Toronto

Church-Wellesley Village is the heart of the queer community, which locals usually call simply "the Village". Along Church Street between Carlton and Bloor, bars, cafés, bookshops and counselling centres are lined up. In between, memorial plaques and a separate AIDS memorial in Cawthra Park commemorate the history of the movement. Rainbow flags dominate the streetscape without anyone making a fuss about it. If you like it quieter, you will find Victorian terraced houses and small parks in the adjacent residential streets.

The selection ranges from the cosy pub to the exuberant drag brunch to the sweaty dance club, and much of it is within walking distance in the village. On warm evenings, the action shifts to the terraces, and Church Street itself becomes a stage. Changing party series also play venues throughout the city, from queer techno nights to karaoke. The highlight of the year is Pride Toronto at the end of June, one of the largest Pride festivals in North America, whose parade draws hundreds of thousands onto the streets.

From May to September, Toronto is at its best, when the weather is mild and life takes place outside. If you are looking for the big hustle and bustle, plan your visit around the Pride weeks at the end of June, but then you should book a hotel early. Pleasant temperatures and the colourful foliage of the maple trees bring with it early autumn. The winters, on the other hand, are long, snowy and bitterly cold, but this does not bring the city to a standstill.

Most travelers from German-speaking countries land at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is located west of the city and offers several direct connections from Europe. From the airport, the Union Pearson Express takes you to the centrally located Union Station in about 25 minutes. From there, you can easily reach the Village by subway, TTC, or trams. To enter Canada, you usually need an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which you apply for online in advance.

Canada is one of the most progressive countries for queer people. Marriage for all has been in force nationwide since 2005, and discrimination is prohibited by law. In Toronto you can move openly, holding hands in the city center hardly causes a stir. With its own community facilities and a visible police presence during major events, the Village is considered a safe place to go. As in any big city, it is still worth keeping a watchful eye on your own valuables at night.