Thoroughly accessible and friendly, Toronto – “T-dot” to its friends – has long been one of Canada’s top destinations for LGBT travelers. In recent years, the city has transformed into one of our sexiest hotspot as well. Development of several neighborhoods and a proliferation of new, sleek housing...

Thoroughly accessible and friendly, Toronto – “T-dot” to its friends – has long been one of Canada’s top destinations for LGBT travelers. In recent years, the city has transformed into one of our sexiest hotspot as well. Development of several neighborhoods and a proliferation of new, sleek housing have imparted an upscale shimmer, with indie boutique businesses and no shortage of chic dining, lounges, hotels, and spas.

Those who first learned of Toronto thanks to press regarding Showtime’s “Queer As Folk” – the series, although set in Pittsburgh, was actually shot in and around Toronto’s famed Gay Village and its actual bars and clubs – will find that the scene is hopping as much as ever, from famed watering hole Woody’s to full-monty Remington’s to a number of well-kept saunas.

A creative epicenter, Toronto booms with local film, music, performing and visual arts, and many venues and festivals to celebrate each including the internationally renowned Toronto International Film Festival, Luminato, Nuit Blanche and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

Gentrification has spread fast and furiously since the early 2000’s - and in a good way. Once an oft-maligned/avoided skid row, Queen Street West has emerged from its cocoon as a colorful, artsy ’hood lined with small galleries, boutique shops, great restaurants and see-and-be-seen spots. Thriving Yorkville, a hippie... upmarket, blending quaint businesses on cobblestone side streets... and major fashion label retail along Bloor Street. Kensington Market is a favorite weekend destination for foodies and bargain hunters. Being the most culturally diverse city in Canada, there are two Chinatowns to investigate (and lots of tasty Bubble Tea!) and other fun neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Greektown and Little India to woo you, too.

Despite all the changes, Toronto remains one of North America’s most progressive cities... legally - hosting legal same-sex marriages since 2003 - and tourism-wise, actively courting and supporting the LGBT market (www.torontotourism.com/pride), and is home to a jubilant mid-June Pride Week. festival that is now one of the largest in the world.

Despite all the changes, Toronto remains one of North America's most progressive cities, legally hosting legal same-sex marriages since 2003, and tourism-wise they've been actively courting and supporting the LGBT market. Toronto Tourism, in fact, has an entire site designed to shape your queer travels to this great gay city.

Come June, Toronto is home to a jubilant Pride Week, this year lasting from June 20th-29th. Having grown into one of the largest Pride festivals in the world, drawing thousands of revelers and participants from all over the planet, this year expect some big names and even bigger events.

Sandra Bernhard will be performing her killer mix of stand-up and song on Sunday, June 22 at Massey Hall. On Wednesday, June 25th, you can catch the first-ever all-lesbian international boxing match at Fight for Pride which will feature four bouts of hard-hitting action. The Pride Gala on Tuesday, June 24 will see honors bestowed on those who've made landmark achievements in the fields of Arts & Culture, Human Rights, Sports, Youth Leadership, Lifetime Achievement and other areas. And as always you can celebrate at major parties, including the Pride Week Launch Party at Woody's on Friday, June 20th, at the rocking lesbian-filled Libido bash on Thursday, June 26th at The Gladstone Hotel (and featuring JD Samson of Le Tigre spinning, among others), and at the Last Dance Pride Week Closing Party on Sunday, June 29th at , which will boast the talents of no less than the legendary RuPaul.

Of course, Toronto's Pride Week will also feature parades, including the grass-rootsy Dyke March on Saturday, June 28th, and the big week-wrapping Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29th, kicking off at 2pm. Come and see why Toronto's Pride Week has become such a massively popular draw.

For more great ideas on what’s what in Toronto, visit Toronto Tourism. By Lawrence Ferber