Celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ culture while meeting in Ottawa

Support queer-friendly stores

Ottawa has a diverse business landscape, and there are plenty of 2SLGBTQIA+-friendly businesses to support — so shop ‘til you drop all around the city.

Your next fashion find can be found at Flamingo Motif Boutique in the edgy Hintonburg neighbourhood. Not only is the store queer-friendly, but it prides itself on offering a range of clothing, accessories and gifts that are specifically curated to represent various identities and expressions. This is the go-to spot for pride accessories and gender-neutral clothing.

MILK Shop, located in the heart of the ByWard Market neighbourhood, supports local queer artists year-round by selling items created by the community. The eclectic and cozy atmosphere is committed to welcoming folks of all gender identities. They offer clothing, stationery, home products and hilarious greeting cards.

More of a bookworm? Check out part-bookstore part-cafe, Black Squirrel Books, and browse their selection of queer literature. The space welcomes everyone and often hosts queer cultural events such as readings and workshops.

Dine at 2SLGBTQIA+ restaurants

Treat yourself to something delicious at a 2SLGBTQIA+-owned eatery. 

Little Jo Berry’s is owned by a queer and non-binary entrepreneur and sells a range of unique plant-based treats like homemade pop tarts, rainbow cakes, pizza rolls, sodas and more. Their “no food or body shaming policy” makes everyone feel welcome. You can find them in trendy Westboro, the neighbourhood just west of Hintonburg.

Enjoy some high tea in Chinatown at the Vanitea Room, an elegant tea salon with food options. They also host weekly drag dinner shows and a monthly drag brunch show.

Enjoy some inclusive entertainment

The Lookout, Ottawa’s iconic drink-dance-drag spot is located in the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood. This gay club is a perfect night out if you’re looking for some queer-friendly nightlife. It’s even been voted the #1 Nightclub in Ottawa by FACES Magazine for seven consecutive years.

Did you know that Ottawa’s must-do attraction, Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals is a 2SLGBTQ+-owned and operated tour company? Check out their welcoming shop on Sparks Street, a pedestrian-only street located downtown, and enjoy guided bike and e-bike tours of iconic Ottawa landmarks. Prefer something more independent? Rent scooters or boats and build your own adventure.

If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss Capital Pride, the week-long, yearly festival that takes place across city parks, on streets, at clubs and beyond. There are more than 50 2SLGBTQIA+ celebrations and activities (including the Capital Pride Parade), most of them being free. Head to Centretown, Ottawa’s official Village, to experience the festival’s entertainment hub.

Visiting Canada’s capital in winter? Pride is also a part of Winterlude programming. Winterlude Festival embraces winter during the first three weeks of February each year with hundreds of indoor and outdoor seasonal activities. Capital Pride hosted its first-ever Ice Parade at the 2024 Winterlude Festival. 

Explore Centretown, Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ village

Ottawa officially celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in its designated Village, Centretown, located along downtown Bank Street. Experience queer-friendly business, rainbow coloured crosswalks and diverse urban art. 

History lovers and those interested in discovering the 2SLGBTQIA+ legacy in Ottawa can enjoy a variety of self-guided walking tours created by the Village Legacy Project. It's the perfect way to get some fresh air between sessions and dive into the diversity of Ottawa.

The Ottawa community proudly displays its support for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks throughout the year. Business travelers can experience an impressive yet intimate city with these diverse, queer-friendly activities.

Find more Rainbow Registered businesses in the Ottawa area with the CLGCC’s guide. The CLGCC has plenty of other 2SLGBTQIA+ resources, including a handbook on LGBT+ Inclusive Policies and Practices that any business can integrate.