28 Things to Do as a Gay Man in Vancouver
As a therapist who specializes in working with gay men, my clients often ask me for suggestions on how to engage with the Vancouver 2SLGBTQIA+ community. In this post, I’ll share some ideas for places to express yourself, explore, and build a sense of community.
Exploring the Vancouver gay scene: 28 activities to try today
Whether in Davie Village, the broader Vancouver “Gaybourhood” of the West End, Commercial Drive, or online, gay men can explore the Vancouver gay scene through a diversity of places and types of activities.
I’ve sorted suggestions into different categories to help you find what feels right. As you read through the suggestions, bring a sense of curiosity and notice if you feel drawn to a specific category, activity, or place.
Bars and clubs in Vancouver’s gay scene
1. The Fountainhead Pub
Since opening in 2000, The Fountainhead Pub has been integral to Vancouver’s lively West End. Situated at the intersection of Davie and Burrard Streets, ‘The Head’ serves as the entrance to the city’s Davie Village, attracting locals and tourists every day of the week.
Learn more about The Fountainhead Pub
2. Junction
The Junction Pub is open every day and night, featuring daily specials and happy hour deals to suit all tastes. With its diverse food and drink menu, The Junction combines the charm of a neighbourhood pub with the vibrant energy of a nightclub. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing post-work drink or lively late-night entertainment, it’s the ideal spot!
3. Celebrities
Enjoy a night of dance at this legendary nightclub, which features a dynamic lineup of local and touring EDM artists. While not explicitly a gay venue, Celebrities is renowned for its long-standing tradition of welcoming a diverse and inclusive crowd.
4. PumpJack
The PumpJack Pub has been welcoming the evolving Davie Village community since 2000. By day, enjoy something to eat while watching your favourite sports, or visit on weekends when PumpJack transforms into one of Vancouver’s premier queer nightclubs.
5. 1181
1181 is a small space with a big personality where you can expect a stylish, music-filled hangout in the heart of the West End.
6. Numbers Cabaret
Numbers is renowned as Vancouver’s longest-established gay-friendly bar and offers a welcoming, enjoyable, and inclusive atmosphere.
2SLGBTQIA+ events in Vancouver
7. Vancouver Pride Society
Best known for organizing the annual Vancouver Pride Parade, The Vancouver Pride Society creates celebratory and inclusive events while advocating for 2SLGTBQIA+ communities from an intersectional perspective.
Learn more about Vancouver Pride Society
8. Out on Screen
Most well known for organizing the annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival, Out on Screen’s mission is to “illuminate, celebrate, and transform 2SLGBTQIA+ lives through film, education, and dialogue.”
Learn more about Out on Screen
9. Whistler Pride
As one of North America’s premier queer-focused ski weeks, Whistler Pride offers an extensive lineup of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, festivities, arts, culture, and social gatherings.
Learn more about Whistler Pride
10. Queer Arts Festival
The Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver is a multidisciplinary event that showcases and celebrates queer artists and their work through provocative exhibitions, dynamic performances, and engaging workshops.
2SLGBTQIA+ landmarks in Vancouver
11. The Really Gay History Tour
This vibrant, imaginative, and engaging tour meanders through downtown Vancouver and the West End, showcasing key historical landmarks that have played a crucial role in the history of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Learn more about The Really Gay History Tour
12. Vancouver Rainbow Crosswalk
Vancouver is the first city in Canada to feature a rainbow crosswalk. In 2013, each of the four crosswalks at the intersection of Davie Street and Bute Street in Davie Village was transformed with vibrant rainbow hues.
Learn more about the Vancouver Rainbow Crosswalk
13. Jim Deva Plaza
This distinctive community space includes diverse seating options and the famous ‘megaphone’ soapbox, a tribute to Jim Deva’s tireless efforts in advocating for free speech and gay rights.
Supporting 2SLQBTQIA+ owned businesses in Vancouver
14. Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium
Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium has been a staple for the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada since it’s founding by Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth in 1983. Their prolonged battle against censorship of queer books, and their dedication to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, have established Little Sisters globally.
Learn more about Little Sister’s
15. Cross and Crow’s Books
Cross and Crow’s Books is queer-owned and located on Commercial Drive. They have a large selection of new and used 2SLGBTQIA+ books.
Learn more about Cross and Crow’s Books
16. Topdrawers
Topdrawers has been located in downtown Vancouver since 1992. They provide a wide selection of the finest brands and styles from around the world, focusing on men’s underwear, swimwear, and activewear.
Group activities for gay men in Vancouver
17. Out and About Vancouver
Looking to get out into the mountains? Out and About Vancouver is a community of gay men and their friends from the Greater Vancouver area who delight in exploring the great outdoors together. Their activities span hiking, walking, cycling, kayaking, skiing, camping, and beyond. Throughout the year, they also host various social events ranging from barbecues to evenings at the opera.
Learn more about Out and About Vancouver
18. Vancouver Gaymer
Vancouver Gaymer is a community of gaymers that gathers every few weeks to enjoy video games, board games, card games, movie viewings, and participate in local events.
Learn more about Vancouver Gaymer
19. Vancouver Gay Volleyball Association
The Vancouver Gay Volleyball Association (VGVA) is a non-profit organization that is one of the oldest volunteer-run sports groups in the Lower Mainland. VGVA fosters a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming and inclusive atmosphere centred on volleyball, physical fitness, and fun.
Learn more about the Vancouver Gay Volleyball Association
20. Vancouver Queer Birders
Vancouver Queer Birders hosts monthly bird walks and social gatherings for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks around Metro Vancouver.
Learn more about Vancouver Queer Birders
21. Out for Kicks
Out for Kicks (OFK) is a Vancouver-based soccer club dedicated to creating a welcoming and safe athletic space for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks where everyone can enjoy soccer and foster community connections. OFK operates year-round, featuring both indoor and outdoor soccer seasons.
Learn more about Out for Kicks
22. F212 Steam
F212 Steam is a full-service gay bath house with many different play spaces. F212 benefits from being close to many other queer venues in the heart of Davie Village.
23. Wreck Beach
Wreck Beach is a clothing-optional beach for those who want to enjoy North America’s largest nudist/naturist beach. Certain sections of the beach are mainly used by queer folks.
2SLQBTQIA+ advocacy in Vancouver
24. Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
HIM is an organization dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse-folks across BC. They provide a comprehensive range of health-focused programs and services tailored to address the sexual, mental, physical, and social health needs of the communities they serve.
25. QMUNITY
QMUNITY is a non-profit organization that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. They provide a safer space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included.
26. Ribbon Community
Ribbon Community offers essential support to individuals impacted by HIV across the Lower Mainland. As one of the first HIV organizations in Canada, Ribbon Community holds a unique position that extends beyond the scope of a typical community health organization.
Learn more about Ribbon Community
27. Rainbow Refugee
Rainbow Refugee is a community organization based in Vancouver that provides support and advocacy for individuals seeking refugee protection due to persecution related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.
Learn more about Rainbow Refugee
28. The Centre for Gay Counselling
The Centre for Gay Counselling is one of the only therapy practices in Canada dedicated to the unique mental health challenges of gay men. In particular, they’re known for their 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming trauma therapy, anxiety therapy, and sex therapy services.
MA, CCC, RCC
As a counsellor at The Centre for Gay Counselling, Jordan excels at helping fellow gay men understand their emotions better, heal from past trauma, and grow their sense of self-worth so that they can enjoy living fully as themselves. He believes that gay men have inherent worth, and that they deserve to live fulfilling lives. Interested in working with Jordan? Click the button below to get started.