Montreal Gay and Lesbian Vacations
Alexander Dunphy
Your gay Montréal vacation
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. The largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, it's also Canada's second-largest metropolis. Montréal 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.
Featured Hotels
LGBT-welcoming Montreal hotels
Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain
Hotel St-Denis
Chateau Versailles
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel
Auberge le Pomerol
Best in Stay
LGBT Best in Stay Montreal hotels
Auberge le Pomerol
W Montreal
Hotel St Paul
Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal
Gouverneur Place Dupuis Montreal
Delta Montreal
Flights
| Departure | Arrival | Travel dates | Round-trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Montreal | Wed, Jan 23 - Mon, Jan 28 | $297 |
| Los Angeles | Montreal | Wed, Jan 30 - Wed, Feb 6 | $541 |
| Fort Lauderdale | Montreal | Thu, Jan 17 - Thu, Jan 24 | $332 |
| Chicago | Montreal | Mon, Jan 14 - Tue, Jan 15 | $327 |
| Washington DC | Montreal | Tue, Feb 12 - Fri, Feb 15 | $407 |
| San Francisco | Montreal | Tue, Feb 5 - Tue, Feb 26 | $605 |
| Boston | Montreal | Tue, Jan 15 - Thu, Jan 17 | $352 |
| Newark | Montreal | Tue, Jan 15 - Wed, Jan 16 | $335 |
| Orlando | Montreal | Fri, Jan 25 - Tue, Feb 12 | $323 |
| Toronto | Montreal | Mon, Jan 7 - Fri, Jan 11 | $213 |
| Dallas | Montreal | Wed, Jan 23 - Tue, Feb 12 | $545 |
| Denver | Montreal | Mon, Jan 14 - Thu, Jan 17 | $453 |
Why book on Orbitz?
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Miss Richfield 1981 says it best in this video—not all travel sites are created equal. When you book on Orbitz, your travel dollars work harder. Here’s why:
- We’re the ONLY leading travel agency with a perfect Corporate Equality Index Score from the Human Rights Campaign, with two GLAAD Media awards to boot.
- We’re the ONLY leading travel site with filters for hotel reviews by other LGBT travelers.
- We feature the top gay-friendly accommodations, including Best in Stay hotels and gay resorts.
- We’re proud sponsors of many LGBT charities and events, year after year.
Montreal highlights
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Strolling Sainte-Catherine Street
Busy Sainte-Catherine Street is the epicenter 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.
LGBT nightlife
The nightlife scene is also legendary, pumping into the wee hours with an excellent selection of bars and clubs as well as fun cabaret-drag shows (a must-see is local favorite Mado and her outrageous antics).
Exploring Montréal
Architecturally magnificent Old Montréal has cafés, restaurants and boutiques to suit any traveler's tastes, and the leafy, hillside Parc La Fontaine is a favorite of gay sunbathers soaking up the summer and views.
A rainbow of events
Divers/Cité, an LGBT festival as in July focuses on the performing arts and community, followed by Célébrations LGBTA's colorful pride parade in August. October's Black & Blue Festival circuit party returned to its traditional venue at the gargantuan, futuristic Olympic Stadium in 2011. 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.
Insider tips for Montreal gay travel
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Visit during high season
This may go against the grain of most travel advice, but Montreal is truly at its best in summer, from May through September, when the city erupts with sunshine, joy and tons of gay parties and festivals. Be sure to book your hotel early!
Bon appétit!
Montreal has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in North America. Local favorites include smoked meat and bagels, while world influences run the gamut from sushi bars to Parisian-styled bistros, not to mention Middle Eastern cafés and Moroccan eateries. Be sure to try the local favorite poutine, a dish of French fries and fresh cheese curds.
The Quebecois dialect can differ from traditional French
You may be proud of your high school French, but understanding the quirks of the Quebecois dialect can be a bit confusing to the uninitiated. Having said that, most signs are bilingual and reading French will help you get by.