Gay Vancouver Vancouver City Guide

When the morning mist clears, the sun hits the glass skyscrapers of the Vancouver skyline making the city shine like a kaleidoscope. The glare is softened only by the monstrosity of the North Shore Mountains dwarfing the city and lulling its active residents for morning trail runs through ancient forests. Then, the city begins to buzz as the tankers come into Canada’s biggest port and its diverse communities begin their days preparing the kitchens of Canada’s best food scene and opening the gallery doors of an effervescent art scene. As Canada’s most sought-after city, many dream of making Vancouver home and their international tourism flourishes year round. For your definitive Vancouver gay guide, you’ve come to the right place.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Vancouver’s hospitality scene masterfully balances heritage charm with contemporary sophistication, offering discerning gay travellers a selection of exceptional properties that each tell their own compelling story. The Fairmont Pacific Rim stands as a beacon of modern luxury on the harbour front, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and gleaming waters. This architectural marvel houses some of the city’s most coveted accommodations, including the Chairman’s Suite Collection, where haute fashion meets residential comfort. The property’s Willow Stream Spa provides an indulgent sanctuary, whilst the RawBar at The Lobby Lounge has earned quite the reputation for its sustainable sushi and artisanal cocktails. For those seeking the pinnacle of personalisation, the Fairmont Gold experience delivers a boutique hotel within a hotel, complete with a private lounge offering panoramic harbour views.

Just steps from the vibrant shopping district, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia presents an entirely different proposition. This restored 1927 property artfully melds its Art Deco heritage with contemporary refinements, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The hotel’s 156 rooms and suites showcase sophisticated residential styling, with spa-like marble bathrooms and thoughtful touches like Rivolta Carmignani linens. The fourth-floor outdoor reflective pool and garden terrace provide an urban oasis, whilst the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant serves imaginative Canadian cuisine in a setting that would make Gatsby proud. The hidden gem here is Prohibition, an underground bar that channels the building’s roaring twenties heritage with expertly crafted cocktails and sultry jazz.

For those who prefer intimate luxury, the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa offers a distinctly European experience in the heart of downtown. This family-owned Relais & Châteaux property exudes old-world charm with its collection of antiques and fine art adorning the halls. The 83 rooms and suites feature private balconies, perfect for taking in city views with your morning espresso. The hotel’s Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge, with its crackling fireplace and live piano music, has long been a favourite among Vancouver’s sophisticates. The jewel in the crown is their newly enhanced spa, offering treatments that incorporate botanical elements from the Pacific Northwest. What sets the Wedgewood apart is its intimate scale and highly personalised service – the kind where staff remember your preferred cocktail and dining preferences from your previous stay.