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A Complete LGBTQ Travel Guide to Montreal

Montreal is well-known as an extraordinarily LGBTQ-friendly destination. With a population of almost 2 million, Quebec's biggest city (and the second largest in Canada) represents a delightful mash-up of cultures, with a proudly Quebecois identity of its own and rich LGBTQ history.

Reportedly, North America's first LGBT publication, "Les Mouches Fantastiques" (The Fantastic Files) was founded here in 1918; by the early 1970s a queer bohemian scene was flourishing (1974 indie film "Montreal Main" offered a glimpse); the first Montreal Pride march took place in 1979 (commemorating the 10th anniversary of NYC's Stonewall riots), and Montreal's famed "gay village" came to be in the 1980s, as gay bars, clubs, and residents overtook a formerly impoverished, decrepit section of the city's Centre-Sud district along Sainte-Catherine Street East.

Refreshingly, Montreal's gay village (which is closed to cars during warmer months) remains a lively and concentrated hub that's even more literally colorful and easy to spot thanks to its overhead, 1 kilometer long "18 Shades Of Gay" - comprised of 180,000 colored recycled plastic resin balls suspended overhead. Tourism Montreal's official website even dedicates a page to this now iconic installation , plus much more LGBT-related information and resources, and be sure to check out Quebec's LGBTQ magazine and website, Fugues , for what's ons and scene skinny.

The Best Things To Do

The gay-owned Spade & Palacio offers "non-touristy tours" by bike and by foot, which are perfect for both newcomers and those who know the city but would like a deeper dive. Book the four-hour, lunch-inclusive Beyond The Bike Lanes tour that covers both residential and popular tourist zones including the Gay Village, or consider the two-hour Beyond The Village one that spotlights the gayborhoood and its history and landmark sites.

Get your selfies on in the Gay Village during daylight while taking in its art installations and community spaces, including the Park of Hope (Parc L'espoir) and AIDS Memorial. Check out its LGBT businesses as well, notably the sexy apparel, leather, and accessories shop, Chez Priape .

Montreal-based graphic novel publisher Drawn & Quarterly has a fantastic store, Librarie Drawn & Quarterly , in the buzzy Mile End district, a favorite stomping ground of local, acclaimed gay filmmaker and actor, Xavier Dolan. It hosts book launches by queer creators (Diane Obomsawin's "On Loving Women" is a delightful must!), events, and a book club for discussing LGBTQ+ work.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts presented the first retrospective exhibition dedicated to outrageous, visionary queer French fashion designer Thierry Mugler in Spring 2019 and includes work by LGBTQ artists in its permanent collections. Known as DHC/ART until 2019, Old Montreal's privately owned, non-profit Foundation Phi showcases cutting edge, contemporary work.

Bota Bota Spa , situated on a multi-level ship in the Old Port, is a friendly spot to unwind and get pampered (with kid-friendly hours), though some males might prefer one of Montreal's adults only gay saunas, which include the 24-hour Sauna Oasis and four-floor Sauna G.I. Joe .

Events & Festivals

Held in August, Montreal Pride (aka Fierté MTL) climaxes with a parade along René-Lévesque Boulevard headed up by a diverse selection of Grand Marshalls. The event in 2019 included Transgender Pride Flag creator Monica Helms, First Nations Two-Spirit activist and author Ma-Nee Chacaby, Montreal fetish historian Danny Godbout, local entrepreneur and athlete Val Desjardins, Wilson Cruz of "Star Trek: Discovery," and trailblazing Laotian LGBTQ activist Anan Bouapha). Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also a regular fixture in the parade.

Image+Nation is Canada's oldest—and still very much thriving—LGBT film festival.

And if you're a dancing queen, the fall's annual Black & Blue entails a week's worth of unabashedly queer yet straight-friendly dances and parties, from circuit-style blowouts with benefits going to HIV/AIDS organizations.

The Best LGBTQ Bars and Clubs

You'll find most of Montreal's LGBTQ nightlife conveniently concentrated in its gay village along Ste. Catherine Street East. One of Canada's largest nightlife venues, Complexe Sky entails three floors of drinking, dancing, dining, and entertainment spaces (including a drag cabaret), plus a rooftop terrace, pool, and spa.

Also multi-level, Club Unity features two main dance and drinking spaces (each with different music), a VIP lounge, and spacious rooftop terrace. Admission is free on Thursdays, while Unity also hosts drag shows and performances by visiting "RuPaul's Drag Race" stars like Detox.

An enduring Montreal institution, beloved local drag queen Mado Lamotte (a.k.a. Luc Provost) — who's so well known that her wax likeness graces the city's Grevin Wax Museum along with Celine Dion and Katy Perry—opened another enduring institution in the village almost 20 years ago, Cabaret Mado . This is the place go get a diverse dose of Montreal's queens and kings, plus celebrity tributes and hipster drag (though do note that most shows are in French).

Another enduring village institution, Bar Aigle Noir (Black Eagle), has plenty of space for drinking, dancing, and socializing inside, while summertime allows lounging around an outdoor patio. Celebrating its 25th year in 2020, the unpretentious Le Stud is another bear and leather crowd favorite, with dancing, drinking, and pool tables.

A new kid on the block, opened in 2018, Renard offers an upscale craft cocktail and beer bar atmosphere, with tasty pub grub including cheddar cheeseburgers. If karaoke is your bag, or microphone, Le Date Karaoke is a must, as is the nearly 30-year-old Taverne Normandie , which also boasts a fantastic courtyard terrace and very mixed clientele.

Male strippers can go the full monty in Montreal, so if feeling frisky check out Stock Bar and Campus .

Outside the village, meanwhile, the Rosemont neighborhood's Bar Notre Dame Des Quilles is a jubilant, fabulously LGBTQ+ spot especially popular with hipster queers and lesbians: sing out during Sunday's Okie Dokie Karaoke, while the diverse events line-up includes speed dating, Drag Race viewing parties, and tarot readings.

Where to Eat

Straddling Little Italy and hipster Mile-Ex district, lesbian-owned micro-brewpub Brasserie Harricana keeps a fantastic selection of beer, cider, and kombucha on tap (both its own and from other regional producers), including unique, lip-smacking varieties finished in liquor barrels (e.g. a stout aged six months in Grand Marnier barrels). Culinary offerings range from Quebecois pub snacks (beef tartare, escargots, and cheese) to substantial plates (filet mignon, deluxe salads, and house-made sausages).

A game-changer thanks to its farm-to-table ethos and gorgeous (and photogenic) innovation, 27-year-old fine dining institution Toqué! launched many chefs and restaurateurs’ careers in its kitchen, including local superstars David McMillan and Frederic Morin of Joe Beef , and Charles-Antoine Crête and Cheryl Johnson of Montreal Plaza .

While the Gay Village's dining scene hasn't exactly proven as foodie-centric as other parts of Montreal (locals might feel that's putting it diplomatically), there has been some improvement in the past few years. A few blocks north, Antonin Mousseau-Rivard presents cutting-edge, modern Quebecois creations at the prix fixe-only Le Mousso and casual, a la carte younger sibling Le Petit Mousso. If vegan or vegetarian, good news: 2019 opening Tendresse (sibling to craft cocktail and beer spot Renard) specializes in tasty, meat-free eating.

Where to Stay

Downtown's iconic, 62-year-old Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth , where John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged their famed "bed-in" during 1969, received a stunningly fresh, modern update in 2017. Its 950 guest rooms now amalgamate crisp contemporary design schemes with a nod to the 1960s, while the lobby and public spaces were transformed with an incredible food hall, Marché Artisans .

A few blocks away, the chic 152-room gay-fave W Montreal  is posited just across from the Square-Victoria-OACI metro station (look for its art nouveau Paris-style entrance portico, a 1967 gift from the City of Lights) and received its own comprehensive, multimillion update in 2015. Decor is sophisticated and clubby, some rooms overlook Victoria Square Park, and the hotel's BARTIZEN cocktail lounge emphasizes Quebec-produced gins and botanical libations in a dramatically designed, 1940s-inspired cinematic setting.

Opened in 2016, the 121-room upscale boutique Hotel William Gray  is situated smack dab in Old Town along its lively and oft-Instagramed Place Jacques Cartier. A pair of historic buildings and eight-story glass tower fused and transformed with utterly modern decor and design. Each room is different, thanks to the repurposing of existing space. and the lobby's a buzzy hive of excellent shopping and dining, including locavore restaurant Maggie Oakes and an outpost of Montreal's European-style cafe and Italian coffee connoisseurs, Cafe Olimpico.

If you're keen to be based in the Gay Village in a gay-owned property, make reservations at the five-room Sir Montcalm Gite B&B. Hosts André and Yvon provide breakfast in this contemporary yet homey and distinctly Quebecois building, which also boasts a private terrace garden.

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The best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in Montreal

Grab a drink and live it up at the city's welcoming LGBTQ+ hangouts, bars, star-studded drag shows and more.

Montreal is one of the world’s great LGBTQ+ capitals and its queer bars and nightclubs are a pillar of local  nightlife . The city is home to one of the largest Gay Villages in North America, but queer nights and establishments can also be found outside the Village—a testament to the city’s all-embracing joie-de-vivre.

In 2024, for its 18t h year, the lively one-kilometre-long summertime pedestrian mall on Saint-Catherine Street in the Village stretches east from Place Émilie-Gamelin near Berri-UQAM metro station to Papineau Avenue, surrounded by some 40 outdoor terrasses .  Here is the ultimate guide to LGBTQ+ and queer-friendly establishments, including rooftop bars, karaoke, drag shows and more. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Montreal

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best LGBTQ+ bars in Montreal

1.  cabaret mado.

Named for beloved Montreal drag icon Mado Lamotte ,  Cabaret Mado  has been packing them in since it opened in 2002. The club is so well-known you can spot visiting celebrities, such as Charlize Theron, Jean-Paul Gaultier and the Pet Shop Boys. Mostly local, but also some national and international drag artists headline shows and sketch comedy nightly.

2.  Complexe Sky

One of the biggest gay clubs in Canada, Complexe Sky boasts three floors of entertainment topped by a popular summertime rooftop terrasse complete with outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Or enjoy a pitcher of ice-cold sangria on the street-level terrasse which is great for people-watching. Drag fans will enjoy the free-admission Le Sky Show with host Emma DéjaVu and guests every Friday at 10 pm.

3.  Bar Renard

Bar Renard is popular with LGBTQ+ and straight young hipsters and has a wide selection of wines, microbrews and cocktails. Because of its floral décor, Renard’s unisex washroom has become an iconic selfie location.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BAR RENARD (@bar.renard)

4.  District Vidéo Lounge

Queer icon Lady Gaga and her entourage partied at  District Vidéo Lounge   when it opened in 2017. Patrons can also select music videos on the indoor screens.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by District Video Lounge (@districtvideolounge)

5.  Aigle Noir / Black Eagle

Montréal’s Black Eagle is called Aigle Noir, an old-school neighbourhood gay bar in the heart of the Village. While it serves the leather and denim communities, it is also popular with bears and the athletic crowd, young and older alike. Cheap drinks, happy hour specials and a cruisy summertime terrasse.

6.  Club Unity

Club Unity is one of the biggest nightclubs in the city, with two dance floors, a VIP lounge and legendary summertime rooftop terrasse with great views of the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Club Unity ★ Montréal (@clubunitymtl)

7.  Le Normandie

A Village institution since 1981, friendly sports bar Le Normandie on Atateken Street is a terrific local watering hole with cheap drinks and karaoke. Le Normandie also has two of the nicest summer terrasses in the Village.

8.  Bar Le Cocktail

The friendly and comfortable vibe of legendary Montreal female impersonator Michel Dorion’s Bar Le Cocktail has made the drag bar a popular Village hangout, with live shows by many of the best drag artists in the city, including Dorion.

9.  Le Date Karaoke

There are karaoke bars and then there is Club Date, a classic neighbourhood bar in the Village whose regulars could give Tom Jones and Barbra Streisand a run for their money! The song list features “hundreds of thousands” of titles, including Elvis tunes, 80s ballads and Québécois classics. Patrons can also upload a ​high-definition MP4 digital video document of their performance.

10.  Bar Le Stud

Le Stud’s motto is, “Stud is a men’s bar, where men love men.” Open since 1995, the labyrinthine nightclub is popular with the bear and leather communities, but has a diverse clientele. Couple dancefloors, nightly DJs, pool tables, video poker, two summertime terrasses, and theme events ranging from bear nights to leather kink.

11.  Bar Minéral

The beautifully designed Bar Minéral  on Atateken Street is a wine bar by day and nightclub after dark, with an excellent light food menu.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MINĒRAL (@barmineral)

12.  Stock Bar

Montreal is famous for its gay male strip joints and none is bigger than Stock Bar in the Village. There's a Ladies Night every Wednesday, and Stock Bar is also home to Montreal’s Violet Hour queer reading series showcasing LGBTQ+ poets, writers and authors, as well as the Drag Extra shows (whose artistic director is drag icon Rita Baga) on Sunday evenings.

13.  Stock & Soda

The new kid on the block, bright and comfortable venue with pool table, drag shows and a busy summertime terrasse. 

14.  Cabaret Berlin

Popular performance and event venue for those who love Post-Punk, New Wave, Alternative, Cold Wave and Dark Wave. 

15.  Motel Motel

Opened in 2023 by the team behind Bar Renard and Bistro Tendresse, Motel Motel presents a fresh concept in the Village: enjoy a good meal and then party under the same roof. This kitchen offers small dishes designed to be shared, with a magnificent nightclub hidden out back.

16.  Café Cleopatre

Outside the Village, Café Cleopatre, whose building on The Main has been a showbar since the 1890s, is the last remnant of Montreal’s fabled red-light district. There is a female strip joint downstairs, while the upstairs cabaret is an historically queer-friendly space.

17.  Bar Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles

Rosemont neighbourhood bar NDQ is a legendary LGBTQ+ hangout outside the Village. An inclusive and safe space for all, NDQ regularly programs queer-themed events and parties, and is also home to a miniature bowling alley!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by NOTRE DAME DES QUILLES 🎳 (@bar_notre_dame_des_quilles)

18.  Taverne Marion

Located just outside the Village, Taverne Marion was opened in 2022 by the team behind Taverne Midway on The Main. With its white-washed brick walls and large garage-style windows, the bright and cheery Taverne Marion has become a trendy hangout.

19.  Champs Sports Bar

Located on the Main, Champs Sports Bar is the place to watch sports, including the PWHL Montreal women’s hockey, alongside such queer-themed nights as Queer Line Dancing, Dyke Night, and drag shows.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Champs Sports Bar (@champs_montreal)

20.  Queer nights

There are many LGBTQ+ nights hosted by queer-friendly establishments, such as the  uber-queer MPU  nights (formerly called Mec Plus Ultra) at  Le Belmont nightclub in the Plateau district; and The L Nights , Queen & Queer dance parties and Homopop events are held at various venues, including at such queer-friendly and drag-friendly spaces as Bar Le Ritz PDB .

Sing it out loud and proud in Montreal

Best karaoke bars in montreal.

Here are the best Montreal karaoke bars for your next singsong night out on the town, from private rooms to dive bars. We’ve minced our way around the microphone cords, paid our dues in the rotation and boiled down what’s the best in the city.

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Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers in Montreal

The province of Québec is a destination for international gay travelers. Gay life here is generally open and accepted (gay marriage is legal throughout the province), and gay travelers are heavily marketed to. Travelers will find the rainbow flag prominently displayed on the doors and websites of many hotels and restaurants in all the city's neighborhoods.

The Tourisme Montréal website, www.tourisme-montreal.org, has a "Gay and Lesbian" link under "Tourist" that lists gay-friendly accommodations, events, websites for queer meet-ups, and more. Of several local queer publications, the most thorough is Fugues (www.fugues.com), which lists events, as well as gay-friendly lodgings, clubs, saunas, and other resources. Free copies are available at tourist offices and in racks around the city. Gay Line (tel. 888/505-1010 or 514/866-5090; www.gayline.qc.ca) is a help line offering advice on over 550 accommodations, events, and services. In Montréal, many gay and lesbian travelers head straight to the Village (also known as "the Gay Village"), a neighborhood east of downtown located primarily along rue Ste-Catherine est between rue St-Hubert and rue Papineau. Here, there are antiques shops, bars, B&Bs, and clubs, clubs, clubs. The Beaudry Métro station is at the heart of the neighborhood and is marked by the rainbow flag. As the Tourisme Montréal website says, "Rainbow columns on a subway station entrance? I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore!" The Village is action central on any night, but it especially picks up during the weeklong celebration of sexual diversity known as Divers/Cité (www.diverscite.org) in late July and early August and the Black & Blue Festival (www.bbcm.org), an October event that's one of the world's largest circuit parties, with a week of entertainment and club dancing. In 2006, Montréal added a pink feather to its cap by hosting the first World Outgames, attracting more than 16,000 athletes. When you're visiting the neighborhood, stop in at the Village Tourism Information Centre at 1307 rue Ste-Catherine est (tel. 888/595-8110 or 514/522-1885), open June to August from noon to 6pm (days vary; call in advance). There's information about everything from wine bars to yoga classes. It's operated by the Québec Gay Chamber of Commerce (www.ccgq.ca).

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Gay and Gay-friendly Hotels in Montreal

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Craving for more stay options around Montreal?

Gay Hotels in Montreal

The gay hotel Montreal scene is about as diverse as Montreal itself, and whether you are planning a gaycation with your partner, a holiday with friends, or a business trip during the week, the portfolio of gay hotels in this Canadian city will certainly inspire. Gay Montreal provides opportunities for classic hotel stays, intimate boutique gay hotels, glitzy high-rise hotels, and more, all scattered throughout the city. If you are visiting in summer, why not opt for a gay-friendly hotel with a pool and enjoy an afternoon refresh each day? Or alternatively, if you are visiting in the cooler months, pencil in a stay at a cozy boutique hotel that will be sure to keep you snug.  

Montreal gay village hotels

If you are looking for gay village Montreal hotels, there are several options. For those not too fussed about anything too glitzy, the Hôtel Ste-Catherine offers convenient and comfortable accommodation without the hefty price tag. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more upscale, pencil in a stay at Auberge Le Pomerol . The three-star hotel offers 33 spacious rooms, which come complete with free WiFi and air-conditioning. 

If you don’t mind being just outside of the action, the chicest hotel nearby is the Boxotel Montreal . The four-star hotel is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the lively streets of the village. Studios, apartments, and full-scale lofts are available, and all reflect an industrial-chic aesthetic. Alternatively,  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Montreal Downtown is on the fringe of Montreal’s gay village, and offers a modern design in keeping with the Marriott hotel brand.   

Montreal gay hotels and bed & breakfasts

Montreal is also home to dozens of other hotels and bed and breakfasts that are friendly, welcoming, and centrally located. This includes: Place Jacques Cartier Apartments , Hotel William Grey , and of course the W Montreal - one of the most elegant hotels in the city. So in between exploring Montreal's charming gayborhood, sipping a finely-brewed coffee at a local hipster joint, or dancing through the city streets during Montreal Pride, be sure to devote some time to enjoy whichever gay hotel you book for your next trip to Montreal.

With misterb&b, experience a more welcoming world. From private rooms and apartments to LGBTQ-friendly hotels and LGBTQ+ vacation rentals, you have the option to stay in the heart of gay districts as well as other neighborhoods in the places you visit. A loft in Soho , a shared room in Barcelona or the Castro , a gay-friendly hotel in Le Marais or in Chelsea , experience misterb&b in all worldwide gay travel destinations ! Activate weere on your profile and connect with other misterb&b travelers at your destination city or hotel! Problems with misterb&b ? Please refer to our Help Center. And whether you type gay bnb, gaybnb, mister b&b, mrb&b, mister b and b or misterbandb when you search for us, there's only one misterb&b! misterb&b is not affiliated, endorsed, or otherwise associated with Airbnb , neither with misterbnb, mrbnb or mr bnb.

Gay Friendly Hotels in Montreal

Bed & Breakfast du Village

Central b&b with amenities galore.

Located right in the heart of the Village. Perks include cable TV, central air, indoor parking and terrace.

The Village/Le Village · 1279 Rue Montcalm, Montreal

• outdoor seating
• bed & breakfast
• mixed gay/straight
• LGBTQ+ owned

Sir Montcalm

Lovely gay-owned b&b.

Every detail, from bed linens to breakfast, is immaculately maintained and presented with the charm one expects from...

The Village/Le Village · 1453 Rue Montcalm, Montreal

• mixed LGBTQ+

La Conciergerie Guest House

Quaint victorian guesthouse.

This traditional B&B boasts comfortable amenities and a great breakfast buffet within walking distance of Montreal's...

The Village/Le Village · 1019 Rue Saint-Hubert, Montreal

Hotel St. Andre

Friendly comfort.

Whether you are visiting Montreal for business or pleasure, let the friendly staff and cozy atmosphere of Hotel Le St...

The Village/Le Village · 1285 Rue Saint-André, Montreal

Hotel Dorion

Conveniently located above bar taboo.

Right across from the Papineau metro in the heart of the Gay Village. Steps away from fine dining and shopping. Each...

The Village/Le Village · 1477 Rue Dorion, Montreal

Harmonious and whimsical design

Located in the city's historic Banque du Canada building, W rooms feature large windows opening onto Square Victoria...

Downtown · 901 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montreal

• pet-friendly

Stylish boutique hotel close to Village

Set in a 1915 Beaux-Arts townhouse with a modern annex, this chic, upscale hotel is a stone's throw from Place des...

The Village/Le Village · 10 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal

• family-friendly

Hotel Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

50 years of excellence.

Fairmont's Queen Elizabeth is one of the most elegant hotels in the Montreal area. Located directly above the train...

Downtown · 900 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montreal

Hotel St-Denis

Charming and cozy.

A historical building with modern amenities, Hotel St-Denis is in the heart of Montreal. Comfortable and charming, this...

Downtown · 1254 Saint Denis St, Montreal

Hotel de Paris

Stay in this 135-year-old mansion close to the village.

The rich architectural details of this century-old mansion have been carefully maintained, creating a unique and...

Downtown · 901 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal

Map of Gay Friendly Hotels in Montreal

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9 gay(ish) things to do in Montréal

Thom Seivewright

This article was updated on April 20, 2023.

Montréal has a massive LGBTQ+ village that is at the centre of its community. That being said, this city is so gay that some of the best LGBTQ+ haunts are nowhere near the LGBTQ+ Village. Here’s a short list of some gay (and some not necessarily gay) things that will interest anyone looking to show pride outside of the borders of the Village.

The french verb flâner means to loiter, or rather just to hang out. A great spot to do just this sort of thing is the kitschy (or retro, depending on your persuasion) Notre Dame des Quilles . With half sized bowling lanes to boot, add this unique establishment to the places that make Montréal the awesome city that it is. And let’s be honest, if you want to find a place worthy of your time for some quality flânage, don’t you want old school bowling lanes nearby?  Yes, yes you do.

Bar Notre Dame des Quilles: 32 Beaubien E.

Treat the city streets as an open-air museum

Montréal is obsessed with art. The citizens love it so much that they want it everywhere, not just in galleries and museums. Take a stroll and check out sculptures, monuments, photographs and larger-than-life murals. You could easily set out for a walk and be completely astonished by the quality (not to mention the sheer quantity) of art. Or you can pre-determine a path that will allow you to take in some of the most impressive works of  public art  that you’re ever likely to see. From massive murals to intricate sculptures, projections and photographs, the city streets have become as important to the city’s art scene as any of the established museums . 

Time travel to a different kind of of gay venue

Café Cléopâtre , open since 1976, is one of the last fixtures of Montréal’s famed red-light district. A straight clientele packs the ground floor to catch female strip shows while a queer clientele walks one floor up to attend all sorts of fascinating events including drag shows. This is the type of place where you might catch a band as part of a music festival like  Pop Montréal , and then come back the next night to see a live fetish show. Or, if you’re lucky (or unlucky, you decide), you’ll fall upon Bareoke , a karaoke night where the brave singers bare much more than just their emotions. There is something eerily beautiful about this place. It mixes sexual freedom with the seedy history of underground countercultures. Not to mention that the owner refused offer after offer to relocate so that a massive commercial project could be built in its place. In refusing, Cafe Cléopatre has become a sort of hero of Montréal’s underbelly. 

Café Cléopâtre: 1230 Boul. St-Laurent

Dance your ass off at the biggest gay dance party outside of the Village

Mec Plus Ultra , or MPU for those in the know, is a monthly dance party of electro/indie/pop music where all the gays and their allies let loose. MPU started out as an option for gays that simply couldn’t find anything that appealed to them in Montréal’s LGBTQ+ Village. Whether it was the music, the crowds or the venues themselves, a significant number of people felt unrepresented in the very part of town that was meant to represent them. So was born Mec Plus Ultra, a play on words mixing  nec plus ultra — a Latin phrase meaning “nothing further beyond,” which has come to mean top notch, the best, as good as it gets — and the word “mec”, which is a French slang term for “guy”.

Go to the middle of town to feel like you’ve left the city

In the heart of Montréal lies  Mount Royal , a massive park on a little mountain with forested areas and picturesque views to get you lots of likes on Instagram. Where else can you stand in the middle of a region of over 4 million people and feel completely secluded?  The mountain , as locals refer to it, has been a protected park since 1876 and was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, perhaps the greatest landscape architect who ever lived, to whom we owe many of North America’s most beautiful green spaces, including New York’s Central Park. No matter the season, this is one of the locals’ favourite spots for outdoor activities. Summer is for bike riding, running or even hiking. Winter is for skating on Beaver Lake, tubing down the hills, enjoying the cross-country ski trails or strapping on a pair of snow shoes and getting lost in the vast whiteness of the snow. All the equipment needed can be rented at the  chalet on the mountain  or at nearby shops.

Weave through the fabric of the city

Montréal is a city of neighbourhoods . As you travel around town, every few blocks, you’ll feel the change. You’ll see the change. The architecture, the people, the cultures. To really understand Montréal, you should visit a few different ‘hoods. For a firsthand feeling of the diverse architecture, people and cultures, you could start near McGill University, in the neighbourhood known as the McGill Ghetto (don’t worry, it’s sarcastic!) and make your way through the Quartier des Spectacles (entertainment district), Chinatown and finally Old Montréal. Watch everything change within a span of about 10 blocks. Victorian homes become expressionist theatres and Art Deco office towers give way to 17th century religious buildings. Meanwhile the people will go from an array of international students and artists to locals of Vietnamese descent and finally a group of bankers and techies. A big part of the diversity that makes this city so special is precisely what you’ll encounter if you simply take a walk through its streets. 

Be a festival-goer

Here’s a challenge: try to find a day with no festival going on in Montréal. You probably can’t. In this town, any excuse is a good excuse to celebrate. And over the last few decades Montréal has managed to position itself as a contender for the title of World Capital of Festivals . Although some massive festivals do take place in the heart of the summer season, by no means are festivals here a seasonal thing! Winter temperatures do not stand in the way of this city’s love of having a good time! Take Igloofest , an eccentric nod to winter, electronic music and digital arts: it attracts tens of thousands of people, dancing under the stars on the banks of the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River. Or if you’re into experiencing different cultures, check out festivals such as Carifiesta ,   the Kahnawake Pow Wow , or ItalfestMTL . As for gay festivals, there are a number of them, from the huge Montréal Pride celebrations, to more intimate events such as image+nation , a film fest specializing in LGBTQ+ cinema.

Get rolling — or just enjoy watching

Montréal’s roller derby scene is hot stuff, and a guaranteed good time to watch from the sidelines. It’s a LGBTQ+ friendly sport that pits the best, wiliest and fastest (not to mention those with the sharpest elbows!) against each other — so expect violence, but all in good fun. The tickets are affordable, the sideshows are a blast, and you’ll probably lose your voice from cheering.

Dive into the world of burlesque

Montréal is a hotbed of the performing arts. With renowned circus troupes calling the city home, it also has the reputation of a circus arts capital. Add that to its reputation as a ‘sin city’ and you’ve got the perfect recipe for burlesque  Just check out the Wiggle Room to see what it’s all about. A throwback to vaudeville, an important component in Montréal’s entertainment history, the Wiggle Room mixes old school classic cocktails with live burlesque shows. Drop in and feel the Wiggle Room vibe that gets its inspiration from the very street that it is located on: Saint-Laurent, a storied boulevard where Montréal’s naughty has long mixed with the nice in exactly these types of places. 

Wiggle Room: 3874 Boul. Saint-Laurent

Thom enjoys fulfilling Montréal stereotypes such as being obsessed with Leonard Cohen, being perfectly fluent in Frenglish and being addicted to maple syrup. He loves pretending to be a tourist in his own city yet when he travels he loves pretending to not be a tourist at all.

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Hyatt Place Montréal – Downtown

Discover the bustling city of Montréal

This property is no longer a member of Gay Travel but please check out other gay-friendly accommodations .

Montreal's first Hyatt Place hotel

Explore Montreal and its vibrant lifestyle. The hotel is located at the doorstep of Montreal’s most diverse neighborhood. The Village and a few steps away from the Entertainment District, where you will find coffee shops, boutiques, antique shops, nightlife, and restaurants for every palate. The hotel is connected with Montreal’s largest subway station, giving you easy a multitude of the city’s top attractions, including the Old Port of Montreal, Plateau Mont-Royal, Quartier Latin, the Montreal Casino, Olympic Parc and Parc Jean-Drapeau / Saint Helen’s Island where many festivals are taking place. Options are endless when you stay in the middle of the action.

Rooms & Suites

Their 354 spacious rooms are furnished with their famous Hyatt Luxury Pillowtop Mattress. You’ll also find their Cozy Corner, a space designed for relaxation in style! When you’re ready to kick back after a busy day out and about in the city, their rooms will make you feel right at home.

Eat & Drink

Wake up to free breakfast served every day at The Breakfast Bar where you’ll find a wide array of choices from fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola, to eggs, hash browns, waffles, and more.

Looking to grab something To-Go? The Market has a selection of bottled drinks and fresh conveniently packaged items from snacks to salads, while their bakery case is filled with an array of tempting pastries and sweets.

Start your day with your favorite coffee and get ready to explore the city at Starbucks .

Indoor Pool

Whether you’re starting the day with a few laps, relaxing with a book after a day of work, or spending time with your family, their amazing pool will surely meet your needs with its unique downtown views and calming atmosphere. Relax in their big sauna offering a great view of the downtown court.

Fitness Center

Stay active and keep up with your workout routine in their 24/7 fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment.

Business Center

Print your documents remotely or log in to one of their workstations in order to get work done, print your boarding pass or simply read your emails.

Special Events

Plan your next event at Hyatt Place Montréal – Downtown, where more than 6,000 square feet of flexible event space awaits you. Whether it’s a 10-person strategy session or a festive celebration for 150 people, your event will be in the good hands of their passionate team. Discover their 10 meeting rooms ideal for all types of events. You’ll appreciate the comfort and versatility of their smaller studios. 

Organizing an event for more than 100 people? Take advantage of the natural light and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment available in their larger spaces (Metropole and Studio Violet).

Whether you reserve a room block for your guests or host your ceremony and celebration in their magnificent spaces, their team will be able to create magical moments to remember for all.

With their state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and unparalleled dining service, their hotel is the perfect place to host your event.

Area & Activities

The Village features a wide variety of service industries, including cafés, boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants for every palate. 

From kitsch to chic, the Village offers a unique shopping experience. A stroll on Atateken Street is sure to please home decorating enthusiasts and vintage-style aficionados. Visit the antique shops specializing in objects from the 1930s to the 1970s while the Art Deco architecture of the impressive Saint-Jacques Market building and the Écomusée du fier monde are worthy of admiration.

During the summer season, Sainte-Catherine Street turns into a lively pedestrian zone starting right in front of the Hyatt Place Montreal Downtown.  But the LGBTQ+ Village hums all year long. Lounges, bars, boîtes, after-hours clubs, and drag queen shows at the Iconic Cabaret Mado are all part of the Village entertainment scene.

Being right on top of the most important subway station of Montreal, The Hyatt Place Montreal Downtown guest can easily access any locations like the downtown area, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Olympic Parc, and the Parc Jean-Drapeau where many festivals take place like Osheaga, Ile Soniq, the famous Piknic Electronik, and also home of the Montreal Casino and Gilles Villeneuve F1 circuit.

Just a couple of blocks away, you will find the Main cultural district of the city. The Quartier des Spectacles hosts in its center the Place des Arts, a complex comprising several performance halls, and the adjacent Museum of Contemporary Art. Outdoor events and festivals draw crowds throughout the year to Place des Festivals, where public art installations and light projections create a festive atmosphere. Nearby, the Latin Quarter features cinemas, theaters as well as friendly bars and restaurants.

Dating back to the 17th century, the cobblestone lanes of Old Montreal are lined with plenty of bustling squares, but also charming shops and cafes are also within walking distance. Among the sites of interest are the Notre-Dame basilica, an imposing neo-Gothic church, as well as the Pointe-à-Callière museum, where there are archaeological ruins of the city. Located on the banks of St. Lawrence, the Old Port of Montreal is home to the Montreal Science Center and the iconic Clock Tower, which offers views of the surrounding area from its top.

Pet-Friendly

Your pet is welcome at Hyatt Place Montréal – Downtown. The fee includes a water bowl and a special treat for your furry friend.

At a Glance:

In Room Facilities/Services: Coffee / Tea Internet Access Laundry Service

On Property Facilities/Services: Meeting Rooms Bar Restaurant Fitness Center Swimming Pool(s)

Complimentary: Breakfast

Commitment Ceremony Planning / Hosting: Yes

Location: Montreal, QC

Children Welcome: Yes

Pets Allowed: Yes

Business center & services

Want to Book?

Visit Our Website

Call Us Now — +1 514 842 4881

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Montreal , Canada

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