2009 Vancouver Official Travel Planner Guide - (Page 62) Gay & Lesbian Travel Photography: Gay Pride Parade ©Tourism Vancouver, Vancouver Pride Society; Dining in Yaletown ©Tourism Vancouver/Robert Kent Accolades! Vancouver Named Top Canadian Gay Travel Destination Vancouver has been recognized as the number one gay leisure travel destination in Canada for the second year in a row according to Community Marketing’s 12th International LGBT Tourism Survey. Vancouver is the top city for American gay leisure travel to Canada, above both Montreal and Toronto. The city was also recognized as the fourth most visited international destination among U.S. gay and lesbian travellers. The annual survey is the largest of its kind with over 7,500 gay and lesbian respondents. Vancouver, home to Western Canada’s largest gay population, has earned a solid reputation among gay and lesbian travellers. It’s a safe and welcoming destination, a destination to suit all travellers where they’re free to just be who they are. Whether your clients are die-hard shoppers, avid outdoor thrill-seekers or culinary experts with the most discerning palates, they’ll discover that Vancouver is a world-class city without labels offering urban and outdoor options for everyone. Marriage Because same-sex marriage is legal and recognized in British Columbia, many couples visiting Vancouver can also plan to exchange vows. Officiates, venues and hotels that identify themselves as gayfriendly are available, and couples can look forward to heading out to enjoy their honeymoon in a beautiful and friendly city. For more information about getting married in British Columbia, visit the Vital Statistics Agency’s at vs.gov.bc.ca/marriage/index.html. West End With one of North America’s highest population densities, the West End — located in downtown Vancouver — is an engaging mix of unbeatable dining options, shopping opportunities and nightlife experiences. The epicentre of the scene is the stretch of Davie Street between Burrard and Jervis streets, known as Davie Village. Be sure to visit English Bay at the intersection of Denman and Davie streets; in the summer months, it’s a favorite spot among locals for enjoying the downtown beaches and the surrounding activity. Gay Pri de Wee k parade ©Denis e Cham bers/W eaver TAG Approved: Gay-Friendly Vancouver Hotels Vancouver boasts a welcoming and hospitable hotel community with more TAG-approved hotels than any other Canadian city — 22 in total. TAG is an initiative of Community Marketing in San Francisco, approving hotels based on recognized gay-friendly standards and criteria. Many hotels are located near the heart of the gay and lesbian community in Vancouver, close to dining, shopping and attractions. TAG-approved accommodation listings in this guide are identified with the TAG logo. Davie Village Rainbow flags and sunburst banners adorn the utility posts in this lively neighbourhood in the heart of downtown’s dense West End. Known internationally for its thriving community of gay and lesbian residents, Davie Village is also home to legendary bookstores and thumping nightclubs known to welcome people of all persuasions. Top Annual Events Gay Pride Week (July 25–Aug. 2, 2009) Vancouver’s Pride event began as a small march more than 30 years ago. It has grown into a parade and festival that attracts more than 380,000 people, making it the largest, and one of the most loved, parades in Vancouver. Pride Week is a time for diversity and has been fully embraced by the wider Vancouver community. The Pride Parade and following Pride Festival at Sunset Beach are the culmination of a month of Pride activities. vancouverpride.ca Commercial Drive Commercial Drive, known locally as “The Drive,” is a popular neighbourhood for Vancouver’s lesbian community. This funky, East Side neighbourhood is incredibly diverse, and many students, writers, artists and bohemians call it home. It’s packed with some of the city’s best ethnic restaurants, cafes, shops and services. The Drive can be easily accessed by car and transit. For more information, visit our website at tourismvancouver.com/visitors/about_ vancouver/gay-friendly_vancouver. Vancouver Queer Film Festival (Aug. 13–23, 2009) The Vancouver Queer Film Festival promotes the production and exhibition of films and videos of interest to the lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay communities of B.C. outonscreen.com. Nightlife From sports pubs to drag shows, leather bars to dance clubs, lounges and restaurants, Vancouver’s Davie Village has it all. Party late into the night, take in some of Vancouver’s best DJs or sit on a patio and watch the sites go by — Vancouver’s gay scene is sure to please any traveller. Whistler’s WinterPRIDE 2009 (February 1–8, 2009) For more than 15 years, Whistler has been hosting this successful event, which draws more than 2,000 skiers, boarders and partiers to enjoy its slopes, après events and parties. gaywhistler.com 62 t o u r i s m va n c o u ve r. c o m / t ra d e http://vs.gov.bc.ca/marriage/index.html http://vancouverpride.ca http://outonscreen.com http://tourismvancouver.com/visitors/about_vancouver/gay-friendly_vancouver http://gaywhistler.com http://tourismvancouver.com/trade
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