Why you should pick Ottawa for your next queer business meeting or conference

Published on

March 21, 2025

A safe and inclusive destination

Ottawa is more than just another meeting place. In Canada’s capital, delegates are put on an international stage and given the unique opportunity to connect with policymakers, national associations, and subject matter experts across diverse industries. Ottawa also embodies Canada’s vibrancy and friendly attitude—it's a destination that welcomes every visitor.

Reflecting this welcoming spirit, Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) created the Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program for 2SLGTBQI+ Friendly Spaces. Rainbow Registered businesses or organizations meet a stringent set of standards to ensure queer and trans customers feel safe, welcomed and valued. Ottawa Tourism is proud to have achieved the accreditation and host international queer audiences for largescale evens like Bingham Cup, and repeated visits from the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs.

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 free.

Pride is also a part of Ottawa’s 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.

Read on to discover how your delegates can create meaningful connections and celebrate the 2SLGBTQI+ community when meeting in Ottawa.

Venues for every occasion

Kind Space

Kind Space is a 2SLGBTQIA+ community hub in Ottawa that offers social, educational, and wellness programming. Their flexible meeting rooms are available for booking, whether for small gatherings or larger events. Formerly known as Pink Triangle Services, Kind Space was the first 2SLGBTQIA+ organization in Canada to receive charitable status. More than just a venue, it’s a cornerstone of Ottawa’s queer history.

Next Door Event Space

Next Door is a 4,000 sq. ft. open-concept venue available for corporate events, workshops and more. The space prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, regularly partnering with local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizers. Located in Ottawa’s historic Little Italy neighbourhood, it offers free parking and is steps away from an LRT station.

The Grove Studio and Community Space

The Grove is a queer-, black- and POC-owned venue perfect for intimate workshops (up to 30 seated, 50 standing). While primarily available for nonprofits and independent organizations, this space fosters collaboration and community-building in Ottawa’s queer scene.

Arts Court

Connected to the Ottawa Art Gallery, Arts Court is a vibrant cultural hub housed in a historic former courthouse. Today, it’s home to multiple event spaces, theatres, and art organizations, making it ideal for workshops, panels, and creative events. It also hosts major festivals such as the Ottawa Fringe Festival and Ottawa International Film Festival.

Art House

Host a casual offsite or networking event at Art House, a café by day, bar and music venue by night. With local artwork lining the walls and an inviting ambiance, this space is perfect for creative gatherings.

Queer-led and inclusive sightseeing tours

Fairy Cowboy Tours

Led by local drag performer Morgan Mercury, Fairy Cowboy Tours offer biking, walking and storytelling experiences. Morgan provides exclusive insight into Ottawa’s queer scene and the ongoing fight for queer liberation in Canada. Explore Centretown, Ottawa’s Gay Village, to learn about queer icons and the city’s complex history with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The Village Legacy Project

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.

Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals

A must-do in Ottawa, Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals is a 2SLGBTQIA+-owned and operated tour company offering guided bike and e-bike tours of iconic landmarks. Visit their welcoming shop on Sparks Street, a pedestrian-only zone downtown, to rent bikes, scooters and even boats for an adventure at your own pace.

Brew Donkey Tours

Known for their “adult field trips”, Brew Donkey Tours offers an inclusive and safe space for queer and trans beer lovers to explore Ottawa’s craft brewing scene.

Queer-owned shops and services

Milk

Located in the ByWard Market, Milk Shop is a hub for queer self-expression. Run by sisters Inaas and Mais Kiryakos, the store offers clothing, stationery, home goods and unique gifts designed by queer artists. This curated boutique is committed to welcoming folks of all gender identities. Make sure to check out their rotating collection of hilarious greeting cards!

Hello Dolly Pastries

Located in Wellington West, Hello Dolly Pastries is just 10 minutes from Parliament Hill by car or light rail. The bakery is a delicious combination of culinary creativity and queer artistry. Try their mini cakes, meringues and custom photo/logo cookies, or book a cookie workshop as a team-building activity!

The Spaniel’s Tale

An independent bookstore just down the street from Hello Dolly Pastries, The Spaniel’s Tale offers a curated selection of queer literature and Canadian titles. It’s a welcoming space for book lovers—and you might even meet Skype, the owners’ friendly Spaniel.

Rideau Rollers

Located in Ottawa’s Chinatown, this one-stop shop for roller skating and derby gear is also a key sponsor of the Ottawa Valley Roller Derby league. Rideau Rollers regularly hosts events around the city creating opportunities for queer folks and skaters alike to partake in roller discos, dance lessons and trail skates. Milk Shop

Little Jo Berry’s

Little Jo Berry’s is owned by Josephine “Jo” Masterson, queer and non-binary entrepreneur and community builder. This vegan bakery in Westboro is beloved for its pop tarts, rainbow cakes, and pizza rolls. Their “no food- or body-shaming” policy ensures a truly welcoming experience.

Queer nightlife

T’s Pub

Located in Ottawa’s Gay Village, T’s Pub is a cozy spot for cocktails, people-watching, and themed drag parties.

Ottawa Date Squares

This isn’t speed dating or a bakery – the Ottawa Date Squares have been proudly home to Ottawa’s gay square-dancing community since 1995. Meet at Jack Purcell Community Centre for a night of laughter, movement, and team bonding.

The Lookout Bar

Ottawa’s iconic drag-dance-drink venue, The Lookout is a nightlife hotspot in the ByWard Market.

Swizzles

Swizzles is famous amongst locals for its inclusive vibes, karaoke nights and weekly drag shows.

Plan your queer-friendly event in Ottawa

Ottawa is a vibrant, inclusive city where your delegates can connect, celebrate and engage with the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The city is home to subject matter experts in queer business leadership, from the CGLCC to local queer entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders. Ottawa has a dedicated population of queer elders who bring historical perspective and lived experience to discussions. Local queer and trans consulting firms offer expertise for panels, workshops and professional development sessions.

When it comes to hosting large-scale events, Ottawa offers a dynamic mix of hotels, convention centres, and unique venues to accommodate conferences of all sizes. With state-of-the-art facilities and exciting offsite event options, organizations have everything they need to create a memorable and successful gathering.

Find more Rainbow Registered businesses and explore the CGLCC’s guide for hosting inclusive events.

Ready to host your next queer-inclusive event in Ottawa? Submit your RFP now.