Ontario is a province that’s just as far south as Northern California, and just as far north as Sweden. It’s where there are 500,000 lakes and rivers, and one in every six square miles is a protected wilderness park. It’s also home to Ottawa and Toronto, Canada’s capital and largest city respectively. The truth is that Ontario defies being boxed in, which makes it especially popular.
Nestled at the junction of three scenic rivers, there’s always something happening in Toronto. In addition to its clubs, festivals and impressive theater district, the city has become a major attraction for filmmaking, and therefore celebrities. The United Nations declared Toronto the world’s most multicultural city with its residents speaking over 100 languages, which translates to over 7,000 restaurants that reflect many ethnic tastes. Be sure to take a ride to the top of the CN Tower, Canada’s tallest building where you can see out for 60 miles and straight down through its glass floor.
In Ottawa, French, English and aboriginal charm come together to create something truly Canadian. This is the home of Canadian government, and the pomp of the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill rivals that of Buckingham Palace. The influence of the Algonquin people is evident throughout Ottawa and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The Rideau Canal area is one of beautiful lakes and rivers, turning into Canada’s largest ice skating rink every winter, while the Byward and Sparks Street Markets are trendy spots to find good food, bars and shopping.
Big city life is all well and good, but where’s the love? In Niagara Falls, of course. When couples take a boat ride to see the famous Horseshoe Falls up close, their hearts just seem to melt. In this area along the U.S. border, folks spend their days exploring groomed parkland and recreational trails. This is also a premier wine-growing region where the famous Wine Route presents the chance to sip fine wines at 30 wineries.
Toronto’s sophistication makes it the perfect home for North America’s third-largest gay population and the second-largest LGBT Pride Parade, not to mention all the cultural trappings one would expect from a world-class city. The Gay Village can be found at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Street, and delivers the LGBT experience with a host of dance parties, trendy bars and unique boutiques. At Toronto’s West End, the separate Queer West Village is another large gathering of gay and lesbian life.
In Canada's gay friendly national capital, Ottawa, discover culture attractions, natural wonders and nightlife that suit your tastes. In the trendy Glebe neighborhood, you’ll find everything from upscale boutiques to gorgeous antiques and specialty shops. In the bustling Byward Market Square, you'll find plenty of gay friendly bars and clubs. Don’t forget to attend the LGBT Capital Pride week each August, and take in the colors at the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Gay businesses are easy to find in the area around majestic Niagara Falls, not to mention fine wineries, gourmet restaurants and the charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake. |
