Tips for 2SLGBTQ+ Travelers

By Rob Browatzke
Nov 8, 2022

When thinking of 2SLGBTQ+ travel destinations, your mind might go first to places like San Francisco, New York, London, Sydney... but Edmonton has a welcoming, friendly, and fun queer community! Learn more about where to go and what to do to make the most of Edmonton as your rainbow destination.

The central neighborhood of Oliver has long had the reputation of being Edmonton’s “gaybourhood,” and is found just west of the downtown core. Oliver is an area that many of Edmonton’s queer and trans residents call home. It’s nearby downtown that hosts Edmonton’s premiere gay bar: Evolution Wonderlounge.

Edmonton also has a thriving, year-round 2SLGBTQ+ sports scene. The Edmonton Rage, a local queer hockey team, often hosts public skates. Check out Making Waves Aquatics Club and Curling with Pride to see when they have events open to guest participation or spectators!

Not visiting during the summer but don’t want to miss out? Don’t worry. The thriving Edmonton drag scene means you’re going to find increasing 2SLGBTQ+ programming even in the winter months. For example, Winterruption happens every January and it’s just one of the festivals choosing to incorporate queer art and artists in their cultural and entertainment showcases.

Edmonton is a friendly and welcoming place to visit, and this includes 2SLGBTQ+ tourists! You’ll find a variety of events, venues, and activities guaranteed to make your rainbow visit to our city enjoyable and exciting.

This article is written with 2SLGBTQ+ travelers in mind. While many places in Edmonton are in fact always welcoming of all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, some travelers prefer to know which spaces, events, and venues are explicitly queer.