Toronto
by John David Wilson III
365Gay.com Travel Editor

It used to be said that Queen Victoria was alive and well - living in Toronto.  Canada's biggest city had a reputation for being puritanical, stodgy, and drab.  No more.

From the CN Tower to the chrome and glass skyscrapers, to one of the world's most vibrant gay communities, Toronto has its feet firmly planted in the 21st century.

Unlike America, Canada is no melting pot.  Instead it celebrates diversity and Toronto is the center of that diversity; home to more than 100 cultures. That means there's a festival for one ethnic or cultural group at least once a week all year, wonderful restaurants serving up a League of Nations of food, and some marvelous shopping with goods from around the globe.

But, perhaps the best thing about Toronto or T-O as the natives say, is that 60% of the population of the United States is within a 90-minute flight.

Once you arrive at Pearson Airport, hop a cab or airport limousine to your hotel.  If it's in city center you won't need a car to get around. Toronto is a walking, biking, subway city.  The major hotels are close to just about everything - the gay village, the entertainment district, and shopping.  Since the city is based on a grid you're unlikely to get lost. If you do, just ask someone. Torontonians don't bite. And, just about everyone will be helpful in pointing out the fastest way to get to the gay neighborhood.

If you pass by city hall - a gorgeous oyster shell space age building - don't be surprised to see gay couples getting their picture taken on the square in front.  Since Ontario legalized gay marriage several years ago Toronto has become a magnet for out-of-towners who want to tie the knot. There are no residency restrictions in Ontario.  You can pick up your license and get married right away.

If you are a theater buff, Toronto is the world's third largest center for live theater after New York and London.  Rush seats are usually available.  Just ask at your hotel.  For the history buffs there's the Royal Ontario Museum with one the world's best Egypt collections plus sections dedicated to North American native culture and European history.  The Art Gallery of Ontario offers a world class collection of art.

Shoppers will find their greenback will go farther in Canada.  The Eaton Center, a massive downtown mall that connects to an underground system linking just about all of the financial district, has just about everything you might want.  But, if you want high end - really high end - visit Bloor Street. It has some of the most expensive stores in the world.

Now, about the gay village.  If you've ever watched Queer As Folk, you've seen Toronto's queer mecca. You'll find the real Woody's, Babylon though is called the Fly.  Summer is patio season and the restaurants will likely have a wait for a table.  No matter, a good chance to people watch.

If its Pride weekend, you're in for a long wait.  A million people cram into the area to celebrate with the gay community. 

The center of the village is the corner of Church and Wellesley (a block east of the Wellesley subway stop on the Yonge line).  Walking south on Church Street you'll pass the Bar 501 with its outrageous drag shows in the window, across the street is Zeldas with its equally outrageously hunky waiters.  Woody's is down a block.  So is the Black Eagle if you're into leather. There are several dozen gay bars, clubs, bathhouses and restaurants in the area.      

Across from Woody's is a bigger than life statue of the first out gay man to settle in the area - Alexander Wood.  He set up housekeeping in 1793. It's said there has been at least one queer in the neighborhood ever since.