Gay Toronto Toronto City Guide

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Casey Siemasko

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

Toronto’s hotel scene rewards the discerning traveller handsomely. In the leafy enclave of Yorkville – the city’s most polished neighbourhood, steps from Chanel, Hermès, and the Royal Ontario Museum – The Hazelton stands as Canada’s only Forbes Five-Star independent boutique hotel. Designed by the celebrated firm Yabu Pushelberg, its 62 rooms and 15 suites pair granite, polished timber, and silver velvet with walk-out Juliet balconies and custom furnishings that feel simultaneously theatrical and serene. ONE Restaurant draws a sophisticated local crowd, the Spa by Valmont houses a heated saltwater pool and eucalyptus steam rooms, and the private Norman Jewison Cinema seats 25 for discreet screenings. Refined, intimate, and dripping in old-money charm.

For the traveller whose conscience matches his taste, 1 Hotel Toronto in King West makes a persuasive case for sustainable luxury. The 112 rooms are dressed in reclaimed materials and organic linens, while over 3,000 plants blur the line between indoors and out. Farm-to-table 1 Kitchen, the Mexican-Mediterranean Casa Madera, and the lobby’s Flora Lounge all warrant a visit – but the crowning glory is Harriet’s Rooftop, a terrace bar with a pool and panoramic skyline views that draws the city’s creative set with reliable magnetism.

Those who prefer personality with their thread count will feel at home at The Anndore House, a 113-room boutique property ideally placed between Yorkville and the Church-Wellesley Village – a particularly astute choice for LGBTQ+ travellers. The 1950s building has been reimagined with Art Deco flourishes; black-and-gold communal spaces and generously sized suites furnished with leather club chairs, SMEG kettles, and vinyl record players give it genuine character. The wood-fired Mediterranean cooking at Constantine is an added draw, as is the ground-floor Hot Black Coffee counter for a well-made morning espresso.