Spend some time in Vancouver, and your toughest decision will be choosing what to do first. Begin your morning with a peaceful beachside walk, coffee in hand. Spend your afternoon shopping for unique local designs and global brands. Wrap up your day by catching a show and dancing the night away. And that’s just your first day.

Top Gay Attractions in Vancouver

If you are planning Vancouver travel, start by thinking about how you will spend your free time. You will spend time moving or waiting for something anyway. A good option is to stabilize access HBO Max Canada and enjoy the show at any time of the day. A working solution to unblock the streaming service is to use a VPN app. The only caveat is that only the best providers can bypass regional restrictions, such as VeePN.

So, what is there to do as a gay man in Vancouver:

1 Visit Wreck Beach

Just west of the city lies the renowned Wreck Beach, known for its clothing-optional policy. To reach the busiest area, take Trail 6. However, if you're looking for the section popular with the queer community, follow the signs to Trail 7.

Pro-tip: It's a 30-minute hike from the trailhead, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and pack your sandals. Down to the beach - not so bad. Up back to your car - can be brutal after a day in the sun.

2 Go to Gastown

Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood (established in 1867), offers something for everyone. Its brick-cobbled streets and historic buildings attract tourists, eager to see the famous steam clock. The area also boasts an array of small businesses, from clothing designers and tattoo shops to production and gaming companies, and even residents. Wander these charming streets to discover a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Check out John Fluevog’s store on Waterfront Street. A Vancouver native, John creates some of the most colorful, fashionable, and comfortable shoes available. His bright and welcoming shop is packed with funky footwear for both men and women.

For designers, sewers, and decorators, Dressew on Hastings Street is a must-visit. With two floors of fabric, accessories, and various other items, it’s a treasure trove of creative supplies. Need a feather boa or a cheap wig last-minute? Dressew has you covered.

3 Learn More About Little Sister's

Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth opened Little Sister's in 1983, named after their cat, out of frustration at the lack of LGBTQ books in Vancouver. The store quickly became an unofficial LGBTQ community center. They faced government censorship and had books and materials seized at customs. Despite these challenges, including three bomb attacks linked to their legal battles, Little Sister's has become a legendary part of Vancouver's queer history. Today, the store continues to thrive in its new location on Davie Street, within the LGBTQ neighborhood.

4 Don't Forget Main Street

Almost every city has a street named Main, but none quite match the hip vibe and stunning views of Vancouver's Main Street. Start your adventure by taking a transit bus to Main and 30th. From there, enjoy a leisurely three-kilometer stroll downhill to the Main Street Skytrain station, with the downtown skyline and mountains as your backdrop.

Explore unique antique stores, vintage shops, and charming local spots like The Regional Assembly of Text, where you'll find hundreds of zines and self-published books. Treat yourself to a coffee tasting flight at Kafka's Coffee & Tea, or savor all-vegetarian pub food at the Twin Peaks-themed restaurant, The Black Lodge.

For craft beer enthusiasts, Mount Pleasant, just north of Broadway, is the place to be. Main Street Brewing and Brassneck are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to start your brewery crawl.

5 Go to the Seawall

Stretching over five and a half miles, the Seawall is the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path travelling along English Bay, and then through the Stanley Park loop. Since Vancouver is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, expect it to be bustling on beautiful days.

Kick off your day with a walk or bike ride along the Seawall. You'll witness stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for selfies.

6 You Will Love Bars on Davie Street

Celebrities offer a nightclub vibe, Numbers is famous for its cabarets, The Junction boasts superior drag shows, and The Fountainhead is a beloved pub—all local favorites.

If Davie Street feels too male-centric, head to Commercial Drive where more queer women gather. It’s the venue for the annual Vancouver Dyke March and, while there aren’t dedicated queer-only spaces, you'll find many queer women and often their families around.

7 Visit The Drive

Locally known as "The Drive," this vibrant and multicultural area hosts the annual Vancouver Dyke March. This inclusive festival and march welcome everyone on the LGBTQ2+ spectrum, offering a grassroots community event alongside the larger Pride Parade.

For an Instagram-worthy rainbow photo-op, stop by Joe's Café on your way to The Cultch. This features venue edgy, thought-provoking performances, often showing LGBTQ2+ thinkers and activists like Ivan Coyote and Vivek Shraya.

"The Drive" is also a vegetarian paradise. Start with Banditas and Sweet Cherubim for all-veg menus, but most restaurants offer delicious meat-free options.

The Bottom Line

Upon arriving in Vancouver, I quickly learned it’s reputed to be the world’s most bisexual city. "Everyone's bisexual here," I was told. And indeed, the second, third, and fourth people I met confirmed this.

Whether you identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, or anywhere else on the gender spectrum, Vancouver, the City of Glass, stands out as one of the safest and most LGBTQ-friendly destinations. Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the ocean, its beauty is undeniable. If you plan to visit, here are seven of the queerest things to do in Vancouver.