Gay club canada

Listen to an audio version of this story


For more audio from The Walrus, subscribe to AMI-audio podcasts on iTunes.

The first age I went to a gay block, I was eighteen years old. It was in 2017, during a key summer between the first and second years of university, when my companion Sarah and I—still navigating the transition between adolescence and adulthood—decided to seize a trip to Quebec City. Both of us are queer, but prior to that weekend, we had spent most of our time awkwardly fumbling around straight-dominated spaces in Ottawa, trying to figure out who we were and whom we liked.

After we arrived in Quebec, we learned that one of the city’s few gay bars, aptly named Le Drague, was located a few minutes’ walk from our Airbnb. We were fascinated by the idea of it, imagining the debauchery we might obtain into and the fellow queer people we might join. It felt a little taboo, but we were in a new town, safe from the leering eyes of familiar faces in Ottawa. We could be ourselves here, we thought, and what better place to do it than Le Drague?

That night, as we entered the exclude, we saw our first drag queen. She was clad in all dark, lip-synching to Rihanna’s “Umbrella” whi

THE TENNER

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 10AM - 1PM

1 MONTH

6 MONTHS

(2 HR LOCKER)

(8 HR RENTAL)

MEMBER

ANONYMOUS

1 MONTH

6 MONTHS

(2 HR LOCKER)

(8 HR RENTAL)

MEMBER

ANONYMOUS

DRUGS, SMOKING, AND ALCOHOL ARE ALWAYS PROHIBITED INSIDE THE CLUB/ON OUR PREMISES.

Historic Montréal LGBTQ+ milestones

1648

Montréal was just a tiny outpost of the French Empire when a gay military drummer with the French garrison was charged by the Command with committing “the worst of crimes” and sentenced to death.

The drummer’s being was spared after Jesuits in Québec City intervened on his behalf, and he was given a choice by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Québec: die or become the first executioner of Fresh France.

The unidentified drummer took the executioner job.

1869

The first recorded gay establishment in North America was Montrealer Moise Telliers “apples and cake shop” on Craig Street (now Saint-Antoine Street) near Saint-Laurent Boulevard, where men met up for amorous liaisons. 

1968

Between 1968 and 1983, Montréal legend Denise Cassidy – better known as Babyface, her nickname inherited from her brief career as a pro wrestler – managed some of the city’s first lesbian bars: La Source, La Guillotine, Infant Face Disco, Chez Child Face and Face de bébé (1486 René-Levesque Boulevard West), which closed in 1983.

1973

Disco’s Second City, Montréal was home to famed Lime Beam discotheque

Montreal stands out as one of the world’s top LGBTQ+ destinations, where queer bars and clubs define the city’s vibrant nightlife. Home to one of North America’s largest Gay Villages, Montreal’s inclusive spirit extends far beyond, with queer-friendly venues and events across the city. For 2025, the 19th edition of the one-kilometre-long summer pedestrian mall on Saint-Catherine Street transforms the Village into a lively hub of some 40 terrasses. Discover our ultimate guide to Montreal’s finest LGBTQ+ and queer-friendly spots, from rooftop bars and karaoke to unforgettable drag shows.

RECOMMENDED:
Fierté Montreal 2025: Pride parade, events and dates
Full guide to the best bars in Montreal

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you concur to our Terms of Apply and Privacy Policy and agreement to receive emails from Period Out about news, events, bids and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Best LGBTQ+ bars in Montreal

1. Cabaret Mado

Named for beloved Montreal drag ic