Welcome... from the Councillor
British Columbia
On behalf of the City of Vancouver, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our queerfriendly city. Vancouver and British Columbia have long been one of the most progressive jurisdictions anywhere in establishing equal rights for all of our citizens, including same sex marriage, which was legalized here in July 2003. In addition to being the host city to the 1990 Gay Games, the 1996 International AIDS Conference, the 2004 International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s annual convention, the 2008 InterPride Conference, and the 9th International Conference of Gay & Lesbian Tourism, Vancouver offers a wide variety of gay and gay friendly events year round. As Vancouver celebrates our 125th Anniversary this year, the city also looks forward to welcoming athletes from across the continent, as host city to the 2011 North American Outgames. I am delighted you have chosen to visit queer-friendly Vancouver. We invite you to explore our neighbourhoods to experience the many queer specific and world-class amenities we have to offer. We look forward to the prospect of welcoming you back many times in the future. Sincerely,
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Info Finder ACCOMMODATIONS 8 Smuggler’s Inn B&B Blaine, WA USA SHOPPING & SERVICES 34 Great Northern Books, Inc. Bellingham, WA USA
Tim Stevenson Councillor, City of Vancouver
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A Letter... from Travel Gay Canada Welcome to beautiful British Columbia, Canada’s West Coast playground. Vancouver is home to Western Canada’s largest gay population. This picturesque, ocean-wrapped and snowcapped city has a vibrant gay community that is centered around two distinctly different neighbourhoods – the West End and Commercial Drive, both of which enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, nightclubs and boutiques catering to gays and lesbians. Discover the duality of Vancouver: Urban sophistication and natural splendour. Whistler, just 90 minutes north of Vancouver, hosts one of the world’s most popular gay ski weeks. Victoria, BC’s capital city is on the south tip of Vancouver Island. It boasts many historic buildings and some of the most fascinating museums. The Okanagan, in BC’s interior, is famous for its orchards and vineyards and its wide offerings for outdoor enthusiasts. BC celebrates its diversity, and plays host to numerous gay and lesbian film festivals, sporting events, live theatre, and pride celebrations across the province. BC, like the rest of Canada, is built on acceptance and embraces, encourages, and supports diversity. So whether you come here to relax, get married, or party, we are confident you will enjoy the many offerings of BC. The businesses listed in this map endeavour to ensure you get the most out of your vacation, and we encourage you to support them. Travel Gay Canada (TGC) works with communities and the tourism industry across the country to provide the products and services that you are looking for when travelling. Visit us at www.travelgaycanada.com to find out more about what Canada has to offer. British Columbia is OUT to welcome you. Come soon and visit often.
Darrell Schuurman President, Travel Gay Canada
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