Meet French Canada’s flamboyantly gay beating heart, Montreal

Covered in snow during the winter, we suggest visiting the European-feeling city in spring or summer when Montreal feels more like Paris.

Mark

Aug 4, 2023 - 20:00

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Meet French Canada’s flamboyantly gay beating heart, Montreal

In Montreal's gay village people walk under the multi-colored balls that create a rainbow flag.

Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in French Canada. Mount Royal’s green (and often snowy) peak is at the city’s center with the queerest neighborhoods of St Henri, The (Gay) Village, and Mile End surrounding it. Covered in snow and ice during the winter, we suggest visiting the European-feeling city in Spring or Summer when Montreal feels more like Paris than Toronto. The city’s residents are soaking up the sun in sidewalk cafes, drinking wine along the Lachine Canal, and biking through the picturesque streets. Although the city is 100% bilingual, French is the most popular language. Everyone speaks English; whether they choose to do so is another story.

Shopping

Montreal is all about small locally-owned businesses, so be sure to stroll down any of the main thoroughfares in the neighborhoods of St Henri, Mile End, or the Village to shop until you drop.

L’Euguélionne, librairie féministe

This non-profit solidarity co-op has a large selection of new and used books, zines, and print art. Its primary focus is on queer, feminist, gay/lesbian, and non-binary literature, but L’Euguélionne also hosts diverse literary feminist events, including launches, reading circles, talks, workshops, and round table discussions.

A handsome man dressed in jeans and leather chaps leans against a motorcycle. — Credit: Armada Par Men’s Room

Armada Par Men’s Room

Armada Par Men’s Room is a one-stop for k*nky leather garb, male grooming products, jockstraps, singlets, harnesses, and all your classic gay-branded underwear in The Gay Village neighborhood.

Restaurants and Cafes

There is no shortage of quality food options in Montreal. Whether you’re eating the city’s favorite late-night fast food poutine in a kitschy diner or unwinding at one of the many French-inspired bistros, the options are endless.

Joe Beef

Joe Beef is a casual restaurant operated by two chefs who wanted to return to a simpler love of cooking than the usual four-star affair. As such, the menu is based on excitement about cooking with their favorite ingredients, such as sizzling bacon, juicy steak, and fresh lobster. The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious; the tables are close together and you might end up talking to your neighbors. Remember to make reservations!

Different types of poutine grace the photo all smothered in cheese and various toppings. — Credit: Poutineville

Poutineville

If you don’t know what poutine is, you can expect a plate of french fries smothered in cheese curd and gravy…what’s not to love? Poutineville has locations throughout Montreal, but the Village location is where you’ll find all the queers soaking up the booze after a night out.

Le Red Tiger

Le Red Tiger serves up modern Vietnamese street food tapas style, perfect for sharing in a colorful modern setting.

Le Vieux Velo

Close to Little Italy in the hip Mile-Ex area, Le Vieux Velo has an array of Eggs Benedicts and lots of your brunch favorites.

Nightlife

True to its European influence, many bars and clubs stay open until sunrise, and the city loves to dance to electronic music until dawn. The summer brings sweaty dance parties and patios filled with Montreal’s cooped-up winter residents ready to bask in the summer sun.

The staff at NDQ stands in front of an array of bar snack and bowling pins. — Credit: Bar Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles (NDQ)

Bar Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles (NDQ)

In most bars, you wouldn’t want to strike out during a night out, but at Our Lady of Bowling, or as locals call it NDQ, it is recommended. Popular with the local queer hipster crowd, you’ll find two half-size bowling lanes, queeraokie, and some decent grub to keep you fueled for your game.

A tattooed, blue-eyed, muscled, and attractive shirtless bartender looks ta the camera. — Credit: Bar Aigle Noir

Bar Aigle Noir (The Black Eagle)

The Black Eagle is Montreal’s Village bear bar, where you can find shirtless men strutting their latest leather attire and guzzling mugs of beer.

Le Stud

Le Stud’s fun and friendly atmosphere hosts various dance parties, beer busts, pool tournaments, and late-night cruising. Be sure to check out its sunny patio during the warmer months.

Cloakroom Bar

Drink menu? Nope. Each cocktail is custom-made for each customer. Just tell the bartender at Cloakroom Bar your taste and they’ll make something they think you’ll love at this elevated speakeasy.