Insider Tip: If Vancouver never made your gay travel list, then time to reconsider!

Meet David, a photographer based in Vancouver. He rents out his apartment on misterb&b, the gay accommodation website. Here is his feedback on his beloved city!

What makes Vancouver a favourite gay destination?
Vancouver has it al!l  A contemporary urban centre nestled in a lush rainforest, mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, makes Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Add to that, a very active and visible gay community, Davie Village -- a gaybourhood filled with all kinds of bars, clubs, restaurants, and retailers in the West End, our infamous nude Wreck Beach (it has a gay section), and even a gay cruising area in Stanley Park, Vancouver does indeed have something for every LGBTQ traveller.

How gay-friendly is your home city?
Same sex couples holding hands or kissing, alone with the rainbow Pride flag are very common sights in Vancouver.

What is gay life like ?
Canada and Vancouver especially is very accepting -- it is impossible to separate gay life from the fabric of the city.  Our diversity is celebrated throughout the year culminating in our Pride Festival.  Some other LGBTQ (and friendly) festivals include: Queer Arts Festival, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, Dancing on the Edge  and Whistler Pride & Ski Festival.  

Where should one start for a gay tour of Vancouver?
Start at the rainbow crosswalks at the intersections of Davie and Bute streets.

What is the best gay event that takes place in Vancouver?
The biggest and best gay celebration in Vancouver is our Pride festivities. Started in 1973 (just 4 years after the historic Stonewall riots) Vancouver Pride takes place during the parade on Sunday attended by over an estimated half-million people each year.

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?
Don't know about Wednesday night in particular but if you want to enjoy some of Vancouver's best patios and people watching, check out The Fountainhead Pub, The Junction, Score on Davie (Vancouver's only gay sports bar with a packed patio) or XY YVR (dark and sophisticated with (two) amazing patios)

A gay place for brunch on weekends?
The Elbow Room -- it's an over-the-top, legendary gay institution serving great food and abuse in equal measure.  On the menu is an actual 12-inch (not like the so-called 12 inches on Grindr) pancake and if you can't finish it, Patrick, your waitress will playfully shame you into making a donation to A Loving Spoonful.

What are some other gay hot spots for food and drink?
There are so many, here are some others that I have not already mentioned: Pumpjack (especially Friday & Saturday night) the 1811 (fun bar with hot bartenders!!!) and Steamworks (*wink*)

What are some of the best locations to hang out with the local gay community, to really stay like a gay local?
I would suggest Davie Village/Street, Denman Street, Robson Street, the gay section of Wreck Beach, and the Second Beach at Sanley Park.