Rainbow columns on the subway entrance to The Village might be your first clue that Montréal is one of the most friendly and inclusive cities in North America, if not the entire planet. The largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, it remains a beacon to the gay and lesbian community, who can’t get enough of its creativity, not to mention free-spirited and fun-loving character. Busy Sainte-Catherine Street is the epicentre of much of the action, and its fashion and specialty boutiques, restaurants as well as multi-storied bars and clubs are frequented by an easy-going assortment of out-of-towners and natives. You’ll see all manner of shoppers, strollers, diners, and cocktail-sipping terrace-sitters here, especially in warmer weather. The nightlife scene is also legendary, with an excellent selection of bars and clubs as well as cabaret-drag shows adding to the mix (a must-see is local favourite Mado and her outrageous antics). This lively and colourful strip is also home to some of the community’s most popular events and what makes Montréal really great is that everybody attends. A detour from this main thoroughfare rewards you with amazing Art Deco architecture, not to mention one-of-a-kind 21st-century designs and funky collectibles and vintage finds on Amherst Street.

But true to Montréal style, the city offers limitless experiences, whether LGBT-specific or other. In fact, the city opens up to everyone, with a live and let live motto permeating every street corner. Architecturally magnificent Old Montréal has cafés, restaurants and boutiques to suit any traveller’s tastes, while in summer, most of the downtown and adjacent neighbourhoods like the Quartier latin open up the best in jazz during the Festival international de Jazz de Montréal or the celebrated Just for Laughs Festival. Other travel-worthy events are summer’s Divers/Cite, an LGBT festival with a focus on the performing arts and the community, followed by Célébrations LGBTA’s colourful pride parade, while October's Black & Blue Festival circuit party is held at the gargantuan Olympic Stadium. Smaller but just as hopping parties include the New Year's Eve Bal des Boys, the Red Party for Valentine's Day, the Bal en Blanc (White Party) for Easter, and the Hot and Dry in May. But any time of year, Montreal's art, museums, and live music scenes are worth the trip.