From drag brunch to dancefloor, here’s how to spend a stellar weekend in Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ village.
Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village isn’t just the city’s queer epicenter—it’s where joy turns looks, serves history, and struts through the streets in every shade, style, and silhouette.
For decades, Toronto’s main LGBTQ+ neighbourhood has been a refuge, a rallying point, and a club for generations who fought (and still fight) to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
The Village is a living, breathing archive of queer history. It’s where activism meets artistry, drag queens are local royalty, and chosen family is just a sidewalk away.
Church-Wellesley Village is also the heart of Toronto Pride, with multiple events spanning Pride Month (June 1–30, 2025), reaching a crescendo over Pride Weekend (June 26–29, 2025).
For visitors and locals alike, the “Gay Village” is a whole mood, a legacy, and a fierce, glitter-laden glimpse into queer life lived unapologetically. From sunrise lattes to last-call lip-syncs, consider this your weekend game plan for Toronto’s proudest neighbourhood. Here are the best things to do in Church-Wellesley Village.
Saturday morning: but first, brunch
Start your day with a queer-owned cup of joe and an almond croissant from Bulldog Coffee, a 22-year-old independent café. Their Rainbow Latte? A TikTok and Insta legend that’ll have you snapping before sipping.
Brunch truly gives you life in these parts. For an upscale culinary experience, reserve a table at Constantine and try the Constantine Breakfast Sandwich (prosciutto cotto, fried egg, provolone, tomato jam) or the famous Duck Confit Hash (the hollandaise is to die for).
If you’re looking for grab-and-go because you’ve got things to do and people to meet, head to Church Street Espresso for an Omelette Croissant and the best cappuccino and homemade Tetù (Sicilian chocolate spice cookies) within a five-mile radius.
Saturday afternoon: restaurants and spa time
Lunch in the Village is heaven for pub lovers. From Hair of the Dog to O’Grady’s Pub to The Churchmouse Firkin, Church Street’s trilogy of bar fare is perfect for those who would enjoy a pint and some wings while people-watching.
Each of these establishments boasts a stellar patio with a different angle of Church Street, so you can watch the full neighbourhood strut by as you drink and dine!
If you’d prefer to detox rather than retox, book a treatment at The Elm Spa. For an energizing experience before a night out, treat yourself to the spa’s Tastes of the World body treatment. It includes a full-body exfoliation with argan oil, an algae facial mask and a pampering hair and scalp massage.
Saturday evening: nightlife in Church-Wellesley Village
Toronto’s nightlife offers no shortage of spots for dancing queens to shine. For those who love a soundtrack packed with pop divas and an intimate venue that’s not too overwhelming, The Well is spot-on on a Friday or Saturday night.
Fridays feature drag legend Sofonda Cox, whose performances are as iconic as the stars she channels. Saturdays live up to their name with Sexy AF, a high-energy party where limber dancers take over the stage and floor to a mix of disco, house, and dance-pop. While you’re there, order the tasty Tipsy Mermaid (it mixes white rum, melon liqueur and pineapple juice).
Drag devotees must visit Woody’s/Sailor and Crews & Tangos—conveniently located across from each other on Church Street, making it easy to hop between the two. These are the stages where you’ll catch the city’s best drag talent.
It’s where Canada’s Drag Race favorites like Jada Hudson, Mini Wang, and Makayla Couture—as well as winners Priyanka, Venus, and The Virgo Queen—got their start.
Sunday morning: drag brunch and literature
Caffeine lovers will adore Piedmont Coffee Bar (their English Toffee and Mocha lattes are delicious), while matcha fans will find it worth their while to brave the line at Matcha Matcha, which has earned a reputation for being the “It” sip on the strip.
If you prefer your scramble with a side of drama, be sure to secure a spot at Toronto’s longest-running drag brunch. You’ll find it at Glad Day Bookstore (the world’s oldest queer bookstore).
Drag queens and kings from Canada’s Drag Race and beyond have graced this hybrid retail-resto space for over a decade—wig-snatching, death-dropping, and dishing long before RuPaul made it mainstream.
Glad Day offers a build-your-own-plate menu with vegetarian and vegan options (the tofu plates and veggie frittatas are solid picks). While there, browse books from Toronto authors Vivek Shraya, Mariko Tamaki, Greg Kearney, and Kai Cheng Thom, and ask the front desk about upcoming launches or readings.
Sunday afternoon: shop local in Church-Wellesley
Need a cheeky greeting card, a progress-pride ball cap, or head-turning swimwear? Out On The Street has you covered—with great jewelry and accessories to match. (Hedonists will also find plenty of items of interest here, as well as at The Men’s Room and The Stag Shop.)
Dead Dog Records is your best bet for new and vintage records and CDs from Mariah to Måneskin.
Craig’s Cookies, a queer-owned cookie shop, is a draw for discerning locals. Every day, more than a dozen varieties of soft-baked treats are made with love. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, as are seasonal surprises (lately, The White Lotus made with Biscoff butter gets sold out by noon).
Toronto artists, makers and crafters take centre stage from May to October when The 519 Church Street Community Centre hosts 2SLGBTQ+ vendors at its outdoor market. Indie businesses sell art, food, clothing, jewelry, décor items, and more here.
Proud nerds and geeks should visit Storm Crow Manor. Housed in a historic mansion, this multi-level venue boasts a collection of old-school card and board games (it also hosts a more downtempo drag bingo brunch than Glad Day’s). Another draw is the warren of mysterious secret rooms and spaces to explore (Twin Peaks fans: don’t miss the Black Lodge bar).
Sunday evening: theatre, ramen and pub time
Nowhere in the world is queer drama as respected, venerated, and encouraged as it is in Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
The oldest establishment in the world catering to 2SLGBTQ+ creators, actors, and directors, this is the place to see plays, musicals, and cabaret acts that speak to today’s socio-political climate.
It’s where Elliot Page, Amanda Cordner, and Ivan Coyote all developed their craft. At night, the theatre turns into a makeshift nightclub, mixing retro and top 10 hits for what just might be the most diverse crowd in the city.
For major comfort food before or after the drama begins, head to the laidback AFURI ramen + dumpling for house-made noodles in an airy, modern space conducive to conversation. (For a real treat, order the nutty Hazelnut Tantanmen Combo).
Or, for high-energy vibes alongside tavern-style Japanese cuisine, visit Kinka Izakaya Original for truffle-bonito fries, carbonara udon, curry cheese bibimbap, and other fusion fare washed down with lychee martinis or zero-proof yuzu mojitos.
End the night at Pegasus On Church. This chill, casual neighbourhood bar is a haven for anyone looking to unwind with a game of pool, darts, or ping pong. With TVs for sports fans and an easygoing atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to kick back and cap an amazing Pride weekend, anytime-of-year vacation or Toronto staycation.
—This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in March 2021.
