Canada's insider blog

There are plenty of happening, bars and clubs across Canada where gay travellers can shake winters chill and flirt the night away.

In Vancouver, turn a little winter rain into raining men at hipster cocktail lounge 1181. Nearby, pretty much every “type” of gay should enjoy the something-for-everyone spirit – pool, karaoke nights, great dancing – at Numbers.

In the Prairies, queer-focused restaurant/bar Club Sapien opened in mid-2010 and gives Calgary gays a new spot to mingle and nosh. Interestingly, a mainstream Calgary pub called The Ship & Anchor was voted #3 as “best place to pick up a member of the same sex” by readers of the city’s Fast Forward newspaper.

Got Toronto in your travel plans? Fans of the TV series Queer as Folk will recognize the exterior of Woody’s. Woody’s has a friendly, neighbourly vibe and has been popular for over 20 years. Martini lovers might try a relative newcomer to the Church-Wellesley gay village: chic Boutique Bar where the vibe and the drinks get rave reviews.

Practice your French (speaking or kissing, your choice) while dancing at Montréal’s brand new Apollon club, in the heart of the gay village. Or check out the nearby, multi-room Sky complex, where I’ve had great times meeting gay Montréalers.

In Halifax, the Menz Bar draws a friendly mix-n-mingle crowd, while Reflections Cabaret in the downtown core pulls the shake-your-groove-thing gang.