Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Visiting Gay Montreal should be at the top of every queer traveler’s bucket list. A Magnifique love-child of England and France, with a dash of Americana for good measure – Montreal defies conventions and labels as it attempts to forge its own unique story.
It also just happens to have a slew of world-renown queer events, a vibrant gay village filled with drag/cabaret venues, leather/bear bars, neighborhood pubs, huge dance clubs, lots of sidewalk cafes….and more gay bathhouses than any other city in North America.
The beating metropolitan heart of the province of Quebec, not to be confused with Quebec City or the nation’s capital, Ottawa – Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada but possibly the richest in terms of culture, history, and energy. Sometimes referred to as the Paris of Canada, Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, and you would be wise to not forget it.
People here might not be as uppity as in France, but a few words de français will quickly make you friends. A lack thereof can equally be a recipe for disaster and misconstrued as downright rude.
Usage of hook-up apps is not yet as pervasive here as in most other cities, meaning that while everyone is still connected online here, people also still genuinely enjoy chatting each other up in bars and cruising in nightclubs or bathhouses is still common practice. Enjoy that while it lasts!
We also discovered Montreal men are not at all shy about their bodies and are quick to liberate themselves of their clothing in the bars, bars or at any of the seemingly endless array of circuit parties taking place annually. This also might explain the prevalence here of gay strip clubs, with four different venues offering space for striking guys stripping down to their birthday suits for your entertainment.
The Gay Village, or simply Le Village, is the place most gay travelers tend to spend their time – especially in the summer when the 12-block stretch is completely closed to traffic and transformed into a pedestrian-only zone.
Outdoor cafe tables, live events, and patio bar pop up seemingly overnight and to complete the queer appeal, some 200,000 little pink balls are hung across the streets… in case all the rainbow flags were not enough!
It is here that Montreal’s gay social life is on full display and is best described as more urban than hedonistic, in a pre-gentrified sort of way – though with the closure of lesbian club Drugstore and gay megastore Priape in recent years, it remains to be seen if this will continue.
Affordable, slightly bohemian and never over-crowded – Gay Montreal is what New York could have been if it had of solves its crime issue without pricing the Village People out of Manhattan.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights in Canada are some of the most advanced in the world, and in modern times the Government of Canada has a strong history of commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of LGBT people – both within Canada and worldwide.
While Montreal’s Gay Village is probably the most vibrant in Canada, you can also see the physical manifestation of Canada’s queer spirit in Toronto’s Church Wellesley Village, Vancouver’s Davie Village, and Ottawa’s Bank Street Gay Village. Or just attend the annual Montreal Pride Festival in August, which is now the largest queer gathering in the Francophone World – and, needless to say, utterly fabulous!
While we love the energy, passion and queer spirit that flows from these LGBT spaces, travelers should know you can hold hands and can kiss on the street anywhere here without any concerns. People won’t even raise an eyebrow..because Montreal loves and accepts you just the way you are. Now, why can’t the whole world be like this?
The undisputed center of French culture in North America, with world-class dining, arts, museums and an incredible queer scene to boot, Gay Montreal is waiting for you!
Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend reading our article about moving to LGBT Montreal or getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you’ll ever need to know about your new city.
And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations are necessary!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Montreal
Hey there, hunty! Let me spill the tea about Montreal! When it comes to gay travel, Montreal is truly in a league of its own. This vibrant city is a world-renowned destination for its rich history, culture, and thriving LGBTQ+ scene.
The Montreal Gay Village is the epicenter of queer life in the city, and it’s a must-visit for any gay traveler. Here, you’ll find a lively and colorful neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s perfect for people-watching on a sunny day while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
As for nightlife, Montreal is known for its incredible parties and events. The city’s famous Black and Blue Festival attracts visitors from all over the world, and it’s just one of the many queer celebrations you can experience here. From dancing till dawn with your rainbow family to exploring the city’s world-class museums, there’s never a dull moment in Montreal.
Then there is the food. My god, Montreal is a foodie’s paradise, and the local cuisine is a mix of French and Canadian influences. You won’t want to leave without trying the classic dish poutine – crispy fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Other local favorites include Montreal-style bagels, smoked meat sandwiches, and tourtière (a savory meat pie).
One of the things that make Montreal unique is its European charm mixed with a vibrant North American energy. The city has a rich history, and you’ll see it reflected in the stunning architecture and cobblestone streets. It’s a city that celebrates diversity, acceptance, and individuality, making it the perfect destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Here are just a few of the places you’ll want to check out while you are here.
Top Places To See in Montreal
A visit to Montreal would not be complete without stopping in at the world-famous Schwartz’s, one of the original Montreal delicatessen restaurants serving traditional smoked meats and food the same way it was when it opened in 1928.
Famous or not, everybody – and they mean everybody – has to wait their turn to get in, but for the most delicious food in town, you can bet it’s worth it. The signature dish? A smoked meat sandwich on rye bread complete with yellow mustard, coleslaw, poutine, and a black cherry soda.
Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
The birthplace of Montreal. Learn about how this historic river city came to be as you wander deep underground through centuries of history at the Pointe-à-Callière national archaeological site. It’s not often we advocate for spending half a day underground that isn’t an after-hours club – but this place is so incredibly well done it could not be left out.
Mount Royal Lookout
Montreal doesn’t get much sexier than this. Take a deep breath and hike to the top of Mount Royal Lookout for killer views of Montreal from above. Bonus points if you go at sunset for a romantic rendezvous.
The Montreal Museum Of Fine Arts
The largest museum in Quebec and one of the best museums in Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is both bold and innovative, with a vast collection that offers something for everyone. It’s on par with the best museums in London, DC, Vienna, and Amsterdam, so you know you’re not going to regret this one!
MAC (Musée D’art Contemporain De Montréal)
Canada’s first museum devoted to contemporary art, MAC Montreal, has a world-class rotating selection of cutting-edge exhibitions. Check out their website and see if anything takes your fancy, but if thoroughly modern and bizarre with hidden subtext is your jam, you will fit right in here!
Montreal Street Art & Mural Walk
Art connoisseurs and curious travelers alike will find much to admire on this small-group walking tour of Montreal. A guide shares local knowledge of the city’s best street art, covering some 35 murals and other artworks in just a few hours. You’ll meander through the hip Plateau neighborhood—a great way to experience Montreal off the beaten path.
Montréal Burlesque Walking Tour
Step back to an era when Montréal was known as “Sin City” and had a notorious red-light district. On this walking tour, follow your burlesque-queen guide through the city’s entertainment district and back in time, learning about Montréal’s heyday when gambling dens, alcohol, and burlesque halls filled the streets.
Save money and zip around the city of Montreal with the ‘Passeport MTL.’ During a 72-hour period, enjoy access to 28 popular attractions and activities, including riverboat cruises, the Biodôme, The Montreal Tower and Olympic Park, and more.
Bonus: The pass has a built-in chip that gives you unlimited access to public transportation, including the 747 Aéroport P.-E.-Trudeau shuttle. Getting to know Montreal has never been easier.
See Montreal from above on this helicopter tour of the city. During the ride, catch views of the Olympic Stadium, downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and other sights as you soar at an altitude of 1,500 feet (457 meters). Before taking off, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be able to get comfortable with the aircraft.
Montreal-Style Bagel Making Workshop
Bagels are one of Montreal’s top treats and proudest culinary exports—and this hands-on, small-group cooking class will teach you all the secrets to mastering these tasty, crisp, and chewy delights. Make your own way to the cooking facilities hosted in a charming, Mile End apartment.
With your guide’s instruction, learn all about different flour varieties, how to properly knead the dough, the steps that set bagel-making apart from other breeds, and how to top your bagels with your favorite seasoning.
Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip
Explore Québec City and the surrounding region on this guided, full-day sightseeing tour from Montreal. Hop aboard your coach to visit Québec City’s top attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Old Québec, Place Royale, and the Plains of Abraham, before venturing into the scenic countryside to see Montmorency Falls.
Hear commentary from your guide along the way, and enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Montreal.
Montreal is one of Canada’s most exciting foodie destinations, with everything from gourmet cuisine to classic French dishes, to tasty street food. On this tasting tour, explore Montreal neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Mile End with a local guide, stopping at bars, restaurants, bakeries, and delicatessens.
Along the way, sample a variety of local and European-inspired dishes, including gnocchi, Alsatian tarts, and Montreal-style bagels, accompanied by Quebecois beer and sweet crepes.
A funky-cool artisanal brewery is serving 19 craft beers at pretty reasonable prices. The Benelux Brew Bar has an interesting mix of students and suits; expect plenty of global beers, European hotdogs served with sauerkraut and a contemporary fit-out that screams Montreal chic.
A taste of Luxembourg and Brussels, without the outrageously priced flight ticket.
Saint Helen’s Island
Île Sainte-Hélène, the baby sister to Montreal Island on the St-Laurence River, is a great place to escape the busy city and retreat into nature, absorb the obscure history and enjoy whichever season you are visiting. With plenty of quiet trails and bike paths, you can finally have all the solitude you have been dreaming of.
Jacques Cartier Bridge
A steel truss bridge that crosses the Saint Lawrence River from Montreal Island, not only is the bridge itself an architectural gem, but here is the money shot for panoramic views back over the city.
A symbol of the city, you also shouldn’t miss the nightly illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, which was recently installed to celebrate the 150th Birthday of the Canadian Nation! You can spot it from the rooftop of the Club Unity Queer Nightclub …
Gay Things To Do In Montreal
An LGBT country and line-dancing club offering dancing lessons and events, but also opening up their space as a club from 9 pm till midnight.
All their dance classes are taught by talented instructors in many styles, including line dancing, partner, contra and mixers. Club Bolo offers beginner, intermediate and advanced classes from September to December and January to June, as well as two special events called Stomps, weekends of dancing with workshops and open dancing.
A gay-owned café first opened in 1989 as a quirky hole-in-the-wall snack shop that has now grown into a full 70-seat restaurant and a Montreal institution. The neighborhood and the kitchen have both grown exponentially, but the food has remained true to the original concept of mom-inspired home-style classics, big sandwiches, and vegetarian antipasto.
Every day there are different soups, hot meals, and desserts on the blackboard. Besides the food, the kaleidoscope of characters who work there has always been an integral part of the Titanic experience. Like culturally diverse Montréal, the staff all have creative backgrounds and have come from all corners of the world.
Chez Priape
Founded in 1974, this is Montreal’s best male sex shop emporium and one-stop shopping experience for erotic and fetish fantasies. The landmark boutique in the heart of the Gay Village features its own distinctive brand of the finest quality, handcrafted leather gear and fetish accessories produced by an in-house team of local leather artisans.
Various fetish clothing options can be found inside, including Latex & Neoprene, Kink Masks & Hoods, and BDSM toys and equipment, amongst many other goodies that will surely tempt you.
The first Men’s Room opened its doors in the Toronto Village in 2014, focusing on men’s fashion, grooming, and fetish needs. Conceived to be a “One Stop Shop” for the urban man looking for the latest styles and high-quality products, The Men’s Room quickly established itself as a premier retail destination in the neighborhood and has now expanded into Montreal and Chicago.
Stop by for the latest fetish gear, leather harnesses, handcuffs, jockstraps, sexy men’s underwear, socks, streetwear, sex toys & more.
Wega Vega
Based in Montréal since 1963, Wega Video is the number one leader in the Canadian gay adult industry and has the complete collection of adult movies in Canada.
No one can compete with their prices and massive collection of gay adult DVDs. While all other adult XXX video stores seem to have been wiped out in the Gay Village, Wega miraculously flourishes though it now relies more and more on the sales of toys and accessories to survive.
A men’s clothing store caters mostly to gay men with a range of designer clothes, accessories, LGBTQ shoes, and even candles.
Boutique Evolution
The casual-chic men’s clothing shop has been offering ultra-hip threads from the world’s fashion capitals, plus bang-on season original designs, to its loyal Village clientele since 1993.
Feminist Bookstore L’Euguélionne
A feminist bookstore and non-profit solidarity co-op in Montreal offering a large selection of new and used books, zines and print art. The bookstore specializes in women*’s literature (fiction, poetry, comic books, essays, young adult fiction, and children’s books) and feminist, queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, genderfluid and non-binary, two-spirited, anti-racist, anti-colonial works, etc.
They also host diverse literary feminist events, including launches, reading circles, talks, workshops, and round table discussions.
Gay Events In Montreal
The largest bear event in Canada offers a range of brunches, dance parties and sauna trips to keep the furrier members of our community entertained.
White Party / Bal en Blanc (April)
One of the most important gay dance events in North America is held every Easter Sunday in Montreal and is the main event of Montreal’s White Party Week. This mega 15-hour party starts at 9 p.m. and carries on through noon the next day.
Originally intended for the LGBT community, its immense popularity today means it draws in a diverse crowd of both straight and gay ravers. In past years there have been over 16,000 attendees and featured headliner DJs from all over the world with two separate rooms, one catering to house music and the other to trance music.
Montréal Pride Festival (August)
Founded in 2007 as an initiative of Montreal’s LGBT+ communities, the Montreal Pride Festival is now the largest queer gathering in the Francophone world.
The primary mission is to support and promote local communities while serving as a beacon of hope for people around the world who continue to battle injustice, but like most pride festivals around the world today, it is a combination of celebrating the success of our movement and protesting to bring the changes that must still come – both in Montreal and around the world.
Today, Montreal Pride Festival attracts more than 2 million local and international visitors on many days of community, cultural and festive activities, including free shows, panels, the Community Day and the Parade.
The biggest circuit festival in Montreal annually takes place during Pride, with five insanely hot party events from all over the world taking place over 5 days and nights. Imagine a Canadian equivalent of Mardi Gras.
Montreal Fetish Weekend (September)
Unlike anything else in the world, fetish fashion, fantasy, fun, and friendship come together in what may be the world’s most fetish-friendly city, Montreal. An urban fetish lifestyle is happening is a grand celebration of an alternate lifestyle.
From wild fetish parties to daring public happenings, from latex to PVC, leather, lingerie, goth, glam, sexy, chic, cosplay or pin-up retro-style, you will be tempted to discover a relaxed in-hotel lounge, play-oriented after-parties as well as workshops, a kinky picnic, street fashion show, and the amazing fetish photo walk.
All genders, body types, and orientations are welcome here – and one of the world’s best kink festivals along with Darklands Fest Belgium, Maspalomas Fetish Week and Folsom San Fran.
Black & Blue Gay Festival (October)
The world’s largest gay-benefit dance festival, attracting thousands of tourists to Montreal every Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and raising money for HIV/AIDS and other causes within the gay community.
Over the weekend, the main parties are typically the Jock Ball, the Leather Ball, the Military Ball, the Black & Blue Main Event and the Recovery Party – but there is also the President’s Ball, Closing Party, Art Exposition and various sporting activities.
A pioneer of LGBTQ cinema for over 30 years, image+nation is an annual eleven-day festival dedicated to sharing the stories and experiences of LGBTQ people.
Image +nation is the oldest festival of its kind in Canada, featuring locally and internationally produced films that strive to preserve the authenticity and diversity of LGBTQ voices. image+nation’s mission is to represent, protect and prepare the present and future generations of queer storytellers and media makers while building empathy through sharing stories with audiences here in Canada and throughout the world with new online initiatives.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Montreal
As you would expect in such a progressive country, pretty much every hotel and hostel in Montreal can be considered gay-friendly – after all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about providing friendly service and welcoming everyone with open arms!
Having said this, everyone likes to be surrounded by people with common interests, and as such, there are a few hotels in Montreal that are known hotspots for gay travelers to stay!
For nightlife, the Montreal Gay Village is always going to be the best location to stay -and almost all of the B&Bs here are gay-owned and gay-popular, but downtown is also a great option for those on business or who prefer to explore the gay scene at a distance.
However, as long as you are close to a metro/ bus stop or if hiring your own car then everything is relatively easy to reach – and then there are hundreds of other hotels in Montreal you could consider.
We have put a Gay Montreal map at the end in case you need some help getting an idea of where everything is. Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or a chic designer option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – rest assured, Gay Montreal is something for everyone!
Experience the chic, sexy and sleek world of the gay-popular W hotel chain. Set in the historic Banque du Canada building, this modern hotel set at the crossroads of the bustling downtown and Old Montreal places you in the heart of all the city’s top attractions by day.
Relax in rooms and suites with chic black-and-white styling and brilliant pops of color, along with contemporary furnishings, magnificent windows with impressive views and indulgent bedding. Or, after a night out, why not detox and retox at the onsite gym before starting it all off again at the 40s-inspired bar onsite?
There are just so many amazing things to do here, but we also wouldn’t judge you if you just wanted to spend a night tucked up in their luxurious bedding watching LGBT TV shows. Our favorite luxury hotel in Montreal offers you everything you need for an unforgettable stay in this dynamic city – and just a ten-minute drive from the Gay Village scene.
A decidedly distinct Old Montreal hotel that embodies artful design and a spirit of welcoming conviviality, with staff dedicated to providing an elevated guest experience.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth ☆☆☆☆☆
At the heart of romantic and cosmopolitan Montréal, where French and English meet, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth offers guests outstanding comfort and refined rooms, many with city views. Also on site is an elegant restaurant, posh bar, an urban market and a coffee shop where local products and talents take the center stage.
If you really want to splurge, you can even stay in the John Lennon and Yoko Ono Suite, where the song “Give Peace a Chance” was composed and recorded. From couples’ retreats to business meetings, your stay here means making memories that you will forever cherish.
A cute selection of minimalist-chic studio rooms in the heart of the Gay Village. All studios are equipped with one queen-size bed, their own private bathroom, kitchen with a fridge, microwave, A/C and flat-screen televisions. There is daily housekeeping as well as complimentary continental breakfast and parking.
Time changes and people’s needs as well. Modular, modern and efficient, Boxotel accommodations provide an answer to guests in transit wishing to settle in and nest: the room adapts to the visitor and not the other way around.
Adding to the experience is the automation of many functions, such as lighting, curtains and room temperature. These attributes create a unique and personalized stay for complete comfort and relaxation. Offering warehouse-chic décor, free daily breakfast and a location within walking distance of the Montreal gay village, is it any wonder Boxtel is so gay-popular?
Tranquility and comfort are the highlights of this cozy bed and breakfast located on a quiet street in the vibrant Village. Gay-owned and run, we enjoyed the affordable rooms, outdoor hot tub, and hot breakfast served daily. Massage therapy services are also provided by owner Luc on-site.
Sir Montcalm B&B ☆☆☆
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This gay-owned and run B&B is the perfect place to stay, located just steps away from the exciting nightlife of Montreal’s Gay Village. The Sir Montcalm B&B offers little extras that go a long way, and your hosts, André and Yvon, are always around to ensure your stay is as pleasant as possible.
Beautiful and peaceful, we especially liked the included delicious breakfast served daily, which gay us an opportunity to meet with other guests.
Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal ☆☆☆
A brand-new hotel located on Saint Catherine Street offering a unique blend of comfort, personalized service, modern decor and a wide array of on-site amenities. If you want to be close to the gay scene, with an affordable hotel and no surprises, this is a great option.
In the heart of Montreal’s Gay Village, this men-only B&B promises you are warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. There are four bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, as well as common and dining areas. Extremely good value-for-money, there is also a sunny terrace on the roof and included breakfast.
A lively hostel in the heart of the Montreal Gay Village voted the #1 hostel in Canada. There are simple dorms or private rooms, and a host of amenities, including a communal kitchen, two bars, live music, and entertainment most nights, including daily breakfast and a roof-top hot tub.
Buzzing and sociable, this is the best place to stay in Gay Montreal for those on a budget or looking to explore the city with new friends.
Gay Nightlife in Montreal
Montreal is one of the most gay-friendly destinations in the world and has plenty of gay nightlife to cater to any kind of mood.
Having such a progressively-minded population, you are unlikely to experience any issues with displays of affection in public and, as such, will be welcomed in most clubs and bars in Montreal. So, if you want to mix with heteros, you will be accepted pretty much anywhere you go.
Having said that, the Montreal Gay Village is one of the best in the world, so you are not going to want to miss out on the wild queer nightlife here. Some of North America’s biggest gay clubs call Montreal home, but there is also an enviable selection of karaoke bars, hip cocktail spots, provocate burlesque shows and even three separate strip clubs catering to gay males.
Rest assured, no matter which sort of night you are looking to have – Gay Montreal has something for you!
Gay Bars in Montreal
A textbook old-school neighborhood gay bar in the Montreal Village boasts 3 bars and 3 different atmospheres.
Relaxed during the gay with a mix of young and old customers who flock there for cheap drinks (especially during Happy Hour) and to relax on the sidewalk patio in the warmer months. By night, the Aigle Noir gets a little more animated with pop and electro DJs on deck every night.
L’escalier
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Want a night out without ever leaving the comfort of your own home? Then L’Escalier is the perfect place for you with buzzy live music in a homely multi-room venue, complete with hearty vegetarian cooking and vegan desserts. It’s one-of-a-kind and perfect for dinner or quiet drinks…and just outside of the Gay Village. Sure, it is not specifically queer – but it is extremely welcoming and gay-popular.
Since its opening in 1995, the Stud bar has stood out in the gay village of Montreal as a men’s bar, exclusively for men who love men. Stud is the place for a happy hour with friends or to head to later in the night for a wild night where the music and masculine atmosphere promote mingling.
Popular particularly with the leather/bear/daddie community. There are several bars and rooms, nightly DJs in the club section and a variety of theme nights, from UV parties to fetish nights.
A friendly, inviting, and somewhat kitschy karaoke bar for you and all your friends to sing the night away. They offer an excellent sound system, flashy lights and hundreds of thousands of songs and videos to complete the amplify your experience.
Somewhat uniquely, you can also download your performance on MP4 after, should you feel the desire to keep the memory forever. Energetic and passionate, with affordable drinks – but keep an eye on how many you have to avoid any confusion at the end with your final bill.
Know to locals as NDQ, this Rosemont neighborhood institution offers surprising twists like a miniature bowling alley and a separate counter for their legendary New York-style pizza. NDQ has established itself as a celebrated LGBTQ hangout spot worth venturing out of the Gay Village for thanks to their bi-monthly Lesbian Speed Dating (LSD) nights to a consistent range of queer- events.
NDQ goes above and beyond to ensure it is an inclusive and safe space for all and is an entertaining place for a brief drink after work or dance the night away with eclectic DJ sounds.
A sociable and animated bar-restaurant in the Village, offering a novel approach to videos on demand where customers make special video requests from the DJ on their phones from over 85,000 videos. We also enjoyed their refreshing range of signature cocktails, warm service, and drag shows. Cozy, fun, entertaining and friendly – what more could you ask for?
Bar Relaxe
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A simple and quiet place where you can enjoy a drink surrounded by local regulars who have been meeting here for several years. There is a pool table and a sunny sidewalk terrace to complete the appeal.
A fabulous gay bar made popular thanks to its summer terrace, fashionable décor, high ceilings, and superb mezzanine. Their namesake cocktails are also crafted to perfection. From Thursday to Sunday, there are drag queen shows with karaoke after, should you be tempted to belt out your own show tunes or pop hits after.
A safe space free of labels, Bar Renard, seeks to reflect the diversity of St. Catherine Street and the Montreal Gay Village back with everything it has and does. Step inside this gorgeously styled premise to find parties that drag on all night, an infamous happy hour, an eclectic crowd, and helpful staff. Extremely cool and trendy, Bar Renard is perfect for lite, creative bites and finely executed cocktails.
Gay Strip Clubs in Montreal
An institution of the Montreal Gay Village for the last 30 years, Campus is dedicated to letting you relax in the warm glow of erotic illusions, but we mean a fine variety of beautiful men. The afternoon dancers until 9 pm are generally younger twinks, while after 9 pm feature more buffed bodybuilder types, all of whom are here to please your eyes whether on the stage or with a personal dance in the private salon.
Campus Strip Bar also offers two bars, both with clear views of the stage, and friendly staff will do their best to meet all your needs… Well, maybe not ALL your needs. Dedicated to serving the gay male community every night of the week – but ladies are welcomed every Sunday night.
Another gay strip club in Montreal with friendly staff, a hot atmosphere and a variety of beautiful muscle/jock dancers. Drinks are expensive, but this is to be expected, and the show goes on all night, so there is always something interesting to see.
They also stream all their boys online. Not quite the muscle boys we came to love at Chippendales or the New York gay strip clubs, but we were not complaining…
One of the busiest nude dance clubs in the gay village and the only dancer’s bar in Montreal that is exclusive to men, so women are not accepted. An intimate bar where the stage is close to the audience and young twinks wiggle for customers who want more. There are also eight booths that allow customers to take a closer look at their favorite dancers in different styles.
Burlesque And Drag Bars in Montreal
Newly opened and conceived out of a desire to bring a traditional Vaudeville spirit back to the street that was once known as Montreal’s “hardened artery,”.
The Wiggle Room is committed to providing high-quality live shows and becoming Montreal’s new home for burlesque, comedy, live music, improv, performance workshops and, well, delicious cocktails! Check their website for upcoming events and book tickets in advance.
One of the few survivors of gentrification in Montreal’s historic red-light district, this bizarre strip club is best known for its eclectic group of female dancers downstairs and upstairs drag and trans cabaret shows.
This is what makes Café Cléopâtre so unique and revolutionary, in that it appeals to both a straight and gay clientele – and is also a critical venue for local transsexuals, many of who report feeling welcome in some of Montreal’s other gay spaces.
A fabulous gender-bending bar and cabaret hotspot run by notorious local drag queen Mado Lamotte. Many of Canada’s most prominent drag queens have cut their teeth with evening performances at the bar, and a visit here is anything but boring.
Table reservations are required in advance, and – much like the rest of the world – are extremely popular with bachelorette parties, but we were always able to get a seat at the bar and strike up a conversation with other curious queers.
Gay Nightclubs in Montreal
A queer nightclub that appeals to a varied and diverse mix of revelers who want to party in a respectful and unpretentious club. On its 3 floors, Unity offers 2 different styles of music every night, entertainment, animation, drag, a gorgeous crowd and much more – including a VIP lounge and a large terrace on the roof with views of Jacques-Cartier bridge.
Bad Boys Club Montreal & District Events
Organizers of popular circuit party series for men in Montreal have various brands and names. It’s best to check each of their Facebook pages individually for upcoming events and dates.
The biggest gay club in Canada with 4 floors of different styles of music, and a rooftop terrace with a pool and hot tub. Complexe Sky offers the LGBT community and their friends a fun space with a unique ambiance and fun events every night of the week.
Completed and renovated in 2017, Complexe Sky is renowned internationally, and it is virtually unthinkable to come to Gay Montreal without visiting Complexe Sky at least once.
It also doesn’t hurt that they have some of the cheapest drinks in town, a ground-floor restaurant and the ability to alternate between the dance floor and the rooftop on hot summer nights, Focussed more on a gay male audience with plenty of shirtless bodies on the weekend, but everyone is welcome here.
A once-monthly dance party featuring queer and allied pop icons. Each edition has a different theme but always features DJs playing disco, new wave, pop, RnB and house.
Roving dance parties for lesbians are held monthly around Montreal. The L Nights was created by a collective of local women who decided that events for ladies in the LGBTQ community were lacking and decided to throw their own party.
The first edition was a major hit (to say the least), and since then, The L Nights has taken over more than a dozen bars in the city, bringing their own staff, DJ, crowd and party wherever they land.
An enigmatic mixed house and techno club where respect for the DJ is paramount, and egos are checked at the door. The focus here is on music, meaning no bottle service, no cameras, no glowsticks, no reservations, and no bad attitudes. It’s all very Berlin… A great place to finish off your night dancing with an epic sound system and an after-hours section open on Fridays and Saturdays.
A fabled Plateau nightclub and live music space hosting a queer entertainment night once a month that is absolutely not to be missed. The perfect place to connect with the local scene queens – both of the drag or boy variety – where dressing up or taking your shirt off is always encouraged.
Each event is different, but past editions have featured burlesque dancers (female and male), kissing booths and match-making games. There is a huge dance, a cozy bar and plenty of attractive people.
One of the largest after-hours entertainment complexes in Canada, offering 3 rooms of world-class techno and electronic music events from Thursday to Sunday for muscle boys and pin-up girls. Incredible sounds, beautiful people, and epic lighting effects make this a reliable spot to finish your night on a high.
Gay Saunas And Bathhouses Gay Montreal
Had enough of gay cruising in Montreal – either in the bars or elsewhere? Want to explore the naughtier side of Montreal?
Well, you are in luck since Montreal has the largest gay sauna scene in North America, and you are highly unlikely to end up disappointed (unlikely chatting with those faceless accounts on Grindr or the other hookup apps…).
Sauna culture in Montreal is far more mainstream and accepted than in any other North American city we have experienced, and is more akin to what you will find in European cities like Madrid, Berlin or Paris. Most of these pleasure palaces are open 24/7 and are located around the iconic Montreal Gay Village, making life a little easier.
We did not experience any issues as non-French-speaking foreigners. However, the further you get from the main gay district, the more locals you will encounter (who are less likely to speak English). Not that anyone should be visiting bathhouses with the hopes of finding stimulating conversation.
If you are nervous, we have a guide to visiting a gay bathhouse for the first time, which should help set your mind at ease…
Opened in 1914, this gay sauna is Montreal’s oldest sauna exclusively for men and claims to be the oldest on the continent. Come and discover the detoxifying benefits of this nearly century-old tradition with Montreal’s only real natural stone steam system and continently located near Boulevard Saint-Laurent in the heart of the Plateau.
Bain Colonial Bath offers a range of services to intake your senses and cater to your individual needs and desires in a safe and tastefully discreet atmosphere with a high-pressure wet system, two outdoor terraces, masseurs, and much more. A fun place to warm up during wintertime and popular with multicultural locals with a respectful mindset who want to relax after work.
Another 24/7 sauna in the heart of the Montreal Gay Village. Facilities include a steam and dry room, an oversize spa, a voyeurs/exhibitionist area, common showers, and XXX movie rooms. It also offers unlimited in & out on 24h room rentals. Clean, spacious and with plenty of young guys around to have fun with, especially after a night of partying.
Oasis is also unique in that they promise if, during the first two hours of your visit, there were not at least ten other guys enjoying the place, they will reimburse your entry fee. This warranty is valid for all at all times.
One of the most popular bathhouses in Montreal is open 24/7 in the gay village. Covering two floors, inside, you will find over 60 private rooms available for rent, lockers and other stand gay sauna amenities like a dry sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, and open shower areas.
More popular with older guys and locals, with chilled vibes rather than pumping club beats, lower prices and fewer bells and whistles.
The largest and busiest sauna in Montreal, offering 14,000 sq. ft. of pleasure, spread over four floors, as well as a large roof terrace. Recently renovated under new ownership, this 24/7 gay pleasure palace also boasts in/out privileges allowing you to go out and return whenever you want, though special rates are offered based on time and day of the week.
Sauna G.I. Joe has several well-equipped play areas, lockers, private rooms, a spa, a dry sauna, a steam room and more. Especially popular with older guys or those with fetishes to explore. Kinky…
Gay Map Of Montreal
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Montreal? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!