After 400+ hours of research, we've reviewed all countries' individual laws and gathered data from a variety of trusted international sources to create the definitive "LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index" that will help you find the safest (and least safe) countries for . (*Numbeo.com, Zumper & Pride Centre of Edmonton). As for the safety and crime index, Edmonton carries a low crime index at 44.56 with a safety index of 55.44. According to Numbeo.com, the crime index is at a low of 38.25 and the safety index is at a high of 61.75. Poutine (a combination of fries, cheese curds and gravy) is often the first thing people think of when they think of Canadian food. , which snakes through the Village past many sandy spots, making for the perfect parade. Brussels, Belgium Queen West is also known as Queer West for its many LGBTQ+-friendly establishments. TheCanadian Tulip Festivalheld annually in May is the world's largest and splashes Canada's national capital, Ottawa, with popping colors! Vancouver is known to be an inclusive and accepting city with many amenities to offer such as safety. Like a little bit of Europe within Canadas borders. It has a total area of about 9.985 million Km2 which makes it the worlds second-largest country in terms of land area, only next to Russia. Best for health services & transportation, Top 10 Safest cities to live in Canada with the Best quality of life 2023, Our ranking is based on 3 criteria: the Crime Severity Index, the crime rate, and the quality of life. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and IGLTA also released the second edition of the UNWTO Global Report on LGBT Tourism and it was noted that 86% of Canadian, millennial-aged respondents believe homosexuality should be accepted. An added bonus is the areas thriving nightlife scene thats home to some of the most open-minded folks in the city. RainbowGreen. The . Australia. That is where you will also find Woodys, the famed bar where they filmed the Canadian-American production ofQueer As Folk, and Glad Day Bookshop, the worlds oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore. , we understand why so many people love Vancouver. For more places to go, things to see and eat while in Canada, stop byasianmapleleaf.com. Wander around Stanley Park, named the Worlds Top Park by TripAdvisor, during the day, making sure you stop at the famous Little Sisters Book & Art Emporium on the way back. However, some of the nation's largest cities continue to lag when it comes to LGBT equality. For a romantic respite, heat things up at Bota Bota, a floating spa on the St. Lawrence River with various water features, outdoor pools and body treatments. Sign up for our newsletter and get a curated list of the top 3. Summer(June to August) is the most popular time to visit as the cities come to life with fun festivals. Montreal's media industry needs to increase the visibility for our gay, lesbian, trans, bi-sexual and non-binary family. Blainville, QC Saskatoons premier gay bar is Divas, open for more than 40 years, but Pink Lounge also draws a crowd into its busy, multi-level space. If you are looking to move to a one-of-a-kind neighborhood, you should consider joining Edmontons Jasper Avenue where you will find a plethora of businesses run by LGBT members, same-sex bars and clubs and other Pride festivities. Contemporary despite its age, the design of the hotels 764 rooms oozes heritage charm. Vancouver also offers residence LGBT friendly beaches like Wreck Beach, grand parks like Queen Elizabeth Park, the Downtown Strict which includes shopping and restaurants or if you fancy a night out you can find all the famous bars on Granville Street in the Entertainment District. If you are looking for an extremely safe place to live and raise a family, Ottawa is the place for you. We donate a portion of our revenue to National & Local LGBTQ Organizations / Events. Spring(March to May) is generally less expensive compared to the busy summer months and is the best time to see the trees or tulips blossom. The country is politically made up of 10 provinces and three territories; however, it can be broken down into five general regions: Canada is one of the most beautiful countries with its tranquil forests, picturesque mountains and pristine lakes. Located in the town where gay student Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered, the university has done little to reject its legacy . Anchored by the Davie Street Village, home to Canadas first permanent rainbow crosswalk, youll find people and nightlife as colorful as the street below your feet. 5. To find the best gay hangouts, the top neighborhoods include the U Street Corridor, Dupont Circle or Logan Circle with LGBT favorite spots like Cobalt, 30 Degrees, Green Lantern or DIK Bar. Tel Aviv is a major party city with a booming tech enterprise and it's easily the most LGBT-accepting country in the Middle East. In addition to being safe, Aurora is home to several large companies such as Amazon and Bulk Barn Food Limited. , Lvis registers an index of 463 violent crimes per 100,000 people, while the province of Quebec has the double and Canada has nearly the triple. Jasper, a small alpine town, hosts one of Canadas most interesting Prides: celebrate diversity while skiing down a mountain in a national park! As for the safety and crime rates, the safety rate is at a median of 53.01 and the crime index is ranked 46.99. Published by at June 13, 2022. LGBTQ visitors can take advantage of the warm hospitality, safe in the knowledge that tolerance is part of everyday life from coast to coast. If only the walls could talk. TheVillage, as it's fondly called,prides itself on being accepting of all walks of life, whichcan be witnessed at its notorious Pride celebration. 5. The Courtney Room is a destination in itself, a bistro-style watering hole and fine-dining room rolled into one. There are four seasons in Canada: winter, spring, summer and autumn. The first city in the US to legalize gay marriage, and home to the first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, San Francisco is also known . Canada is among one of the 30 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriage. Banff has been welcoming guests from all over the world since 1883, when its famous natural hot springs were discoveredinstantly making the region one of the most romantic in the province. . (*Sherbourne Center,Zumper, 519 Center,Numbeo& Pride Toronto). Canada is known to be friendly and welcoming to all, and this hospitality extends to the LGBTQ+ community. The restaurant Chez Muffy is sublime, tantalizing palates with farm-to-fork Quebec bistronomie using ingredients procured from local farmers and fishermen, as well as produce from the hotels farm on nearby lle dOrlans. South Carolina, Arkansas, and Wyoming are the three worst states to raise an LGBTQ+ family. Moving to Winnipeg would mean skyline views and city-living. Toronto, ON 22 states still have no laws or policies . Stop by for a parade or two from the TransMarch, the Dyke March, to the main event, the Pride Parade or any of the other inclusive and exciting events, like the Cabana Pool Party or the Treehouse Party. With the glorious biking and hiking trails Calgary has to offer, it is no wondering Canadians love this city! New Zealand. Check out one of these neighborhoods and experience the vibrancy and diversity of this northern escape. If plans hang on staying in, Exile Restaurant is a flavour adventure, the small and large plates a mix of surf and turf that include regional hits like seared steelhead trout and grilled moose sausage. The Top 3 Lgbt-friendly Cities In North America. The Ontarian city has a. With inclusivity and quirkiness at its core, this area of Montreal, right near the rainbow-colored Beaudry Metro Station, is home to almost all of the citys gay businesses, alongside historic architecture and well-loved drag shows. Lvis, QC The modern annex, which includes the guest rooms, is bright and airy, its old-style glamour infused with modern look. Montral, Canada 5. With more than 140 languages spoken on the streets, Toronto is multicultural beyond words, a trait that makes for phenomenal variety, especially in its world-class culinary scene. exclusive rewards every day. Not quite as established as some of the others on this list, Edmontons Jasper Avenue is a burgeoning LGBT neighborhood. Nevada tops the list for most LGBTQ+ friendly states while Alabama ranks as the worst state, according to a report by USA Today. Alabama. Its one of the worlds most scenic drives, encompassing ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls and sweeping valley views. 5. Free of heavy traffic, Saguenay is also an affordable city to live in. A minimal feel of neutral tones, soft textures and clean lines yields a comfortable, open and airy environment at this 84-room modern boutique hotel in the downtown entertainment and business hub of. Canada is a relatively gay-friendly country, with its largest cities featuring their own gay areas and communities, such as Toronto 's Church and Wellesley neighbourhood, Montreal 's Gay Village commercial district, Vancouver 's Davie Village, and Ottawa 's Bank Street Gay Village. You can enjoy plenty of different outdoor recreational activities, like hiking the famous Niagara Escarpment or taking a walk at the Waterfront Trail on the shore of Lake Ontario. Saguenay even offers citizens a complete program of courses and leisure activities throughout many fields of interest. Check out MovingWaldos free moving platform and find everything you need for your move. Head over to Queer West, on Queen Street West near Trinity Bellwoods Park. A photo posted by Carrie Davis Kiborn (@travelchameleons), A photo posted by Jim Byers (@jimbyerstravel1), A photo posted by Brittney Le Blanc (@britl), A photo posted by Accalia Carmen (@accalia5). Wellington County is in fact in the top 25th percentile of all cities in the 3 following categories: offers a high quality of life and provides excellent security and safety for residents. Stay updated on business insights, travel news and trends, member features, industry events and information related to the LGBTQ+ tourism community. Winnipeg has a history since 1998 when it comes to LGBT recognition as being one of the first North American cities to elect an openly gay major. Although not situated near the Gay Village, Le Mount Stephen is an easy subway ride away. And in 1978, it became the first city in the state . Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. As for Ottawa, I study there, so I'm there pretty often, and it is pretty open. In addition to being one of the safest cities in Canada, Quebec City offers an unbeatable quality of life for residents with a relatively low cost of housing. The Shelbourne Center helps the LGBT community by responding to any of their health needs including seeking information about health. The Checklist will be send directly in your inbox for free! An important element to note before moving to Montreal is how the city speaks both French and English, however French being the primary language make sure to brush up on your languages before moving! Canada was also one of the first countries to officially legalize same-sex marriage nationwide back in 2005, a decade before the United States. The Equality Index is an average of two indexes: the legal index and the public opinion Index. Bangkok is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Asia. 2023 GayRealEstate.com - All rights reserved. In addition, the country is known for the respect the differences of everyone, its unparalleled diversity as well as its safety and security. The 59 rooms and suites are sleek and soothing thanks to light wood and white furnishings, a taupe, grey and silver colour palette and gorgeous wood flooring in the suites. Ottawa, ON Vancouver Pride happens every August and is the largest celebration in Western Canada. 1), Health Care Access (No. Now thats a major bonus, especially when it comes to the August long weekend Pride festival, which snakes through the Village past many sandy spots, making for the perfect parade. The waterfront city is assuredly one of the safest cities in Canada with a CSI as low as 23.95 and a crime rate considerably lower than the average.Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Burlington is a great fit for you if youre looking for professional opportunities. In total, Montreal's polls showed the following results: Out of the people polled, what brought Montreal's entry point out of the top 10 was our feeling of safety in the city. The Bay of Fundy is located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, on the east coast. Just like all the cities mentioned above, for over 20 years, Nelson has organized its own Pride parade, and instead of celebrating for a single day, they extend the celebrations for an entire weekend known as the Kootenay Pride Weekend. If you are looking to move to a one-of-a-kind neighborhood, you should consider joining Edmontons. In two of these cities Hattiesburg . Not to mention, just like Montreal and Toronto, Ottawa also holds an annual Pride celebration featuring a parade, festival and amenities throughout Pride Week. (*Zumper.com, Ottawa Front Runners & Numbeo.com). Stay up-to-date by subscribing to Destination Canada Travel News. The country ranks among the highest in the international measurements in terms of quality of life, government transparency, civil liberties, education, economic freedom, and healthcare. Each of its many neighborhoods reflects the diversity of its residentseverything from Chinatown and Little Italy to Little Portugal, Little India, Greektown and Koreatown. Of course, you cant miss, If youre into the laid back vibe of the West Coast, then youll feel at home in, . 4. Germany [tie 9-11] Iceland. The cost of living in Lvis is 25% lower than the national average. The Ontarian city has a, , which is very low compared to 73.68, Canadas CSI. With the runaway success of the musical Come From Away, Newfoundland & Labrador is enjoying a moment in the sun, with a welcome that mirrors the shows depiction of the provinces warm hospitality. Toronto is also home to some of the countrys best museums and galleries, including theArt Gallery of Ontario(AGO) and theRoyal Ontario Museum(ROM). In Vancouvers West End, just south-west of the downtown core, youll be greeted by pink bus stops and rainbow banners, as well as gay businesses, gay-friendly events, and over 30 Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) approvedhotels. Be sure to check out the Canadian Museum for Human Rights or a guided public art tour to really understand thiscreative hub of Canadas prairie provinces. 5 Elon University. The city records the lowest crime rate among census metropolitan areas (CMA). Vancouver, BC Both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Montreal are definite must-dos. , Newfoundland & Labrador is enjoying a moment in the sun, with a welcome that mirrors the shows depiction of the provinces warm hospitality. It has a high population of LGBT people who also work in the area, as well as many bars and clubs that cater to them. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver is one of Canadas most picturesque citiesand also one of its warmest, drawing tourists year-round. Lots of, Not only does Canada have plenty of job opportunities, but it also has some of the safest cities in the world. The hospitality and service at this Relais & Chteau-associated, family-owned boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City is at a level that is presupposed by LGBTQ travelers. The Canadian Capital, otherwise known as Ottawa, is one of the most LGBT friendly cities in Canada. No sign up required! Located around Davie Street and Commercial Drive in Grandview is the majority of Vancouvers LGBT community. More specifically in the. Plus, it becomes a pedestrian-only area every summer from May to September, making it feel like Pride every day! As previously mentioned, Halifax residents prefer to walk or bike as a main source of transportation with the walk score being 63 and the bike score being 59. In Rochester, the center of the city's gay neighborhood runs along the Park Avenue corridor, where buyers can grab this charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom abode located a few blocks off Park . Talk to our experts about your moving project. There are also, You are gradually approaching retirement. The County has a low CSI of 28.38.The citys public safety is committed to building and maintaining a safe, healthy and vibrant community. The Netherlands also ranks in the top five countries in terms of same-sex couples as parents (number five . The scene is small, but fun and is invigorated by the yearly. Head over to Queer West, on Queen Street West near Trinity Bellwoods Park. Winnipeg's Osborne Village. 4. 20 states have passed conversion therapy bans in the last 5 years. Most of the festivities happen in the Gay Villageone of the largest gay villages in the worldalong Rue Sainte-Catherine, where the whole strip is transformed into a walking promenade during the summer months. The city offers plenty of job opportunities, has high wages and is fortunately an extremely affordable city. . 4). The three cities listed above are some of the world's most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. Toronto Pride, held each year in June, attracts millions to the city and is a monthlong celebration of diversity and inclusion. Montreal ranks on the list but took second placeto Toronto when it comes to Canada. Stroll through the cobblestoned streets of Old Montral and you will feel like you are in a small, quaint European city. 2), Pride-Readiness (No. Last but not least, Saguenay ranks as the 10th safest city in Canada with a CSI of 50. Some of the cities you might want to consider include: After youve decided which city in Canada is the best fit for you, your next step should be to connect with a realtor who knows that city and its neighborhoods well, and who can help you find a home that you will love and enjoy for many years to come. Based on how strongly students disagree that their fellow students treat all persons equally, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The report also looked at each city's national laws impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, including the right to marry or adopt. 1. Plus, the main drag, Davie Street, is just up from the beach. 3. 4 Macalester College. Barrie averages a violent crime rate 33% lower than the national rate. A pioneer in LGBTQ rights, it was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001 and remains a great option for LGBTQ students. Culinary delights range from local homemade goodies to afternoon tea to the famous cuts of Alberta beef. No sign up required! Oslo, Norway 8. Like every other typical market, the real estate market in Canada depends on factors such as the economy of the country and the interest rates. According to Statistics Canada, the Crime Severity Index is a measure of the severity of police-reported crime. To put it into perspective, it is only slightly smaller than all of Europe combined. Affordability is one of St Johns advantages with the average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment being anywhere between $975. You can enjoy plenty of different outdoor recreational activities, like hiking the famous Niagara Escarpment or taking a walk at the Waterfront Trail on the shore of Lake Ontario. trending stories and Follow your hot-springs soak with a canoodling canoe ride or a thrilling helicopter sight-see. . Commercial Drive (The Drive) is home to Vancouver's thriving lesbian community. The city has a low Crime Severity Index (39.50). At the east end of the citys historic Byward Market area with its plethora of eateries and bars, the Andaz is walking distance from many of the downtown highlights, including the Rideau Canal, busy Sparks and Elgin Streets, and Parliament Hill. Known as one of Winnipegs hippest areas, Osborne Village is home to the citys coolest spots for food, theater, and culture. 10. With an impressively low Crime Severity Index, LaSalle ranks first in list of the safest cities in Canada. The score for each city is capped at 25 - the total sum of the 5 categories combined. Like a little bit of Europe within Canadas borders, Quebec City is the jewel of the province. John Wright December 18, 2015 Leave a Comment. On the New Brunswick side, you will find Hopewell Rocks Park, where you can walk along the shores one hour and kayak in the same spot the next. . Then head to the Village for the legendary nachos at the, and a night of dancing and meeting new friends at the community bar, The Pumpjack. The cityscape is dominated by the Chteau Frontenac, one of Canada's grand railway hotelswhich more closely resembles a castle. A new report shows that more American cities offer friendly environments to the nation's LGBT community. Victoria is also home to theEmpress Hotel,where you can enjoy their famed Victorian afternoon tea. Saguenay, QC Running over the course of 10 days, the festival has become a staple in the community. [1] Social surveys show a general tolerance of homosexuality. The beautiful country of Canada is situated in the northern part of North-America. Top 5. There are no laws against homosexuality, and lesbians can legally marry their partners. It is great to live in a city where you feel safe and protected and where you dont have to worry about possible danger. Quebec City, QC Or head to Columbia Heights to experience a strong Latino and hipster crowd with a mix of ethnic restaurants and cool taverns. Vancouver is also the home to not one, but two wonderful gay villages. The Gay Village in particular is the largest gay community in Canada. Image courtest ofChristian Ouellet -- stock.adobe.com, Image courtesy ofpololia - stock.adobe.com. Nelson has ranked behind Vancouver in regards to livable; consequently, the price of a 1-bedroom apartment averages at $1,102 per month. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. least lgbt friendly cities in canada. The Niagara Region is just southwest of Toronto, Ontario, and is home to one of Canadas most famous natural attractions: the Niagara Falls. A photo posted by Carrie Davis Kiborn (@travelchameleons) on Jul 3, 2015 at 7:09am PDT. Montral is Canadas cultural hub with its rich history and old-world European charm. "There's a lot of areas around Denver I would say are gay-friendly . Are you moving soon? Despite being Quebecs 17th largest city in terms of population, the city is particularly safe. An area known for arts and culture, Queer West, which resides in theWest Queen West neighborhood, boasts the largest concentration of galleries in Toronto anda quintessentially artsy atmosphere. Bangkok Pride Festival is an annual event held in Bangkok since 2002. Twice each day, 160 billion tons of seawater (more than the combined flow of the worlds freshwater rivers) flows in and out of the bay. Canada is among one of the 30 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriage. Regional organizations, Equal Rights Coalition and refugee protections for LGBT groups are among examples . Access to our calendar of events and tours, use of the IGLTA logo, Annual Global Convention, marketing opportunities, plus much more. The crime index score is at an extreme low of 27.27 and the safety index stands at an impressive 72.73! This article was written by Barry Joy (aka asianmapleleaf), an ambassador of all things travel. Autumn(September to November) is a great time to visit and see the leaves change into vibrant colors all across the country. In addition to Edmonton, Vancouver, and Montreal, there are other LGBT-friendly cities. The city ensures easy access to various ski resorts, while during the warmer months, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches at Centennial Park. Saguenay even offers citizens a complete program of courses and leisure activities throughout many fields of interest. Halifax, N.S. Canada is also home to several large, yet friendly cities if you also want shopping, amazing food and energetic nightlife. Despite being small, this resort town 130 kilometers west of Calgary has an international flare and reputation, making it very comfortable for the LGBTQ traveler. However, you will typically see Nelson residence enjoying a hike and taking in the sun surrounded by nature. Need more reasons to visit Toronto? Edmonton A gay-friendly city with its own Pride Festival. Quaint, charming, beautiful, storied and welcoming, its hospitality has been honed from many years of entertaining cruise-ship passengers touring the St. Lawrence River.The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only North American fortified city north of Mexico with its walls still in tact. Clearly, there is lack of feeling safe among our city, and you don't have to look too hard into our gay village to understand why. Check out MovingWaldos free moving platform and find everything you need for your move. Plus, the main drag, Davie Street, is just up from the beach. In our rankings, the states scored 7.3, 6.7, and 6.7 respectively. Smack dab in the middle of Torontos downtown core, this vibrant village is full of trendy cafs, delicious restaurants, and, of course, gay-friendly shops, and nightlife spots. Artifacts discovered through an archeological dig during the construction of the hotel are displayed throughout the building, integrated into the decor. Moreover, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,558 per month. Boston, Massachusetts's diverse and inclusive culture, makes it one the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States.