Gay Ottawa
 

I am thinking of heading up to Ottawa (from Boston) for Winterlude and, being my first time in Ottawa, would like to look into the local gay scene. Does anyone have any ideas (clubs, restaurants, shopping)? Thanks!

My Frommers Canada guide book lists gay bars, activities etc... for all larger cities, and I know there was a gay section for Ottawa, so that may be worth checking out. Their website may also list it. (www.Frommers.com)

"Aquaman" ... winterlude ... is this the Rideau Speedeaux swim meet?

Hmmmm...

Since no one else is responding...OK, it's been about 5 years since I've been to Ottawa. The Gay scene there I'd describe as quiet, so don't go with any false ideas; certainly not the nonstop Gay nightlife of Montreal, and a lot less than Boston; in fact, it's a lot quieter than Quebec City. This said, the city seemed from my experience pretty open-minded and a lot of sights are quite walkable one to the other. The busiest areas for strolling I found were Bank & Elgin St., Sparks St. and the Byward Market (mind you, during Winterlude, strolling may not be something you'll be wanting to do).

I went to Icon, which seemed to draw a young crowd in a modern setting. According to my Fugues magazine (Montreal-based, has some coverage on Ottawa), it's still open. Manx Pub on 370 Elgin St. was fun, with good beer, mixed crowd... Ottawa at its best. Pick up a Capital X-tra, the city's queer rag for more details.

Have a nice trip!

Enjoy!

TedGale: no, Winterlude is just an annual winter festival (ice and snow sculptures, etc.).

Daniel_Williams: thanks for the advice. If we make the trip, I will do excatly as you suggest. (Though we will be staying with my BF's friend, also gay, so he'll probably be our own walking, talking Capital X-tra!). Thanks again!

If, as usual, the gay swimmeet is held during Winterlude, you may spot Boston gay swimmers during your visit.

There is often a significant Boston contingent for this international event, called "Swimmers in Heats", sponsored by the local swim club, Rideau Speedeaux.

tedgale: actually, a friend of mine is on the LANES (Liquid Assets New England) swim team. I think the Rideau Speeadeaux event is in late February this/next year (2005).