Gay Toronto Toronto City Guide

After two decades of dizzying growth, the rest of the world is finally catching on to what Torontonians have humbly and oh-so Canadianly kept to themselves for years: Toronto is one undeniably cool place. This is a destination where some 230 nationalities speak over 140 languages—earning Toronto the title for the most diverse city in the world. Toronto’s buzzing culinary scene reflects this mosaic of cultures, from the colourful spices of Little India to the hearty souvlaki of Greektown to the farm-to-table restaurants honouring Canada’s important indigenous heritage. Perhaps not unexpected for a city that celebrates diversity, Toronto is also one of the world’s friendliest LGBTQ cities—with a vibrant community to match. The Village at Church and Wellesley remains an institution, while an ever-increasing number of gay-popular hangouts are springing up in trendy Queen Street West. With this thriving culture of creativity and innovation, arts-focused independent businesses, and extensive cultural microcosms, it doesn’t take much digging to unearth why the world quite literally chooses to call Toronto home. For your definitive Toronto gay guide, you’ve come to the right place.

The best hotels in Toronto

Let’s start this gay Toronto travel guide with a roundup of the best places to stay in Toronto. Redefining the boutique hotel experience is the undeniably gorgeous Drake Hotel. A downtown mecca of art, culture and design, the Drake effortlessly exudes originality from its Queen Street West location. The bohemian design seamlessly combines historical elements with modern details; exposed brick, original granite floors, local contemporary artwork and bright lighting feature throughout. Combine this with the spectacular views from the rooftop bar and the pulsating music at the hotel’s Underground Lounge, and it’s no wonder the Drake has quickly cemented itself as a popular queer and community hangout spot.

The Broadview Hotel is a historic Toronto landmark, where luxurious rooms and common spaces tell stories from centuries past. The decor reflects a mixture of periods from the hotel’s yesteryears, including in-room vinyl record players, an old school fire escape turned lobby art, and wallpaper inspired by the vintage pattern original to the walls. Luxury linens, in-room minibars stocked with artisanal local goods, and a cosy rooftop bar complete the package.

Broadview Hotel

Once a somewhat bland Comfort Hotel, the recently relaunched Anndore House is now an ultra-sexy 11-room hotel that’s anything but cookie-cutter. The black and gold common spaces exude warmth, with unmistakable art deco influences. The stylish suites are undeniably large for downtown, with retro art that pays homage to the building’s 1950’s roots. Another sophisticated choice inspired by vintage Hollywood is The Hazleton, Toronto’s first luxury boutique hotel. Located in the heart of leafy Yorkville, this landmark building combines state-of-the-art design with distinctive art collections featuring Canadian artists. As if the seventy-seven opulent rooms and suites weren’t enough, there’s also the celebrated ONE restaurant. Spearheaded by renowned Chef Mark McEwan, the restaurant alone is worth the stay.

A long-anticipated arrival to the Toronto hotel scene is Hotel X. Far removed from the boutique camp, amenities at this urban oasis include a movie theatre, art gallery, and 80,000 square feet of athletic spaces. Exquisite Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto views (visible from nearly every room) are some of the best in the city, specifically from Hotel X’s lavish rooftop swimming pool and popular Falcon SkyBar. Afford time in your itinerary to explore the 800 photographs by world-renowned Neil Dankoff that stand on display throughout the hotel.