old Town Toronto, where you’ll find historic architecture, cute shops, quality restaurants, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, to the bohemian Kensington Market with its quirky shops and eateries, to Dundas Square—Canada's answer to Times Square—there's a bit of everything in Toronto. Just be sure to bundle up, because Toronto's weather didn’t get the memo from its people about being warm and inviting.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Toronto
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Toronto
5. Restaurants & Cafes in Toronto
6. Toronto Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Toronto Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Gay Events in Toronto
9. Day Trips from Toronto

General Tips

Toronto has an unbearably cold winter, and Lake Ontario freezes over, putting a stop to any water-based activities you might have in mind. Therefore, the best time to visit is in late spring, summer, or early fall to avoid the cold weather and enjoy the parks and nature of the nearby Toronto Islands. The city has great infrastructure, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about overwhelming tourist crowds. However, hotel prices are more expensive in the summer, just like anywhere else.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and it is certainly a diverse place. Considered one of the most diverse cities, Toronto has residents from more countries than any city in the world. It boasts a great food scene and is incredibly gay-friendly, with its well-known gay village located down by the waterside in what is known as ‘Old Toronto’ at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets. There, you’ll find everything from craft beer bars to popular fetish nights.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is an airport rail link running between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station in Downtown Toronto. The UP Express travels between Pearson and Union Station in 25 minutes, departing every 15 minutes, from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., 7 days a week. One-way fare is $12 CAD. Taxi fares to and from Pearson International Airport are set by the zone you're traveling to or from in the city, but expect to pay about $50–$60 CAD for downtown locations. Once you arrive in the city, you’ll find a great public transport system with subways, streetcars, and buses. You can pay your fare and purchase tokens, tickets, and passes at the collector booths at all subway and streetcar stations. The subway also connects to the airport but takes much longer than the express train, with the journey taking 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Gay Hotels in Toronto

There aren't currently any gay hotels in Toronto, but there are many gay-friendly options.

Luxury

Shangri-La Hotel – This 5-star hotel is located in the center of the city, offering perfect access to Toronto’s main sightseeing spots, restaurants, and shops. The hotel features excellent dining options in its restaurant, as well as high tea served in the late afternoon, which includes a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and desserts.

Bisha Hotel Toronto -For the full celebrity treatment, choose this boutique hotel in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district. The gay-friendly hotel is known for its stunning design, curated art pieces, and world-class amenities, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, and several on-site dining options, including KŌST, a rooftop restaurant offering elevated dining experiences. Lenny Kravitz even designed an entire floor of it.

Mid-range

The Broadview Hotel – This 4-star hotel is located in a historic 1891 redbrick building and offers a rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning city and river views. Situated in Toronto's east end, the historic Broadview Hotel serves as your gateway to one of the city's most captivating neighborhoods.

Westin Toronto – This large property is located downtown on the waterfront, offering excellent views of the city and the nearby Toronto Islands. The property is very LGBTQ+ friendly, and in 2017, it hosted the annual International LGBTQ+ Travel Association conference.

Sonder (The Wellesley) – Located in downtown Toronto, this boutique hotel is situated next to the Wellesley subway station. Recently renovated, it features free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs in all rooms, and a charming courtyard where guests can relax.

Budget

The Clarence Park – A budget-friendly homey guesthouse located in downtown Toronto, offering a cozy and inclusive atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travelers. Just a short distance from the Church-Wellesley Village, the heart of the city's LGBTQ+ community, the Clarence Park provides a laid-back, communal vibe with shared spaces and comfortable rooms. It also has an affordable in-house restaurant, specializing in American cuisine.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Toronto

Casa Loma – This 7-floor Gothic Revival-style mansion was made famous as Professor Xavier’s School for the gifted in the popular X-Men movie series. Located in midtown Toronto, you can visit this landmark, which offers a gorgeous garden space, a public museum, guided tours, and seasonal attractions like escape rooms and haunted experiences.

CN Tower – You can’t miss this massive communications tower located in the heart of downtown. The concrete tower is by far the tallest building in Toronto, and you can head up to the observation deck for amazing 360-degree views. If you’re adventurous, book the EdgeWalk activity, which allows you to step outside the observation deck in the open air to walk around the circumference of the tower, all while attached to a harness.

Craft Beer, History and Culture Tour – Explore Toronto and learn about its history while stopping in at a number of different bars and pubs, including passing through the city's legendary Distillery District. Over 4 hours, trace the city's development through the story of Canadian beer and stop by St. Lawrence Market to sample some local brews. Book tour →

Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise – Enjoy a short cruise in the Toronto Harbour to enjoy views of the Toronto skyline and visit the Toronto Islands. This tour features live narration designed to entertain and inform as you explore the region.Book tour →

Water Taxi to Centre Island, Ward's Island and Hanlan’s Point – If you have the time, it's also worth visiting the islands individually on the water taxi for just $13. The three main islands—Centre Island, Ward's Island, and Hanlan’s Point—each provide unique experiences. Ward's Island is more residential and serene, ideal for relaxing walks and a quieter experience. Hanlan’s Point is popular for its beaches, including a clothing-optional beach and a peaceful setting for sunbathing. Centre Island is home to Centreville Amusement Park for children and also offers great picnic spots. All three have great views of Toronto's impressive skyline.

Food tour through Kensington Market – Designed for the adventurer, this food tour introduces you to flavors from around the world with both beginners and novices in mind. Experience Toronto's incredible diversity through food, with tastings from over six countries. As the most culturally diverse city on the planet, Toronto is the best place to taste the world! This tour removes the worry of figuring out what to try on your ethnic food adventure. Book tour →

Dundas Square—Dubbed Canada's Times Square, this area is filled with large digital billboards, dancing fountains, shopping centers, restaurants, and theaters. Due to its proximity to Yonge Street, it also serves as a focal point for concerts, festivals, and art displays.

Royal Ontario Museum -When visiting Toronto, be sure to stop at the Royal Ontario Museum, dedicated to art, culture, and nature. The museum currently holds 13 million objects in its collections, with over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces showcasing art, archaeology, and natural science. The exhibits explore everything from dinosaurs to mummies, Chinese architecture to Indigenous artifacts, and more. It’s an entertaining and educational experience for all ages. Book tour →

Buddies in Bad Times – This professional theatre was formed in 1978 and is the longest running queer theater in the world. It remains the leading venue for artistically rigorous alternative theatre and a world leader in developing queer voices and stories for the stage. At the weekend it transforms into a nightclub by night!

Restaurants & Cafes in Toronto

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, boasting a wide variety of ethnic restaurants. From Chinese and Mexican food to Indian and Italian cuisine, there's a restaurant for every taste… literally.

Sambucas on Church – Renowned for having some of the best Italian food around, made from the finest and freshest ingredients, this spot offers a delightful array of dishes. Fresh pasta, sumptuous seafood, and authentic Italian pizza – pair any dish with a bottle of wine for a truly magical meal.

O’Grady’s on Church – An amazing super fun pub in the village serving up comfort food and excellent cocktails. They also offer a great selection of craft beers, along with wine by the glass or bottle.

Hair of the Dog Pub – This upscale yet unpretentious neighborhood pub and restaurant is located just north of Church and Carlton and offers one of the best patios in the city. Drop by for brunch on the weekends or enjoy a hearty dinner before experiencing the nightlife on Church Street in the Gay Village.

Queen Mother Cafe – This Thai restaurant is a hidden gem in the Entertainment District, known for its delicious food and decadent desserts. Savor pad Thai and ping gai chicken, then indulge in a rich chocolate raspberry truffle cake to finish. –

The Drink – Cocktails and pizza! Has there ever been a more winning combo? Add drag shows and DJs into the mix, and you have the perfect combination. The Drink is both a bar and a restaurant, serving especially delicious pizza in an incredibly fun atmosphere.

Storm Crow Manor – Geeks rejoice at this eccentric and immersive bar and restaurant located in downtown Toronto, perfect for pop culture and sci-fi lovers. It features themed rooms inspired by fantasy, horror, and science fiction, including spaces modeled after classic horror movies and retro sci-fi settings. The menu offers comfort food with a geeky twist, like the “Dungeon Meal,” where you roll dice for the ingredients in your dish. Other highlights include the Calamari of Cthulhu and the Pulled Pigs in Space Sandwich – if you get those references, this is definitely the place for you! They also have a drag brunch.

The Blake House – This welcoming, LGBTQ+ friendly restaurant and pub is housed in a historic Victorian mansion in Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village. Known for its diverse menu, The Blake House offers classic pub fare, weekend brunches, and craft cocktails, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Toronto Gay Bars and Clubs

Woody’s and Sailor– Often called the “Cheers” of Toronto, Woody’s never charges an entry fee and features several bars where you can chill over a beer with friends or enjoy one of the popular drag shows. Anyone visiting Toronto should spend at least one evening at this Church Street staple.

Black Eagle – This bar was once the exclusive domain of those into fetish play. Recently under new ownership, it has become a popular spot for the great and good of Toronto's gay community. They host regular theme nights, it still has industrial sex club vibes and there’s plenty of opportunity for those interested in getting a little kinky in the dungeon downstairs.

The Well – Feeling thirsty? Come drink from The Well. Replacing the iconic piano bar Statlers, this new bar and restaurant swaps pianos and live music for talented drag queens, kings, karaoke, and a lively dance floor. The cocktails are famously good, thanks to skilled mixologists behind the bar. It’s also part of a successful chain with locations in London and Fort Lauderdale.

Crews and Tangos – Known as the best place in Toronto for drag, this garishly colored building packs three floors of fun. DJs crank out popular pop hits on weekends to a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd. Besides the drag performances, there's often karaoke and other themed nights.

The Lodge – A new bar on the block with a rustic pub vibe and cabin-like décor, The Lodge features a variety of cocktails, craft beers, and comfort food, making it an ideal spot for casual drinks and social gatherings. Like many bars in the area, they host their own trivia nights and drag shows. Their themed nights include a sapphic night and a sports night.

Pegasus on Church – Church Street's official gay games bar, Pegasus often has a game on the TVs and features several pool tables, dartboards, pinball machines, and a ping pong table. Pegasus also hosts regular events such as trivia nights, karaoke, drag nights, and themed parties.

El Convento Rico – A legendary Latin American-focused LGBTQ+ nightclub in Toronto, El Convento Rico is located on College Street and has been a staple in the city's nightlife scene for over two decades. Known for its energetic dance floors, the club hosts themed nights, drag shows and Friday night salsa dancing. Que rico!

Buddies in a Bad Time – Despite having many bars, there aren’t many true queer clubs in Toronto. Thankfully, this iconic queer theater transforms into one on the weekends— and it’s a good one. Expect queer DJs, drag queens, cabaret shows, GoGo dancers, and a lot of fabulously dressed queer folk.

Toronto Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Steamworks – This is a private men's gym, sauna, and bathhouse for men 18 years and older… you know, men looking for other men! Cabins are only available for rent, but there are plenty of public spaces to play as well. No alcohol is served in this facility, but you can purchase a variety of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Steamworks is located in The Village, Toronto’s popular gay neighborhood, and includes standard amenities.

Gay Events in Toronto

Toronto Gay Pride – All month long, there are Pride events across the city with lots of glitz and glamour. The Pride Parade, in particular, is one of the more popular events, featuring over 120 marching groups and 40 registered floats.

Inside Out LGBT Film & Video Festival – Expect no fewer than 180 films and videos at the Inside Out LGBT Film & Video Festival, produced by and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from around the globe.

Halloween in the Gay Village – The annual Halloween party on Church Street attracts thousands of revelers (many in costume, many scantily clad) to the pedestrian-only street party in the heart of Toronto’s LGBTQ neighborhood.

Day Trips from Toronto

Niagara Falls – Experience the beauty of Niagara Falls illuminated at night on a 9-hour tour from Toronto. Get up close to the majestic cascades aboard the Hornblower boat. Learn informative facts about the history of the area and the role of the native people, and discover why the geography makes the Niagara Peninsula so unique. Visit an award-winning winery, and drive through the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Marvel at one of the most violent white-water rapids in North America on the “Voyage to the Falls” boat tour. Book tour →

Algonquin Provincial Park – Enjoy the beauty of Canada’s oldest provincial park on a convenient day trip from Toronto. The forests, lakes, and sweeping views contrast with the busyness of Toronto. You’ll spend time canoeing, hiking, swimming, and cliff diving (if you dare). This is an ideal tour for active travelers, especially groups of friends looking for a fun day out in nature. Book tour →

Image credit © Destination Toronto unless otherwise noted

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