Gay Vancouver
Vancouver's vibrant and active gay community is centered around the city's trendy West End, especially along Davie Street. Comprised of fashionable clothing stores, eclectic dining and energetic clubs, Davie Village has become a hub for locals and visitors seeking a community of like-minded individuals. Every August, the area comes alive with Pride Week. Highlighted by a colourful and electric parade, the festival draws over 100,000 spectators and shines the spotlight on Vancouver's proud gay community.
Vancouver Pride Week
Pride Week is the chance for Vancouver's proud gay community to stand up and be noticed. The Terminal City's well-organized festival is one of the largest and most anticipated gay and lesbian festivals in the world. With a myriad of events, from boat cruises to all-night dance parties - even a gala ball, there is never a shortage of things to do.
The Vancouver Gay Pride Society kicks off the Pride Season by celebrating East Side Pride in the Heart of Commercial Drive. The
This Festival will feature something from the very young to the young at heart and everybody in between, including the Dog.
East Side Pride Festival will feature live entertainment on our festival stage, great food, and variety of vendors from all over.
The highlight of the Gay Pride week is the Vancouver Pride Parade. This year, it will take place on Aug 5, 2007, 12:00pm to 2:00pm. The colourful progression makes its way along the picturesque route from Denman to Pacific and along the waterfront street to Sunset Park. Over 150,000 spectators watched last year as fantastic floats, bands and a multitude of gay and lesbian groups paraded by.
Vancouver boasts the largest gay population in Western Canada. The following hotels are Gay-Friendly and all TAG Approved ® Accommodations. TAG (Travel Alternatives Group) is an initiative of Community Marketing in San Francisco, approving hotels based on recognized Gay-Friendly standards and criteria.
Local Newspapers & Guides
Xtra West- West Coast edition of popular free weekly with articles on gay culture and highlights of events that would interest the gay and lesbian community. Free copies are available all over town in newspaper boxes and in select bookstores.
Davie Village
The West End of Vancouver is one of the most densely populated areas in North America. Stylish high-rise condos housing young professionals spring up between lush greenspaces and beachfront parks. In the heart of the West End lies Davie Village. The centre of Gay culture in Vancouver, Davie Village is home to countless fashionable stores, cool pubs, fantastic restaurants, and a great mix of nightclubs. A laid back, gay-friendly attitude makes this strip great for shopping, dining or for hanging out and people watching.
Night Life
With an eclectic selection of places to go, gay nightlife in Vancouver is something to talk about. Make your way along Davie Street and into Numbers (1042 Davie St,), Vancouver's cruisy dance bar or try The Pump Jack Pub (1167 Davie St.) for a few drinks and friendly atmosphere. Dance the night away at the Odyssey Night Club (1251 Howe St.) a hip bar that attracts a young crowd with its energetic DJ's.
Gay Marriages in Vancouver
Vancouver is becoming a premier destination for gay couples wishing to tie the knot thanks to a progressive decision made by the provincial government on July 8, 2003. Lawmakers enacted legislation allowing same sex couples to become legally married. Gay or lesbian couples don't have to be residents of the province. The law only requires both parties to be over 19 years of age and single. A marriage license (purchased at insurance offices and from notary publics) and a civil service performed by appointed Marriage Commissioners are all that is required to become legally married in the province. Click here for more details on gay marriages in Vancouver.