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Guide to the Best of Gay Vancouver

Gay and lesbian travellers have long known Vancouver as a prime destination for gay-friendly fun and excitement. The largest gay population in Western Canada lives in this ocean-wrapped and snow-capped city. Vancouver's gay community is centred around two distinctly different neighbourhoods: the West End and Commercial Drive.

West End

A high-density residential neighbourhood in the heart of downtown, the West End is an engaging mix of retirees, immigrants, urban youth and gay residents. The epicentre of the scene is the stretch of Davie Street between Burrard and Jervis, known as Davie Village with its cluster of cafes, casual eateries, pubs, nightclubs and shops offering designer clothing and sleek home wares. The beautiful beaches of English Bay are also popular attractions in this area.

Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive, known locally as "The Drive", is a popular neighbourhood for Vancouver's thriving lesbian community. This funky, East side neighbourhood is packed with reasonably priced ethnic restaurants, cafes, shops and services. The Drive can be easily accessed by car and transit.

Nightlife

Vancouver is also home to a variety of gay and gay-friendly bars, pubs, cabarets and nightclubs. Whether you're looking for a candlelight dinner or a night on the town, Vancouver will satisfy all your cravings.

Best Bars

Hotel Dufferin

Hotel Dufferin has three gay bars offering karaoke, go-go boys, and drag shows.

Lick

Lick is an exclusively-lesbian bar on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Pumpjack

The leather crowd hangs out at The Pumpjack.

For a comprehensive list of nightlife establishments, visit Gayvan.com or GayVancouver.Net.

Wreck Beach - Clothing Optional

Located just west of the main UBC (University of British Columbia) Campus is a beautiful, clothing optional beach that includes a gay section on the main beach and hiking trails which lead to smaller, secluded patches of beachfront should you wish to move away from the main beach area. It’s located about 45 minutes from downtown. Just walk through the main campus for three or four blocks where you will come to the end of the road and it will be obvious where the trail down to the beach begins. Take the track down the steeply inclined path leading down to the beach and remember that you also have to walk back up upon return.