Vancouver for Gay Girls: Travel

Recognized by Community Marketing, Inc. in 2008 for being the top international travel destination among lesbians, Vancouver boasts one of the most welcoming and accepting communities in the Americas. World-class dining, entertainment and quality service unfold upon your arrival to the sassy city by the Pacific.

The following information and reviews may be used as a guide when you embark on the fabulous journey of visiting one of the most beautiful cities on the entire west coast. Keep in mind that the next Vancouver Pride Weekend is scheduled for July 30-31, 2011, but do not let this deter you from visiting at any other point in time between now and then. With gay marriage being legal since 2003, there is never an inopportune time to visit and partake in everything the city has to offer to its LGBT brothers and sisters.

Gay-Friendly Neighborhoods in Vancouver

The West End is a cute little jewel in the heart of Vancouver. Marvel at the floral arrangements elegantly presented along the edges of the Edwardian-style homes between Davie and Denman streets as you mosey on over to your favorite brunch spot for mimosas and great company. Pay special attention to rainbow-decorated Davie Street and take a moment to stop and visit the fabulous Little Sister’s Art & Book Emporium store for anything and everything LGBT-related you may desire during your stay. During Pride, Davie Street is the place to be with dance parties, scantily-clad women and an atmosphere that will stick to your ribs (and your heart) forever. The English Bay and Pacific Ocean are a hop, skip and jump away in the distance and make for an incredibly serene and enticing backdrop.

Photo credit: Stephanie Brusig

Granville Island is home to the Granville Island Public Market – a favorite lesbian hotspot. This indoor and outdoor fresh-as-the-fields marketplace can be equated to Vancouver’s version of Seattle’s Pike Place Market – with a tad bit more flair and room to breathe. Delectable morsels are on display for the tasting and there is no shortage of crisp fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats and alternatives for every discerning palate. Purchase a picnic lunch, sit on the deck and make a day of people-watching and counting colorful water taxis as they glide along the translucent water.

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Commercial Drive is one of the most flavorful parts of the city and should not be missed. Portuguese and Italian immigrants once settled in this adorable community and cooked up feasts with recipes that are still being utilized (in one form or another) to locals, visitors and passerby. Whether you feel the need to sit in the sun with a slice of pizza or take a walk along the East side of Vancouver with a fresh cappuccino in hand, Commercial Drive has a little bit of everything to suit your needs. Lesbians and friends – you must check out the Sapphic-infused Womyns’Ware sex toy shop for a truly unforgettable experience. You will immediately notice upon entry the female condoms on display and vibrator re-charging stations available for customer use. If you simply cannot wait for your trip, feel free to download their Womyns'Ware Sex Toy Guide, Current Edition.

Photo credit: Stephanie Brusig

The Greenest Hotel in the City

Coast Coal Harbour Hotel on West Hastings Street does not fool around when it comes to going green. The brand-spanking-new 20-story hotel officially opened its doors to guests in February 2010 and used all of the most current technology and resources available to become an impressive zero-waste facility. There is even a compost container in every room! A master switch must be turned on before any of the lights will activate, but it’s a quick fix and worth the tiny effort. The views in the bright, spacious rooms are outstanding and the service is unmatched.  Complimentary WiFi is available and, when you feel like stretching your legs and leaving your room, there is a gym, pool and hot tub to check out on the fifth floor. If you’re interested in grabbing a bite to eat, there is a restaurant called Preston’s on the bottom floor of the hotel, but be prepared to wait as the service leaves a bit to be desired. If you have the time to hang out, there are fabulously sculpted tables made out of knotted wood not to be missed.

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World-Class Restaurants

Salt Tasting Room is the place to see and be seen while visiting Vancouver’s historically-popular Gastown District. Tucked into the cobblestone-framed Blood Alley, Salt Tasting Room offers an incomparable rotating weekly wine selection with pairings prepared by knowledgeable staff truly interested in expanding your tasting experience. If sherry is more your forte, there are 17 unique varieties to choose from upon entry. Long tables offer an invitation to share with new and old friends. 

Boneta, also located in the Gastown District on West Cordova Street, boasts 20-foot mirrored ceilings and a full menu on the wall over the open concept kitchen. The staff is courteous and professional and the small plates are delectable and filled with local ingredients. Premium custom cocktails and an array of bourbon are not to be overlooked. Every sinful bite is heaven at this exclusive hideaway. It’s no wonder this famed restaurant was the 2008 winner of Vancouver Magazine’s “Informal Restaurant of the Year” award. We recommend making reservations as Boneta tends to fill up quickly in the evening. Order the ice wine!

Hidden Tasting Bar and Social Lounge is the Westin Grand Hotel’s special rainbow-colored jewel in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Openly gay-hotel manager Erik Eikeland does not skimp on high quality service and care at this swanky-adorable restaurant nestled on the second floor. Breakfast is unmatched in flavor and presentation. Local ingredients abound.

Sister Restaurants “C” and “NU” are seductively situated across from each other on False Creek with a gorgeous view of Granville Island in the near distance.  Renowned for their flavorful and sustainable selection of seafood, wine and artistic presentations, both waterfront restaurants stand out like a sore thumb – in a fantastic way.  “C” is commonly referred to as the upscale and fancy sister while “NU” is considered the younger and hipper sister. Executive Chef Robert Clark is the founding partner of Ocean Wise and partners with local fishermen to eliminate the middle man and present only the best local seafood available. Chef de Cuisine Quang Dang purposefully creates an envious menu filled with fanciful blends of the most awe-inspiring foods you may ever taste in your lifetime. No exaggeration.

Photo credit: Stephanie Brusig

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Get Out into Nature

Wreck Beach is Vancouver’s exclusive clothing-optional gay beach and it is definitely worth visiting – even for a few minutes. There are hundreds of steps to hike as you make your way down to the beach and back up to the main road so be prepared for a sweat. Consisting of mainly gay males, Wreck Beach may either be the perfect spot for you or the most uncomfortable, but, either way, it will be truly unforgettable. Watch out for the geoduck (gooey duck) clams shooting water up at you from below the sand!

Photo credit: Stephanie Brusig

Photo credit: Stephanie Brusig

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Stanley Park is comprised of roughly 1,000 acres centrally located less than one mile away from downtown Vancouver. Cedar, hemlock and fir trees envelope your heart and soul as you walk along the trails and paths all the while getting lost in the nature of things and loving every spare moment. Driving, walking, skating, rollerblading and biking are all methods of transportation in Stanley Park and are encouraged. Totem poles, wondrous gardens and artistic sculptures and murals can be enjoyed throughout the park. Entrance is free.

Photo credit: Stephanie Brusig

Regardless of what you choose to accomplish while in Vancouver, there is something for every taste and lifestyle. Book your trip today – you will not be sorry!

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