A global draw!
By
Matt Mathrani
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Click on the link for a handy PDF version of our September 2008 Toronto travel feature!
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Toronto
This friendly urban playground attracts gay visitors from around the globe
Gay folks enjoy more than just a stripe in the swirling tapestry that is Toronto. The Greater Toronto Area bustles with over 5.5 million, and almost half the city's populace was born outside of the country. Toronto is Canada's multicultural behemoth -- and one of the most visited cities in the world. Its gay scene is a global draw.
Toronto is suffused with gayness, but the solar plexus is in the "Gay Village" -- the blocks around the intersection of Church and Wellesley streets. Sophisticated bars, cafes, and restaurants support an exciting street scene, with compelling guys and girls strolling up and down Church Street. Take advantage of the bars' window seats or pick a table at one of the many patios and watch the parade.
Bars and clubs
There's no better place to watch than
Woody's
(467 Church), or the front terrace at brother bar
Sailor
(465 Church). Everyone goes because everyone else at least passes by! There's plenty of pageantry inside, too. Thursdays feature a Best Chest contest, Fridays are Best Ass, and Saturdays are Best Legs. If that's not enough distraction, there's a pool table. Five bars fill this complex.
Leathermen predominate the hugely popular
Black Eagle
(457 Church), famous for its randy vibes and active calendar. It's situated on two floors, and there's a huge rooftop terrace where they do a Sunday evening barbecue -- be prepared to line up for this well-attended event.
Churchmouse & Firkin Pub
(475 Church) offers an English pub ambiance, classic pub food, and zillions of beers, all in the center of the gayborhood.
A packed patio all summer long at
O'Grady's Tap and Grill
(518 Church) attests to its popularity. Come in anytime for food or drink. Fridays at O'Grady's are Bear Night and are awash with big boys and those into them.
Play On Church
(504 Church) offers something for everyone, including a well-attended daily bingo competition 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday to Friday, and Saturday at 3 p.m. This is a mainly cabaret and dance bar, with a Latin flair. They do classic drag Thursday through Sunday evenings.
Crews
(508 Church) has a deck overlooking Church Street, offering more people watching. The bar also boasts shows daily, with a slant toward drag queens and kings, along with dancing, karaoke, and two sunny patios.
Zipperz
(72 Carlton Street) is always a blast, and when the weather turns hot, the bar's secluded back patio draws a crowd eager to party. There's a day bar and piano lounge featuring various entertainers, including Toronto legend Greg Beer. Also here is
Cellblock,
a dance bar, with the weekly Retro Sundays after 10 p.m.
Barn
(418 Church), a Toronto legend, recently reopened. There's pool, cruising, and dance Wednesday through Sunday. A dark room completes the release.
Pegasus On Church
(489 Church), "the Cheers of Church Street," is quite the upstairs neighborhood bar, a good spot for watching the street action from on high.
Byzantium
(499 Church) draws an upscale clientele of all ages. On Friday and Saturday, this restaurant cum martini bar (and it boasts one of the longest bars in the city!) turns into a funky lounge with top DJs spinning from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m. (See more under "Dining.")
Straight
(553 Church) is a decidedly queer dance venue, lounge, and boutique nightclub. Catering to sophisticated men and women, it combines rustic, historic detailing with a sleek modern decor.
Church Street Bar
(501 Church) is a bar, restaurant, lounge, and club featuring industry and international DJs seven nights a week.
One major block west of Church is Toronto's main thoroughfare: Yonge Street. The gay bars here include
Gladaman's Den
(502a), a comfortable place to meet friends for a drink, enjoy a fully-licensed garden patio and a country pub environment any day of the week. Evenings, Kendall tickles the keyboard, and at night Gladaman's becomes gay Toronto's live entertainment destination. They showcase musicians, singers, and Toronto's sassiest drag personalities, with a variety of genres from blues and jazz to rock and country. On weekends expect cheap drinks, charity barbecue parties, and marquee concert events.
During the day, the main bar at nearby
Alibi Toronto
(529 Yonge) attracts friendly locals. Then in the evening, the complex transform into something decidedly dark and interesting. There are two floors, three bars, a pool table, a rooftop patio, and a cruise maze. Their infamous Underwear Party every Sunday is packed.
With its comely and manly dancers,
Remingtons
(377 Yonge) brings a bit of Montreal to Toronto. Strippers rule here.
Among the city's premier dance clubs,
Fly
(8 Gloucester Street) hosts some of the world's hottest and most talented DJs and performance artists. They're open every Friday and Saturday.
Heading West, at
El Convento Rico
(750 College Street) trannies and straight and gay boys and girls let down their hair.
Goodhandy's
(120 Church) is a unique pansexual club that covers as much of the queer spectrum as possible. There are regular nights for gay and trans guys, t-girls and admirers, the fetish community of all stripes, and queer women. Pick the night that lights your fire, and you'll be amazed at the sexual openness. This intriguing space hosts many special events -- some geared toward charity, others veering in the direction of the swinger community, bisexuals, and sex-workers' rights groups.
Dining
Byzantium
(499 Church) is a gothic-chic martini lounge and restaurant. There's a full glass front that opens to create an open-air covered patio in summer, along with a designer-style private patio in the rear. Chef Jerome Rivest gets rave reviews for delights such as pan-roasted ostrich or the juniper-scented rack of lamb.
Statlers Lounge
(487 Church) is a piano bar and restaurant with the
Polar Ice
lounge perched right above it. Cabaret Mondays bring in a lot of traffic but there's live entertainment seven nights a week. A DJ on weekends steps up the beat. The staff is polite and approachable.
Fuzion
(580 Church), voted one of Toronto's top four restaurants, reflects the flair of chef Sam Girgis. In summer, their courtyard affords dining under a canopy of luscious green. Scenesters, fashionistas, and celebrities vie to be viewed here. Celebrity DJs spin to keep spirits upbeat.
Voglie
(582 Church) is an art-deco lounge in a Victorian mansion. Two seasonable patios (in front and rear) offer views for days! The main floor seats up to 50 people; the rear dining is for intimate setting for groups of up to 20. Sip martinis and ogle, or opt for private dining al fresco.
Zelda's
(542 Church) could be a definition for "fabulous off-kilter." You may have to wait for a table on the ever-popular patio because everyone has a hankering to be seen at Zelda's.
Churchmouse & Firkin Pub
(475 Church) offers daily specials in a pub-style atmosphere. Try their chili, fish and chips, or a savory pie -- all made fresh daily. There are two floors as well as a patio open during good weather. Third Sundays brings Leather Brunch.
Il Fornello
(491 Church) is part of a Toronto chain, but this location has that special Village feel. Famous for their wood-oven pizzas, they also feature Martini Mondays with $6 drinks all the nightlong.
O'Grady's Tap and Grill
(518 Church) offers breakfast, lunch, dinner with what owner Jimmy describes as a homemade "pub grub" flair.
Hair of the Dog
(425 Church) is an upscale neighborhood pub and restaurant with a gorgeous patio. Though often the trysting place before a night out on the town, they are also open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their unconventional menu ranges from macaroni and cheese to jambalaya and Thai steak salad.
Village Rainbow
(477 Church) offers a people-watching patio in a truly laid back environment. Their early bird breakfast specials are popular.
Other nearby eateries include
Sambucas On Church
(489 Church);
Cafe California
(538 Church); and
Veda
(506 Church), a healthy Indian takeout and eatery. For fresh fruit and veggies,
Pusateri's Market
(497 Church) is your best bet. You'll find the
Garage Sandwich Co.
counter at the back, where they offer fresh, build-your-own sandwiches. For healthy refreshment, a visit to
Juice Box
(491 Church) is what the doctor ordered. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are the ticket here, and all drinks are made on the spot.
Church Street Diner
(555 Church) offers classic atmosphere and fare with friendly service. For quick deli comestibles visit
Reither's Fine Food International
(530 Church).
For years,
Olympic 76 Pizza
(8a Gloucester Street) has been a popular choice for residents and visitors alike. Among other Italian specialties are the tastiest pizzas and panzarotti around. They don't deliver, but there's take-out service, or eat in the cozy dining room or on the patio.
Wish
(3 Charles Street) is a rather modern gourmet restaurant with an enticing array of cocktails.
A neighborhood restaurant and bar
Fire On The East Side
(6 Gloucester Street) serves up Southern-inspired cooking with a global flair. Comfy, hospitable, and a good value, they're open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Commensal
(655 Bay Street) is a dizzying vegetarian and vegan heaven. This Quebec import offers hot and cold buffets made with the freshest, all-natural ingredients.
For cooling down on a hot summer day or night,
Baskin Robbins
(536 Church) offers everything ice cream.
Ever see the movie Chocolat ?
Adam & Eve Chocolatier
(97 Maitland Street) comes pretty darn close to the chocolate bliss that film immortalized. Donna Young's choco-magic realm tantalizes with cocoa and coffee treats. There are Belgian truffles, chocolate-covered cocoa-dusted almonds, boxed chocolates, gelatos in many flavors, and more. In the rear of the store, there's a coffee bar with comfortable couches and an outdoor patio. Young supports local artists and greeting-card makers, and their works are on display and on sale.
Retail
Priape
(501 Church) is the anchor of gay retailing in the gayborhood, with its spanking new store on the corner of Church and Wellesley. Product lines include Ed Hardy, Diesel, Energie, and Priape Wear (their own label). This is the go-to place for underwear, swimwear, accessories, fetish gear, and toys.
Founded in 1970,
Glad Day Bookshop
(586 Yonge) is the oldest queer bookstore in Canada, and the second-oldest in the world. It's a storehouse of every and any manner of GLBT literature, rare books, art tomes, 'zines, as well as an exhaustive queer DVD section encompassing the classics, the latest releases, the must-haves, and the hard-to-finds. And, of course, there's also the smut: one-handed reading, vintage mags and pulps, and current offerings.
At
Northbound Leather
(586 Yonge) one enters a world of exquisite fetish fashion. Fine leather clothing, lingerie, and kinky dungeon gear is their business.
A good literary bookstore,
This Ain't the Rosedale Library
(86 Nassau Street) has recently moved from the Gayborhood to the funky Kensington Market area; it still offers a robust gay section.
Rather than filling your head with words, maybe you need to trim off some of its hair. If so, make your way to
Michael's Barber Shop
(66b Wellesley Street E) where a quick haircut starts at just $15. And speaking of good looks, on a cloudy day keep that tan nice and dark by enjoying a session at
Glow
(9 Isabella Street, 2nd floor).
Stag Shop
(449 Church) and
Love Shop
(489 Church) are the two adult retail stores in the neighborhood.
Lodgings
House On McGill
(110 McGill Street; 416-351-1503), where "hot men are always welcome," is a comfortable and colorful house located just steps from the action on Church. There are six handsome rooms, one with a private bath. Guests enjoy free internet and wi-fi, and there's a computer available at reception. Amenities include a guest kitchen, free local calls, and a welcoming back garden for your enjoyment.
Bent Inn
(107 Gloucester Street; 416-925-4499) offers several leather-themed guest rooms that can be re-configured depending on your group's size. The in-room industrial rubber flooring is a unique design feature here. They offer equipment rental and "fantasy fulfillment," so let them know in advance what you require. Don't feel bashful about pulling out your credit card: hosts Dennis and Rod are happy to bill discreetly.
The luxurious
Cawthra Square Inns
of Toronto (514 Jarvis; 416-966-0013) are comprised of three properties, one at 10 Cawthra Square, and the others around the corner at 512 and 514 Jarvis. The Cawthra Square house is a gem: rooms are large and comfortable, and several have attached decks. There's a beautiful country kitchen where a serve-yourself breakfast appears daily. The other properties are Victorian mansions lovingly restored to their original grandeur, but with extras, such as an in-house spa service (by appointment, please) available to all guests at the complex. Cawthra Square Inns play frequent host to wedding groups and other special events.
Glen and Jerry continue to steer the
Bearfoot Inn
(30a Dundonald Street; 416-922-1658). Located on a charming side street, this four-story guesthouse is just steps from Church and Wellesley. All rooms come with private bath. Make sure to book in advance at this busier-than-ever establishment.
Guests love the beautifully decorated guest rooms at
Victoria's Mansion
(68 Gloucester Street; 416-921-4625). They offer affordable, fully equipped suites with private bath, wi-fi, laundry facilities, and other amenities. Parking is available. Outside, enjoy the serenity of their beautiful Victorian garden. It's a great value, and just steps from Church and Wellesley.
Sutton Place Hotel
(955 Bay Street; 416-924-9221), in the heart of Toronto business and shopping, is just steps to the village. There are some 230 elegant guest rooms and 64 suites, a business center, fitness club and pool, and wi-fi throughout the hotel.
With 575 guest rooms and suites,
Marriot Courtyard
(475 Yonge; 416-924-0611) is a convenient gay-located, full service hotel, with complimentary internet.
In the dynamic Yonge-Bloor area find
Town Inn Suites
(620 Church; 416-964-3311), a luxury apartment hotel offering an array of suites each with a full kitchen and separate working, living, and sleeping areas.
Neill Wycik
(96 Gerrard Street E; 416-977-2320), normally a student residence, opens its doors to individuals and groups May through August. Offering budget accommodations, it is minutes by foot from all popular attractions.
In what's called the Queer West of Toronto,
Gladstone Hotel
(1214 Queen Street W; 416-531-4635) is a boutique hotel offering a taste of Toronto's art scene. Thirty-seven artist designed guest rooms are available.
Saunas and bathhouses
Steamworks Toronto
(540 Church, 2nd level) is gorgeous and immaculate, with a steel-and-glass design motif, and all the services, including steamroom, sauna, lounges, body-builder's gym, and a 40-man stainless-steel hot tub. Some of the best DJs in town provide the music, and their private rooms include fetish and sling options, and all have 16-channel XXX video. It's one of the busiest, too, with one of the hottest cruise and play spaces in Toronto. It's all right at the heart of the gay village, and they never close.
Feeling adventurous?
Cellar
(78 Wellesley Street) is a subterranean recess famous for its exceptionally dark ambiance, which attains its greatest pitch in their special Dark Room. A selection of other rooms is available, too, as well as a sauna and a small theater. It's worth the trip down!
At the busy
St-Marc Spa
(543 Yonge, at Wellesley, 4th floor) you're sure to find something to strike your fancy, after you arrive on the spa's private elevator. Boasting over 100 rooms and 80 lockers, St. Marc sports a wet and dry sauna, plus a steam room, intimate whirlpool, and multiple shower areas. Some rooms come with leather or fur beds, while others are all mirror. The VIP Room comes with its own private washroom. Special nights at St. Marc include Wednesday's Campus College Night, Friday's Deep South night (geared to Latino and Carribean men and those who can't get enough of them), and Sundays Dark Night party, billed as the "superhero of lights-out parties" from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Spa Excess
(105 Carlton Street) offers a friendly ambiance, and the facilities are solid and clean -- like the beautiful glass-and-tile wet area and the step-down, eight-man whirlpool with cozy seating and videos. There's a lot to do in the amazing playroom. You'll find many sexy features, including a one-way mirror (with seating!) with views to the large urinal on the other side. If you like, take a turn in the sling or on the St. Andrew's cross. Spa Excess also sports a large main floor lounge with a bar and a pool table, and a newly renovated rooftop sun deck.
Club
(231 Mutual Street) is the only pleasure palace with an outdoor pool with boys lining up for the Sunday barbecue. Tucked discreetly, it is housed within a gorgeous mansion.
Fit and cruisy
To tone, flex, and build musculature,
L3 Fitness
(9 St. Joseph Street) is the gay choice. Cardio funk, kickboxing, Latin cardio, Pilates, yoga, and spinning are some of the offerings on hand within this four-story body factory.
YMCA
(168 Isabella Street) is the gayest of the YMCAs that abound. First-time visitors get in for free at this multi-leveled gym, pool, and sports facility.
The aptly monikered Queen's Park is Toronto's top spot for after-dark quickies. Hanlan's Point Gay Beach is nudist paradise, quite the place in clement weather.
More info
Good gay travel resources include Gay Toronto Tourism Guild, Toronto Pride, and Church Wellesley Village. For advice on the Niagara region, with its famous falls, visit Tourism Niagara. Local publications include XTRA! and Fab Magazine ( The Guide's sister publications!) and About.
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Toronto's Annual Agenda
Buddies in Bad Times Theater
Ongoing performances and events
Artsexy.ca
Church Street Fetish Fair
Sunday, August 18, 2008
Churchstreetfetishfair.com
Leather Ball 14
August 22 to 23, 2008
Mrlt.com
Writing Outside the Margins
Queer Literary Festival
Aug 31, 2009
Writingoutsidethemargins.ca
Toronto International Film Festival
September 4 to 13, 2008
Tiffg.ca
Nuit Blanche Toronto
October 4, 2008
Scotiabanknuitblanche.ca
Toronto Fashion Week
October 20 to 25, 2008
Lorealfashionweek.ca
Halloweek Toronto
October 24 to 31, 2008
Halloweek.ca
Fashion Cares
November 1, 2008
Fashioncares.org
Mr Leather Toronto Competition
November 27 to 30, 2008
Mrlt.com
International Gay and Lesbian
Tourism Association (IGLTA)
26th Annual Convention
May 7 to 10, 2009
Iglta.org
Inside Out Lesbian and
Gay Film and Video Festival
May 14 to 24, 2009.
Insideout.on.ca
The Toronto Fringe
Theater Festival
July 2 to 13, 2008
Fringetoronto.com
Toronto Pride Week
Jun 19 to 27, 2009
Pridetoronto.com
International Gay Rodeo
Association Annual Convention
November 11 to 15, 2009
Igra.com
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