Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
The capital of Alberta and a government city through and through, LGBT Edmonton does have a certain charm for those who enjoy getting under the skin of a place and discovering what makes it tick. If you’re considering moving or relocating here, chances are high that you’re wondering what life is like here.
First founded as the Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post on the North Saskatchewan River over 200 years ago, the city today now boasts a wide range of sporting, tourist, and cultural attractions, safe, historic areas, lovely parkland and an enviable proximity to some of Canada’s most breathtaking wilderness as well as safe, historic areas and lovely parkland.
Modern, sprawling, and cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey for large parts of the year, it can be intimidating considering a move to such an offbeat city as Edmonton. However, rest assured that there is a surprisingly unusual and lively queer community to be discovered here and know that Edmonton welcomes all those searching for a progressive and inclusive place for work, play, and family. If you’re open to it, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in here.
Thankfully, there is also a spirited queer scene in Edmonton, however much like Quebec City, Halifax, Winnipeg, Victoria and other mid-sized cities in Canada, it is rather low-key, especially when compared to places like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. This is why a gay realtor in Edmonton is worth their weight in gold as they can help you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood possible.
Edmonton has everything you could want from a metropolitan city and more, thanks to its LGBT-friendly business environment, nightlife, neighborhoods full of independent shops and restaurants that cater to queer customers … and a general atmosphere that it’s easy to love even if you’re not queer.
Despite the rather concealed LGBT culture, moving to this dynamic city shouldn’t make you uncomfortable. The vast majority of people here are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will soon discover that most businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT Edmonton, as well as how you can make the transition easier on yourself (or with your family) and make sure you’re prepared to enjoy every minute of your new life here!
Moving to LGBT Edmonton is not what you think it is, so leaves all of your preconceived notions at the door…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Edmonton
- Does Edmonton Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Edmonton An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Edmonton
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Edmonton
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Edmonton
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Edmonton
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Edmonton
- Finding Gay Realtors In Edmonton
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Edmonton
If you’re moving here, you will find that there’s much to love about this breathtaking city. Also known as The Big E, Edmonton is an affordable, clean and green city you will be happy to live in.
We won’t claim the gay scene in Edmonton is reason alone to move – but it certainly is worth exploring once you move here. In terms of queer nightlife, there is one excellent nightclub, a variety of ongoing LGBT nights at different bars, and a genuinely fabulous pop-up party series, Fruit Loop, whose parties are absolutely not to be missed.
There is also a well-equipt Pride Center, and a host of organizations and businesses ensure that the needs of the diverse Gay Edmonton scene are met. It is also fair to say Edmonton is an oft-overlooked city has, but trust us when we say it is full of hidden gems. Once you move here here, you will be able to talk with locals and spend your free time discovering that Edmonton is brimming with culture and captivating sights…
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Edmonton, be it its distinguished architecture, charming coffee shops, or boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
Friendly Atmosphere
One of this city’s best qualities is its friendliness. Edmontonians live in a slower-paced, more communally focused environment than those in some of the larger metropolises.
Visitors and migrants are warmly welcomed by the kind locals. After relocating to Edmonton, your ability to adapt and establish new acquaintances will be greatly aided by your positive outlook.
Canada’s Festival City
Given that it hosts so many festivals, Edmonton is rightfully known as the country’s “Festival City.” More than fifty festivals each year offer a variety of interesting experiences, with most of them taking place in the downtown Arts District and showcasing art, folklore, drama, gastronomy, music, and much more.
The oldest and largest vent of its type in North America, the yearly mammoth Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, is the main attraction.
Sports Galore
The three top professional sports teams in Edmonton—football, soccer, and hockey, as well as some amateur and youth sports organizations, are causes for justifiable pride.
There are several sports activities available for all ages and abilities, whether you prefer to play or watch, whether they are outdoors, indoors, on ice, or on on the ground.
Green Areas
The North Saskatchewan River flows directly through Edmonton, which is advantageously situated in a verdant river valley. The nation’s capital is kept green by an outstanding network of open spaces and parks that were designed with environmental protection in mind.
Does Edmonton Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The rights of lesbians, gay men, lesbian women, and transgender people (LGBT) in Canada are among the most robust and comprehensive in the world. In 1969, same-sex relationships became legal throughout Canada, and later the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1995 that sexual orientation is protected by the constitution.
Later, Canada became the first nation in the Americas and the fourth country overall to allow same-sex unions on a national level in 2005. According to polls, 76% of Canadians felt that same-sex couples are equally likely as other parents to raise children effectively, and 70% of the country thought that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples have.
Similar surveys have revealed that 87.6% of respondents stated they would feel “comfortable” living next to a transgender person and that 91.8% of those asked in a survey commissioned by the Privy Council Office said they were “comfortable” living next door to someone how was gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Obviously, we would love to see all these numbers at 100%, but for now, they are some of the highest rates of acceptance in the world – making Canada an extremely gay-friendly place to live.
Edmonton boasts a ton of fantastic activities and inclusive groups to support all identities on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Whether you’re gay, bi, trans, or straight, there’s something for you here.
The city has been ranked among Canada’s top five queer-friendly cities and there is a really sizable LGBTQ population living here. Although the degree of acceptance seems to be more “indifference” rather than “overtly accepting,” a lot also depends on the group of people you’re spending time with. As it does everywhere.
Although it’s not faultless and the LGBT community isn’t spared some of the propaganda that occasionally surfaces- often from the U.S.-, Edmonton isn’t a violent city, and this is mirrored in LGBTQ issues as well. Think negative comments along the lines of there should also be a straight pride parade rather than I hate you and you’re nothing.
While Jasper’s Pride Festival gives a distinctive mid-winter alpine twist to demonstrations of diversity, the expanding pride festivals of Edmonton draw LGBTQ visitors from all over the world.
Is Edmonton An Expensive City to Move To?
Compared to many other well-known Canadian cities, Edmonton offers more affordable homes. Edmonton’s housing costs closely mirror Alberta’s median home price of roughly $400,000. The average property price in Canada is approximately $600,000, which is almost 50% more than the price in Edmonton.
Excluding rent, the monthly average expense for a single individual in Edmonton is $1,240. One-bedroom apartments in downtown Edmonton typically cost $1,200. The typical price of a one-bedroom condo beyond the city center is $969.58.
Add utilities to the rental cost, and the monthly cost rises by an additional $240. Need WiFi? Be prepared to pay an additional $80 a month. For a single young individual on a basic diet, the estimated cost of weekly purchases from the market equals an average total monthly cost of $341.
A typical three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Edmonton is $80. This doesn’t include any alcoholic drinks, which, assuming both people had one drink, would raise the cost by roughly $15. If you do it twice a month, you’ll have spent $190. In Edmonton, the cost of gas and transportation comes to $100 each month and $1.40 per liter.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Edmonton
There are thankfully many other places to reside for those who are looking for a calmer yet still LGBT-friendly environment as not all LGBT people want to be close to the relative chaos of downtown Edmonton.
When moving to LGBTQ Edmonton, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Edmonton. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love.
Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Edmonton, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Edmonton and talk about the Edmonton gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Downtown Edmonton
Downtown Edmonton is the spot for you if you want the energy derived from a busy metropolitan lifestyle. Professionals, empty nesters, and young singles should all consider this convenient neighborhood.
Are you a condo lover? There are many alternatives available, ranging from opulent homes with city views to hip lofts in restored warehouses. Even one of the posh townhomes in the region can be an option if your budget permits it.
Downtown is relatively walkable and has swift, dependable transportation service despite being less congested than comparable Canadian metropolitan centers.
The Royal Alberta Museum, the Art Gallery of Alberta, Commonwealth Stadium, and year-round festivities at Churchill Square are just a few of the attractions available for leisure time.
In addition to the abundance of cafés, you will also find fun workspaces, restaurants, and clubs near you.
Strathcona
Strathcona, which is frequently referred to as Edmonton’s trendiest neighborhood, provides a fantastic blend of culture and energy. One of its greatest draws is Whyte Avenue, which travels through the lovely historic neighborhood of Old Strathcona and is accessible to both the University of Alberta and Downtown.
Whyte Avenue is the primary roadway lined with bars, restaurants, and cafés. It enchants residents with its welcoming atmosphere for families during the day and lights up at night with a vibrant pub and entertainment scene.
You can visit the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market all year long, just like the locals do, and enjoy the ideal location for the yearly Edmonton International Fringe Festival.
Strathcona has nearly every type of housing, including cottage-style homes, single-family homes, and multi-family homes, making it a wonderful spot to start your home search.
Garneau
The University of Alberta is located in Garneau, one of Edmonton’s older neighborhoods. You may anticipate a diverse setting with a hip vibe and a dynamic mix of business, academic, and residential life. Most people in the neighborhood commute by walking or cycling and make full use of the numerous amenities and plenty of well-liked restaurants and cafés.
Of course, people of all ages will enjoy going to the historic Garneau Theatre, which was erected in 1940, to watch independent or cult classic movies. Although there are many apartments and condos in this region and a sizable student population, it’s also an excellent place to start a family. Students in kindergarten through grade 6 attend the historic Garneau School.
Ritchie
Ritchie is populated with a mixture of newcomers, established families, and singles, much like a thriving almost suburb. Many more millennials moved to the neighborhood as a result of a renovation that began in 2017; it’s simple to understand why. If you need to commute or don’t want to go too far from the activity, downtown is close by, and there are fantastic food and retail options nearby.
The most well-known is Ritchie Market, a bustling center area that has a meat market, brewery, bakery, and other businesses. Despite having a hipster air, this neighborhood is walkable and has outdoor appeal because of Mill Creek Ravine.
All the local mountain bikers, runners, and dog owners congregate here. In terms of accommodation, there are many different options, including luxury residences and trendy condos. This neighborhood also has an elementary school.
Aspen Gardens
This serene and slightly remote family-friendly area will feel like a retreat for people who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its huge, single-family houses on roomy lots that provide plenty of breathing distance between neighbors, Aspen Gardens is an affluent neighborhood with picturesque tree-lined lanes far distant from hectic city life.
There are primary schools and junior high schools nearby, making the location perfect for family living at all phases. The nicest aspect is that it takes only around 10 minutes to drive to the neighborhood’s attractions. The neighborhood parks, and bike and pedestrian paths are a fantastic treat for those who love the outdoors and exercise.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Edmonton
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Edmonton LGBT community organizations are some of the best and are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
Capital Edmonton Pride Society
Capital Pride Edmonton was established to help the LGBTQ population in the area better understand their past, develop their present, and shape their future, the 2SLGBTQ+ group.
In order to build a Pride that is for the community, built by the community, the organization aims to offer an inclusive viewpoint to Pride that honors diversity, and equity holds space for the QTBIPOC and Two-Spirit community and empowers their spirit.
A unique voice in Edmonton’s musical and queer community. EVM is a non-auditioned, mixed-voice choir celebrating the rich culture and history of the local queer community while championing equality and embracing the diversity of all people regardless of sexual orientation.
A non-judgmental, welcoming space where people of all attractions, identities, and expressions can be themselves, find support, meet new people, and be part of a caring community. Under their roof is a safe space that welcomes every individual who walks through the doors. The Pride Centre of Edmonton offers resources, education, volunteer opportunities, counseling, and a whole host of activities to enrich and improve the lives of LGBTQ2S+ people in the Greater Edmonton area.
The altView Foundation is an organization for Gender Variant and Sexual Minorities. Its goal is to offer Strathcona County’s gender variant and sexual minority residents informational resources and social support.
The organizations’ programs aim at connecting individuals to the broader community so that they always feel a sense of belonging.
Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose
The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose is the second-largest GLBT organization on the planet, and also the earliest GLBT organization in Alberta.
The “Court” offers the community endless hours of entertainment, raises thousands of dollars annually in support of regional organizations, and aids in bringing the GLBT community’s presence to the attention of the general public.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Edmonton
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Edmonton plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
The first pride celebration in Edmonton was held in 1980, and became a weeklong festival in 1983. It has since developed over time and now endeavors to unify and educate by celebrating gender and sexual diversity through a sustainable annual festival and year-round community outreach.
In 2018, law enforcement and military members were dis-invited from the parade due to protests from some in the local community. Following this in 2019, Edmonton Pride did not take place due to security issues posed by the lack of police presence, among other issues and concerns in the local queer community.
It is profoundly disappointing to see such division result in the loss of Pride in Edmonton, and we hope a resolution is found, and Pride can return soon. Because every city needs and deserves a gay pride festival!
A fabulous group dedicated to providing creative queer events and showcasing local talent and culture. Fruit Loop is designed to be more than just a typical night out, with each event being utterly unique and the proceeds from each being reinvested back into a variety of GLBTQ+ community programs and initiatives.
Who doesn’t love to party for a good cause? A giant rainbow with multiple colors. Fruit Loop is open to adults of every race, religion, sex, ethnic origin, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Taking place generally once a month around various venues in Edmonton – we cannot predict what they will do next, but know it will be full of fun, fabulous, and fruity people. And that you will absolutely not be disappointed.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Edmonton
After moving to LGBT Edmonton, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Edmonton you can invest in with your pink dollars…
A funky general store that curates a collection of goods by independent artists, designers, and musicians from Edmonton and elsewhere. Their flagship brick-and-mortar store is tucked in the vibrant 124th Street District, straddling the quaint-but-central Westmount and Oliver neighborhoods, so when you are done, don’t forget to explore the slew of awesome independent cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby.
Not your typical sex toy store! This very queer-friendly space strives to create an atmosphere of comfort and fun where you can ask your questions and get help choosing the right toy or queer underwear brands. However, the team here is just as happy to let you explore on your own if that’s what you prefer. The store is bright, open, and operated by friendly, knowledgeable staff, and on the shelves, you will find a working demonstration model of every product sold.
A progressive, green-minded salon. Make an appointment to meet with their highly trained and exceedingly creative stylists who are dedicated to providing you with a relaxing experience where you leave feeling rejuvenated and radiant. Offering everything from precision cutting to a Hollywood balayage, to bold colors and stunning updos, or even those much-needed waxing and manicure appointments – it can be found here. The salon is not only great for the environment but has been trained by Edmonton Pride Center and received official LGBTQ Safe Space Training. They adhere to one standard of beauty – yours.
By engaging in personal training, community outreach, and active advocacy, QUEERFLEX has become the country’s first non-profit gym dedicated to making the fitness industry a safer place for queer, trans, and non-binary individuals.
The gym offers both online and in-person sessions to build strong bodies and value the fragile hearts of LGBTQIA2S+ persons in the city and beyond, the gym provides sessions both in-person and online.
Quiltbag – An explicitly LGBTQ+ retail shop carrying queer & trans wares in Edmonton AB space where people could gather, host events, share art, and find new items to help express themselves. The shop carries an always-changing assortment of new and used rainbow pride clothing, accessories like pins, pronoun buttons, patches, and stickers; art by local artists; small gifts; and trans gear including chest binders and compression underwear. Run by queer folks with a lot of love for Edmonton and a desire to contribute positively to the lives of others who live here.
A live music venue and arts space in Mill Creeks, Edmonton that hosts an eclectic variety of music and comedy shows. Always queer-friendly and frequently queer-popular thanks to its cool artsy vibes and willingness to try out any event, including those aimed at the LGBT+ community. Check out their upcoming events and support a cutesy venue where independent people are doing independent things.
The only gay club in Edmonton serving the LGBTQ community year-round and providing a fun space for cocktails and conversations or energetic partying later at night. In addition to great dance floors on Friday and Saturday, Evo (as locals affectionately refer to it) is home to trivia nights, karaoke, comedy and poetry nights, They are also well-known for their regular drag/burlesque line-ups and have hosted many RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni.
Francine Mercier, an artist and also founder of Queer YEG, sells her custom artwork and digital photographs as one of several side projects under the name Zero Gravity Artwork.
Her principal line of work in design and web development keeps her quite busy, but she comes alive through her love of all forms of art, including culinary arts and music.
Sohail “Zee” Zaidi came up with the idea for Remedy Cafe. Zee began cooking at a young age, and during his travels and employment in Asia, America, and Europe, he daydreamed of being a chef. Zee is a successful entrepreneur who has created enterprises while he was an employee.
Along with their incredible chai, Remedies offers over 120 different tea varieties and 70 different kinds of beer from across the world. They also offer gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and dairy-free, meals, desserts, and drinks for guests with dietary restrictions and food sensitivities.
Additionally, they’ve concentrated on sourcing their goods from local and Canadian farmers, gardeners,
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Edmonton
Edmonton can be the ideal place for you if you appreciate the notion of a pleasant, energetic, green city. You should definitely relocate to Edmonton if you’ve received a compelling job offer or are considering enrolling in one of Edmonton’s several post-secondary institutions. It’s likely that you’ll end up being pleased to call Edmonton home.
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Edmonton, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Edmonton.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Edmonton will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your newly chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Edmonton
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Edmonton is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Edmonton – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Edmonton to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
