Toronto is considered one of the most queer-friendly cities in the world. And the province of Ontario is home to over 175 nationally accredited Rainbow Registered businesses, thanks to Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, which evaluates companies based on set of stringent standards to ensure queer employees and customers feel safe, welcome and accepted. Here are six business event venues in Toronto that have received the designation.
Aerial view of Exhibition Place, Ontario Place and downtown Toronto
Situated less than a kilometer from the vibrant Church and Wellesley area, known as the city's Gay Village, Anndore House offers a prime location for visitors and locals alike. It was originally established as a residence hotel in 1955 and housed many of Toronto’s most eccentric personalities and notable figures. The Anndore House was reborn as a hotel in 2018 with dining, amenities and a distinctively creative atmosphere. The property is widely recognized as a welcoming space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community, regularly hosting drag brunches throughout the year.
Located in Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood, the Drake Hotel is a hub for contemporary art, culture and genuine hospitality. Since 2004, they’ve offered unique boutique hotel charm, alongside seasonal menus, creative cocktails and inclusive cultural experiences. Renowned for hosting legendary events like “A Club Called Rhonda” and partnering with Pride Toronto for workshops, The Drake is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
With nearby access to attractions like Rogers Centre and the CN Tower, the Westin Harbour Castle hotel on Toronto’s waterfront offers upscale amenities including a fitness studio and expansive event spaces. The hotel notably hosted the annual International LGBTQ+ Travel Association conference and offers Pride Month discounts on hotel stays.
Located in the Financial District and just steps from the bustling Entertainment District, Canada’s largest conference hotel is conveniently close to major Toronto attractions such as CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Ed Mirvish Theatre. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel not only has 130,000-square-feet of meeting space, they have plenty of unique amenities, including a two-and-a-half-acre outdoor waterfall garden. The hotel is one of the official tourism partners of Pride Toronto and offers “Stay with Pride” discounts all year long.
Nestled right in the downtown core, the CN Tower is an iconic landmark in Toronto that celebrates—and elevates—Pride. The popular tourist attraction is a short walking distance from Ripley’s Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, and easily accessible from Union Station. Every June, the CN Tower not only lights up in rainbow colours, but participates in Pride Toronto events, like the world’s highest drag brunch at 360 Restaurant.
Find Off-Site Venues with Impact
Toronto has a breadth of unique, accessible and eco-friendly venues for your private events—think Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Casa Loma, the Art Gallery of Ontario (designed by Toronto-born Frank Gehry) and many more. Explore them for yourself.
