Gay and Lesbian Vacations: Newsletter

Let’s Talk (LT):
Alright, here’s your opportunity to introduce us to Vancouver. Let’s start with the 100 words or less version of the destination for gay and lesbian visitors.

Vancouver (V):
To begin with, Vancouver is home to the largest gay population in Western Canada. Vancouver attracts more and more discerning gay visitors each year and soared up the ranks of hot gay getaways when same-sex marriage became legal in 2003. Vancouver has something for everyone, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful snow-capped Coastal Mountain range, the city invites visitors to enjoy the outdoors and its urban beaches, chic neighbourhoods, global cuisine, boutique shopping and friendly people. Though the city has always welcomed visitors from all walks of life, it’s still a fairly well-kept secret. Combine that with the attention from hosting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the word is out…..as are many Vancouver residents!

LT:
Speaking of its residents, tell us a little about the people of Vancouver.

V:
You’ll find Vancouver’s atmosphere is laid back yet sophisticated, boasting residents that are both down-to-earth and stylish. Vancouver has more than great looks and a fabulous personality – it is also a place of substance, a culturally rich and welcoming city in which to live or visit. Vancouver celebrates its diversity and is proud of its multicultural heritage dating back to our First Nations people. As a gateway to North America from the Asia Pacific region, Vancouver has welcomed immigrants from Asia, India and just about everywhere else for over a century, lending an incredible variety of ethnic influences to the city’s tastes, styles, arts and experiences.

LT:
It sounds like Vancouver offers everything a “melting pot” type of city can offer. Can you explain the meaning of the description of Vancouver’s “First Nations” roots?

V:
The term “First Nation” is widely used by Canadians when discussing our aboriginal people. In the United States you say “Native Americans” in Canada we say “First Nations”.

From Totem Poles to China Town, galleries to museums, you don’t have to look very far to see the eclectic mix of cultures evident in Vancouver and the pride we take in them.

LT:
Ahhhh. I see. Thanks for the educational side-bar along with the tourism information. But let’s get back to why Vancouver is a great vacation destination for gay and lesbian vacationers. How about taking the lead from David Letterman and give us a top 10 list? Say, the top ten reasons to visit gay-fabulous Vancouver?

V:
Ok, easy to do. In no particular order let’s start with “Accolades”. Vancouver has been consistently ranked “Best City in the Americas” by Condé Nast Traveler and in 2006 and 2007 as the “Top Gay Travel Destination in Canada (for leisure)” by Community Marketing Inc.’s annual survey of over 7,500 gay and lesbian participants. Also, we’re frequently rated one of the world’s best cities to live in by the United Nations and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

LT:
Good point. Accolades such as those only further validate what you are saying about why Vancouver is such a great gay & lesbian vacation destination. What’s next?

V:
In today’s climate I think “Weddings” would be another on the top ten list. Gay marriage has not only been legal and recognized since 2003 in Vancouver, but it’s been embraced by locals and visitors alike. Lovebirds from around the world have been travelling to Vancouver to exchange their vows and “tie the knot”. It’s the perfect location for a wedding or even a romantic honeymoon.

LT:
Very good point. You are right, same-sex marriage is a very prevalent topic and another good reason to visit Vancouver. This is also a good opportunity to shamelessly plug this website, since we happen to have a listing of gay-friendly properties in Vancouver that also welcome same-sex marriages on-site. Next?

V:
My number three would be “Getting Here” and the fact that Vancouver’s International Airport is one of the most accessible airports in North America. Time is increasing becoming a scarce resource and the fact you can easily get to Vancouver and start enjoying your vacation sooner is a huge advantage.

There are many daily direct flights to Vancouver from around the United States including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Houston to name a few. A trip to Vancouver from Los Angeles is just under three hours, it takes just over two hours to fly from San Francisco, and less than five hours from New York (direct). Basically, it takes the same amount of time to fly to Vancouver as it would Seattle.

LT:
Touche! Sort of a “make it easy to get there and they will come” reason. What’s next?

V:
Now that you know how easy it is to get here, we naturally want our gay and lesbian vacationers to feel welcome and comfortable. This is easy to do in Vancouver partly because of our “Gay-friendly Neighbourhoods”. Vancouver is an especially welcoming place with a large, visible and vibrant gay community and unique gay neighbourhoods. There are two basic “gayborhoods” that are a must to visit; the West End and Davie Village, and the more eclectic Commercial Drive. These two areas cater to men and women and offer something to suit all tastes. Both areas are pedestrian friendly but since they are separated by about 8 miles, I’d suggest jumping in a cab or taking the Sky-Train.(Vancouver’s subway system) to visit both areas. Make sure you plan to spend at least a few days in Vancouver so you can take in all these areas have to offer from the nightlife to the excellent restaurants to just enjoying the ambiance and people watching.

LT:
That is definitely a good reason. One of the best ways to really enjoy and learn about a destination is to get out among the residents and try to see it from the inside, so to speak, rather than just the tourist aspects. So where do we go next?

V:
You’re right, nothing is better than immersing yourself into the local scene and becoming one of the locals for a few days. I think visitors will find Vancouver is an extremely friendly city and I’d say next on my list of top ten reasons to visit is the city is the fact the city is “A Great Host”. With the Olympic flag now flying high in Vancouver, the city is deep into preparations to host the world during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games ,scheduled to take place February 12-28, 2010. Additionally, Vancouver won the bid to host the 2008 World InterPride Conference (International Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Coordinators) for a three-day period in October, 2008 and the city will be hosting Community Marketing’s 9th Annual International Conference for Gay & Lesbian Tourism, October 5-8, 2008. So hosting gay and lesbian visitors, whether attending or participating in major events or for vacation is something we do a lot of and do it well.

LT:
Great reason! It’s sort of like “putting your money where your mouth is.” Not only do you promote Vancouver as gay-friendly, you show it. Now that we are half way through the top ten list, I’m anxious to see what you have for the second half. So what’s number six?

V:
Well, that fact that we are often referred to as “Hollywood North” is somewhat of unique reason to visit. Vancouver is often compared with New York and Los Angeles for film and television productions, and spotting celebrities amongst the Sunday shoppers on Robson Street is not unusual. The L Word regularly films in Vancouver, and the city has been featured on both Pink Planet and Bump! - a Canadian produced TV series about the best gay destinations around the globe. While it’s not obvious, Vancouver often plays the roll of San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago in many feature films and television series.

LT:
Now that’s an interesting one I wouldn’t have thought of. It’s a fun unexpected surprise as you never know who you may run into. I’m liking the diversity you have here with these top ten. How about lucky number seven?

V:
What better reason for gay and lesbian travellers to come to Vancouver then to share their Gay Pride? Number seven on my list is “Vancouver Pride Week”. Vancouver’s gay and lesbian events are often the centre of the city’s attention. Vancouver Pride Week (July 28 – August 3, 2008) is so popular it has become a major mainstream event, celebrated by locals and tourists, gay and straight alike and the 2008 celebration will mark the festivals the 30th Anniversary. Of course the highlight is the Pride Parade on Sunday August 3rd. The celebration includes parties, T dances and Vancouver’s largest annual parade – winding through Davie Village and celebrated on Vancouver’s beautiful beaches at English Bay. If you don’t make it this year, keep an eye out for future dates and catch us next time, typically Vancouver Pride is held over the Canadian August long weekend.

LT:
That is definitely a great time to visit Vancouver, what better way to really “Share Your Pride”?
I know that Vancouver has a very active gay community, so are there any other specific events that are in your top ten?

V:
Great question! Matter of fact my next one is just that, the “Vancouver Queer Film Festival”, August 14 – 24, 2008. The Vancouver Queer Film Festival showcases over 200 films from local and international filmmakers. It is a great chance to celebrate some of the edgiest, funniest, informative and unique cinema the world has to offer. It also gives visitors to Vancouver the opportunity to meet and talk with the local gay and lesbian community since this is a very popular event for locals and visitors alike.

LT:
You are right with that. Film festivals around the world are growing in popularity and have a great following. Film Festivals like Gay Pride Celebrations are great events to which people go and then add on a few days vacation. Now what do you have for number nine?

V:
Number nine can best be described with the phrase used a lot in selling real estate. The best selling point about a property, or in this case a destination, is “Location, Location, Location”. Not only is Vancouver situated amongst the best vistas Mother Nature has to offer, but it is a central gateway to other pre & post opportunities including: