Pride Toronto and Conxity are very pleased to offer three unique packages to this year's festival.
These very competitively priced packages highlight the signature events of the week and include special perks that you just can't get anywhere else. Sample a few tantalizing tidbits based on your availability, or combine the packages for a full week of Pride fun. Best of all, buying these packages also financially supports Pride Toronto, the organization that puts the whole festival together.
Kick off Pride Week with the wicked comedy of this irreverent powerhouse. This three night package includes tickets to her show. Plus you will be one of just one hundred lucky guests invited to an exclusive post show champagne and dessert meet and greet with the diva herself.
The Pride Toronto Gala and Awards honours the achievements of outstanding individuals whose contributions have improved international gay and lesbian communities. The evening is jam-packed with unforgettable performances, top notch dining, and celebrities galore. This package also gets you access to all Pride events for the rest of the week and includes the unique Line & Lounge Pass that gets you into exclusive seating and viewing spaces, plus delivers line bypass privileges.
All weekend long, Pride Toronto ignites the queer village with its world famous street party, spreading irresistible sights and sounds across a 20-block site featuring 8 stages and 5 beverage gardens, and you get special privileges! Your Line and Lounge Pass gets you access to exclusive VIP lounge spaces at the biggest stages plus line bypass privileges into every beverage garden to get you up close and personal with all the top performers.
Here Are Some Quick Facts To Help You Plan Your Trip to Pride Toronto
Local Time
Gay Neighbourhoods
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Church & Wellesley: The heart of the city's main gay village in downtown Toronto. Most of the pride events will take place in this neighbourhood. (Subway: Wellesley or College)
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The Danforth: A trendy area with lots of gay and lesbian residents as well as gay-owned businesses. (Subway: Broadview, Chester or Pape)
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College Street: Little Italy around Clinton has a decided gay/artsy flair. (Streetcar: College)
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Leslieville: Queers in search of affordable homes and starving artists being, well, starving artists are transforming this gritty neighbourhood with great restaurants and quirky shops. (Streetcar: Queen east)
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Queen West: Home to a vibrant arts, fashion and culture scene, "Queer West" as it's affectionately called, is another neighbourhood attracting a younger gay/straight bohemian crowd. Two of the neighbourhood's favourite spots, The Drake and the Gladstone, will host a number Pride events during the week. (Streetcar: Queen west)
The huge parades - the Dyke March on Saturday and the Pride Parade on Sunday
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The street fair
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The friendly queer and straight crowd
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Delivering a 10-day arts and culture festival unparalleled worldwide
Three Pride Must Dos
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Church Street is giddy with anticipation on Friday afternoon. Hang out and watch as the excitement bursts out with the opening of the first beer garden around 6pm.
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Admire the statue of Alexander Wood at the corner of Church and Alexander. Rub the butt of one of the boys in the frieze on the base of the statue for good luck.
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Try not to stare too hard at all the topless men and women on the street.
More Local Info
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Gay Guide Toronto is a good guide primarily for gay guys to events and nightlife in the city but is oriented primarily to locals.
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LSBN Toronto is the lesbian equivalent, again primarily for locals.
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Tourism Toronto has introductory gay and lesbian information along with general tourism stuff.
Tips
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The Toronto City Pass is an excellent value as it gives you admission to six of the city's favourite attractions including the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum.
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The streets of Toronto were laid out on a fairly standard grid with Yonge Street running northward dividing the city between "east" and "west" addresses. For example "Queen Street East" is east of Yonge and "Queen Street West" is (yes, you guessed it) west.
Almost all flights arrive at Toronto Pearson International (airport code YYZ). Air Canada and Star Alliance flights arrive at Terminal 1 while all other carriers arrive at Terminal 3.
If you're going to spend most of your time in central Toronto, you don't need to rent a car. Taxi and limo stands are just outside the arrivals area at each terminal and a flat rate for a trip into downtown Toronto will be approximately $50 for a taxi and a few dollars more for a limo. The Airport Express bus offers shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels for a one-way fare of around $17. The least expensive ($2.75) but most time-consuming option (about an hour in good traffic) is the TTC (the local transit system).
Porter, a short-haul airline, operates from the conveniently located Toronto City Centre Airport (also called the Island Airport, airport code YTZ). A taxi to downtown hotels will cost about $15 or you can take the free shuttle to Union Station where you can connect to the TTC.
By Train
VIA and Amtrak trains arrive at Union Station in downtown Toronto where you can connect to the subway and GO Transit, the suburban commuter rail service. Union Station is connected to the PATH system of underground walkways connecting most of the downtown core.
Where To Stay
Choose from any of these very gay-friendly hotels we're featuring in our three Pride Toronto packages.
The Days Hotel & Conference Centre Toronto Downtown is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to the Church & Wellesley Village, the financial district, many great restaurants, Toronto’s world famous attractions and steps away from the Yonge Street subway line. (30 Carlton, Subway: College)
A unique property in the eclectic Queer West neighbourhood, The Drake has been recognized as 'One of the Top 500 Hotels in the World' by Travel + Leisure Magazine. A meticulously restored boutique hotel with 19 rooms to play in, the Drake comfortably combines intimacy, bohemian luxury and high tech toys in an energetic hub for visual & performance art, dining and hospitality. (1150 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)
Located at the epicentre of Toronto’s West Queen West queer community, the Gladstone Hotel is a unique urban hotel offering a truly authentic experience of the local creative culture with artist designed accommodations, three bars, food, art exhibits, live music and karaoke. (1214 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)
Just steps from Church Street, two of Toronto's longest running and internationally acclaimed small Inns have joined forces to become a boutique hotel. With three Canadian Heritage properties, Gloucester Square has 24 beautifully furnished guest suites and a resident wedding planner if you want to get married while in Toronto for Pride. (512-514 Jarvis, Subway: Wellesley)
This recently renovated boutique style hotel is centrally located in the Garden District, a couple blocks from the heart of the Church Street village. The hotel has 102 spacious non-smoking guest rooms and suites. The hotel is a short subway ride to the Air Canada Centre, the Skydome, the CN Tower, the Toronto Islands and the Harbourfront. (300 Jarvis, Subway: College)
The Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown is the world's only 4 diamond hotel located in a major league sports and entertainment venue - the Rogers Centre. The hotel is ideally situated in Toronto's famous Entertainment District and minutes to the Financial District of Canada and the CN Tower. (1 Blue Jays Way, Subway: Union or St Andrew)
Located across from City Hall (anyone want to get married?) and steps from Toronto’s vibrant Entertainment District and great shopping at the Eaton’s Centre, the Sheraton is also a quick walk to the Gay Village on Church Street. (123 Queen West, Subway: Queen or Osgoode)
Immerse yourself in European elegance and charm steps from Church & Wellesley and minutes from fashionable shopping and major attractions. The hotel features a full fitness centre, indoor pool and a large sundeck. A great choice for those wanting top notch accommodation and amenities as well as quick access to the fun of Church Street Village. (955 Bay, Subway: Wellesley)
Where To Eat
Toronto is renowned for its wide array of dining options. You'll find you'll be in good company at almost any eatery on Church Street between Carlton and Isabella. Similarly, there are plenty of exciting options on Queen Street (west anywhere from University to beyond Bathurst or east between Broadview and Greenwood). And then there's the Danforth (home to the summer food festival Taste of the Danforth) with plenty of restaurants where gay boys and girls happily mix with straight folk. The Cafe at Holt Renfrew is pricey but is fun for watching "ladies who lunch" and the wannabe sales staff who serve them. Here are some recommendations (both on and off of Church Street) that are worth checking out because of the food, the crowd or the experience.
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Ballroom Cafe - a relaxed atmosphere with straight ahead classic favourites at the trendy Gladstone Hotel. (1214 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)
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Big Mamma's Boy - slow-cooked, homemade-style food in an informal atmosphere. (554 Parliament, Subway: Castle Frank)
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Bonjour Brioche - be prepared to line up at this great (but tiny) French bakery/cafe that gets tremendously busy for weekend breakfast/brunch. (812 Queen East, Streetcar: Queen east)
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The Bus Terminal - a favourite retro breakfast stop for east end boys on a less fashionable strip of the Danforth. Great quality at good prices. (1606 Danforth, Subway: Coxwell)
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Bull Dog Coffee - probably the best coffee near the Church Street village, served with attitude. (89 Granby, Subway: College)
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Byzantium - good food but better known for its long, narrow martini bar. Ideally located for watching the boys and girls of Church Street stroll by. (499 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Cafe California - Mediterranean food that's always incorporating interesting twists. Favoured by an older clientele. (538 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Church Street Diner - a tiny spot with cheap and cheerful comfort food that's best for breakfast or lunch. (555 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Churchmouse & Firkin - pub-style food with a small but popular side patio. (475 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Daybreak Diner - very popular for breakfast. (399 Church, Subway: College)
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The Drake - the hotel's restaurant has aspirations for greatness so the food is always interesting and adventurous. The crowd and atmosphere are part of the experience. Check out the excellent cafe for a quick bite or coffee. (1150 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)
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Edward Levesque's Kitchen - don't let the ordinary exterior deter you - it's probably one of Leslieville's best dining spots and is very popular for weekend brunch. (1290 Queen East, Streetcar: Queen east)
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El Sol - truly authentic, unpretentious northern Mexican food. Check out all the masks on the wall while you sip on your margarita. (1448 Danforth, Subway: Coxwell)
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Fire on the East Side - Cajun inspired food with a pleasant patio out the front. (6 Gloucester, Subway: Wellesley)
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Fran's - a Toronto institution with two locations, it's open 24 hours so great for sketchy moments after a night of clubbing. (20 College, Subway: College)
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Fresh - gourmet vegetarian using non-traditional recipes and influenced by many styles and cultures. (894 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west - and other locations)
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Fuzion - an Asian influenced restaurant with a large, comfortable patio. (580 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Hair of the Dog - straight forward pub-style food with a nice sunny patio. (425 Church, Subway: College)
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Hernando's Hideaway - a local favourite featuring California-style Mexican food. (545 Yonge, Subway: Wellesley)
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Il Fornello - the Church Street location of this pizza and pasta chain has a strong following although the other locations may have stronger kitchens. (491 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Jean's Vegetarian Kitchen - Asian influenced vegetarian that's been a long time favourite with east end dykes. (1262 Danforth, Subway: Greenwood)
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Just Thai - simple, affordable Thai food in the heart of the Church Street Village. (534 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Kokyo - by all accounts the best sushi in the neighbourhood. (501A Yonge, Subway: College)
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Mitzi's Sister - a bit out of the way, this lesbian-owned diner has a strong following among west end girls and big for weekend brunch. Check out the original Mitzi's, a tiny cafe a few blocks away (100 Sorauren) for something quieter. (1554 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)
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O'Grady's - another spot that's best known for its popular patio rather than its food. (518 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Pulp Kitchen - cheap and cheerful vegetarian fare in Leslieville. (898 Queen East, Streetcar: Queen east)
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Slack's - the only real lesbian hangout in the Church Street Village has a pretty good restaurant with a limited but smart menu. (562 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Toba - Italian influenced bistro-style food that's a particular favourite with gay boys, especially for the very busy Sunday brunch. (243 King East, Streetcar: King east)
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Veda - reasonable cafeteria-style Indian food with the perfect patio for watching Church Street. (506 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Village Rainbow - a diner that's all about its location and patio rather than food or service. (477 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Voglie - Italian cuisine with nice patios both in front and back. (582 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Zelda's - a Church Street "must do" with eclectically tacky decor and diner-style food. Often evening entertainment, shows or contests. (542 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
Where To Meet Locals
Men
There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, but there also are weekly or monthly events like Big Primpin' and Eva Christina Presents throughout the month. Check out Tallulah's Cabaret at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (Fridays and Saturdays) for a crowd that skews young and queer and out to party. And don't forget about the popular Prism parties over Pride weekend.
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Alibi - a smallish dance floor with a popular deck on the second floor. (529 Yonge, Subway: Wellesley)
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The Barn - a very popular bar and dance club that has a diverse crowd. (418 Church, Subway: College)
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The Beaver - diner by day, artsy fag hangout by night with such cool programming it’s practically a queer culture centre - particularly busy on weekends. (1192 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)
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The Black Eagle - Toronto's main leather bar with a popular second room deck and active back room. (457 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Byzantium - martinis are the name of the game at this bar popular with party boys and lipstick lesbians. (499 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Circa - a huge dance space in the straight Entertainment District is predominantly gay on Fridays. Pride Toronto’s Official Closing Night Party will be held here.(126 John, Subway: Osgoode)
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Crews - a bar with dancing, drag shows and back patio which attracts a somewhat younger, diverse crowd - gay and straight, men and women. (508 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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El Convento Rico - a bit out of the way but very popular, particular with the Latino crowd. Famous for its drag shows. (750 College, Streetcar: College)
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Fly - the city's premier dance club, open late. Very popular Grapefruit and Dance Camp nights draw particularly large crowds. Be prepared to line up. (8 Gloucester, Subway: Wellesley)
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George's Play - popular with older bingo players during the day and a sporty and latin crowd at night who come for sizzling music and the occasional drag show. (504 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Gladaman's Den - a new name for Pinocchio's and attracts much the same type of crowd. A place to go to find rent boys. (502A Yonge, Subway: Wellesley)
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Pegasus - a relaxed bar with pool tables and a great second floor view of Church Street. (489B Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Remington's - a gay strip bar (yes, they take it all off) near the Eaton Centre. (379 Yonge, Subway: College)
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Statler's - a cabaret-style piano bar that attracts an older crowd as well as lots of show people. (487 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Straight on Church - a sleek lounge bar with DJs spinning each night. (553 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Wish - although a restaurant, it's best for smart cocktails either after work or before heading elsewhere for a night out. (3 Charles East, Subway: Yonge/Bloor)
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Woodys - Toronto's biggest and most popular bar. Start your evening here or be there when it's busiest between 11pm and 1am. (465-467 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Zippers - piano bar during the week, dance bar over the weekends with Sunday being particularly popular. (72 Carlton, Subway: College)
Women
The women's social scene has an array of regular parties and events that litter the calendar each month. Bush Party at The Beaver (every Sunday night) and Synchro at Andy Poolhall (every Friday except the first Friday of the month) are just a couple of examples. Check out Tallulah's Cabaret at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (Fridays and Saturdays) for a crowd that skews young and queer and out to party.
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The Beaver - diner by day, and a hangout for gay boys and girls by night with such cool programming it’s practically a queer culture centre - particularly busy on weekends. (1192 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)
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Slack's - once they clear the restaurant tables away, the place crowds up with women out for a good time. (562 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
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Snatch @ Voglie - every Saturday night at this lesbian-owned restaurant in the Village. (582 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
Where To Get Sex
Men
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The Cellar - it's dark and it lives up to its name. Conveniently close to the heart of the Village. (75 Wellesley East, Subway: Wellesley)
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Central Spa - outside the downtown core, it's clean and attracts a "discrete" crowd including many married guys looking for fun on the side. (1610 Dundas West, Streetcar: Dundas west)
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Club Toronto - popular, with the big attraction being the outdoor pool. (231 Mutual. Subway: College)
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St Marc's - with no name on the door it's definitely a place for those in the know. (543 Yonge, top floor, Subway: Wellesley)
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Spa Excess - attracts a somewhat younger crowd and busiest on weekends. (105 Carlton, Subway: College)
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Steamworks - the biggest and flashiest, with gym facilities and events with DJs. (540 Church, Subway: Wellesley)
Women and Trans
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Pussy Palace - special events put on by the Women's Bathhouse Committee to create casual sexual spaces for women and trans folk. Check their site for upcoming events.
Pan Sexual
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Goodhandys - a sex-friendly club where queers of all types can meet and play. Has a strong following among trans folks and lesbians. (120 Church, Subway: Queen)
Other Stuff For Your "To Do" List
CN Tower
Aside from being the most noticeable feature in the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is worth a trip to the top just so you can stand on the glass floor on the observation deck and see the city below your feet.
Baseball
Even though they never seem to do well as they hope, the city fanatically supports its sports teams, many of which have special gay events. Baseball's Blue Jays are at home during Pride Week to Cincinnati and Atlanta, so stop by the Rogers Centre to catch a game.
Hanlan's Point
Located on one of the islands in Toronto Harbour, Hanlan's Point has long been a favourite sun spot for gay men and is the birthplace of Toronto's Pride celebrations. A few years ago the city acknowledged it as clothing-optional, making it one of the few official nude beaches in North America.
Four Seasons Centre
Catch a performance in the brand new, acoustically brilliant home of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. The Ballet finishes its season Pride Week. The Four Seasons is sleekly modern and the glass encased lobby connects the street and the theatre. Arrive early, get yourself a cocktail and watch the crowds arrive.
Queer Shopping
Glad Day Bookshop has the widest selection queer reading in the city while the Toronto Women's Bookstore is strongest with lesbian and feminist titles. Aside from Church Street shops like Out on the Street, there are plenty of gay and lesbian owned shops along Queen East and the Danforth.
For both off-the-rack and custom leathers, visit Northbound Leather. And with a brand spanking new location right at the corner of Church and Wellesley, Priape has a broad selection of books, magazines, DVDs, leather and toys.
Festivals
Two of North American's best summer theatre festivals are just a day trip away from Toronto. The Shaw Festival in beautiful Niagara on the Lake features plays written or taking place during the lifetime of the festival's namesake. The Stratford Shakespeare Festival takes a broad approach to the Bard including both his plays as well as other classics - ancient and modern.
