Gay Ottawa
Dec 8th, 2004 | 06:15 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2003
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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!
Dec 8th, 2004 | 08:49 AM
#2
Joined: Nov 2003
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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)
Dec 8th, 2004 | 07:22 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,657
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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!
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!
Dec 13th, 2004 | 01:41 PM
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 78
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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!
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!
Dec 14th, 2004 | 03:42 PM
#6
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,510
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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.
There is often a significant Boston contingent for this international event, called "Swimmers in Heats", sponsored by the local swim club, Rideau Speedeaux.
