The Edmonton you don't want to miss

Being passionate about travel also means being able to anticipate the needs of your guests. Anthony and Julien share their place with travelers from the gay community in Edmonton, Canada. Becoming hosts means taking your experience as a traveler to the next level, being on the other side and helping people discover the gay aspect of your own city. You can really tell they're enthusiastic and proud about hosting, so here's their guide to exploring Edmonton as a gay local. 

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Gay life in Canada is just amazing! There’s a lot of respect towards our community and our needs, and at the same time we’re fully integrated from any point of view. There’s nothing that sets us apart or makes us feel different. This is a feeling that you can really notice even as a visitor. 

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

Edmonton Pride is a very fun time of the year to visit. There are plenty of events and activities programmed in the two weeks prior to the parade. There are also tons of Drag Queen shows happening all year long, it’s a fun way to start your night out. 

 © Unsplash/Billy Hudy

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

Visiting Edmonton can be lots of fun. There are plenty of cute places for strolling and taking pictures to feed your followers, shopping areas, and museums. Visit the West Edmonton Mall, it’s so much more than a shopping center; it includes a waterpark and an ice-skating rink. There’s a nice choice even in terms of museums - one of my favorites is the Botanical Museum. Hanging out in White Avenue is really something everyone appreciates - there’s a lot of nice bars and little corners where you can get delicious food. Something else worth visiting is the French Quarter with all its patisseries. Indulge yourself and try out La Boule or Duchesse. 

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

Whyte Avenue really is the place to be, as I was saying there’s a very wide choice in terms of restaurants. It fits every budget and every kind of craving. Try out Doughnut Party, Buchess Bake Shop, Y-not Indian, Meat or Chianti Café & Restaurant, Madison Grill, Tres Carnales Taqueria. Have Mercy and Café Linnea are great places, too. 

 © IG/cafelinnea

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Brunch is sacred this side of the globe. It’s the moment of your weekend where you can be lazy, stay in if you want, eat while relaxing and plan your night out. Here’s our personal favorite spots, but we’re always on the lookout for new ones: New York Bagel Café definitely stands out in terms of the quality of food and choice of drinks, they also have a very nice patio; The Dutch, their menu is simply to drool for; Rockin’ Robyn’s, they have a different brunch menu every weekend; Tasty Tom is another one of the places we always go back to. 

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Evolution Wonderlounge is definitely a staple for the Edmonton community. They have an amazing drag event program, it’s varied but you always get your weekly drag shows. Other cute venues are Fruit Loop and Sewing Machine Factory. 

 © IG/evowondelounge 

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

Your best bet is hanging out in Whyte Street, where you can start your night out with dinner or some drinks, then get to one of the gay bars to dance yourself silly. Evolution is our favorite, but you can choose really from any of the bars previously mentioned. 

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Have Mercy, Sewing Machine Factory and The Empress Ale House.

© IG/havemercyyeg 

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

There are tons of parks along the River Valley. I love going there on a Sunday afternoon to chill out. The biggest is certainly Whitemud Park●

Thinking of visiting Edmonton? Check out our Accommodations for this great gay city! 

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