A Visitor’s Guide to Vancouver's 2SLGBTQ+ Community and Queer Spaces

Remember that Vancouver Queer history we just mentioned? Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours’ “The Really Gay History Tour” is where you’ll find out all the details we don’t have the room to regale you with here.

You’ll hear about how local drag queens fought criminalization, trace the route of Vancouver’s first Pride parade, discover the story of North America’s first openly gay church minister, and so much more. This tour only runs once a week and sells out regularly, so make sure to book early!

Calling all book lovers! This beloved new & used bookshop specializes in Queer literature, centring Queerness and celebrating East Van’s vibrant community.

With their own Pride-themed reading challenges and frequent Queer book launches and readings, Cross & Crows is a staple of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQ+ community with a lot of heart. Be sure to check out special evening events like Queer Lust storytelling nights and low pressure writing sessions.

Book lovers, we’re not done with you yet! This time, we’re turning up the heat with a recommendation that is both a Queer bookstore and adult shop. Little Sister's first opened its doors in 1983, under the ownership of co-founders Bruce Smyth and Jim Deva, for whom the nearby Jim Deva Plaza in Davie Village is named.

Little Sister’s has its own storied history, playing a central role in Vancouver’s Queer history, and remains a welcoming shop for all adults to enjoy today.

Next time you’re thrifting along Main Street, grab a sweet treat at Melt Confectionary. With the motto “Here. Queer. Chocolatier.” this chocolate and ice cream is so good it rhymes.

Canadian, Queer, and woman-owned, this business partners with local Vancouver makers and growers to source sustainable ingredients for their chocolate and ice cream treats.

You’ll want to try their Cinnamon French Toast chocolate bar, or one of many delicious vegan chocolate bar options.

Famous for its sourdough bakes, Tall Shadow Bakery is a Queer-owned bakery and café in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood that has become an informal gathering place for many members of Vancouver’s Queer community.

Whether it’s the Thursday-only Oat + Honey Sourdough that catches your fancy, or the Friday-only Jalapeño + Cheddar Sourdough is more your vibe, the breads and pastries at this bakery are locally-famous for a reason.

Plus, they use sustainably-grown Canadian grains, regularly showcase a Pride-themed menu, and donate a portion of sales to Rainbow Refugee. What’s not to love!

Established in 1983, this Granville Island library is Vancouver’s oldest & largest 2SLGBTQ+ community library. Committed to community building that strengthens Queer culture, Out on the Shelves is a volunteer-run non-for-profit that is entirely free for 2SLGBTQ+ folks and their allies.

Get lost in the shelves! This peaceful, welcoming library space is a dream come true, with stories centred on Queer experiences that platform Queer creators.

This newer spot on the edge of Chinatown was opened by the owners of The Birdhouse with the community in mind, and it shows. The Pony Room Lounge is a Queer-owned cabaret-style lounge that’s all about connection and indulgence. Whether it’s drag, DJs, comedy, or the sapphic social club that catches your fancy, there’s something for you here.

This space also houses The Closet, an intimate event space and back room with Queer comedy, sapphic speed dating, Queer wine socials, and so much more.