When to Visit

Langley is beautiful to visit anytime of year! There are plenty of seasonal events and activities happening at any given time, and you will be sure to find plenty to do when you plan your trip. We visited in mid-October and it was perfect for a fall staycation. The weather was still warm enough to visit the local farms and wineries, and we didn’t run into any summertime crowds. It was exactly what we wanted for a couple days of autumn exploring!

Where to Stay

Our favourite accommodation in Langley is definitely their Sandman Signature Hotel. The stylish property is located in Walnut Grove, it’s close to the highway and in the perfect spot for exploring everything Langley has to offer. The hotel has great amenities including on-site dining, a business centre, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool and hot tub. The rooms are very comfortable (we recommend a Signature Loft King Suite if you’re looking for a luxury experience!), and the hotel feels very quiet and relaxing. We loved staying at the Sandman Signature Langley during our autumn staycation. It’s in the perfect location and was a great place to rest in between all of our sight seeing. Highly recommend!

If you’re looking for other accommodation options in Langley, be sure to check out the full list of recommendations on the Tourism Langley website here. There are various spots for camping, as well as other hotels, motels, B&B’s, and guest houses. There is definitely something to suit every budget and travel style!

What to Do

Langley has a great mix of both outdoor and indoor activities. You will find beautiful wineries, family-owned farms, and gorgeous park spaces, along with cute cafes, unique shops, and fantastic restaurants. Here is our list of must-do activities for a Langley staycation:

Go Shopping in Historic Fort Langley

Fort Langley is a small community on the Fraser River, full of specialty boutiques and amazing shops! Make your way down Glover Road, wander down Gasoline Alley, and spend an afternoon exploring the town. Be sure to check out the Village Antiques Mall for great vintage finds, you could easily get lost in there for hours! Our favourite stops were Floralista which has beautiful plants and floral arrangements, and Living Room for gorgeous home decor. Fort Langley is the perfect place to find amazing souvenirs and gifts to take home with you. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this special community!

Visit Aldor Acres Farm

Aldor Acres is an absolute must do! A family owned farm in the beautiful Glen Valley, Aldor Acres is open year round with plenty of fun activities. They are most well known for their 20 acres of pumpkin patches, and so the autumn season makes for a great visit. They also have a Christmas tree farm in the winter, and plenty of family friendly farm activities in the spring and summer. The farm is operated by three generations of the Anderson family, and it truly feels like a warm and welcoming place. Be sure to spend a few hours here during your Langley trip, and don’t miss the goat parade! We had a blast wandering through the barley maze, picking out pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, and checking out all the products at their farm stand. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of great photo opportunities!

Visit the Langley Wineries

The Fraser Valley is a popular wine region, and the township of Langley has some top notch Vineyards! Home to as many as 40 licensed wineries, Langley wines have won both national and international awards. Fit in a wine tasting during your visit and grab some bottles to take home with you. Keep reading for our top choices!

Township 7

As one of Langley’s most well known wineries, Township 7 has plenty of local support, as well as a large presence in the Okanagan due to their secondary location in Naramata. Be sure to stop by the Township 7 tasting room and sample some sparking wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown just a few steps away. There is also plenty of beautiful outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the weather! The staff here is so friendly and helpful, you will feel right at home as you are immediately welcomed into the Township 7 family. We highly recommend doing a full tasting, and you will not be disappointed in their selection. We did ours outside on the patio and the beautiful views made for an excellent experience. Be sure to grab a bottle to take home with you and ask about Township 7’s very popular wine club!

Backyard Vineyards

Just a few minutes around the corner and also absolutely worth a stop, is Backyard Vineyards. With a warmly inviting tasting room and a beautiful outdoor seating arrangement, this winery definitely makes for a memorable visit. Take a tour around the large property and see all of the different grape varieties this vineyard grows. All of their wines use 100% BC grapes grown on site, and they are very well respected in the wine world. The staff at Backyard is so incredibly knowledgable, and they are very passionate about what they do. It’s a perfect spot to come if you want to know more about wine, we learned so much during our tour and tasting. Our favourite tidbit was learning that we’ve never loved Chardonnay because we’d never had it in a proper Chardonnay glass at the correct temperature! We can’t wait to make it back to Backyard Vineyards and next time we will definitely bring our pup Theo, as their outdoor seating is all dog friendly!

If you want to do an additional wine stop in south Langley, check out Chaberton Estate Winery, the oldest vineyard in the entire Fraser Valley! Or if you’re looking for a smaller boutique winery, nearby is family owned Glass House Estate Winery. And for something entirely different, swing by Festina Lente Estate Winery and try their honey wine!

Check Out the Local Plant-Based Food Scene

We are always on the hunt for great vegan food, and we were truly blown away by how many incredible options there are in Langley! Whether you eat fully plant-based or just love finding veg options, we promise you will be impressed. Here are our top recommendations:

Down 2 Earth Plant Parlour

Down 2 Earth is a fully vegan, family owned restaurant in the community of Walnut Grove. They offer lunch and dinner through the week, and an incredible full service weekend brunch. They also do takeout AND just launched an Italian takeout menu called Nonna’s that we can’t wait to try! Alysa, the owner and culinary director of Down 2 Earth might just be one of the warmest, kindest people we’ve ever met. She is so enthusiastic about her business, and is truly passionate about building a community and a restaurant that feels like home to everyone. We can’t say enough good things about this spot. The food is amazing (get the poutine and thank us later), and the menu is perfect for both seasoned plant-based eaters and curious non-vegans!

Saba Cafe and Bistro

A great spot for vegan-friendly cuisine and located in the heart of Fort Langley village, is Saba. With a cozy dining room, a beautiful courtyard patio, and a creative Mediterranean inspired menu, this place is definitely worth a visit. A great place for breakfast with plenty of baked goods, they also have plant-based options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. While their menu isn’t entirely vegan, it’s full of plant forward dishes and has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It’s the perfect place to relax with a warm beverage and a hearty meal while out and about in Fort Langley. Don’t miss it!

If you want to experience the full plant-based food scene in Langley, here are some more spots to add to your list: Pink Avo Cafe and Leef & Stem in downtown Langley, as well as Little Donkey, Veggie Bob’s Kitchen, and Maria’s Gelato in Fort Langley!

Go for a Hike/Walk

The township of Langley has plenty of beautiful green space, and lots of spots to go hiking! Head to Campbell Valley Regional Park for beautiful trails and a historic homestead. For easy walking trails and plenty of picnic areas, check out Aldergrove Regional Park, and for beautiful views of the Fraser River go to Derby Reach Regional Park or do the Fort to Fort trail. Enjoy!

Sample Langley Craft Beer

Langley has a growing craft beer scene that is proving to be very impressive! We’re so excited to see so many great breweries in the area working hard to put out amazing craft beer. For a cozy community feel, check out Trading Post. They have a huge eatery on the main strip in Fort Langley, with a big outdoor patio and a full food menu (with amazing vegan options!). Their beer is adventurous and inventive, with plenty of seasonal offerings to try. Grab a flight and relax during a busy day of exploring! Another great stop is Smuggler’s Trail Brewery in Walnut Grove. The owners of this spot are hugely passionate and their brew master is very experienced and amazingly creative. This brewery is brand new and we just know it’s going to be a huge hit. They focus on bringing together British classics with the West Coast styles we love. Their tasting room also has a full kitchen (with plant-based options!), and a very welcoming atmosphere. If you’re not into beer, you may want to check out Fraser Valley Cider Company. It’s a huge farm that makes hand crafted cider, and it may be right up your alley.

Lesbian Friendly

The Fraser Valley area is very welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. We are so happy to say that cities in our home province are truly a safe place for our community. Having grown up in Langley it always feels very special to return with my wife, and experience my hometown as a same-sex couple. Everywhere we’ve gone we always feel welcomed and completely safe to be ourselves. On this particular visit, all of the local business owners were so incredibly kind and generous, and we felt supported and celebrated as LGBTQ+ people. We love how open-minded and inclusive Langley is and we are so happy to recommend it as a lesbian friendly destination. Make sure it goes on your travel list!

Have any of you visited Langley, BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Tourism Langley! We are so excited to be working with them to share their beautiful destination with our audience. Tourism Langley generously hosted us for a 2 day trip filled with autumn activities. We had such a great time and highly recommend this BC destination!

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When to Visit

You can visit Pemberton any time of year, but the most popular seasons are summer and winter! Be sure to plan your visit between June and September if you’re looking for warm temperatures. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, great spots to camp, farmer’s markets, outdoor festivals, and so much more. We visited Pemberton during August and it was perfect for enjoying summertime activities, exploring the outdoors, and soaking up the sunshine! During the winter months, Pemberton turns into a winter wonderland with tons of fun mountain sports and a Winter Festival! Along with skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling opportunities right in town, Pemberton is also only a 20 minute drive away from Whistler Blackcomb, a world-class ski resort!

Where to Stay

Along with plenty of options for camping, the Pemberton area has various small motels, cabins, and B&Bs around the village and near Mt. Currie and Lillooet Lake. The main hotel accommodation is right in town at Pemberton Valley Lodge! It’s in the most central location and is the perfect spot to stay for all Pemberton adventures. The cozy, pet-friendly, mountain resort offers amenities such as, a pool and hot tub, business centre, and cafe. It’s popular for special events and group bookings, but it’s also great for leisure travellers! The property has beautiful mountain views and very comfortable rooms. We recommend booking a one-bedroom suite if you’d like to have a full kitchen and in-suite laundry during your stay!

Pemberton Valley Lodge

We loved our experience at Pemberton Valley Lodge, and will definitely be returning. It was in the perfect location for exploring Pemberton, and they were very welcoming to our small dog Theo who came along. We received a personalized pet welcome package that included a doggie bed, food and water bowls, poop bags, and dog treats! We even met resident dog Kody, the lodge’s own “canine concierge”. We highly recommend bringing along your pup for your Pemberton stay and booking a pet-friendly room at Pemberton Valley Lodge. They allow up to 2 dogs per room, and there is a one-time pet fee of $45 CAD with a portion supporting the Pemberton Animal Well-Being Society. For more details about the hotel and to book your stay, you can visit their website here.

What to Do

Our summertime visit to Pemberton was jam-packed with hikes, nature walks, and visits to local businesses. We had such a great time and already can’t wait to return. If you’re planning your visit during the summer you will have plenty of activities to keep you busy! Keep reading for our list of things to do:

Explore Downtown Pemberton

Pemberton’s downtown area is a must-do during your visit. It has unbeatable mountain village vibes, and tons of great businesses to support! Be sure to stop by Mount Currie Coffee to get your caffeine fix in the morning, and grab lunch or dinner at Town Square Restaurant. Take a stroll down Frontier Street, and visit the Pemberton Downtown Community Barn. This is the perfect place to kick off your Pemberton adventures!

Visit a Local Farm

Along with being a mountain destination, Pemberton also has a thriving farm community. Don’t miss North Arm Farm for a “U-Pick” experience, and local favourite Laughing Crow Organics! If you visit in late summer you may even catch their Sunflower Festival. We were lucky enough to see the sunflowers in full bloom and it made for a beautiful photo taking opportunity!

Try Some Local Beer

Pemberton Brewing was one of our favourite stops in town. Grab a flight of local beer to enjoy in the tasting room or on the patio, or grab some seasonal brews to take home with you! Another great place for beer if you’re out in Pemberton Meadows, is Beer Farmers! A family owned brewery and well known Pemberton staple, Beer Farmers has a huge patio and fun farm activities. It’s right next to Laughing Crow Organics so you can do these activities together!

Hike One Mile Lake

One Mile Lake completely blew us away with how beautiful it is! Just a couple minutes outside of town, this hike is an easy walk along a boardwalk, circling the lake. The views of the mountains are gorgeous and you will definitely want to stop and take some photos! The boardwalk is bike friendly, wheelchair accessible, and dogs are allowed. There’s also an off-leash dog beach halfway around the lake so your pup will have a blast. Near the parking there is also a swimming beach, as well as canoe and paddle board rentals. This is a popular spot and an absolute must-do while you’re in Pemberton!

Book an Adventure Activity

For any thrill-seeking travellers, the Pemberton area has amazing summertime activities you can book. Go paragliding with Sea to Sky Paragliding, sky dive with Whistler Skydiving, or book a helicopter tour with Blackcomb Helicopters! If you’d rather have an adventure on water or land, check out boat tours or white water rafting activities, or try mountain biking on Pemberton’s world class biking trails!

Check out Pemberton’s Industrial Park

The industrial park is home to tons of awesome local businesses like Pemberton Brewing, and the Pemberton Distillery! The distillery is a family owned craft distillery that uses Pemberton Valley’s famous potatoes to make organic spirits. You can tour the facility and pick up some award winning vodka, gin, whiskey, absinthe, schnapps, or brandy. Another perfect stop in the industrial park is The Hwy Cafe! A newly opened, fully plant-based cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and baked goodies. The food is amazing and the owners are very friendly. Enjoy!

Hike to Nairn Falls

If you’re looking for a great hike in Pemberton, you need to add Nairn Falls to the list! Just south of the city centre, Nairn Falls Provincial Park is only a short drive outside of town along Hwy 99. There’s a beautiful trail to the Falls which is 3km round trip, and a beginner/intermediate level hike. It makes for a perfect afternoon activity when you’re heading into town, or at the end of your trip. The park has some unique wildlife including the rubber boa, the smallest of the boa constrictor family. They’re nocturnal so not always easy to spot on the trail, but keep an eye out on your way to the waterfall!

Visit the Local Lakes

Pemberton is a beautiful lake region and you will find plenty of lakes to explore both close to the city centre, and within a short drive. Along with One Mile Lake, Mosquito Lake and Ivey Lake are both local favourites. Just 15 minutes outside Pemberton they offer a beautiful getaway into nature! If you venture a bit further outside of town you can visit Lillooet Lake, a large lake with beautiful mountain backdrops. About 30 minutes east of Pemberton are Joffree Lakes. Well known for their beautiful vibrant colour, the three lakes are a quintessential West Coast experience. Finally, about 1 hour north of Pemberton is Birkenhead Lake, part of a gorgeous provincial park that is worth a visit if you have the time.

Lesbian Friendly

We feel so fortunate to be from such an LGBTQ+ friendly country as Canada. Vancouver and the surrounding area is very safe and inclusive, and we always feel comfortable being out and open as a lesbian couple. We’ve travelled all around the province of BC and have been welcomed everywhere we go! Pemberton is no exception and is absolutely a lesbian friendly travel destination. We highly recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travellers who are looking for a great mountain getaway near Vancouver! While the village is small and there is no dedicated gaybourhood or gay scene, we certainly felt comfortable being ourselves during our visit. Business owners and locals in town were all very friendly and made us feel right at home. The Pemberton Valley Lodge is a large supporter of the community and is welcoming to queer visitors. The general manager of the hotel is openly gay and the lodge is definitely LGBTQ+ friendly! If you’re looking for gay culture in the Pemberton area, the nearby Whistler resort has regular LGBTQ+ events including a huge Pride festival each year. Pemberton should definitely be added to your list of lesbian friendly travel destinations in BC!

Have any of you visited Pemberton? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Pemberton Tourism. Pemberton Valley Lodge did generously host us during our visit, and we had a really lovely time staying at their property. We enjoyed our trip to Pemberton so much and can’t wait to return!

The post A Lesbian Friendly Summer Getaway to Pemberton, BC appeared first on Lez See the World.

When to Visit

You can visit Malcolm Island all year round, but the most popular time is during the summer! Be sure to plan your visit between June and September for the warmest temperatures and sunniest days. During the winter months it can get quite cold and wet in the Mount Waddington Region, but the island is still a beautiful place for a quiet escape. We visited in July and had perfect weather for sightseeing. Nearly every day was clear, warm, and a mix of sun and clouds. We also caught some gorgeous sunsets!

What to Do

Most people are drawn to Malcolm Island for the incredible wildlife, and there is plenty of hiking, fishing, whale watching, and sightseeing to do. We spent a week exploring the island and still feel like there was more to see! Here is our list of must-do activities for your visit:

Whale Watch at Bere Point Regional Park

Bere Point is probably the most well known attraction on the island because of its popular whale rubbing beach! Local orcas will come to rub on the smooth pebbles not far from shore, and it’s an incredible opportunity to see them so close. This is a behaviour that is specific to the community of orcas in this region, and there is a viewing platform set up to watch from. You may want to visit this spot a couple times during your trip to increase your chances of seeing them. You may also spot humpback whales! Bere Point is about 6km outside of Sointula, the small town on Malcolm Island. You can drive there from the ferry in about 10 minutes, and it’s only a short hike to the first viewing platform or an easy walk down to the beach. For a longer hike you can do the Beautiful Bay Trail, which is a 10km round-trip trail with beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and rainforest. Keep in mind that the drive outside of town is on dirt roads and you may lose cell service.

Visit Big Lake

This lake is a popular swimming hole for locals during the summertime and it’s a great spot to bring a picnic and relax during your visit. You can drive there in about 10 minutes from the centre of town (on dirt roads), or you can hike to it on the 6km Mateoja Heritage Trail. Nearby is Little Lake and Melvin’s Bog. We spent a quiet afternoon here letting our dog play around on the sandy beach and enjoying the water views! Highly recommend!

Hike to the Pulteney Point Lighthouse

About a 25 minute drive outside of town is the trail to the Pulteney Point Lighthouse. This was probably one of our favourite attractions that we visited! Sitting on the Southwestern tip of the island, the views at the lighthouse are beautiful. It’s about a 10 minute hike through the forest and another 10-15 minute walk along a rocky beach. We recommend going during low tide so you have plenty of room to walk and enjoy the sights. The first lighthouse at this spot was built in 1905, and the current lighthouse has been there since 1943. It’s a must-see!

Explore the Town of Sointula

Sointula means ‘place of harmony’ in Finnish, which is very fitting for this blissful little town. It’s a tight-knit community that is incredibly welcoming, and as soon as you step off the ferry you will feel right at home. The town consists of the amazing Oceanfront Hotel, a co-op store (which is the oldest in Western Canada!), a bakery, a museum, a cafe, and a resource centre. It’s also known for having a wonderful arts scene, being home to talented local artists and musicians. You can learn more about the history of the town at the Sointula Museum, and visit the resource centre if you need any assistance during your stay!

Have Lunch at Coho Joe Cafe

Be sure to visit the local cafe for coffee, breakfast, or lunch during your visit. Everything is made from scratch, and they are open 9am-2:30pm every day. The owners are lovely and hosted us for lunch during our stay on the island, and even made something vegan for us! The food was fresh and delicious, and it makes for a great opportunity to chat with some of the locals. The cafe is a popular spot for both residents and tourists. Enjoy!

Where to Stay

The main accommodations on the island are at The Oceanfront Hotel. This beautiful beachfront property has incredible ocean views and cozy rooms. We loved our stay there and it was in the perfect location for enjoying the town of Sointula and exploring the rest of the island. It is steps from the ferry and right on the beach! For more about the hotel we have a full article all about it which you can read here.

Another popular place to stay on Malcolm Island is in Bere Point Regional Park. There are 29 campsites, with many of them offering beautiful views of the water. These are un-serviced sites with no hydro or running water. We saw the campsites when we visited the park to whale watch and they looked like a great place to stay! Your last option would be at a small guesthouse, cottage, or B&B on the island. You can find a full list of options here.

Where to Eat & Drink

Coho Joe Cafe is your best option for breakfast and lunch right in town. If you head out to the marina you can also try Burger Barn, which is another popular spot! The Oceanfront Hotel has a pub, which is the only evening establishment, so be sure to check it out for dinner and drinks. (The pub is currently closed due to COVID-19 regulations, but they’ve opened up a take-out window! Open for lunch and dinner every day 11:30am-1:30pm and 5pm-8pm). In the summertime you may see some farmer’s market stands and lemonade stands so keep an eye out for these! The co-op general store will have some grocery options, and if you have any dietary restrictions you can also bring along what you need. We’re both vegan so we packed a lot of our own food to prepare for our stay on the island. We stayed in the Green Lodge 3 Apartment at The Oceanfront Hotel, which had a full kitchen, making it easy to cook our own meals during our visit!

Lesbian Friendly

We will never stop talking about how fortunate we are to be from Canada, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. Vancouver and its surrounding areas are incredibly welcoming to lesbian travellers and we have always enjoyed our experiences travelling locally in our province. Even in such a remote destination as Malcolm Island, we were welcomed warmly by the locals and nobody even remarked on us being a same-sex couple. We felt completely safe and free to be ourselves, and had no issues being out and open during our visit. This is a great destination for LGBTQ+ travellers and we highly recommend it! The Oceanfront Hotel is extremely welcoming, and all the business owners in Sointula are lovely, friendly people. We had plenty of great conversations with locals during our stay and we found everyone to be very kind and open-minded. They love having visitors and will make you feel right at home! Malcolm Island should definitely go on your travel list as a lesbian friendly destination.

Has anyone else visited Malcolm Island? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Malcolm Island Tourism. The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula did generously host us for our stay, and we had a wonderful experience at their property. We truly enjoyed our time on the island and will definitely be returning.

The post A Lesbian Friendly Getaway to Malcolm Island, Canada appeared first on Lez See the World.

The island is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, giving it some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in the Caribbean. We absolutely found it to be a very welcoming destination for lesbians and female same-sex couples. Aruba tourism excitedly welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers, and we felt completely safe during our trip. We can’t stop recommending it! Be sure to venture outside of the resorts and experience the whole island. You can go on so many adventures while you fall in love with Aruba.

Is anyone else in love with the island of Aruba? Is it already on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Aruba to help you plan your trip

The post 12 Photos to Make You Want to Go to Aruba appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore the Town

Visiting the small town of Joshua Tree almost feels like you’re stepping back in time. It feels beautifully nostalgic and is a must visit. The “downtown” is small and has a simple general store and other locally owned shops. Be sure to stop by and know that your spendings will go directly back to the merchants and residents! Our favourite spot in town was definitely Joshua Tree Coffee Co. If you happen to visit over a weekend, swing by the Joshua Tree Farmer’s Market for locally grown produce and handmade goods.

Visit the National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an incredibly unique region where the Colorado and Mojave deserts come together. It is stunningly beautiful and unlike anything we’ve ever seen! You can visit the park year round, and it spans about 800,000 acres. Admission for one vehicle is $30 and that gives you a 7 day permit to the park. You can also get individual passes if you enter the park on foot or bike. There is no cell service inside the park so be sure to plan accordingly, but there is wifi at the visitors centres if you need it! The park is huge and even during high season you will have plenty of room to hike, camp, explore, and enjoy. (If you do plan on camping be sure to book in advance). Some of the most popular landmarks in the park include Hidden Valley, the Barker Dam, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and the 49 Palms Canyon Trail. We also recommend doing your own exploring outside of the big attractions, because every inch of the park is truly gorgeous!

Attend an Annual Festival

Joshua Tree hosts a lot of different festivals each year including arts expos, film festivals, music festivals, and more. Check out the local event calendar to plan your visit!

Where to Stay

Camping is very popular in Joshua Tree! Aside from that, Airbnb is the best option, in our opinion. There aren’t a lot of hotels or inns in the area, and it’s really the kind of place that you want to experience like a local. Airbnb has tons of cool and unique listings in the area that will give you comfortable accommodations close to the town and the national park. We opted for a cozy little house close to an entrance of the park, and we had a full kitchen, laundry, and a big backyard. There was also a hot tub, which was perfect for relaxing and stargazing in the evenings! We highly recommend checking out which houses are available when you’re planning your trip. Especially if you’re travelling with a bigger group, this is a perfect option. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

The food scene in Joshua Tree is definitely quite limited, but there are a few great spots to check out in town. Natural Sisters Cafe is a great locally owned restaurant that offers healthy, organic food with plenty of plant-based options. For something a little more lively, there’s the restaurant at 29 Palms Inn. They offer lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with a full bar menu and live music some nights! The inn has been a Joshua Tree staple for more than 90 years. Aside from the limited selection of restaurants and cafes in the area, the best thing to do for food, in our opinion, is to come prepared! We did a big grocery shop at Trader Joe’s before we arrived in town, and we prepared most of our meals at our Airbnb. It was great to be able to make breakfast in the mornings, and pack ourselves a lunch to bring into the park. We also brought a bottle of wine to enjoy in the hot tub! We highly recommend planning to prepare some of your own food in Joshua Tree, especially if you are planning a longer stay.

Lesbian Friendly

Southern California is very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, and has many popular destinations for same-sex couples and gay travellers. Unlike cities like LA, San Francisco, and Palm Springs, which are overflowing with gay culture, Joshua Tree is a small town with no specific gaybourhood. That being said, the area certainly has a laid back, hipster, artist feel, and is certainly progressive and safe. The locals we came across in the town were all very kind and friendly, and we had no issues at all being open with our relationship in the park around other travellers. The state of California is very liberal when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and they have been leaders in the equality movement for a number of years. The state legally bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and same-sex couples have equal legal rights. We would definitely consider California to be a progressive state that is welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers, and we can certainly recommend Joshua Tree as an inclusive travel destination. A couple of years ago, Joshua Tree National Park shared a photo of a same-sex couple on their Instagram account to celebrate Pride, and of course there were plenty of angry comments (because the internet is full of homophobes). Park officials combatted the backlash by reminding everyone that “national parks are a safe space for all”, and asserting that “hateful comments would not be tolerated”. We love seeing support like that! If you’re looking for a unique getaway in Southern California that is lesbian friendly and incredibly beautiful, be sure to add Joshua Tree to your list!

How to Get Around

Rent a Vehicle

The best way to get around Joshua Tree is to rent a vehicle and drive! The national park is huge and very easy to access by car. There are main roads that take you through the park and plenty of pull offs. For popular attractions and hiking spots there are well maintained parking lots, and for smaller attractions there is lots of room to pull off on the side of the road. Having your own vehicle to get around the national park and the town of Joshua Tree is definitely going to be the easiest way to get around. It also gives you the option of exploring other parts of Southern California on the same trip! Joshua Tree is only a couple of hours away from LA or San Diego, and less than an hour from Palm Springs. We rented our car from Hertz, which is the company we almost always use. They have a great loyalty program that allows us to earn points toward free rentals!

Has anyone else fallen in love with Joshua Tree? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Joshua Tree, California appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore the Las Vegas Strip

There are endless things to do and see on the strip. Be sure to spend some time walking through the casinos and exploring the incredible artwork and design! There are plenty of free attractions and cool spots to check out. Some of our favourites include the Mirage volcano, the fountains at the Bellagio, the canals at the Venetian, the Linq promenade, and the Park.

Visit the Arts District

Known as 18b, the Las Vegas Arts District is quickly becoming an exciting hub for art and culture. With plenty of galleries, street murals, performance centres, and community spaces, the neighbourhood is definitely worth checking out during your trip. Spend an afternoon exploring great cafes (you’ll find the best coffee in Vegas here), craft breweries, and vintage shops here, as well as cool converted warehouse spaces.

See Some Live Entertainment

Las Vegas has an impressive list of shows in pretty much every genre you can think of! Circus, comedy, burlesque, magic & illusions, musicals, concerts, and more. We always make it a priority to see some live entertainment when we visit, and it’s often one of the highlights of our trip. Our favourite entertainment company Cirque du Soleil has a handful of resident shows in Las Vegas and they are all incredible. If you only choose to see one performance during your visit, make it a Cirque show!

Experience Historic Fremont Street

Located in the downtown core, this is the heart of old Las Vegas. On Fremont street you’ll find original casinos as well as the Fremont Street Experience with light shows, a zipline, and never-ending entertainment. It’s only a short bus or cab ride off the strip, and offers a completely different feel.

Check Out Fremont East

Just past the Fremont Street Experience is the cool Fremont East neighbourhood. This pedestrian-friendly area is more of a local community, and a great spot to support local businesses, bars, and eateries. There is a thriving nightlife scene on Fremont East and it’s a great spot to check out if you want to get away from the busy strip!

Go to the Container Park

One of our favourite spots in Vegas, the downtown container park is a must-see. Built entirely from shipping containers, this open air venue offers retail shops, restaurants, and bars, along with regular entertainment. There’s a great playground along with comfortable courtyards to sit and relax, as well as a stage offering live music events. Check their website to see what’s going on during your visit!

Discover the Neon Museum

If you want to experience some real Vegas nostalgia, spend an afternoon at the Neon Museum. This organization collects and preserves old Las Vegas signs, and exhibits them in cool displays in an outdoor museum. Along with regular admission, they also sometimes hold special events and exhibits!

Take a Day Trip

If you’re looking to get out of the city to see some of Nevada’s natural beauty, there are plenty of incredible day trips that you can take from Las Vegas! Head to the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Zion National Park, the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, or the Valley of Fire.

Where to Stay

In our opinion, the best spot to stay in Las Vegas is right on the strip! If you want to be in a central location and near the action, definitely opt for a hotel on the strip. There are plenty of options in every price range, and great deals at any time of year. If you’re flying to Las Vegas, always look for flight and hotel packages, as there are always inexpensive bundles if you’re flexible! If you’re flying from Canada, we recommend checking out Air Canada Vacations packages or Westjet Vacations packages, and if you’re coming from another state in the USA or elsewhere, check Expedia. If it’s important to you to stay at a hotel that is specifically LGBTQ+ inclusive, we recommend Paris Las Vegas, Caesar’s Palace, or any other properties in the Caesar’s group including Linq, the Cromwell, Planet Hollywood, Bally’s, the Rio, Harrah’s, or the Flamingo. Caesar’s Entertainment proudly supports the community, has an EQUAL program for their LGBTQ+ employees, are a part of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, support the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and partner with The Trevor Project. On both of our trips together to Vegas we stayed at Paris, because we love supporting businesses that support us! Along with Caesar’s Entertainment, MGM Resorts is another wonderfully inclusive group. They own properties in Las Vegas including the Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, NYNY, the Luxor, and the Excalibur. MGM has been named “one of the best places to work for LGBT equality”, they sponsor the Las Vegas Pride Parade, receive top scores on the Corporate Equality Index, and were a founding partner of the Las Vegas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. It’s incredible to see these massive companies so committed to equality for our community!

Where to Eat & Drink

One of the absolute best parts of Las Vegas is the food! From casual eats to some of the best fine dining, there is something for every foodie out there. We genuinely planned our days around the food we wanted to eat, because we could hardly narrow down all the places we wanted to check out. If you eat plant-based like us, you’ll be excited to know that Vegas has become incredibly vegan friendly in recent years. It’s now at the top of our list for vegan foodie destinations! The food scene in Vegas is diverse and thriving. With plenty of top chefs specializing in a range of cuisines, you will find plenty of local and international culinary offerings. Our favourite casual spots include Slice of Vegas, a pizza place with an entire vegan section of the menu. Another favourite is Nacho Daddy, a Mexican spot with plenty of great vegan options. Be sure to check out the Linq Promenade for plenty of casual dining, including Yard House, which has great plant-based offerings. For more upscale dining, our favourite spot is The Wynn! They’ve had a vegan chef collaborate with every single restaurant in the resort to create a vegan menu! Even if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, the Wynn still has the most incredible restaurants in our opinion. For brunch, visit Jardin, Terrace Pointe Cafe, or Tableau. For Asian cuisine, don’t miss Mizumi, Wing Lei, Wazuzu, or Red 8 (they have vegan dim sum!). Or for Italian food, check out Sinatra, Lakeside, Costa di Mare, or Cipriani. Outside the Wynn, another favourite of ours is Sushi Samba, which is located in the Venetian/Palazzo. Come here for Japanese, Brazilian, Peruvian fusion. If you’re heading off the strip, be sure to try Tacotarian in the arts district, and if you go downtown, check out Vegenation. You’ll also find plenty of great casual eateries at the downtown Container Park! For drinks, there is no shortage of great spots in Vegas. If you’re into craft beer, be sure to check out the breweries in the arts district like Hop Nuts Brewing, Crafthaus Brewing, and Able Baker Brewing. For the best cocktails go to Commonwealth, or Velveteen Rabbit in downtown LV, or The Chandelier, The Dorsey, or Rosina, on the strip. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in the state of Nevada are some of the best in the US. Same-sex marriage has been recognized since 2014, and LGBTQ+ people are fully protected from discrimination. The city of Las Vegas has become incredibly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers in recent years, and we experienced a notable difference in our comfort and safety on our recent trip in 2020. We would definitely consider Las Vegas to be a lesbian friendly destination to visit, and encourage other lesbian women and female same-sex couples to add it to their travel list! We felt very comfortable being out and open on our most recent visit, and saw other same-sex couples being open too. It felt like there has been a lot of positive change happening in the city since we last visited together in 2011. If you’re looking for local gay culture in Vegas, be sure to check out one of the LGBTQ+ events that the city holds like Clexacon (a convention for LGBTQ+ women and allies), Temptation Sundays (a weekly gay pool party at the Luxor between May and September), Ribbon of Life (an annual talent showcase benefiting HIV/Aids organizations), and of course the biggest event Las Vegas Pride! Every October the city hosts festivals, parades, and parties for the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride organization also hosts other events throughout the year. In the downtown area, Las Vegas also has an LGBTQ+ centre that hosts events and offers public services to the local community. On the strip, you can check out drag brunch at Señor Frogs, and off the strip you can check out gay bars/clubs Piranha, Freezone, and Flex. As you can see, Las Vegas has become a very welcoming city for LGBTQ+ travellers. On our recent trip we had zero issues showing affection in public, holding hands in the street, or taking couples photos together. We saw other same-sex couples doing the same! We also saw plenty of Pride flags in the windows of businesses, and indicators that the city welcomes us. It felt so good to spend time in a destination that is inclusive of our community, and where we felt safe being ourselves. If you’re looking for a fun getaway in a lesbian friendly city, be sure to add Las Vegas to your list!

How to Get Around

Walk

We always do so much walking when we’re in Vegas! Walking through the hotels and casinos on the strip is part of the fun, but keep in mind that things are a lot more spread out than they look. If you’re in a hurry or need to go a further distance, you may want to opt for a taxi or rideshare instead. If you’re headed downtown or to the arts district, these areas are very walkable once you’re there.

Rideshare

Both Lyft and Uber ride share companies are available in Las Vegas and are the most convenient way to get around in our opinion! We took plenty of Ubers and Lyfts during our stay to get around the strip and also out to the arts district and downtown. The hotels and casinos all have designated pick up areas, so be sure to follow the signs and the instructions in the app to find your driver.

Taxi

If you don’t want to use a ride share app, taxis are always available in Vegas. While they aren’t technically allowed to pull over on the strip, you can always get a car from a taxi stand at the resorts and attractions.

Public Transportation

Vegas has options for public transport that include bus routes, as well as a monorail. These can be a good affordable option for getting around on and off the strip. There’s more information here!

Is anyone else in love with Las Vegas? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Las Vegas, Nevada appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Visit the Gaybourhood

Head straight to the heart of gay culture in Seattle, and visit Capitol Hill. Full of gay and gay-friendly shops, bars, and clubs, this neighbourhood can’t be missed. You’ll also find plenty of rainbow crosswalks!

Go to Pike Place Market

This public market sits on the waterfront looking out over Elliott Bay. It’s one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US and has become very popular with travellers and tourists. Don’t miss the unique shops, fresh produce stands, family owned eateries, and famous Seattle gum wall.

Discover Seattle Underground

This unique walking tour takes you through a network of tunnels and passageways underneath downtown Seattle’s Pioneer Square.

Seattle Centre

This complex is the centre of arts, education, sports, and entertainment in Seattle! Come here for the famous Space Needle (the city’s most notable landmark), along with numerous theatres, museums, arts centres, and sports arenas. There is so much to see and do here so be sure to add it to your list! Seattle Centre also hosts PrideFest every June.

Spend Some Time in the University District

Head to this relaxed neighbourhood for cute and quirky cafes and eateries, as well as wonderful museums and art galleries. The University of Washington also has a beautiful campus to visit.

Enjoy the Green Space

Seattle is full of beautiful parks and gardens, so be sure to spend some time enjoying its green space. Check out Kubota Garden, Chihuly Garden, Gas Works Park, Discovery Park, Kerry Park, Washington Park Arboretum, Volunteer Park, Carkeek Park, and Green Lake Park just to name a few.

Discover Ballard

Get out of the bustling city centre to visit the trendy waterfront neighbourhood of Ballard. The Ballard Locks are a popular attraction, and this is also a great spot for craft breweries and amazing restaurants.

Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry

This ferry route takes you across Puget Sound, from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Enjoy stunning views of the city and the water!

Visit Belltown

Known for its great restaurants and live music venues, this neighbourhood is also home to Seattle’s most unique movie theatre, Cinerama.

Check Out Fremont

This bohemian neighbourhood is worth a visit for its quirky shops and public art pieces. It’s small and walkable, so be sure to stop by to enjoy its uniqueness. The Fremont Sunday Market is also worth adding to the list!

Where to Stay

There are so many great places to stay in Seattle! Every time we visit we look for accommodations in a different neighbourhood so we can discover a new area. If you want to be central to many of the main attractions in the city, you’ll want to stay in Lower Queen Anne, Belltown, the Waterfront, or Downtown Seattle. This way you will be close to many great restaurants, exciting nightlife, Pike Place, and Seattle Centre! If you’re looking to be in the heart of the gaybourhood and surrounded by LGBTQ+ culture in Seattle, be sure to look for accommodations in Capitol Hill. If you want a local feel, you may want to try something in Ballard. Outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Ballard offers a laid back neighbourhood vibe and still plenty to do.

If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations in Seattle, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. We recently stayed at The Maxwell Hotel in Seattle, a great dog-friendly option in a perfectly central location. Perfect if you like travelling with your pet and enjoy fun boutique hotels! Click here to read all about it.

If you like using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available in Seattle during your stay. We’ve stayed in Airbnb accommodations all over the city, and find that it’s a great way to experience different neighbourhoods like a local. We always find great homes that are private, fully equipped, and priced very affordably. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Seattle’s food scene is impressive and brings together plenty of different cultures and cuisines. While we are always most excited about the great plant-based options, the city will surely satisfy any foodie. The first stop on your list should be Pike Place Market, with an impressive collection of food stalls and fresh seafood. If you’re vegan like us, be sure to check out Plum Bistro for dinner or weekend brunch, (a Capitol Hill favourite, and always one of our go-tos!) Another must for vegans (and everyone else) is Mighty-O Donuts. With locations all over the city, it’s the best spot for vegan and organic treats. Another veggie friendly favourite is Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe. With several Seattle locations, it’s the perfect place to grab a healthy lunch while you’re out exploring. If you want to try some of the seafood that the PNW is famous for, you may want to check out Walrus & the Carpenter in the Ballard neighbourhood. Nearby is Ballard’s Annex Oyster House, and other popular spots include Westward, Elliot’s Oyster House, and Seastar Restaurant. For Asian cuisine, go to the long standing sushi restaurant Maneki, and for fine dining try Canlis. There is truly something for everyone! With plenty of amazing dining options ranging from casual to upscale, you’ll surely discover something you love.

If you’re looking to grab a drink in Seattle there are plenty of great options. If you want to be around other people in the LGBTQ+ community, be sure to go out to one of the many hip bars in Capitol Hill. If you’re looking for great beer, check out Elysian Brewery, Fremont Brewing Company, Reuben’s Brews, Rooftop Brewing Company, or Cloudburst Brewing. These are just a few of the top craft breweries in the city, there are many more! If you’re into wine, be sure to check out French wine bar Le Caviste, or for a great selection of local PNW wines try Bottlehouse. With more local and sustainable options and everything on tap, be sure to add Footprint Wine Tap to your list. For cocktails don’t miss Canon, one of Seattle’s best cocktail bars boasting the largest spirit collection in the US. Nearby is Needle & Thread, a speakeasy offering bespoke cocktails. If you’re a serious coffee drinker, Seattle’s cafe culture will impress you! The city is known for it’s coffee being the birthplace of Starbucks (the original cafe is in Pike Place), but it has plenty of great coffee. If you’re into espresso head to Vivace, the cafe that popularized latte art in America. Victrola is also great for espresso based drinks, and they have four quirky locations around the city. If you’re a third wave coffee drinker, check out Analog for a nice selection of single origin roasts and a chill vinyl playlist kind of vibe. Be sure to check out the small batch roaster Lighthouse Roasters and Elm Roasters for amazing single origin beans that are locally roasted with precision. If you want a truly Seattle coffee experience, be sure to sign up for one of Herkimer Coffee’s cupping sessions to sample the latest ethically sourced, single origin roasts. Lastly, grab a pour over at one of the first Seattle third wave roasters, Slate Coffee Roasters.

Lesbian Friendly

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Washington state are some of the best in the US, and it’s often referred to as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly states in America. Same-sex marriage has been recognized in Washington since 2012, and LGBTQ+ people are fully protected from discrimination. The state also criminalizes hate crimes that are motivated by homophobia or transphobia, and conversion therapy has been banned on minors since 2018. Both the city of Seattle and the state of Washington are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers, and Seattle itself has an impressive local gay scene. It’s definitely a very lesbian friendly destination to visit! We always feel safe and comfortable being an open couple in Seattle, and have had some wonderful travel experiences in the city over the years. There is plenty of local gay culture, and the scene is thriving in Capitol Hill (the city’s designated gaybourhood). There is plenty of LGBTQ+ nightlife including a long standing lesbian bar called Wild Rose, which is owned and operated by women. Other LGBTQ+ venues are spread through Capitol Hill and Pike/Pine and include Pony, Neighbours Nightclub, R Place, Crescent Lounge, Madison Pub, and many others. Seattle also has an LGBTQ+ centre that hosts events and offers public services, as well as tons of lesbian meet-up events. There’s even a group that does gay speed dating! As you can see, Seattle is a great city for lesbian women and couples. We never have any issues showing affection in public, holding hands in the street, or taking couples photos together. It feels so nice to visit destinations that are inclusive of our community and where we can feel just as safe as we do at home. It you’re looking for a fun city with tons to do and a great local gay scene, then definitely add Seattle to your travel list!

How to Get Around

Walk

The different areas of Seattle are quite walkable. We always do a lot of exploring on foot and find that it’s a great way to experience the city. If you’re able, we recommend spending some time walking around to get a good feel for things! Watch out for some steep hills and remember to bring an umbrella because it does rain a lot.

Rideshare

Both Lyft and Uber are available in Seattle, and are a great option for getting around the city.

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis in Seattle which make it easy to get around without a vehicle. You can call a cab by phone or easily hail one on the street. Rates are reasonable but likely more expensive than using a ride share app.

Public Transportation

Seattle has an extensive public transportation system that includes bus service, streetcars, light rail, and water taxis. You can get an Orca card that works like cash on buses, trains, and ferries, and you can manage your balance online. For information regarding transportation rates and schedules, visit Seattle’s official transportation website.

Drive

If you do drive to Seattle, it’s a fairly easy city to drive in. We often drive down from Vancouver and have a vehicle during our trip to get around the city. Street parking is very straight forward, and you’ll have no problem getting around if you use Google Maps or something similar. There is often a lot of construction so be prepared for some traffic, but nothing too bad!

Bike

Seattle has a great bike network, and a lot of people get around by cycling. There are several bike shares and plenty of bike parking around the city. Some hotels offer free bikes during your stay so you can take them out for a spin while you’re visiting! Be sure to follow proper etiquette and follow local laws when cycling.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Seattle? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Seattle, Washington appeared first on Lez See the World.

Whistler in the Winter 

Winter is of course the busiest season on the mountains! Whistler Blackcomb is world class and offers incredible skiing and snowboarding, along with plenty of other winter sports and activities. Visiting during the snowy months is certainly most popular, and around the holidays the area is especially festive. At the base of the mountains is a village with carollers and holiday decorations to get you in the spirit of the season. You can go skating on the outdoor rink and check out all of the beautiful light displays along the pedestrian pathways in the village! Be sure to check out the Whistler tourism website when you’re planning your winter visit to see what events are happening! 

Winter Activities 

Ski or Snowboard

With more than 200 marked trails and an incredible apres-ski scene, skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb can’t be beat. The resort offers rentals, lessons, and even heli-skiing! 

Go Snowshoeing 

If you’re new to winter sports, snowshoeing is a perfect introductory activity. You can do self-guided trails or join a tour, and there are even dog-friendly snowshoe trails is you want to bring along your pup.

Visit the Tube Park

A no-experience-required downhill activity, snow tubing at Whistler is fun and family-friendly.

Try Winter Ziplining 

If you’re looking for more of a thrill, Whistler offers plenty of winter ziplining options! 

Go Snowmobiling 

There are plenty of guided snowmobile tours if you’re wanting a scenic look at the backcountry. There are tours to suit all levels and even some that can accommodate families with small kids.

Take the Peak2Peak Gondola

For stunning 360 degree views of the mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests, don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

Check Out the Sliding Centre

Since hosting competitions during the 2010 Olympics, the Whistler Sliding Centre has opened to visitors for self-guided tours, as well as bobsleigh and skeleton experiences! International competitions are also held here, so you may even be able to catch a race!

Lesbian Friendly

Canada is known as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, and the Vancouver area is most definitely welcoming to lesbian travellers. (Click here to read our full article about how lesbian friendly Canada is!) One of the reasons we love travelling in our home country is because we feel so free to be ourselves. Our trip to Whistler was no different! Everyone was warm and welcoming, and we spent our visit being openly affectionate as a couple. It always feels amazing to explore a destination hand in hand without a second thought. Whistler is an inclusive community and we can definitely recommend it as a lesbian friendly travel destination. They even host their own pride festival! Whistler Pride & Ski Festival happens every year in late January/early February and has been running since way back in 1992. It’s now one of the biggest LGBTQ+ ski weeks in the world! Head to the Whistler Pride Website for more information.

Has anyone else visited Whistler in the Winter? Let us know in the comments! 

The post A Lesbian Friendly Winter Getaway to Whistler, Canada appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Aruba is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The LGBTQ+ laws in Aruba are some of the best in the Caribbean, with fairly progressive legislation for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Aruba, and there have been discrimination protections in place since 2012. The Aruba criminal code prohibits “unfair discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence” on various grounds and includes people of homosexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal on the island, but because Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba does recognize same-sex marriages from the Netherlands and other “Caribbean Netherlands” islands such as Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Since 2016, same-sex registered partnerships have been legally recognized in Aruba, and hopefully same-sex marriage will be the next step! At this time there are no adoption rights or access to IVF for same-sex couples, as well as no legal protection for transgender individuals. Hopefully we will continue to see steps toward full equality and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in Aruba.

Social Climate

Aruba, along with the rest of the “ABC Islands”, is generally considered to be one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the Caribbean. The Aruban parliament was the first in the Caribbean to legalize same-sex civil unions back in 2016, despite opposition from the Roman Catholic Church. While the public opinion is certainly not as positive as in the Netherlands, things have certainly come a long way in the past ten years. There are several LGBTQ+ rights advocacy groups and associations on the island, and there are various establishments that advertise as being LGBTQ+ friendly including hotels, resorts, and eateries. The official Aruba tourism website states that they “welcome LGBTQ+ travellers with open minds and hearts”, and proudly claims that the island celebrates diversity. It goes on to say that all resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs on the island are LGBTQ+ friendly. All this considered, Aruba can definitely be considered a LGBTQ+ friendly island to visit!

Gaybourhoods

The LGBTQ+ community in Aruba seems small and there isn’t a designated “gaybourhood”. That being said, there is a gay club in the capital city of Oranjestad called 7 Club Lounge that offers drag shows, karaoke, and bingo nights! It’s fairly quiet on weeknights but tends to be busy on Fridays and Saturdays. Other nightclubs appear to be quite inclusive, and the entire island calls itself LGBTQ+ friendly. There are even some LGBTQ+ events like the annual “Rainbow Night” hosted by T.H. Palm & Company. Many businesses on the island openly show their support, like the Aruba Marriott resort which lit up their palm trees with the rainbow flag to celebrate Pride Month. Overall, Aruba is definitely a Caribbean destination where you can feel welcome as a same-sex couple or LGBTQ+ individual.

Our Experience

We visited Aruba together on a trip to the Caribbean in the Fall of 2019 and completely fell in love with it! We stayed for one week at the beginning of October (which is considered Aruba’s low season), and the island was very peaceful and quiet during our time. We stayed in an Airbnb apartment in the Noord neighbourhood, which is nearby the Palm Beach area, and rented a car to explore as much of the island as we could! We had an incredible visit. We felt safe knowing that Aruba openly welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers and that the country has anti-discrimination laws that protect us. We had no issues at all with safety, and felt completely comfortable being out and open. Our Airbnb host was local to the island and greeted us warmly as a married lesbian couple. Everyone we met throughout the week was kind and respectful when we mentioned we were spouses, and we never felt the need to hide our relationship. We spent the week relaxing on the gorgeous beaches, exploring the desert, and eating at all of the incredible restaurants we found. Aruba is a beautiful and unique little island, and we’re so happy we visited! We would love to return one day and continue eating our way through all the vegan restaurant menus. We definitely recommend Aruba as a lesbian friendly travel destination for gay women and same-sex couples!

If you’re interested in travelling to Aruba, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Aruba! 

Have you been to Aruba? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Aruba appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

This article is very special for us because we’re sharing about our home country! We are so proud to be Canadian, and we have so much love and admiration for the place we call home. We feel very fortunate to be from a country that celebrates diversity, and accepts our community.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Canada is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Canada are among some of the best in the world, and it is often referred to as one of the most gay friendly countries on the globe. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1969, and same-sex marriages were made legal nationwide in 2005 after many of the country’s provinces were already recognizing them. Some Canadian provinces were allowing same-sex couples to adopt back in 1996, and since 2011, all provinces and territories have allowed it. There have been anti-discrimination laws in place since 1996 for people of all sexual orientations, and since 2017 for people of all gender identities and expressions. In most provinces and territories, schools have designed anti-bullying programs in place to protect all students, including those that identify as LGBTQ+. The Canadian Criminal Code explicitly prohibits hate propaganda against LGBTQ+ people, and the Canadian Government has been especially supportive of the community in recent years, as the governing party changed from moderate/conservative to liberal. In 2017, the Prime Minister of Canada issued a formal apology to members of the LGBTQ+ community for any and all oppression they’ve endured, and promised to stand with them. In 2018, a bill was passed allowing any person who was convicted of homosexual acts prior to 1969 to have the record of the conviction destroyed. Canada has been, and continues to be, a leader for LGBTQ+ rights in the Americas and around the world!

Social Climate

A global survey from 2013 showed 80% of Canadians accepting of homosexuality, and Canada’s major political parties have all supported LGBTQ+ rights in varying degrees. People are generally very accepting of same-sex couples and other members of the community, and Canada is frequently called one of the most gay friendly places in the world. Its major cities all have vibrant gay communities, and each summer huge Pride celebrations are hosted across the country. The Pride festivities usually have many politicians in attendance, including the Prime Minister as well as provincial and municipal representatives. Canada ranks #6 on the Gap Happiness Index, and opinions form the general public continue to improve. This year in 2019, the Royal Canadian Mint released a new one dollar coin that “commemorates 50 years of progress in recognizing the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians”. It’s been 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalized in Canada and it’s important to recognize how far we’ve come! Of course there is always still more work to do, but Canada is absolutely a very LGBTQ+ friendly country to visit. It’s an incredible destination for gay travellers looking for an open and accepting place!

Gaybourhoods

Canada has a “gaybourhood” in nearly every major city in the country. The most prominent would be Vancouver’s Davie Village, Toronto’s Church & Wellesley neighbourhood, Montreal’s Gay Village district, and Ottawa’s Bank Street Gay Village. Smaller cities also have noteworthy gay culture including Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Halifax. Canada is a big place, and there are LGBTQ+ safe spaces found in many cities across the country. Gay and gay friendly bars, nightclubs, organizations, groups, and the list goes on. The gaybourhoods are all welcoming and inclusive of women, and lesbian travellers will have no problem finding an awesome gay scene during their travels. If you want to visit certain Canadian cities during their Pride celebrations, head to Victoria at the end of June, Vancouver at the start of August, Calgary at the end of August, Winnipeg at the end of May, Toronto in mid June, Ottawa in mid August, Montreal in mid August, or Halifax in mid July. Canada is a country where you can absolutely feel not only safe and welcomed, but celebrated! It is an amazing LGBTQ+ friendly travel destination, and we are so proud to call it home.

Our Experience

We were both born in Canada and are so proud to be Canadian! Together we’ve lived in Vancouver, Toronto, and Niagara Falls, and we’ve also travelled extensively across the country. We’ve visited 9 of the 10 provinces, and have spent time in all of the major Canadian cities. We’ve driven coast to coast and travelled through the mountains, the prairies, and the maritimes. We can’t recommend it enough as a travel destination! There is so much to see in our beautiful country, and it is such a welcoming place. We feel very accepted and supported when we’re at home, and we’ve had great experiences travelling around Canada. Even in smaller cities and more suburban areas, attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community are quite positive. We always feel comfortable being out and open, and we never feel the need to hide our relationship. We feel safe knowing that the law protects us, and that our country stands with our community. We wish that every LGBTQ+ person on the globe could be so fortunate, because it is what we all deserve! We highly recommend Canada as a lesbian friendly travel destination for both solo women and lesbian couples, and we can’t say enough good things. Of course we think everyone should visit our home city of Vancouver (it’s amazing!), but there are so many incredible destinations in our big country. Whether you like urban city destinations, quiet islands, mountainous regions, or arctic adventures, Canada has it all. Our favourite areas to recommend are beautiful BC including Vancouver, the Okanagan, Whistler, Vancouver Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands. As well as the Rocky Mountain region in Alberta, including Banff and Jasper. In the big province of Ontario, Toronto cannot be missed, as well as the surrounding lakes and nearby Niagara region! In the French-Canadian province of Quebec, Montreal and Quebec City are both wonderful destinations. Further East, the Maritime provinces are truly amazing. Prince Edward Island is one of our favourite places in the country, and Nova Scotia is so special. Come visit!

Have you been to Canada or are you a fellow Canadian? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

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