Toronto, Ontario, is gearing up for World Pride from June 20 to 29 in 2014. To get things cooking, I took a trip there for this past Pride to taste a sampling of what the area has to offer.
The good news is our sister city has a events and places that rival our celebrations that week. Only a little more than an hour away from the Windy City, with the time change and quick comfortable flight on United Airlines things fly by.
Stopping briefly to check out the capital city of Ottawa, I stayed at Arc The Hotel in the middle of downtown. This luxury boutique hotel greets guests with a champagne toast and I nice view of the city. It was a short walk to Parliament Hill from there where in 1971 the first ever gay and lesbian demonstration in Canada took place. Preparing for Canada Day had workers constructing a large stage for music acts. This didn't hamper the changing of the guard next to it that left tourists snapping photos at every march.
The ByWard Market is one of the oldest and largest farmer's markets in Canada. Booths are color-coded to help shoppers make uniformed decisions based on whether the products are shipped in or locally produced.
Make sure to stop by several establishments for a beaver tail—a pastry topped in cinnamon sugar and freshly squeezed lemon, only available in this region.
The National Gallery of Canada was massive currently showing indigenous art along with a regular collection.
Ottawa is a very welcoming place for LGBT tourists and it is the site of the first ever public gay and lesbian demonstration in 1971. This area celebrates Pride each August.
As far as nightlife goes, the gay bars are spread out in Ottawa. Lookout Bar is just that with a patio view with ladies night on Friday. Centretown Pub has the older market cornered with a leather man type of scene.
One of the best ways to travel, Porter Airlines transported our group to Toronto after a relaxing visit to their lounge. The flight attendants not only know how to dress but they are fast and efficient with all of their service on the short flight.
After staying at the Intercontinental in Germany recently, it is quickly becoming a favorite place to stay when away from home. Rainbow cake pops awaited me when I entered the spacious comfortable room. The hot tub, sp, and fountain flowing in the lap pool was a nice retreat and the gym was top notch including an above average selection of weight lifting machines and exercise equipment.
Rise and shine in the morning for a chef-made omelette, Canadian bacon, and fresh fruit.
Niagara Falls is only about a 90-minute day trip from downtown Toronto. Close to six million people visit Table Rock every year to travel down the tunnels behind the falls. The Maid of the Mist takes visitors on a boat ride right to the bottom of the waterfalls where tourists don provided blue ponchos to keep from being drenched with a fish eye's view.
After a harrowing wet journey it was time to relax and visit one of the 60 nearby wineries. Trius Winery at Hillebrand not only provided a delicious wine paired lunch but guests were taken on a tour to see vines, barrels, and the huge wine cellar itself. The cool climate of this region makes the wide variety of grapes grow best for the ultimate fresh taste. If a traveler feels adventurous then helicopter aerial tours are an option as well to view the countryside.
After arriving back in Toronto there is so much to keep busy in downtown Toronto. In the summertime catch a view at the CN Tower where daredevils can walk around the circumference outside on the roof 356 meters in the air.
If your stomach is not turned upside down head over to Milestones Bar and Grill. The crispy Asian chicken bites, the calamari strips, and Phyllo shrimp are without a doubt delicious. The slow roasted AAA prime rib is limited in quantity and medium rare offerings so arrive early. My fellow diners were a little underwhelmed with the salads but the steak did not disappoint.
Liquor is pricey in Toronto and only certain stores are allowed to carry libations at certain times.
A trip to the gay village begins at the Alexander Wood statue at Church and Wellesley. In 1810 there was a sex scandal involving Wood that created the nickname Molly Wood making "Molly" a derogatory name referring to gay men. Now the memorial celebrates his life and is the center for LGBT nightlife.
The gay culture and scene accounts for more than 650,000 people in Toronto. Getting married is not a problem with no residency requirements for same sex couples. Their early stance with civil rights have made Ontario a safe place to work and play to this day.
Bars such as Woody's with multiple entertainment rooms and Bars & Tango have a lively drag show to bring in crowds. There is something for everyone with Flash On Church for strippers and Black Eagle for the leather lovers.
Smith Restaurant at 553 Church Street not only has a good brunch and dinner crowd but turns into an active cocktail bar late night. Not sure what to tip? In Canada it was common in many establishments to present a portable credit card machine with tipping percentages built in.
Sassafraz is one of the best lunch spaces for a relaxing environment complete with waterfall and sweet watermelon mojitos. It is located in the heart of Yorkville, a massive shopping district with major high end clothing.
The West Village area is another option that provides an alternative to the bustling neighborhood with more of an artist scene to experience. Supermarket is a fusion restaurant to sample in this area then shake a tail feather at Comfort Zone. Nearby is the Gladstone Hotel where art and lodging is combined in a unique way.
In addition to the major Pride parade there are individual parades such as the trans Pride rally and the dyke march throughout the same weekend.
After the parade the gaybourhood comes alive with booths of food, live music, and retail.
Concerts of singing groups like En Vogue kept the crowds entertained at the Wellesley stage.
Conflicting with Chicago's Pride forces attendees to make a decision. Where do you want to spend your day of celebrating the LGBT community? With a quick clean up, a smart festival directly after the parade to keep revelers busy, and large circuit dance parties, Toronto has the job down with years of practice. .
Toronto won the bid over Sweden to host World Pride in 2014. If this year was just a taste then I am ready for a full bite next summer!
To learn more visit www.seetorontonow.com .
