Vancouver is home to the largest gay population within the Western side of Canada. The city of Vancouver has a very active and vibrant gay community that is comprised of festivities, parades, gay-friendly hotel, events and more. There are colorful shops along Davie Street located in Vancouver’s famous West End and Commercial Drive.
Festival & Events
This year marks the 34th anniversary of Vancouver Pride Parade and it's going to be the biggest parade of the summer. Events include Gay Day at Playland, Picnic in the Park, Pride in Art, and finishing with the Pride Parade & Festival. Click here for details on Vancouver Pride 2012.
West End (Davie Village)
Denman and Davie Streets (also known as Davie Village) are lively, vibrant and decidedly upbeat with its cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and shopping. They cut through an area that manages to be one of the most densely populated districts in Canada, and yet, there's a certain calming presence about the place - it's easy to find yourself strolling along one of its quiet, tree-lined streets following the fragrance of the sea down to English Bay.
Commercial Drive
It’s always happening on ‘The Drive’. This retro, multiethnic hub in the East side is a popular neighbourhood for the thriving Lesbian community. Experience authentic Italian coffee bars, fine dining, live music & theatre, art exhibits, unique, eclectic, modestly priced shopping, ethnic produce stands and delicatessens.
Legal Marriages
With its wildly popular annual gay-pride parade and with nearby Whistler hosting Winter Pride gay ski week, Vancouver boasts an international reputation as a gay-friendly city. Adding same-sex marriage to the mix - which became legalized in B.C. in 2003 and an option for both locals and visitors alike – only heightens the city’s appeal. Couples getting married don’t even need to be residents of Canada; a marriage license and a civil ceremony are the only requirements to become legally married in Vancouver.
Whether you opt for an elaborate gay wedding, a more private intimate affair by the sea, on top of a mountain, on our Pool Terrace or in one of our hotel suites, Pan Pacific Vancouver and Vancouver BC is a great place to exchange vows.
Our Catering Events Team can assist you with your special arrangements for this special occasion.
TAG (Travel Alternatives Group) is an initiative of Community Marketing in San Francisco, approving hotels based on recognized Gay-Friendly standards and criteria.
