Countdown to Puerto Vallarta: A Lesbian Canadian’s Escape to the Mexican Pacific
by Karin Shard
It’s official: this February, I’m trading Vancouver’s grey skies for Puerto Vallarta’s sunshine. My flights are booked, my accommodation is reserved, and every time I glance at my calendar, I feel a little electric buzz of excitement. After years of hearing about PV’s reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world, I’m finally going to see it for myself—again.
I’ve been many times before, but this year I’m on a mission to bring my gay best friend with me. She’s never been, which feels almost criminal considering how much I know she’d love it. I’ve been sending her photos of Los Muertos Beach at sunset, links to rooftop bars, and videos of salsa dancing under the stars, all in the hope of tempting her into booking a ticket. Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel, and I want her to experience that magic for herself.
The August Daydream
It’s August in Vancouver, and the heat is practically daring us to complain. The air is warm, patios are buzzing, and sunscreen is a daily essential. But even with summer in full swing, my heart’s already booked a ticket to mid-February—when I’ll be swapping city sidewalks for Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, sipping margaritas with the ocean at my feet.
This year, I get to look forward to those days in the Zona Romántica, toes in the sand, salt in the air, and absolutely nothing on the agenda but enjoyment.
Step One: Locking in the Dates
Puerto Vallarta’s peak season runs from November to April, when Canadians migrate south to thaw out. February is perfect—dry, sunny, and lively without the chaos of spring break. I’ve locked in the second week of February, just before Valentine’s Day, to enjoy ideal weather and slightly lower airfare while still catching the winter sunshine at its best.
I also checked the LGBTQ+ events calendar. While February may not have as many women-focused gatherings as May’s PV Lesbian Pride the city will still be buzzing with parties, live music, and beach meetups. My friend knows all this, thanks to my ongoing campaign. If tequila cocktails and ocean views don’t convince her, maybe the drag shows will.
Step Two: Flights Booked, Sunshine Ahead
I snagged a direct morning flight from Vancouver to PV—five and a half hours in the air, and I’ll be stepping into 28°C sunshine. My arrival time means I’ll land mid-afternoon, just in time to check in, change into something breezy, and head straight for the first sunset.
The return ticket cost me about $740 CAD—pretty reasonable for escaping Vancouver’s grey chill and dodging the February slump. Booking for the second week also means I’m flying before Valentine’s Day price hikes, which is another win. I keep telling my friend the deals won’t last forever, hoping she’ll finally click “book.”
Step Three: Where I’m Staying
Accommodation in PV is abundant, but I wanted something close to the Zona Romántica that’s both LGBTQ+ welcoming and relaxed. After weeks of scrolling through booking sites, I settled on Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa. Perfectly located on one of Puerto Vallarta’s best beaches, Playa del Sol, in the heart of the vibrant Romantic Zone, just steps away from the charming downtown, Malecon (boardwalk) and pier.
It’s also within walking distance of Los Muertos Beach—perfect for spontaneous dips in the ocean or evening strolls along the pier. If my friend comes along, I’ve already scoped out a suite with two beds so we can have our own space but still share the trip.
Step Four: My February Itinerary – 8 Days of Sunshine
Here’s my plan for the second week of February—eight glorious days of warmth and colour:
Day 1: Arrive, unpack, and head straight to Los Muertos Pier for my first sunset. Dinner somewhere with ocean views—probably La Palapa, because I’m a sucker for toes-in-the-sand dining.
Day 2: Take a city and tequilla tour and learn about the history of the city and the process of making tequila.
Day 3: Take a water taxi to Yelapa, a sleepy fishing village where you can hike to a waterfall or just lounge on the sand with a slice of famous coconut pie.
Day 4: Head north to Bucerías, a charming seaside town known for its art galleries, colourful streets, and excellent seafood. Spend the afternoon wandering, shopping, and sipping margaritas by the beach.
Day 5: Ziplining in the Sierra Madre mountains—because nothing says “holiday” like soaring through the jungle. Cool down with a dip in the pool back at the hotel.
Day 6: A day at the Vallarta Botanical Garden, exploring orchid houses, jungle trails, and riverside swimming spots. Lunch at their beautiful garden restaurant before heading back to town.
Day 7: Gallery-hopping and shopping in the Zona Romántica during the day, Elixir Mixology Bar, a lesbian owned bar, in the evening.
Day 8: A slow farewell day with local coffee, tacos, and one last swim before heading to the airport.
If my friend joins me, I’ll definitely sprinkle in more nightlife—because PV after dark is half the fun.
Step Five: The Lesbian & Queer Women’s Scene
Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife is often talked about in terms of the gay men’s circuit, the women’s scene is a work in progress. If you want to party hard it may have to be with our gay boys. However, Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife is a kaleidoscope of energy, music and colour. From open-air beach bars that keep margaritas flowing until the early hours, to lively salsa clubs where locals and travellers dance shoulder to shoulder, the city truly comes alive after dark. The Zona Romantica is the beating heart of it all, with its mix of LGBTQ+ venues, laid-back pubs, rooftop lounges, and live music spots. Even if you’re not out to party hard every night, the evening strolls along the Malecon - where street performers, art installations, and ocean views compete for you attention - are reason to stay up late.
Step Six: Practical Prep Before Take-Off
Since PV is known for being safe and welcoming, I’m not worried, but I’m still taking the basics seriously:
Packing pesos for taxis, markets, and tipping.
Bringing my own sunscreen to avoid overpriced tourist shop bottles.
Making a mental note to watch my drinks and keep an eye on my bag in busy spaces.
And always check for any Travel Advisories from the Government of Canada website before you go.
And, because I’ve been warned about PV’s irresistible shopping, I’m leaving extra space in my luggage for textiles, ceramics, and maybe a bottle of locally made tequila to bring home.
The Countdown Is On
The best part about having a February trip booked is knowing that when the winter darkness sets in, I’ll have something to look forward to. I can already imagine walking along the Malecón at sunset, rainbow flags fluttering overhead, street performers playing music, and the smell of grilled fish in the air.
This trip isn’t just a getaway—it feels like a celebration. A chance to step into a place where my identity is embraced, where the community is visible and vibrant, and where I can soak up enough sunshine and connection to last me through the rest of winter.
Now I just need my best friend to get on board. Because if she says yes, February in Puerto Vallarta could be the start of a new tradition for both of us.
Oh and by the way, she said YES!
Karin Shard is an editor and writer living in Squamish, BC. She is co-editor of What’s On Queer BC and former editor and publisher of the Squamish Tongue in Cheek.
