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Sitges: Sizzling Beaches Vienna: Berlin: Creative Culture Naughty Plus: Nightlife Where To Shop, Where To Eat

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There , September 9, Toronto are so many great places to go and White Party, November 21-26, Miami we’ve covered the best of them on the e 2013 pages of this Guide. Whistler Pride, February First up is the beach. Sitges, in Gay Days & Pride Festival Spain, is one of the hottest LGBT beach Orlando, May, Orlando spots in the world. From the main gay beach, La Playa De La Bossa Rodona, For more festivals and events around North to the more secluded nude beach, Playa America, visit www.canadiantraveller.net del Muerto, the sun is always shining and the drinks are always cool. Sitges is also a great party town. There are clubs like Trailer, the first gay disco in Spain stock one of the largest in North America (check out the foam parties) and annual Arrow Studio/Shutter events like Sitges Pride and its famous and in summer, the streets are closed Decadance Party in the Park. profitable to traffic, creating a festival atmosphere. On this side of the Atlantic, serious AIDS charity events in the Food is a big part of the experience shopaholics head to Chicago for world. And no trip to Vienna would be and is centre stage at the Happening everything from brand name luxury to complete without a lazy afternoon spent Gourmand event in January. the most creative fetish wear. And there in one of the city’s cafes. Check it out! really is nothing like the Magnificent Get your groove on in Berlin, an Mile for the best shopping experience. unbelievable party town. Wild, sexy and The city’s LGBT community is centred in open 24 hours, you really can find any Boystown, with the Centre on Halsted, action you are looking for. Need a break? Inside one of the best gay community centres in There is nude sunbathing in all public the world. parks and green spaces. Gay Stadtfest is Sun, Sand & Sitges 6 Back in Europe, we take a look at the Europe’s largest annual queer outdoor Chicago Shopping Spree 8 cultural wonders of Vienna. Baroque event, while the architecture, classical music (Mozart, parade attracts half a million people Culturally Speaking 10 Strauss) and amazing art (it’s the 150th every year. A Night On The Town 12 anniversary of Gustav Klimt) are just a Finally, you have to eat, right? stroll down the street. And of course there Montreal is foodie heaven, boasting more Bon Appetit Mes Amies 14 is Life Ball, one of the most elaborate and than 5,000 cafes. The city’s gay village is

LGBT TRAVEL – A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE JUNE 2012 ISSUE OF CANADIAN TRAVELLER

Published 12 times a year by Written by: Bryen Dunn Credit: ARROW STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK

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00 25 Canadian Traveller JUNE 2012 I LGBT Travel 5 A Canadian’s Guide To LGBT Travel Sun, Sand&Sitges Spain’s Sizzling Coastal Town Is The Place For Hot Beach Action

For many travellers, the epitome of a vacation is hours upon hours soaking up the sun and sights at the beach. Over the past several years, Sitges has secured a spot on the list of many in-the-know LGBT travellers. It’s proximity to Barcelona makes it a great The resort’s population swells from 30,000 locals to over 250,000 during peak city/beach destination, as the frequent daily train season of May to September, yet Sitges service allows visitors to choose between a resort has retained its small town appeal with town and cosmopolitan city. narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Spanish architecture and unspoiled scenic views. Although these architectural highlights and museums are of significance, most gays and come to Sitges for beach holidays, with the main boulevard Mont Roig packed with cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops selling local fare and beach gear. During the 1960s Sitges became a centre for the counterculture in Spain, and by the 1990s it had already gained a reputation of being the gay hotspot it remains today. The laissez-faire European attitude means that Although architectural highlights and museums most everything goes, including your clothes if you are of significance, most gays and lesbians choose to hit up one of the nudist beaches just off the come to Sitges for beach holidays, with the main main drag. boulevard Mont Roig packed with cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops.

6 LGBT Travel I june 2012 Canadian Traveller 26 The main Gay Beach is La Playa De of June, and is one of the prettiest events With great beaches, fabulous parties and an indulgent La Bossa Rodona, directly below the to happen here. Intricate templates are tolerance, Sitges has secured a spot on the list of many Picnic Restaurant and opposite the Hotel drawn on the road and residents gather in-the-know LGBT travellers. Calipolis. This is the easiest one to reach, up Carnation flower petals that are then right in the centre of town, which means placed on the patterns on the road, the sea, all in celebration of the patron it’s always the busiest as well. It’s advised creating a floral mosaic that has to be Sant Bartolomeu. to get there early in the morning to secure seen to be believed. Sitges Pride takes The weather may not be as warm in the your perfect beach spot. place the first week of July with local and off season, but the events are just as hot. For the more adventurous, Playa De Las international stage acts, DJ’s, pool parties, Sitges Carnival, in February, is by far the Balmins is a gay friendly clothing optional drag shows, and the famous Decadance most popular event of the year, attracting beach a 10-minute walk from Party in the Park. Parc Terramar transforms around 300,000 revellers to the streets town The Platja Sant Sebastia and Platja into a huge dance floor complete with over the week. The Sitges International d’Aiguadolc are also nearby and quite a performance stage and a wraparound Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is the popular for those seeking an all-over tan. bar in the centre all surrounded by trees. number one fantasy film festival in the Further outside of town, Playa del Fiesta Mayor happens toward the end of world, happening in October. Thousands Muerto is another nude beach located August with colourful floats, live music of film fans flock here to catch exclusive

and world premiere screenings, many tock

near the Terramar Hotel and L’Atlantida and spectacular s disco, about an hour’s walk, 20-minute fireworks of which are attended by Hollywood bike ride, or 10-minute taxi fare. over heavyweights as well. For those that do make the trek, there’s a beach bar serving a wide range of snacks More information www.gaysitgesguide. and drinks. The second beach, Playa Del com, www.gayinsitges.com r ArrowStudio/Shutter Muerto, is exclusively gay with a small bar, however there’s not much sand here. If you do end up staying later than expected, L’Atlantida hosts some of the best gay beach parties in the area at their beautiful outdoor nightclub with stunning views of the sea. When the sun goes down Trailer lights up. This was the first gay disco in Spain, opened 30 years ago, and remains as popular today as it did then, especially with their infamous foam parties. Parrots Pub has also been around about the same length of time and can be a nice stop on your way to or from the beach. Summer time also means party time. Corpus Christi takes place the first week

More e Puerto Vallarta: Playa de los Muertos is located near the Blue Chairs gay resort and is most popular with tourists. More recently the green chairs at the nearby Ritmos Beach Café, and the section by Lido Beach Club have gained popularity. As well, the Beach House/El Hot Spots Dorado area tends to be less busy. e Mykonos: This clothing optional paradise appeals to most everyone. There are three main gay beaches: Elia with nearby Watermania theme park; Paradise with a mixed younger set; and the most popular, Super Paradise, where anything goes. e Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema is in the southern region of the city adjacent to the Copacabana 5 Beach, and Posto 10 is where the gays tend to congregate. Farme is the most well-known gay Beach hotspots in beach and Coqueirão is the other gay-friendly mixed hangout near Posto 9. Sydney include the e Sydney: The Eastern suburbs starting at Bondi Beach and stretching to Cronulla Beach are Bondi to Cronulla Beach the most popular, and the Bondi to Bronte stretch along the coastline is also a popular trail. and the Bondi to Bronte

a li You can leave your swimsuit behind at Birdie Beach and Lady Jane Beach. a stretch of coastline.

tr s e Tel Aviv: With a 20-kilometre stretch of shoreline, Hilton Beach is the unofficial gay beach area, while a bit outside of the city Ga’ash is where those seeking full body tans head. The

m sAum adjacent promenade is always busy with a slew of drinking, dining and shopping options.

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00 27 Canadian Traveller JUNE 2012 I LGBT Travel 7 A Canadian’s Guide To LGBT Travel Chicago Shopping Spree Retail Therapy Here Includes Luxe, Fetish & Everything Inbetween

Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, has been called “Paris on the Prairie” in reference to its wide boulevards, abundance of green space, and proximity to water. Lakeview, the area referred to as Boystown has been the heart of Chicago’s thriving LGBT community since the 1970s, and is contained within a triangle created by Broadway and Belmont Avenues, and Halsted Street. The Center on Halsted is one of the world’s best gay community centres with a wealth of information accessible to all. A second more subdued gay area is located a few miles from downtown in Andersonville, a district that stretches into Edgewater and includes many gay bars, restaurants, and funky shops.

The city has long been a premier shopping and fashion destination, with major department stores and chic designer boutiques. And, no trip to Chicago would not be complete without a stroll along the Magnificent Mile, the main shopping thoroughfare on Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Lake Shore Drive. Here is where you find all the big name department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, as well as specialty shops, designer boutiques, and one-of-a-kind finds. On nearby Oak Street in the Gold Coast neighbourhood, luxurious apparel from the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, Chicago and New York, offer high quality names like Prada, Tory Burch, Kate Spade and Nicole Miller. State Street in the heart of the Loop is where Marshall Field’s began business more than 150 years ago, and this iconic National Historic Landmark building is now home to Macy’s, the second largest department store in the world with 12 floors of finds. The Bucktown and Wicker Park neighbourhoods, both off North Milwaukee Avenue, also have a pocket of exquisite boutiques. Shopaholics should make note of Fashion Division Street and the Southport/Lakeview Corridor along Clark Street, Belmont Focus Chicago, a city-sponsored fashion Avenue and Broadway are home to specialty shops that carry the work of independent week held in October that showcases more than 100 local designers. and Chicago-based designers. Lincoln Park is a contemporary urban neighbourhood with both local boutiques and well-known retailers. Most

8 LGBT Travel I june 2012 Canadian Traveller 28 More Hot Spots

New York: Designer and exclusive finds are found on 5th Ave clothing and accessories for guys who want to From Boystown e impress. Leather 6410 or Mephisto Leathers is to the Magnificent and Madison Ave, while trendier and one-of-a-kind finds are Mile, you can find 5throughout neighbourhoods like Soho, Chelsea, The Village where you can grab your leather and fetish gear absolutely anything and Hell’s Kitchen. while in the area. you want to buy in hutterstock

Broadway also has a few gems worth exploring, Chicago. S e Bangkok: It’s all about the outdoor markets, unless you make your way to one of the more Western shopping malls such as CRAM Fashion, with a large selection of like MBK, Central World, or The Emporium. Silks are always a men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from ages/ worthy purchase. American and European designers. Universal Gear brings out the inner jock with a e Toronto: Yorkville is where designer labels and name-brand fashions can be found, Queen West is the home of hipsters, sleek selection of outdoor accessories, and unique cultural shopping can be found in Little India or swimsuits and stylish active wear. Greektown. Music lovers should plug into

Borderline Music for all the latest Im Monkey Business e London: Each neighbourhood offers a smorgasbord of delights, found along such world-known names as Oxford, dance remixes and indie rock tracks. Regent and Carnaby Streets. As well, Piccadilly, Camden Town, Book aficionados can’t miss the gay- King’s Road and Covent Garden offer truly alternative attire. owned and operated Unabridged Books, where the extensive e Paris: The Champs Elysees is admired for its beauty and haute-couture at luxury specialty shops, with designers like collection of popular and hard to Cartier and Vuitton. find gay reads can be found. Shopaholics should make note of Fashion In Bangkok, silks are always a Focus Chicago, a city-sponsored fashion worthy purchase. week held in October that showcases more than 100 local designers through runway shows, shopping experiences and various public and industry-only events. r

More info – www.bestgaychicago.com, www.choosechicago.com

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shops are located along Lincoln Avenue, Clark Street, Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street. In recent years, cutting-edge national stores like Anthropologie, Marc Jacobs and Cynthia Rowley have opened shops in these neighbourhoods. Savings Beyond the mainstream and designer name shopping and opportunities that exist, there’s also more affordable alternative type shops scattered throughout the city as well. With an exemplary array service of collections from around the world, the Avalon Park boutique Essential Elements-Chicago, offers comfortable and hip accessories across and clothing. They are passionate about fashion, and pride themselves on finding ways to make their items affordable for all. Canada The very gay Halsted Street area has its own unique collection of shopping haunts for those seeking anything from elaborate costumes or club clothes, to sex toys and leather gear. Beatnix carries a wide selection of leather chaps, wigs, masks, feather boas, body-length rhinestone accessories, and much more. Cupid’s is a sex-friendly With the option of Drop’N Go VALET PARKING or boutique with a wide selection of leather, rubber, sex toys and love our SELF PARK service, your clients will appreciate potions, while Egoist Underwear keeps things sexy down below. The the choice and convenience coast to coast. cleverly named Gay Mart is a series of rooms offering all things pink and glittery, including rainbow gifts, cards, jewelry, t-shirts, calendars, For the latest rates and location maps visit: music, comic book action figures and fun toys. For those needing an parknfly.ca even greater leather fix, Leather Sport is an erotic treasure chest of bondage gear, fetish devices, kinky videos and enough accessories to stimulate more than your mind. Further uptown on Clark Street is where Brown Elephant Resale can be found, providing second-hand bargain hunters a treasure chest of goodies, with proceeds benefiting AIDS/ HIV support organizations. As well Brownstone Antiques and Collectibles is another great shop for finding that one-of-a-kind item that completes your household requirements. His Stuff has VANCOUVER • EDMONTON • TORONTO • OTTAWA • MONTREAL • HALIFAX a location on Clark as well as Broadway, with stylishly distinctive

29Park’N Canadian Fly - Canadian Traveller Traveller JU - NE1/4 Page2012 AD I LGBT Travel 00 CMYK Size: 3.4375” x 4.875” no bleed. 5/7/2012 FD#: 5247 9 A Canadian’s Guide To LGBT Travel ud a ig /Peter R s s mu ouri ien T ien Culturally W Speaking A Look At Vienna’s Vibrant LGBT

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is well known for its grandiose architecture, cultural events and creative masterminds. It also boasts

one of the most vibrant LGBT scenes in all of Europe, despite the fact The best way to enjoy it doesn’t define one particular area as the “gay village”. Here’s a brief Vienna is to walk around, see the sights overview of some of the cultural highlights: and enjoy the renowned Viennese café culture.

It’s not uncommon to spend hours just was built by architects Eduard van der Nüll Europe supporting people with HIV and wandering around admiring the Baroque, and August Sicard von Sicardsburg, who AIDS. Each year nearly 4,000 attendees Biedermeier and Art Nouveau influences were partners in life as well as in business. get the opportunity to walk down the seen throughout the city. As with many Today, the city remains a hot bed of all red carpet, which leads from Ringstrasse European destinations, visitors arrive to things pink. A must see is the Ringstrasse, Boulevard across City Hall Square to the delve into the past, while discovering the a circular road surrounding the city’s Old main stage in front of Vienna’s City Hall. new. This year Vienna celebrates the 150th Town that was constructed along the This year marked the 20th anniversary of anniversary of the birth of Gustav Klimt, route of the former city walls built in the the Life Ball, which happens annually in the a pioneer of the Modernist painting 13th century. Much of the current gay month of May. style. He was one of the most prominent scene of clubs, bars and restaurants is Other events of note include the members of the Vienna Secession clustered just southwest of the Ringstrasse, annual Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade movement, and his major works include around Pilgramgasse, Neubaugasse, (Regenbodenparade) at the beginning of paintings, murals, sketches and other art Museumsquartier and Karlsplatz. The June, which winds its way along the historic objects. Klimt’s primary subject was the cultural scene is comprised of magnificent Ringstrasse. As well, Vienna is Queer female body and his works are marked churches, museums, performance venues, by a frank eroticism, with his infamous and parliamentary buildings that showcase The glamorous and star-studded annual Life Ball The Kiss recognized worldwide. As part of this city and its history as the centre of the is just one of many gay events in Vienna. Others this anniversary presentation, the world’s Austro-Hungarian Empire. include Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade, Vienna largest collection of paintings by Klimt While embracing their past, the is Queer, the Rainbow Ball and the Rose Ball. is on display in their Baroque-palace Viennese take pride in their alluring home, with almost 200 of his drawings on modern architecture, thriving design scene exhibit at the Albertina Museum. and modern innovations that create a Vienna’s LGBT history spans many harmonious atmosphere of classic and centuries, with such notable figures as nouveau. Often referred to as the “City of Prince Eugene of Savoy, who was known Waltzes”, it is with this historical past and for his flamboyant style, affection for modern sensibility that the city has gained a younger males, and his public display of reputation of acceptance and tolerance. Life gender-bending styles. The Baroque-styled Ball has become one of the most elaborate Schloss Belvedere Palace was built as a and profitable AIDS charity events in the summer residence for Eugene, and is now world. This glamorous and star-studded home to the Austrian Gallery with paintings annual affair has been happening since by Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka. Vienna’s 1993, and has achieved international famous Staatsoper (State Opera House) recognition as the biggest charity event in

10 LGBT Travel I june 2012 Canadian Traveller 30 ll

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Belvedere, W

ife B : L More ien Nearly 4,000 attendees get the opportunity to walk down Hot Spots the red carpet, across City Hall 5 Paris: Visit famous galleries such as The Louvre, Square to the e This year Vienna celebrates the 150th mingle with local artists in Parisian cafes, marvel main stage at Life at the L’Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, and anniversary of the birth of Gustav Klimt a Ball, one of the pioneer of the Modernist painting style. most elaborate admire the quirkiness of the Centre Pompidou His infamous work The Kiss hangs in the and profitable Museum. Don’t miss the magnificent churches Belvedere. AIDS charity events and wonderful cemeteries. in the world. e Italy: There’s so much to discover in Rome with the Sistine Chapel and Vatican, or the beautiful (Wien ist Andersrum) is an arts festival rotating repertoire of classic and original canal city of Venice, the amazing architecture of that incorporates a collection of off-beat productions. Classic Vienna opera houses Florence, or the high fashion of Milan. Be sure to cultural performances and exhibitions include the Theater an der Wien, the take time for multiple Espressos with the locals. during the first part of June. The Rainbow Staatsoper, and the Volksoper, all with e Prague: Discover a city built in many art styles, Ball (Regenbodenballis) happens every featured traditional Viennese operettas. including gothic, baroque, neo-classic, and February and is modeled after the From the late 18th to the mid-20th renaissance. Walk the cobblestone streets that traditional formal attire Viennese balls of century, Vienna’s musical culture Kafka once did, drink local Czech beer and the past, while the Rose Ball (Rosenball) flourished and became known worldwide Jägermeister, and don’t miss the famous Charles is a more flamboyant alternative to the with such famous composers as Wolfgang Bridge. traditional Opera Ball happening the Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven e Mexico City: Frida Kahlo de Rivera has had same month. and Johannes Brahms taking up residence significant influence in gay culture with her Art and culture have long traditions here, and Johann Strauss, Arnold native Neomexicanismo artistic style, as well as in Vienna, including theatre, opera, Schoenberg and Franz Schubert being such openly gay luminaries as singer-songwriter classical music and fine arts. Today native Viennese. The Wiener Musikverein Juan Gabriel, artist Juan Soriano and essayist much of this can be explored within the is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Carlos Monsivais. numerous museums and galleries found Orchestra, and the Wiener Konzerthaus e Buenos Aires: Take in queer tango lessons, within the city. The Museumsquartier presents concerts of classical music. The gay milongas (or dance halls), or the (or MQ) is a cultural hub, home to works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and gay tango festival held annually in the Leopold Museum, the Museum Johann Strauss can be heard at various November. Ponder the movements of Modern Art and Kunsthalle Wien, venues around town including the of Eva Peron (Evita) and visit the which often showcases major gay- Liechtenstein Museum. Recoletta neighbourhood for great themed exhibits and queer artists. Kunst From the historic Hofburg Imperial history and architecture. Historisches Museum is the stately Palace where you can learn about the fine arts museum with its unmatched controversial Emperor Ludwig Viktor, to collection of pieces by Breughel, Titian, the famous State Opera House that was Visit famous galleries l Rembrandt, Rubens and others. designed and built by gay lovers, this is a in Paris, mingle with Theatre buffs should check out what’s just a sampling of what this historic city ivo local artists in cafes,

nie R nie and don’t miss the

happening at the Burgtheater, one of has to offer for LGBT travellers. The best h a p magnificent churches the most important German language way to enjoy Vienna is to walk around, and wonderful theatres in the world and the second see the sights and enjoy the renowned cemeteries. ffice/Ste

oldest in Europe. The Volkstheater Viennese café culture. O t r s Wien is the place to go for more ouri T contemporary avant-garde productions, More Information www.vienna.info, s ri a and the Theater in der Josefstadt with its www.austria.info/us P

00 31 Canadian Traveller JUNE 2012 I LGBT Travel 11 A Canadian’s Guide To LGBT Travel A

Finally, the Schoneberg district get your Night German food fix, at places like Bamberger Reiter or Fischers Restaurant. While it’s impossible to list every one of the bars and clubs in the city, here’s an On The overview of some of the more popular well- known venues located in various parts of the city, along with a brief description of Town each one. Motzstrasse is the city’s main gay Berlin’s Nightlife Is Wild, Sexy & hub, with legendary bars such as Omnes and Hafen drawing locals and visitors to the dance floor. Cruise in the footsteps of Offers Something For Everyone the legendary Marlene Dietrich over to the Berlin is one of those European cities filled with history, culture and majestic Viktoria-Luise-Platz, popping your head into an array of bars to suit all types. parties. It has also had a thriving gay scene for nearly a century, with The nearby Fuggerstrasse is also worth the notorious Eldorado club attracting gay icons like Marlene Dietrich checking out for a more subdued sampling and Christopher Isherwood back in the 1920s. of bars. The area around Schonhauser Alle metro station has its own scene with Pick The nightlife in Berlin is notoriously famous Nollendorfplatz, where much of the club Ab and Greif Bar being two hotspots. As for its 24-hour action, with clubs to suit nightlife is clustered along Motzstrasse. well, on and around Schonhauser Allee, the every fashion, fantasy and fetish. From Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte are more main drag through Prenzlauer Berg, you’ll regular happenings in the trendiest of where the edgier one-off parties tend find plenty of shops, cafes and pubs all clubs, to private warehouse type parties to take place, while Kreuzberg attracts catering to gays and lesbians. and speak-easy haunts, this is the city to the more bohemian hipster crowds, and It’s also worth walking along Karl- head to if your passion is clubbing. There Friedrichshain is where students and the Marx-Allee, lined with imposing Stalinist are quite a few sections that have a more younger set migrate. architecture, and making a stop at Klub

m predominately gay presence, most notably Many night crawlers begin or end the International, a retro-fabulous cinema s Schoneberg around night by grabbing a bite in one of that occasionally morphs into a gay ouri the city’s 12,000 pubs, restaurants, disco. Another great spot to check out

Berlin T Berlin and cafes. In Mitte there are is Connection, featuring a shop, a disco, plenty of cafes worth visiting, and a huge multi-level cruising area. such as Orange, Zapata, Ici or Oranienstrasse in Kreuzberg is another of Hackbarths. The edgier Kreuzberg the city’s main gay ways, and is home to area is quickly gaining a selection Roses, a distinctively kitsch pub with faux of chic eat spots as well, such as fur-lined walls that attracts a mixed gender Riehmers Hofgarten, Altes Zollhaus bending crowd most nights of the week. and Medici. Also Berliners and Just a few doors down is SO36, a dance bar tourists alike congregate in the cafes famous for its gay Turkish dance nights and alongside the banks of Paul-Linke- belly dancers. Lesbians tend to gravitate to Ufer canal. Friedrichshain is where Pour Elle or Begine. true night owls head to party the Berlin is also known for its freedom of night away before grabbing breakfast expression and carefree attitude. Nude at Leander or Apotheke on their sunbathing is permitted in all public way home. Prenzlauer Berg is more parks and green spaces, and sex clubs touristy and has a variety of are as popular as the mainstream dance international bars. Some of these places operate as cuisine a regular bar during the day then do a offerings naughty turnaround as the night gets The Christopher Street from fine later. The biggest sex parties are held Day parade also attracts dining at Snax Club and Lab.oratory, while upwards of half a million to quick Jaxx is a membership sex party club people to watch the procession from the snacks. associated with Tom’s Bar. Stage Club is Kurfurstendamm to the another men’s sex-party club in nearby Siegessaeule. Wilmersdorf, and in Kreuzberg, Club Culture Houze and Triebwerk are erotic

12 LGBT Travel I june 2012 Canadian Traveller 32 m s ouri Berlin T Berlin Berlin is also known for its freedom of expression and carefree attitude, from 24-hour bars to clothing optional beaches.

playgrounds for just about any taste or with porn, prostitution, and public displays gender. In Prenzlauer Berg there’s the of nudity. Leather guys and fetish lovers also popular Stahlrohr 2.0, and only a few gather at the annual Folsom Europe Berlin, streets away is the appropriately named with the next one happening in September. Darkroom. Over in Schoneberg the Ajpnia Other more mainstream LGBT events will satisfy your urges. include Gay Stadtfest, Europe’s largest Fetish bars and parties are also quite annual queer outdoor event celebrating common, and are classified separately from its 20th anniversary this month. The the sex clubs and parties, as quite often sexual following weekend the Christopher Street acts are not part of this scene. Clubs such as Day parade also attracts upwards of half a New Action and Bose Buben in Neukolln million people to watch the procession from offer regular S&M action, while nearby Bull the Kurfurstendamm to the Siegessaeule. is a men-only late-night fetish space. The Wigstockel is a unique event that unites all fetish crowd also meets at regular reoccurring sorts of trans- and non-gender conforming events such as Perverts and Pig, two semi- individuals every September. Over around annual anything-goes fetish fun playhouses Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, gays gather for that happen at different locations with dates Parkfest Friedrichshain, which takes place in Spend Less. listed on each of their respective websites. Volkspark in August. r HustlaBall celebrates its 10th anniversary More information: www.visitberlin.de/en; Travel More. in October, and spotlights everything to do www.gayberlin4u.com Best Rate Guaranteed at

TC daysinn.ca B

N More Hot Spots Earn Wyndham Rewards® e Amsterdam: While the red-light district attracts the tourists, gays ® * flock to the popular Reguliersdwarsstraat and Amstel sections. Points or Aeroplan Miles Kerkstraat is an area on the rise, and Warmoesstraat is where the Friendly Staff 5 kink and fetish crowd migrate. Spacious Showers e New York: Gays are everywhere from the Stonewall perimeters of Greenwich Village, to the upscale Chelsea dance clubs, and the more recent Hell’s Kitchen mix of pubs and bars. Fringe events also FRee High-Speed Internet happen in the Meatpacking District. e London: Soho is where clubbers head, with Old Compton Street being the hub with the likes of G-A-Y Bar, Rupert Street and Village Soho. Bigger venues with extended hours can be found in the Vauxhall area, such as Fire, Union and The Hoist. Keep your eyes and ears open for one-off parties as well. e Paris: Le Marais is the most happening section for nightlife, with bars such as Open Café, RAIDD, Amnesia, Mixer, Bar Central, Cox and Carré Bar. A second area near Les Halles has the popular Le Depot and Banana Café. Queen Dance Club on Champs Elysees also shouldn’t be missed. *For information on earning points or miles, visit daysinn.ca. Gays flock to the Amsterdam’s e Miami: Head to South Beach where the gay and famous hang out Reguliersdwarsstraat and at the legendary Palace on Ocean Drive and multi-level Twist on Amstel districts, as well as Washington Ave. There are also newer haunts such as Mova, Vault, Over 90 Convenient Kerkstraat, an area on the rise. and Vlada that attract the more sophisticated cocktail crowds. Locations Across Canada

00 33 Canadian Traveller JUNE 2012 I LGBT Travel 13 318_CDN_Traveller_LGBT_SpecialEdition.indd 3 5/14/12 2:54:16 PM A Canadian’s Guide To LGBT Travel n Poulin n a h p l/Ste a Bon Appetit Montreal boasts one of the ontre largest gay villages in North America along with a buzzing me M s me restaurant scene and festival- ouri T Mes Amis! type atmosphere. In Montreal Dining Is A Requirement, Not An Option Montreal, where there are 5,000 cafes, and dining is a requirement not an option, has one of the biggest gay village areas in North America, stretching out along Ste Catherine Street East between Rue Berri and Papineau. During the summer months the roadway is closed to traffic creating a pedestrian friendly festival type of atmosphere.

The apportez-votre-vin (bring your own oven baked pizzas, fresh pastas and a large morning buffs get their fix at Chez Cora. wine) option adds to the joie-de-vivre of selection of homemade sauces. Uchi serves International options include Bato Thai dining, and there are five such restaurants up mouth-watering sushi and Szechuan with a large selection of reasonably priced within The Village that have embraced this dishes, and for a unique and entertaining authentic dishes. Le Planéte offers an eclectic culture. O’Thym offers classic French cuisine, experience check out Couscoussiere Ali global cuisine that seeks inspiration from the while Mozza is a cozy date spot with wood Baba for delectable Moroccan and Tunisian four corners of the world, and L’Amalfitana dishes accompanied by a live belly dancing brings you the best of traditional southern showcase on weekends. As well, Steak Frites Italian cuisine. is a Montreal chain that serves up awesome For those daring enough to visit Montreal steak and fries as the name implies. in the depths of winter, January is when the The lively and boisterous DJ thumping Happening Gourmand event takes place confines of Saloon offer an amazing offering a wide selection of affordable prix- recovery brunch for those who may have fixe menus at many top end restaurants. indulged a bit too much the night before. As well, summertime brings not one, but The Nuvu Bistro Experiences will leave your two separate Pride celebrations: Divers/Cité taste buds dancing with freshly created happens July 30 to August 5 and is focused nouveau cuisine selections, while Chez Ma on entertainment and circuit-type party Grosse Truie Cherie serves up traditional events, while Fierté/Montreal Pride takes Quebec favourites at communal tables place August 13 to 19 with a parade and that are perfect for dining with friends community engagement type events. r or making new ones. Night owls flock to More info: www.queermontreal.info, Resto du Village and the multi-level Le Club www.tourisme-montreal.org, Sandwich, both open 24 hours, while strictly www.go-montreal.com, www.montreal.com

e New York: Some of the best Mexican dishes dining in central Paris, then head to Montmartre north of the border can be found at Hell’s and dine at the artist cafes. Splurge and enjoy Kitchen, Aurora Soho serves up Italian with dinner high atop the Eiffel Tower. freshly made pastas, bread and desserts. e Lisbon: Head to Les Mauvais Garcons, a For something different stop by the Loeb Paris-inspired café for daytime dining, or 5Boathouse Restaurant in Central Park. Mar Adentro Café where you can sit, sip and e Los Angeles: West Hollywood is LA’s most watch the world go by. Bairro Alto, Chiado and diverse culinary destination with nearly 150 Principe Real are the hubs of gay culture, with dining options. This is where celebrities hang, restaurants, bars, bookstores, antique shops eat and cook. Be sure to hit up Spago, Ago and and clubs. Cecconi’s. Pull up a chair on one of the many e Istanbul: Cheap eats can be found from patios and enjoy the view. street vendors who happily prepare delicious e Paris: Known for wonderful wines and fine local specialties like Shish kebab; pide (Turkish

More Hot Spots cuisine. Stroll the Champs Elysee, the heart of pizza); kofte (spice lamb meatballs) and dolma. 14 LGBT Travel I june 2012 Canadian Traveller 34 2nd Annual Pride Travel Marketplace June 30th & July 1st 2012 - Toronto, Ontario

Come join us in Toronto to celebrate Pride Join and Diversity at the 2nd Annual Pride Travel Marketplace taking place June 30 & July 1 2012 Us Celebrate – one of the largest Pride festivals in the world. festivities include a street Diversity marketplace in the heart of Toronto’s gay village and surrounding area. A dedicated area in the Church/Wellesley area with Exhibitor booths Win a lining the streets selling and promoting various businesses. Drop by Pride Travel Marketplace and Vacation visit with some of the best destinations and travel companies supporting the LGBT community.

For full details on Toronto Pride please visit: www.pridetoronto.com , are this FUN If are like. TUESDAYS imagine what WEEKENDS

InIn New New Orleans, Orleans, it’s Fat Tuesday every it’s day of Fat the week. Tuesday every day of the week. PerhapsPerhaps it’s it’sbecause because the city isthe the city birthplace is the of jazzbirthplace and the of jazz and the cocktail.cocktail. There’s There’s something something to amuse to and amuse delight around and delight around everyevery cobblestoned cobblestoned corner. corner. For more For information, more contactinformation, contact MariaMaria Manzella Manzella at [email protected]. at [email protected].

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