As a seasoned traveler and a gay woman who stands at just 5’2″, believe me when I say it’s not often I feel safe traveling alone. But walking the streets of Toronto, I could finally let my guard down. The city is extremely walkable, vibrant, and best of all, very gay.
Quaint neighborhoods and family-oriented parks surround the city center. The kind people and well-lit streets made me feel even more at ease. Being from New York, I’m used to seeing plenty of interesting sights on buses and trains, but Canada’s public transportation was fast, affordable, reliable, and clean. My inner New Yorker could hardly believe it.
And if there’s one lesson I learned quickly, it’s never, ever joke about the Blue Jays—Torontonians take their baseball very seriously.
Below are my top picks and must-see destinations in Toronto for queer travelers.
Food
The first thing I noticed about Toronto is the diversity of its palate. From a Palestinian–Italian blend (Levante Pizza) to a modern London–Indian fusion (Punch), the city has something for everyone. My personal favorites and must-see places are The Old York Tavern and Waterworks Food Hall.
Waterworks Food Hall is an upscale dining hall experience with over 15 culinary artisans serving a variety of specialty dishes, from Japanese ramen to Pakistani stuffed naans to flame-seared sushi, burgers, tacos, deli items, BBQ, and more. Each vendor is hand-selected to offer a unique taste of their heritage alongside local specialties.
To be clear, I’m a sushi fanatic. I’ve tried sushi from all over the world, and Aburi Sushi at Waterworks Food Hall topped the list. I ordered the Japanese Uni Temaki, the Salmon Oshi Aburi Temaki, the Yellowtail Oshi Temaki, and the house pickles, also known as Tsukemono. The fish was fresh and flame-grilled right in front of me, then plated with the utmost care and precision. I left with a delicious, luxurious experience that didn’t break the bank.
The Old York Tavern is a queer-owned restaurant filled with love. The staff—friendly, approachable, and genuinely sweet—made the experience an absolute delight. With dim, inviting lighting and contemporary, thoughtfully crafted plates, the cozy ambiance instantly made me feel at home. And the surprise dishes sent by the chef kept coming—I felt like a kid in a candy store! Speaking on her vision for The Old York Tavern, its founder Katie Bradley says, “The Old York Tavern is a queer-owned space—unfussy, warm, and genuinely welcoming. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels a sense of belonging from the moment they walk in.”
Drag Brunch and a Walk Down the Gorgeous Art Scene of Queen Street West
One of Toronto’s top art scenes is Queen Street West. Walking down the street to catch my 1 p.m. drag brunch showing, I passed an array of galleries and contemporary art displays. The street is packed with quirky boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and live music venues—it’s the perfect place to soak in the city’s creative vibe.
But my personal favorite was a spicy store called Hopeless Romantic. The romantic bookstore was my dream—pink and incredibly queer-friendly. I asked the friendly butch lesbian running the cash register for recommendations, and she directed me to a massive shelf filled with lesbian novels ranging from tame to spicy to extra spicy (hubba hubba.) Turns out Hopeless Romantic was right—I’m officially hopelessly romantic, and out $70.
I continued on my way to the Drake Hotel for their iconic weekly Saturday drag brunch filled with mimosas, tacos, and of course, lots of Lady Gaga. The brunch was a peak birthday spot, with all the birthday girls being called to the stage for celebratory shots. Overall, the queens fully understood the assignment — everyone was laughing, singing along, and dancing in their seats. It wasn’t just a meal, but rather a full-on queer Toronto experience.
If you’re looking to take some art home, SJ Tattoo Studio is the place for you. Just a few blocks down from the Drake Hotel, the sleek, minimalistic studio provides custom designs of any style for all travelers. I love being able to bring home a souvenir, and what could be better than a beautiful piece of body art? At SJ Tattoo Studio, I met Carly Poremba, aka @Zadza.ink.
Since my name is also Carli, it felt like a sign! She was the sweetest, most talented artist, providing me with a gorgeous candelabra tattoo to take back home to New York. Speaking of her experience as a tattoo artist in Canada, Carly says, “SJ is a creative space, and working alongside artists who are always evolving motivates me daily. We learn and grow together.”
Church-Wellesley Village
It would be a sin to visit Toronto as a gay traveler and not step foot on the iconic intersection of Church and Wellesley. Walking down the street, I was surrounded by rainbows and LGBTQ signage, instantly making me feel safe and welcome.
Also known as The Village, Church and Wellesley has a rich history tied to LGBTQ rights. Beginning in the 1960s—when being gay could mean the end of your career or livelihood—this area and the nearby Yonge–Wellesley strip were home to underground bars and bathhouses that gave gay men spaces to exist openly, even if discreetly.
In 1969, under then–Justice Minister Pierre Trudeau, Canada decriminalized same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults. By the mid-1970s, more openly queer businesses and clubs began appearing along Church Street. Today, many Canadians gather here each June to celebrate Pride Toronto.
While exploring the neighborhood, I stopped into classic Toronto bars like Woody’s and Crews & Tangos, then finished the night at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre for an LGBTQ nightlife event. Beyond nightlife, Buddies is the largest and longest-running queer theater in the world, developing and presenting voices that challenge sexual and cultural norms.
Walking into the venue, I instantly felt pride fill the room as stunning androgynous performers danced across the stage in unforgettable costumes. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a must-see, showcasing drag, drama, performance art, and more.
Non-Queer (But Still Queer-Friendly) Experiences Around Town
While I’d happily spend all day immersed in queer spaces, Toronto also offers incredible experiences that are welcoming to everyone.
Othership was a sauna experience unlike anything I’ve ever tried. This modern bathhouse offers guided sauna and ice bath sessions. After changing into my bathing suit, we started in the hot sauna with breathwork, deep stretching, and aromatherapy for 20 minutes. Then came the tough part—the dreaded ice bath.
When I say I have never been so jolted awake in my life, I mean it. The 30-second to 3-minute plunge claims to boost metabolism, aid muscle recovery, and increase mental clarity—but it is not for the weak. If you’re up for the icy challenge, Othership is for you.
As an animal lover, I also had to stop by Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and it did not disappoint. The aquarium features a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel where sharks, fish, and stingrays swim overhead. But the real stars for me were the ridiculously cute axolotls. Ripley’s also hosts jazz nights, daily dive shows, and other special events.
Finally, if you love museums and live music, ROM After Dark is the best of both worlds. This 19+ after-hours event series takes place at the Royal Ontario Museum. I grabbed a glass of wine—because solo traveler in Toronto, eh?—and wandered through exhibits while local performers filled the halls with music. If there’s a better way to end a magical night in the city, I’ve yet to find it.
