gay tourism montreal

A Complete LGBTQ Travel Guide to Montreal

Montreal is well-known as an extraordinarily LGBTQ-friendly destination. With a population of almost 2 million, Quebec's biggest city (and the second largest in Canada) represents a delightful mash-up of cultures, with a proudly Quebecois identity of its own and rich LGBTQ history.

Reportedly, North America's first LGBT publication, "Les Mouches Fantastiques" (The Fantastic Files) was founded here in 1918; by the early 1970s a queer bohemian scene was flourishing (1974 indie film "Montreal Main" offered a glimpse); the first Montreal Pride march took place in 1979 (commemorating the 10th anniversary of NYC's Stonewall riots), and Montreal's famed "gay village" came to be in the 1980s, as gay bars, clubs, and residents overtook a formerly impoverished, decrepit section of the city's Centre-Sud district along Sainte-Catherine Street East.

Refreshingly, Montreal's gay village (which is closed to cars during warmer months) remains a lively and concentrated hub that's even more literally colorful and easy to spot thanks to its overhead, 1 kilometer long "18 Shades Of Gay" - comprised of 180,000 colored recycled plastic resin balls suspended overhead. Tourism Montreal's official website even dedicates a page to this now iconic installation , plus much more LGBT-related information and resources, and be sure to check out Quebec's LGBTQ magazine and website, Fugues , for what's ons and scene skinny.

The Best Things To Do

The gay-owned Spade & Palacio offers "non-touristy tours" by bike and by foot, which are perfect for both newcomers and those who know the city but would like a deeper dive. Book the four-hour, lunch-inclusive Beyond The Bike Lanes tour that covers both residential and popular tourist zones including the Gay Village, or consider the two-hour Beyond The Village one that spotlights the gayborhoood and its history and landmark sites.

Get your selfies on in the Gay Village during daylight while taking in its art installations and community spaces, including the Park of Hope (Parc L'espoir) and AIDS Memorial. Check out its LGBT businesses as well, notably the sexy apparel, leather, and accessories shop, Chez Priape .

Montreal-based graphic novel publisher Drawn & Quarterly has a fantastic store, Librarie Drawn & Quarterly , in the buzzy Mile End district, a favorite stomping ground of local, acclaimed gay filmmaker and actor, Xavier Dolan. It hosts book launches by queer creators (Diane Obomsawin's "On Loving Women" is a delightful must!), events, and a book club for discussing LGBTQ+ work.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts presented the first retrospective exhibition dedicated to outrageous, visionary queer French fashion designer Thierry Mugler in Spring 2019 and includes work by LGBTQ artists in its permanent collections. Known as DHC/ART until 2019, Old Montreal's privately owned, non-profit Foundation Phi showcases cutting edge, contemporary work.

Bota Bota Spa , situated on a multi-level ship in the Old Port, is a friendly spot to unwind and get pampered (with kid-friendly hours), though some males might prefer one of Montreal's adults only gay saunas, which include the 24-hour Sauna Oasis and four-floor Sauna G.I. Joe .

Events & Festivals

Held in August, Montreal Pride (aka Fierté MTL) climaxes with a parade along René-Lévesque Boulevard headed up by a diverse selection of Grand Marshalls. The event in 2019 included Transgender Pride Flag creator Monica Helms, First Nations Two-Spirit activist and author Ma-Nee Chacaby, Montreal fetish historian Danny Godbout, local entrepreneur and athlete Val Desjardins, Wilson Cruz of "Star Trek: Discovery," and trailblazing Laotian LGBTQ activist Anan Bouapha). Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also a regular fixture in the parade.

Image+Nation is Canada's oldest—and still very much thriving—LGBT film festival.

And if you're a dancing queen, the fall's annual Black & Blue entails a week's worth of unabashedly queer yet straight-friendly dances and parties, from circuit-style blowouts with benefits going to HIV/AIDS organizations.

The Best LGBTQ Bars and Clubs

You'll find most of Montreal's LGBTQ nightlife conveniently concentrated in its gay village along Ste. Catherine Street East. One of Canada's largest nightlife venues, Complexe Sky entails three floors of drinking, dancing, dining, and entertainment spaces (including a drag cabaret), plus a rooftop terrace, pool, and spa.

Also multi-level, Club Unity features two main dance and drinking spaces (each with different music), a VIP lounge, and spacious rooftop terrace. Admission is free on Thursdays, while Unity also hosts drag shows and performances by visiting "RuPaul's Drag Race" stars like Detox.

An enduring Montreal institution, beloved local drag queen Mado Lamotte (a.k.a. Luc Provost) — who's so well known that her wax likeness graces the city's Grevin Wax Museum along with Celine Dion and Katy Perry—opened another enduring institution in the village almost 20 years ago, Cabaret Mado . This is the place go get a diverse dose of Montreal's queens and kings, plus celebrity tributes and hipster drag (though do note that most shows are in French).

Another enduring village institution, Bar Aigle Noir (Black Eagle), has plenty of space for drinking, dancing, and socializing inside, while summertime allows lounging around an outdoor patio. Celebrating its 25th year in 2020, the unpretentious Le Stud is another bear and leather crowd favorite, with dancing, drinking, and pool tables.

A new kid on the block, opened in 2018, Renard offers an upscale craft cocktail and beer bar atmosphere, with tasty pub grub including cheddar cheeseburgers. If karaoke is your bag, or microphone, Le Date Karaoke is a must, as is the nearly 30-year-old Taverne Normandie , which also boasts a fantastic courtyard terrace and very mixed clientele.

Male strippers can go the full monty in Montreal, so if feeling frisky check out Stock Bar and Campus .

Outside the village, meanwhile, the Rosemont neighborhood's Bar Notre Dame Des Quilles is a jubilant, fabulously LGBTQ+ spot especially popular with hipster queers and lesbians: sing out during Sunday's Okie Dokie Karaoke, while the diverse events line-up includes speed dating, Drag Race viewing parties, and tarot readings.

Where to Eat

Straddling Little Italy and hipster Mile-Ex district, lesbian-owned micro-brewpub Brasserie Harricana keeps a fantastic selection of beer, cider, and kombucha on tap (both its own and from other regional producers), including unique, lip-smacking varieties finished in liquor barrels (e.g. a stout aged six months in Grand Marnier barrels). Culinary offerings range from Quebecois pub snacks (beef tartare, escargots, and cheese) to substantial plates (filet mignon, deluxe salads, and house-made sausages).

A game-changer thanks to its farm-to-table ethos and gorgeous (and photogenic) innovation, 27-year-old fine dining institution Toqué! launched many chefs and restaurateurs’ careers in its kitchen, including local superstars David McMillan and Frederic Morin of Joe Beef , and Charles-Antoine Crête and Cheryl Johnson of Montreal Plaza .

While the Gay Village's dining scene hasn't exactly proven as foodie-centric as other parts of Montreal (locals might feel that's putting it diplomatically), there has been some improvement in the past few years. A few blocks north, Antonin Mousseau-Rivard presents cutting-edge, modern Quebecois creations at the prix fixe-only Le Mousso and casual, a la carte younger sibling Le Petit Mousso. If vegan or vegetarian, good news: 2019 opening Tendresse (sibling to craft cocktail and beer spot Renard) specializes in tasty, meat-free eating.

Where to Stay

Downtown's iconic, 62-year-old Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth , where John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged their famed "bed-in" during 1969, received a stunningly fresh, modern update in 2017. Its 950 guest rooms now amalgamate crisp contemporary design schemes with a nod to the 1960s, while the lobby and public spaces were transformed with an incredible food hall, Marché Artisans .

A few blocks away, the chic 152-room gay-fave W Montreal  is posited just across from the Square-Victoria-OACI metro station (look for its art nouveau Paris-style entrance portico, a 1967 gift from the City of Lights) and received its own comprehensive, multimillion update in 2015. Decor is sophisticated and clubby, some rooms overlook Victoria Square Park, and the hotel's BARTIZEN cocktail lounge emphasizes Quebec-produced gins and botanical libations in a dramatically designed, 1940s-inspired cinematic setting.

Opened in 2016, the 121-room upscale boutique Hotel William Gray  is situated smack dab in Old Town along its lively and oft-Instagramed Place Jacques Cartier. A pair of historic buildings and eight-story glass tower fused and transformed with utterly modern decor and design. Each room is different, thanks to the repurposing of existing space. and the lobby's a buzzy hive of excellent shopping and dining, including locavore restaurant Maggie Oakes and an outpost of Montreal's European-style cafe and Italian coffee connoisseurs, Cafe Olimpico.

If you're keen to be based in the Gay Village in a gay-owned property, make reservations at the five-room Sir Montcalm Gite B&B. Hosts André and Yvon provide breakfast in this contemporary yet homey and distinctly Quebecois building, which also boasts a private terrace garden.

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Montreal Gay City Guide: A City of Fun, Festivals, and Friendly Neighbors

Located where the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers meet, Montreal is the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province. It is a dynamic, welcoming city with a hip, eclectic vibe. It's a city that's overflowing with culture, festivals, wonderful food, and plenty of outdoor activities, not to mention endless opportunity and a wide variety of warm and welcoming neighborhoods that will eagerly embrace anyone who wants to call it home.

A Bit of Montreal History

The French explorer Jacques Cartier initially reached the island of Montreal in 1635, followed by a group of French settlers in 1642. The settlement flourished as part of the fur trading industry and continued to grow. Various industries and businesses ventured into the city as it continued to grow, and along with that came a rich diversity that has always been a hallmark of life in Montreal. It eventually became the second biggest city in Canada and the principal city in Quebec. Today, Montreal is a city that celebrates its rich French history while also constantly looking forward toward the future. It is widely considered to be one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in North America and is known for its great charm energy and vibrant spirit.

• Montreal is one of the five largest cities in the world where people speak French. Paris, of course, is the first.
• Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada and the second-highest number per capita in North America after New York City.
• No building in Montreal can be taller than the cross located on the Mount Royal Mountain.

Find more fun facts about Montreal here .

Montreal’s LGBTQ Community

Montreal has a rich, diverse, and thriving LGBTQ community that is well-supported by resources and community centers across the city, some of which include:

Centre Communautaire LGBTQ+

The Centre Communautaire is a popular community resource center offering a wide variety of educational programs, resources, legal, health, and support services, and opportunities for networking and engaging with other members of the LGBTQ community and the city at large.

West Island LGBTQ2 Centre

The West Island LGBTQ2 Centre is a community dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community and questioning individuals to feel welcomed with open arms. It is the only LGBTQ community center in the West Island area of Montreal and serves youth, seniors, and everyone in between.

Montreal Weather

Montreal has what’s known as a semi-continental climate. This means that it has warm, humid summers, and very cold winters while offering visitors and residents alike a pleasant spring and fall, one with beautiful blooms, and the other the colors of changing leaves. Winters can be quite snowy – on average, snow depths of greater than 1 cm are seen on about 109 days of the year. On the other side of the coin, there are also plenty of sunny days, and in summer the highs can reach up to around 90 °F. Truly, Montreal is a city of all seasons.

Can’t Miss Montreal Events

Fierte Montreal Pride

Montreal's annual gay pride festival is truly something that you won’t want to miss. The festival includes 10 amazing days of parties and events and culminates with a huge parade on the final day, that engulfs the entire city. Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, usually leads the parade. It’s an amazing celebration of all that the LGBTQ community adds to Montreal.

The Black and Blue Gay Festival

The Black and Blue Gay Festival is a highly popular 5-day event that takes place annually during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October. Featuring electronica and techno music, the festival attracts around 70,000 people each year. In addition to being an amazing event, it’s also for a good cause – proceeds are donated to HIV/AIDS charities each year.  

A Look at the Best Montreal Neighborhoods

Some cities have gayborhoods – but Montreal has a village. Yes, it’s true – an entire gay village (one of the largest in North America!) that has an upbeat vibe, a fun, and lively club scene, and the main drag, the Rue Sainte-Catherine, which is a pedestrian-only avenue that is frequently strung with decorations and lights, and on which numerous bars, eateries, and cafes are located for all to enjoy. Its Rue Amherst street is known for its eclectic mix of boutique and antique shops, and the entire village is very walkable, warm, and welcoming. The village also includes the beautiful neoclassical Saint-Pierre-Apôtre Church, with its well-known Chapel of Hope, dedicated to AIDS victims. For those considering purchasing a home in Le Village Gai , there are a variety of housing options and price ranges available.

For those who are considering moving to Montreal, it is worth noting that bringing your own vehicle is not essential, and may not even be advised. Because of the density of the city, many businesses are within walking distance from the city’s metro stations throughout the city, and many residents choose to walk or bike.

Arts and Entertainment

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the largest art museum in Canada by gallery space and is spread across five pavilions, showcasing a world-class collection of art from all eras and of all selection of art from all eras and of all styles for visitors to enjoy.

Place des Arts

The Place des Arts is Montreal’s major performing arts center and is the largest cultural and artistic complex in Canada. Whatever you enjoy – opera, Broadway, drama, musicals, stand-up, and more, you’re sure to find it here.

Parks and Recreation

Montreal Botanical Garden

The Montreal Botanical Garden is a stunning display of nature’s wonder that you don’t want to miss. The garden includes 75 hectares of thematic gardens and greenhouses and is widely considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the world due to the extent of its collections and facilities.

Olympic Park

Olympic Park is the district of the city that was home to many of the venues from the 1976 Summer Olympics, which were held in Montreal. Today, the Montreal Olympic Park Esplanade features outdoor events and activities year-round, as well as the Olympic Stadium which hosts sporting events and shows, along with Montreal Tower, a planetarium, and more. There is more than enough here for several days of activities, and something for everyone to enjoy.

Montreal Nightlife

Complexe Sky

Complexe Sky is the largest gay club in Canada and is one of the most popular gay bars in Montreal. It is a large building with a restaurant on the ground floor called Le Branche, and it has four floors each with different styles of music, including a rooftop terrace with a pool and a hot tub. There are regularly held drag shows, good drinks, and a great crowd. You won’t want to miss an evening out at this iconic Montreal spot.  

Although Le Stud is officially a bear bar, all are welcome. Le Stud has a really friendly atmosphere that includes an outdoor drinking area as well as a large dancing area inside. The bar is known for having fun themed nights and events like “Polar Bear Week” and “Full Moon” parties. It also has a connected restaurant - L'Antre BBQ + Grill which offers a fantastic selection of pub food.

Bar Le Cocktail

Bar Le Cocktail is Montreal’s most popular gay karaoke bar. Every evening a live DJ hosts the karaoke, and Happy Hour is every Friday before 10:30 pm. The bar has two levels and a beautiful terrace for enjoying summer evenings.

Contact a Montreal Realtor Today

If you are ready to find your next perfect home in a Montreal neighborhood that’s a great fit for your interests and lifestyle needs, today is the perfect day to get started. Contact a Montreal gay realtor for a free, no-obligation consultation today!

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The best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in Montreal

Grab a drink and live it up at the city's welcoming LGBTQ+ hangouts, bars, star-studded drag shows and more.

Montreal is one of the world’s great LGBTQ+ capitals and its queer bars and nightclubs are a pillar of local  nightlife . The city is home to one of the largest Gay Villages in North America, but queer nights and establishments can also be found outside the Village—a testament to the city’s all-embracing joie-de-vivre.

In 2023, for its 17 th year, the lively one-kilometre-long summertime pedestrian mall on Saint-Catherine Street in the Village stretches east from Place Émilie-Gamelin near Berri-UQAM metro station to Papineau Avenue, surrounded by some 40 outdoor terrasses .  Here is the ultimate guide to LGBTQ+ and queer-friendly establishments, including rooftop bars, karaoke, drag shows and more. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Montreal

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Best LGBTQ+ bars in Montreal

1.  Cabaret Mado

Named for beloved Montreal drag icon Mado Lamotte ,  Cabaret Mado  has been packing them in since it opened in 2002. The club is so well-known you can spot visiting celebrities, such as Charlize Theron, Jean-Paul Gaultier and the Pet Shop Boys. Mostly local, but also some national and international drag artists headline shows and sketch comedy nightly.

2.  Complexe Sky

One of the biggest gay clubs in Canada, Complexe Sky boasts three floors of entertainment topped by a popular summertime rooftop terrasse complete with outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Or enjoy a pitcher of ice-cold sangria on the street-level terrasse which is great for people-watching. Beginning May 11, Montreal drag legend Jimmy Moore hosts the free-admission Le Jimmy Moore Drag Show each Thursday at 10 p.m.

3.  Bar Renard

Bar Renard is popular with LGBTQ+ and straight young hipsters and has a wide selection of wines, microbrews and cocktails. Because of its floral décor, Renard’s unisex washroom has become an iconic selfie location.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BAR RENARD (@bar.renard)

4.  District Vidéo Lounge

Queer icon Lady Gaga and her entourage partied at  District Vidéo Lounge   when it opened in 2017. Patrons can also select music videos on the indoor screens.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by District Video Lounge (@districtvideolounge)

5.  Aigle Noir / Black Eagle

Montréal’s Black Eagle is called Aigle Noir, an old-school neighbourhood gay bar in the heart of the Village. While it serves the leather and denim communities, it is also popular with bears and the athletic crowd, young and older alike. Cheap drinks, happy hour specials and a cruisy summertime terrasse.

6.  Club Unity

Club Unity is one of the biggest nightclubs in the city, with two dance floors, a VIP lounge and legendary summertime rooftop terrasse with great views of the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Club Unity ★ Montréal (@clubunitymtl)

7.  Le Normandie

A Village institution since 1981, friendly sports bar Le Normandie on Atateken Street is a terrific local watering hole with cheap drinks and karaoke. Le Normandie also has two of the nicest summer terrasses in the Village.

8.  Bar Le Cocktail

The friendly and comfortable vibe of legendary Montreal female impersonator Michel Dorion’s Bar Le Cocktail has made the drag bar a popular Village hangout, with live shows by many of the best drag artists in the city, including Dorion.

9.  Le Date Karaoke

There are karaoke bars and then there is Club Date, a classic neighbourhood bar in the Village whose regulars could give Tom Jones and Barbra Streisand a run for their money! The song list features “hundreds of thousands” of titles, including Elvis tunes, 80s ballads and Québécois classics. Patrons can also upload a ​high-definition MP4 digital video document of their performance.

10.  Bar Le Stud

Le Stud’s motto is, “Stud is a men’s bar, where men love men.” Open since 1995, the labyrinthine nightclub is popular with the bear and leather communities, but has a diverse clientele. Couple dancefloors, nightly DJs, pool tables, video poker, two summertime terrasses, and theme events ranging from bear nights to leather kink.

11.  Bar Minéral

The beautifully designed Bar Minéral  on Atateken Street is a wine bar by day and nightclub after dark, with an excellent light food menu.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MINĒRAL (@barmineral)

12.  Stock Bar

Montreal is famous for its gay male strip joints and none is bigger than Stock Bar in the Village. There's a Ladies Night every Wednesday, and Stock Bar is also home to Montreal’s Violet Hour queer reading series showcasing LGBTQ+ poets, writers and authors.

13.  Cabaret Berlin

Popular performance and event venue for those who love Post-Punk, New Wave, Alternative, Cold Wave and Dark Wave. 

14.  Motel Motel

The new kid on the block, opened in 2023 by the team behind Bar Renard and Bistro Tendresse, Motel Motel presents a new concept in the Village: enjoy a good meal and then party under the same roof. This kitchen offers small dishes designed to be shared, with a magnificent nightclub hidden out back.

15.  Café Cleopatre

Outside the Village, Café Cleopatre, whose building on The Main has been a showbar since the 1890s, is the last remnant of Montreal’s fabled red-light district. There is a female strip joint downstairs, while the upstairs cabaret is an historically queer-friendly space.

16.  Bar Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles

Rosemont neighbourhood bar NDQ is a legendary LGBTQ+ hangout outside the Village. An inclusive and safe space for all, NDQ regularly programs queer-themed events and parties, and is also home to a miniature bowling alley!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by NOTRE DAME DES QUILLES 🎳 (@bar_notre_dame_des_quilles)

17.  Taverne Marion

Located just outside the Village, Taverne Marion was opened in 2022 by the team behind Taverne Midway on The Main. With its white-washed brick walls and large garage-style windows, the bright and cheery Taverne Marion has become a trendy hangout.

18.  Queer nights

There are many LGBTQ+ nights hosted by queer-friendly establishments, such as the  LuvHaus Soirée LGBTQ at Blockhaus Bar in east-end Hochelaga-Maisonneuve; uber-queer MPU  nights (formerly called Mec Plus Ultra) and Thirst Trap nights at Le Belmont nightclub in the Plateau district; and The L Nights , Queen & Queer dance parties and Homopop events are held at various venues, including at such queer-friendly and drag-friendly spaces as Bar Le Ritz PDB and The Diving Bell Social Club .

Sing it out loud and proud in Montreal

Best karaoke bars in Montreal

Here are the best Montreal karaoke bars for your next singsong night out on the town, from private rooms to dive bars. We’ve minced our way around the microphone cords, paid our dues in the rotation and boiled down what’s the best in the city.

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Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers in Montreal

The province of Québec is a destination for international gay travelers. Gay life here is generally open and accepted (gay marriage is legal throughout the province), and gay travelers are heavily marketed to. Travelers will find the rainbow flag prominently displayed on the doors and websites of many hotels and restaurants in all the city's neighborhoods.

The Tourisme Montréal website, www.tourisme-montreal.org, has a "Gay and Lesbian" link under "Tourist" that lists gay-friendly accommodations, events, websites for queer meet-ups, and more. Of several local queer publications, the most thorough is Fugues (www.fugues.com), which lists events, as well as gay-friendly lodgings, clubs, saunas, and other resources. Free copies are available at tourist offices and in racks around the city. Gay Line (tel. 888/505-1010 or 514/866-5090; www.gayline.qc.ca) is a help line offering advice on over 550 accommodations, events, and services. In Montréal, many gay and lesbian travelers head straight to the Village (also known as "the Gay Village"), a neighborhood east of downtown located primarily along rue Ste-Catherine est between rue St-Hubert and rue Papineau. Here, there are antiques shops, bars, B&Bs, and clubs, clubs, clubs. The Beaudry Métro station is at the heart of the neighborhood and is marked by the rainbow flag. As the Tourisme Montréal website says, "Rainbow columns on a subway station entrance? I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore!" The Village is action central on any night, but it especially picks up during the weeklong celebration of sexual diversity known as Divers/Cité (www.diverscite.org) in late July and early August and the Black & Blue Festival (www.bbcm.org), an October event that's one of the world's largest circuit parties, with a week of entertainment and club dancing. In 2006, Montréal added a pink feather to its cap by hosting the first World Outgames, attracting more than 16,000 athletes. When you're visiting the neighborhood, stop in at the Village Tourism Information Centre at 1307 rue Ste-Catherine est (tel. 888/595-8110 or 514/522-1885), open June to August from noon to 6pm (days vary; call in advance). There's information about everything from wine bars to yoga classes. It's operated by the Québec Gay Chamber of Commerce (www.ccgq.ca).

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Montreal Gay District: The Village

Montreal  is not the gay destination that comes to mind when you plan a trip to North America. However, the gay district of Montreal is one of the largest and efficacious of the continent.

Called The Village, the gay district occupies an area stretching from Rue Saint-Hubert to Avenue Papineau, the heart of it all happening around Rue Sainte-Catherine (closest metro Beaudry). From June to September, parts of the street are only accessible on foot, making it enjoyable to stroll and shop at the numerous boutiques of the neighborhood.

The Village is full of restaurants with different cuisines, including Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese, and of course, French. Many of the restaurants in this area come with fun and peculiar names such as Lallouz Café & Kebaberie (1327 Rue Sainte-Catherine East) Restaurant O'Thym (1112 Boulevard De Maisonneuve E) and our favorite, Chez Ma Grosse Truie Chérie (1801 Rue Ontario E).

Gay saunas in Montreal are also popular, with the two main ones being the GI Joe Sauna (1166 rue Sainte-Catherine Est), and for fans of leather and uniforms, Oasis, which is open 24/7 year-round (1390 rue Sainte-Catherine Est). Also if there are less than ten people in the sauna when you visit, you will be reimbursed.

Best gay bars and clubs in Montreal

In the evening, Montreal really comes alive with several places and activities to discover. Caberet Mado Lamotte is hilarious and always packed (1115 Ste-Catherine Est). The Campus (1111 Rue Ste-Catherine Est) and the Stock Bar (1171 Rue Ste-Catherine Est) are the two main gay bars in Montreal, with strippers attracting fans of bulging muscle-men. Alternatively, The Stud caters to the Bear and Leather crowd (1812 Rue Ste-Catherine Est).

L’Apollon (1450 Ste-Catherine E) and the Sky Complex (1474 rue Sainte-Catherine) each offer several floors of entertainment (bar & club). Sky Bar is not to be missed with its stunning views from the terrace, and dreamy pool and spa.

The most significant events are the Black and Blue Festival organized as a benefit for those living with HIV, and the Divers Cite Festival which lasts a week during the summer and offers a drag show and a huge concert featuring house music. The Image+Nation Festival is the oldest LGBT film festival in the country.

You’ll soon understand why The Village is an open and friendly neighborhood - proof positive is Church Saint-Pierre-Apôtre, which is located right in the heart of The Village and is a memorial to those who lost their lives to AIDS. 

• LE VILLAGE  
• RUE SAINTE-CATHERINE  
• FESTIVAL DIVERS-CITÉ  
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• SKY COMPLEX  
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How to Spend a Long Weekend in Montreal

M ontreal is a city touched by art, culture and history. This exhilarating metropolis has touches of French life intertwined with Canadian history and culture, and offers a European experience, but without the transatlantic travel for those coming from the U.S. With it just being a short one-and-a-half hour flight away from New York City, Montreal is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Due to the expansive layout of the city, Montreal is best explored on foot, with assistance from the public transportation system, the Société de transport de Montréal. Almost everything is accessible by bus or train. Downtown Montreal and Old Montreal are two of the most popular destinations within the Canadian city, with an array of unique hotels, restaurants, shops and activities. Here’s our guide on how to make the most of a weekend excursion to Montreal. 

The Ultimate Montreal Weekend Guide

Le mount stephen, vogue hotel montreal downtown, curio collection by hilton, hotel gault, montreal museum of fine arts, bell centre, notre-dame basilica of montreal (basilique notre-dame de montréal), eaton center of montreal, the underground city (réso), bonsecours market, maison boulud, bouillon bilk, where to stay.

• 1440 Drummond St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1V9, Canada

Le Mount Stephen is a hotel steeped in Canadian history. Located in Downtown Montreal’s Golden Square Mile neighborhood in an elegant Neo-Renaissance building with a sleek modern tower, this 19th century boutique hotel is a historic landmark, with roots tracing back to Lord George Stephen and his exclusive Mount Stephen Club. At this luxury spot, guests can dine at Bar George, which is inspired by Lord Stephen’s British and Canadian ancestry, and relax in their renowned spa, Mbiospa Prestige. Once you step outside the classic stone entrance way, you’re within walking distance of some of Montreal’s most popular destinations, including McGill University, the Montreal Fine Arts Museum and Dorchester Square.

• 1425 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z3, Canada

The Vogue Hotel sits right across the street from some of the city’s most famous designer stores. This classic downtown hotel is known for its unique style—a lobby with no corners, velvet accent pieces and lavish chandeliers. The Vogue, which debuted the glamorous results of a renovation in 2023, also boasts a fitness center, brand-new spa and some of the largest guest rooms in the area. For dining, this space spares no expense. Yama Bar & Restaurant, which features a Japanese-American fusion menu, is headed by Canadian celebrity chef Antonio Park.

• 449 Ste Helene, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H2Y 2K9

On the other side of the city, in the historic district of Old Montreal, Hotel Gault occupies a corner building that dates back to 1871, when it was constructed by businessman Andrew F. Gault. In contrast to its 19th century past, the inside of the hotel is decked out in modern designer furniture, with art from local photographer Valerie Jodoin Keaton displayed in the lobby. This space is located steps from Notre Dame Cathedral, the Montreal Archeology Museum and the marina, where you can walk along the piers.

• 1380 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, Quebec H3G 1J5

Visitors of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts can find an immersive collection of over 47,000 installations spread across multiple buildings. The museum’s collection is made up of a mix of Quebec and Canadian heritage, Indigenous art and international art pieces. If you find yourself hungry or tired during your exhibition visits, take a break at Beaux-Arts Bistro, the on-site restaurant. Don’t forget to explore the area, either—the museum is located within the famed Museum District, which features an array of boutiques and private galleries.

• 1909 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3B 5E8, Canada

Hockey, Canada’s national winter sport, is a key part of Montreal culture. The Montreal Canadiens have been their home team since the 1920s, and have been playing at the Bell Centre arena since 1996. This arena is one of the most famous in North America, and has a dedicated tour for those who want to learn more about the Original Six NHL hockey team and the venue. On the tour, guests visit the Alumni Lounge, press box, conference room, team locker room and store.

• 110 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T1, Canada

Although the Parish of Notre Dame was founded in 1678, the basilica you can visit today was constructed in 1982, following renovations, expansions and a destructive fire. It is a designated national historic site and is one of the largest Catholic places of worship in North America. Although it is still used for important religious events, it is mostly known for being a tourist hotspot, and has been used for exhibitions, concerts and shows such as The AURA Experience, Luciano Pavarotti’s Christmas Concert and the Montréal Symphony Orchestra.

Where to Shop

• 705 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3B 4G5, Canada

Located in the heart of Downtown Montreal, Eaton Center is an iconic part of the city’s shopping experience. With over 125 store fronts spread out amongst the five floors, you can spend all day wandering through its expansive halls.

Visited by over a quarter of a million people every day, Montreal’s Underground City, also known as RÉSO, is found below the busy streets of Downtown Montreal, and contains restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, a movie theater and even a library. Through the underground city, one can access many of Montreal’s malls, event centers and transportation hubs. It is also a great way to escape the cold and unpredictable Canadian weather.

• 350 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1H2, Canada

For more than a hundred years, Bonsecours Market has been a center for the people of Québec to sell local products. This neoclassical heritage building in Old Montreal is also the headquarters of the Québec Crafts Council, which houses 15 boutiques centered around the sale of Canadian and Native arts, jewelry and furniture. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the First Nations culture of Montreal.

Where to Eat

• Ritz-Carlton Montreal, 1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest Montreal, Québec, H3G 1H6, Canada

Located in the Ritz-Carlton, Daniel Boulud’s Maison Boulud is a vibrant part of the Montreal food scene. This restaurant, bar and lounge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a twist on traditional French food.

• 275 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T8, Canada

Chez Delmo, a classic in Old Montreal, is an elegant space that serves French seafood. When it first opened in the 1930s, it was not the luxurious dining experience it is now—the original owners built it as a combination restaurant-game room-brothel. These days, their menu includes lobster Thermidor, Dover sole and Sturgeon caviar. Chef Sébastien Gagné stays true to traditional cooking methods and impeccable quality products, which has been instilled in the foundation of Chez Delmo since it reopened in its current form in 1964. Don’t forget, reservations are required.  

• 1595 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2S9, Canada

If you are in search of a chic, sophisticated French Canadian meal, Bouillon Bilk is the Montreal dining experience for you. With its thoughtfully selected wine menu and late night service, this minimalistic restaurant is refined and polished. Chef François Nadon utilizes a semi-open kitchen and simple ingredients to provide a culinary presentation like no other.

• 9 Fairmount Ave E , Montréal QC H2T 1C7

For a more casual meal, check out Larrys, the brainchild of the minds behind Montreal staples Lawrence and Boucherie Lawrence. Since its opening in 2016, Larrys has functioned as a classic English breakfast spot until the evening, when they bring out their renowned wine list and dinner menu, with dishes such as albacore ceviche and beef tartare. They don’t accept reservations, so check their virtual walk-up list before heading over.

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Montreal Jazz Festival a treat for music fans of multiple genres — and a bargain, with 150-plus free concerts

Held in Quebec’s very walkable largest city, this eclectic annual music marathon has concerts from 5 p.m. to midnight, leaving days free to explore Montreal’s engaging mix of old and new

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Parlez-vous free jazz?

In almost any other French-language city in the world, this inquiry would translate as: “Do you speak cutting-edge jazz?” But at Canada’s 44-year-old Festival International de Jazz de Montreal — better known as the Montreal Jazz Festival — the question is deceptive in several ways.

A majority of the performances at this 10-day summer music marathon in the French-speaking province of Quebec’s largest city are completely free of charge. And while the 2024 lineup will feature such jazz favorites as pianist Jason Moran and saxophonists Joshua Redman, Chris Potter and Melissa Aldana, it will also showcase a broad array of other styles.

This year’s roster includes everyone from synth-pop group Future Islands, San Diego neo-soul band Thee Sacred Souls and the proudly arch country singer Orville Peck to blues veteran Cedric Burnside, eclectic songstress Norah Jones and such hip-hop favorites as Andre 3000, Killer Mike and Freddie Gibbs.

Better yet, more than two-thirds of the 225-plus concerts at this year’s edition — which runs June 27 through July 6 — are free. Performances are held on six outdoor stages and at 10 indoor venues, which range from intimate nightclubs to historic theaters and the concert home of the Montreal Symphony.

The festival’s eight hours of daily live-music offerings begin at 5 p.m. each day. That gives festivalgoers ample time during the day to explore this 382-year-old island city, which offers the foreign and the familiar in almost equal measure.

“Montreal is wonderful and very cosmopolitan,” said San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare, who is also the music director of the Montreal Symphony. “When you are here, you feel like one part of you is in North America and the other part of you is in Europe.”

True to Payare’s words, you don’t have to stroll far from the jazz festival’s footprint in the downtown area known as Quartier des Spectacles to appreciate this pleasant sense of continent-leaping duality.

On the two-mile walk from the beautiful midcentury Place des Arts — where the festival’s biggest indoor and outdoor concerts are held — to Old Port Montreal, the pavement gives way to cobblestone streets and high rises give way to well-preserved buildings from bygone centuries.

“Montreal is a great walking city and many of the festival’s indoor concerts take place in historic venues,” said Vermont jazz radio DJ and Realtor David Beckett, a longtime attendee of the festival.

“Le Gesù, which has been a theater for live performances since 1992, is in a Catholic church that opened in 1865. École nationale de théâtre du Canada, also known as National Monument, opened in 1893 and is the oldest theater in Quebec. Edith Piaf once sang there! Simply by going to concerts in these venues where the festival is held, you get to experience some of Montreal’s most memorable arts venues.”

A turn at almost any corner is likely to lead to a welcome new discovery, be it a 21-story-tall, 10,000-square-foot mural of Montreal native Leonard Cohen — modeled after a photo taken by his daughter, Lorca — or a French-Chinese restaurant with the quaint name Fondue de Pékin.

Adding to the European flavor, French is the official language in Quebec, the province that counts Montreal as its biggest city. Our French is limited to about a dozen words, but almost everyone we encountered in Montreal spoke English. The menus in nearly every restaurant we ate at were in both French and English.

‘Plexes,’ bagels and poutine

Some of the city’s signature hallmarks aren’t necessarily European or Canadian, but unique to Montreal. Its iconic wrought-iron staircases grace many apartment buildings (which are called “plexes”).

There are more than 30,000 of them around the city and they vary in shape and size — straight, spiral, L-shaped and a variety of other configurations. While the prospect of navigating some of these staircases during Montreal’s icy winters is alarming to visitors, they are a sight to behold in the summer.

Another classic trademark of the city is poutine — French fries topped with fresh cheese curds, covered in thick, brown gravy. Generally considered a Canadian dish, it originated in rural Quebec in the mid-1900s and arrived in Montreal about a decade later. Poutine is available in many restaurants in Montreal, from diners to high-end eateries. Most boast their own versions, including with smoked meat, dumplings, popcorn, pulled pork and more.

Montreal is also proud of its bagels, with the competing St-Viateur and Fairmount shops ranking as favorites for locals and visitors alike. Montreal bagels stand out because they’re boiled in honey and water, then baked in wood-fired ovens, for a sweeter taste and crunchier texture. The St-Viateur bagel shop is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It serves over 12,000 bagels a day.

“There’s always a heated competition between New York and Montreal about who has the best bagels,” noted Payare, who is no stranger to either city. “I would say it’s Montreal.”

From William Shatner to Samantha Bee

During the summer, swaths of streets in several neighborhoods become car-free “pedestrianized zones,” including through the festival’s center in Quartier des Spectacles.

Adding to pedestrian options is the almost 20-mile network of underground passageways, which are open year-round but were built to help residents escape — at least temporarily — the brutal winter cold. The passageways are filled with shops, restaurants and some eye-popping artwork.

On our first day in Montreal late last June, we wandered around the lovely campus of McGill University. Located about two miles from the festival site, the campus is on the lower part of Mont Royal, from which the English name Montreal originates. Mont Royal is home to a verdant, 692-acre park designed by Frederick Law, whose best-known credit is New York City’s Central Park.

While briefly tagging along with a student tour group, we learned that some of McGill’s most well-known alumni include Leonard Cohen, Burt Bacharach, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, William Shatner, architect Moshe Safdie and comedian Samantha Bee.

McGill’s 80-plus buildings sit on 80 acres overlooking downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. Its classical revival-style Arts Building, completed in 1843, is the oldest on campus. In summer, the school’s front lawn area is brimming with colorful flowers, and greenery fills much of the pedestrian/cyclist-friendly campus.

The next day, we walked down Rue de Bleury from the festival site through Old Montreal to the Old Port, which stretches more than a mile along the St. Lawrence River. It’s ideal for pedestrians and bicyclists, and you can also rent pedal-boats, try a zipline or embark on various river cruises.

Between the river and the nearby historic clock tower — a replica of Big Ben — is a beach with sand, parasols and room for 800 people. Also at the Old Port is an almost 200-foot-high Grande Roue de Montreal Ferris wheel, which — thanks to its temperature-controlled cabins — is open year-round. It provides spectacular views of Montreal.

While we walked between 11,000 and 19,000 steps a day during our visit, we were glad we bought a one-week Metro pass. Priced at $22 per person — credit cards only, cash not accepted — it gave us unlimited rides on all four subway lines. Passes in hand, we rode to multiple destinations miles from downtown, then walked at our leisure.

One day, we visited the Montreal borough of Verdun. It’s home to the Promenade Wellington, a pedestrian promenade that stretches 11 blocks and boasts more than 250 hipster-friendly businesses, including an array of bars, dining spots, cafes, ice cream parlors and more. Voted “the coolest street in the world” by TimeOut magazine in 2022, Promenade Wellington is packed on Saturdays and Sundays, so come on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds.

The next day we took a different subway line to Montreal Botanical Garden, which covers more than 185 acres and boasts 10 greenhouses open to the public. Located adjacent to Olympic Village and Montreal’s Biodome, Biosphere and Planetarium, it also has an herbarium and an insectarium. Highlights include Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens, as well as a rock garden arranged by geographic regions. All-day tickets cost $23.25 for adults and $12 for children ages 5 to 17.

On another day, we took the subway to the last Metro station on the green line to Parc Angrignon, which was recommended to us by a local journalist for its beauty, lack of tourists and free admission. A lush oasis of quiet in the midst of a metropolis, the 240-acre park includes ponds, picnic tables, multiple bike and walking paths, and playgrounds. We also stumbled upon a hidden tipi in a dense part of the park’s forest area.

Each day after an early dinner, we enjoyed music outdoors and indoors, including a free performance by an ear-bending orchestra of 100 electric guitarists. They performed in the center of Complexe Desjardins, the sprawling indoor shopping mall that adjoins the DoubleTree by Hilton, where we stayed for 10 days.

The mall houses a large food court with a good array of options. Its strong air conditioning was appealing for quick respites when the temperature outside hit the mid-80s, as it did several days in a row during our visit. On one especially hot and muggy day, we were taken aback when — in a matter of minutes — the broiling sun gave way to rain and then a brief but intense hailstorm.

Walking from one outdoor festival stage to another to hear free performances by such standout artists as blues guitar titan Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and soulful singer Macy Gray, we were impressed by the geniality of the multigenerational throngs of people. And we were reminded of San Diego Street Scene — when it was held on the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter in the 1980s and 1990s — with new musical discoveries awaiting around almost every corner.

San Diego Street Scene vibe

That expansive size helps explain why annual attendance at the Montreal festival is around 2 million, which comes out to 100,000 attendees a day. But with the event’s array of intimate indoor venues, it’s easy to avoid sprawling crowds altogether if you want. By opting for both — big and small, outdoors and in — we enjoyed the best of both worlds in a city where old and new repeatedly converge.

Montreal Jazz Festival

The 2024 edition of the festival opens June 27 and concludes July 6. More than two-thirds of the event’s 225-plus concerts are free. The full schedule and tickets are available at montrealjazzfest.com/en .

Transportation

Several airlines offer round-trip lights from San Diego to Montreal, but Air Canada is the only one with nonstop service. Depending on your departure time and day, economy fares begin at around $789 for a round-trip ticket.

We chose the DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal for proximity — it directly overlooks the festival’s two largest outdoor stages and has a sizable indoor pool. Rooms on the opposite side from the festival are quiet, but the ones facing the two stages provide a bird’s-eye view. So does the patio by the pool and the popular Bivouac Terrace restaurant and bar. The hotel’s generous breakfast buffet package, included with our room rate, was a nice bonus. The DoubleTree is located at 1255 Rue Jeanne-Mance. Rates for June and July visits during the festival start at $289 per night, (514) 285-1450; bit.ly/HiltonDoubletreeMontreal

Restaurants

Dining in Montreal is a foodie’s dream come true, from sidewalk bistros and bagel bakeries to high-end eateries. These are three of our personal favorites and each offers outdoor dining:

• The Restaurant Les Pyrénées and Gourmet Shop: Located on the picturesque Rue Saint-Paul, Montreal’s oldest street, this charming eatery specializes in French, Spanish, Basque and Catalonian dishes. The plancha-style calamari (cut in the shape of a flower) and the vegetarian paella were both delicately seasoned and beautifully arranged. 320 Rue Saint-Paul, Montreal, (514) 842-5566; bit.ly/RestaurantPyrenees
• Chez Dévi: Not far from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Bell Centre Arena, Chez Dévi offers delicious traditional and contemporary Indian food in a New Delhi-like atmosphere. The naan was hot and fresh; the aloo gobi and spicy makhani were perfection. 1450 Crescent St., Montreal, (514) 286-0303; devimontreal.com
• NYK’S Bistro Pub: Right in the Quartier des Spectacles, where the festival is located, this cozy but lively eatery serves European fare and its own creative dishes. The mushroom bruschetta appetizer was a great prelude to the mushroom pappardelle and the just-right fish and chips. 1250 Rue de Bleury; (514) 866-1787; nyks.ca

Wood is a freelance writer ; Varga is the music critic for The San Diego Union-Tribune.

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What to watch in May, from the new Dr Who starring Ncuti Gatwa to the Irish comedy mystery Bodkin

Stop right there! You don't have to watch Unfrosted  if you don't really want to.

There is more new to streaming this May beyond Jerry Seinfeld's latest attempt at humour.

Let me tell you about …

• Ncuti Gatwa as the new Dr Who
• The Irish dark comedy/mystery Bodkin
• This ultimate comfort-watch, Shelved
• Your new favourite trash AKA gold reality show, Super Rich in Korea
• Little Bird , one First Nations woman's journey to uncover the truth of her past
• Honourable mentions

Dr Who — Disney+

Approximately two years after we heard the gloriously Black, gay and Scottish Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa would be making history as the 15th incarnation of the Doctor, we finally have his first full series.

Now we've seen it, we can confirm the 31-year-old has created a version of the Doctor with a personality, sense of style and lexicon unlike any of the 14 to have come before him.

And not only is Gatwa's version of the doctor Black and gay, these facets of his identity have been written into the show as inseparable aspects of his character.

While Gatwa will surely have had a hand in ensuring his casting as the Doctor wasn't an exercise in tokenism, we likely have beloved showrunner Russell T Davies' return to the series to thank for this, too. We would expect nothing less from the screenwriting legend behind It's A Sin and the 2005 Dr Who revival.

Longtime fans of the show will find its format fairly predictable and there is a lot of info dumping to get through early on in the series but, once that's out of the way, this version of Dr Who feels younger and more fun than ever.

If you've never watched Dr Who or haven't seen it in a few years, but used to love it, Gatwa's first season makes for the perfect entry/re-entry point.

The TARDIS, sonic screwdriver and inimitable theme song are back, the production value feels a lot higher overall (not the CGI so much, but that's always been part of the fun, no?) and we've got a new sidekick in Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), the excitable Northerner with a disturbing ability to refrain from asking the amount of questions a normal human being who's just discovered interdimensional time travel surely would.

For fans of: Obviously any of the previous Dr Who Series, Torchwood.

Bodkin — Netflix

"People love true crime, they love small towns and they love Ireland."

So declares Gilbert, the extremely hug-friendly American who's just touched down in Ireland for the first time at the beginning of this seven-part series. He was speaking about the podcast he crossed the Atlantic to make in the quaint town of Bodkin, but the same reasoning applies to Bodkin the series.

The show follows the aforementioned American (played by Will Forte), a jaded Irish investigative journalist named Dove (Siobhán Cullen), her achingly eager English junior colleague Emmy (Robyn Cara), and Seán (Chris Walley), the local 20-something tasked with driving them around. Together, they're investigating the Samhain mystery that's gone unsolved in the town for decades, in which three unconnected people went missing.

Dove has a hard news story she'd much rather be working on, thinks true crime is a morally bankrupt genre of storytelling that isn't real journalism and is only there because of an ultimatum her editor gave her. Gilbert can't stop going on about how green everything is and wants to see small and quaint things. Emmy worships the ground he walks on. ("They're very upbeat. It's like they're in a cult," Dove laments early on.)

Their chemistry makes for very funny viewing until the unlikely trio start asking the people of Bodkin the right questions. Because, for some reason, they don't want their story told.

This quirky, genuinely very well-written, brilliantly cast and incredibly moreish show is just the right amount of dark and definitely worth a watch.

For fans of: Only Murders in the Building, Knives Out, The Watcher, Mare of Easttown.

Shelved — Binge

This delightful Toronto-based sitcom has finally landed in Australia after premiering in Canada last year to rave reviews and comparisons to the likes of Abbott Elementary and The Office.

It follows the incredibly underfunded, understaffed employees of the Jameson metro public library — led by Wendy (Lyndie Greenwood), the pushover, people-pleasing boss.

Bryce (Paul Braunstein), a high-key far-right white man whose favourite book is somehow Eat Pray Love is her bizarre choice for second in command. He is frequently put in his place by Jaq (Dakota Ray Hebert), the no-nonsense junior librarian who takes great pleasure in calling out his microaggressions. They are joined by Howard (Chris Sandiford), the new staffer who's been permanently transferred to Jameson against his will and thinks he's better than the place, earning him the nickname "Big Library".

Together, they struggle to improve the institution they each love with the little they have, while keeping its diverse, working class (and equally hilarious) patrons' needs in mind.

Shelved is the perfect show for pretty much every mood and social setting — a rare feat! Watch it with your partner, your family, your friends, watch it alone on a Friday night surrounded by takeaway. Just make sure you watch it.

For fans of: Schitt's Creek, Kim's Convenience, The Office, Parks and Recreation, Superstore, Abbott Elementary.

Super Rich in Korea — Netflix

The title for this one says it all. Super Rich in Korea is the latest reality show from Netflix to follow a veritable motley crew of very wealthy people who definitely knew each other before this series started filming…

There's a Singaporean tycoon, an Italian luxury brand heir, a Pakistani noble, a Korean luxury brand ambassador and an Iraqi super influencer. The most many of them appear to have in common with each other is that they are loaded and live in Seoul.

Tangential links didn't stop us from enjoying the likes of Bling Empire and it won't stop you from enjoying Super Rich in Korea, which is extremely bingeable, very fun and highly quotable trash.

The following lines are from the first episode alone:

• "I travel in a private jet to save time."
• "Pretty clothes make up 99 per cent of my life."
• "If there's only one chair, that can be for my bag."
• "I want to live life like a beautiful Barbie doll."

There may only be a handful of Koreans among this show's cast members, but Super Rich in Korea makes up for that with its hosts, whose cool-kids-plus-one-clueless-uncle dynamic is everything.

For fans of: Bling Empire, the Real Housewives Franchise, Single's Inferno.

Little Bird — Stan

Between the 1960s and 1980s in Canada, governments forcibly removed First Nations children from their families, as they did in Australia. This period is now known as the "Sixties Scoop", and Little Bird is inspired by real events that took place during that time.

It starts in the tranquil wheat-filled pastures of Long Pine Reserve, Saskatchewan, on a sunny summer's day in 1968. There, we meet our young protagonist Bezhig Little Bird (Darla Contois), leading a life of simple rural pleasures with her family — until her mother's worst fear is realised and Child Protection Services take Bezhig and two of her other daughters away from her.

In the years that follow, Bezhig is renamed Esther Rosenblum by her middle-class, white Jewish adopted family, who live in Montreal.

Our story really begins in 1985 at her law school graduation party, where Bezhig deftly navigates a near-constant stream of microaggressions from her adoptive parents' well-meaning friends, who have never really accepted her.

She has everything material she could possibly want in life — but nothing she needs. The realisation prompts her to uncover the truth about her past and seek out her family in Saskatchewan.

For fans of: Stolen, In My Blood It Runs, Reservation Dogs.

Honourable new-to-streaming mentions

• After the Party — ABC iview: A provocative drama that tells the story of a woman who loses everything after she accuses her husband of a sex crime against her teenage daughter's friend.
• The Idea of You — Prime Video: The highly-anticipated feature adaptation of Robinne Lee's hit novel starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine is finally here!
• The Big Cigar — Apple TV+: A sort-of-true story about the real-life Black Panther revolutionary Huey P. Newton and his fantastical escape to Cuba in the 70s in the face of murder charges.
• Shardlake  — Disney+: A four-part miniseries based on the series of historical mystery novels by C. J. Sansom, set in 16th century England during the reign of the Tudors.
• Bridgerton S3 part one — Netflix: Everyone's favourite steamy period drama is back, with Lady Whistledown herself leading the series ' third season.
• Hacks S3 — Stan: Bisexuals, rejoice! Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels are back for another season of intergenerational fun, ribbing and hijinks.
• X (formerly Twitter)

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How going to the gym and dj'ing shaped billie eilish's surprising third album.

TV shows 'based on a true story' have been drawing heat. The Big Cigar really tests the limits

Tame Impala's Kevin Parker sells catalogue, including songs for Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and more, to Sony

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USA TODAY 10Best

Cruise comfortably with the 10 best rental car companies in the US

Best Rental Car Company (2024) May 15, 2024

When it comes to hitting the road, whether for business or pleasure, the choice of rental car company can make all the difference. With a plethora of options available, each boasting unique benefits and services, how do you decide which to choose?

From the ease of booking to the quality of customer service, and the condition of the vehicle itself, every aspect counts. With that in mind, an expert panel selected their top picks for rental car companies, then readers voted for their favorites. These are the 10 best rental car companies in the United States.

No. 10: Thrifty

A popular option for budget travelers snagging a vehicle at the airport, Thrifty has amassed a wide range of sedans, SUVs, and trucks since their initial launch in 1958.

No. 9: ACE Rent A Car

Founded in 1966, the Indianapolis-based ACE Rent A Car began their operations with just 10 Volkswagens. Today, the company has expanded far beyond the Hoosier State, with several hundred outposts currently operating in close to 50 different countries.

No. 8: SIXT

German rental company SIXT made its debut in the state of Bavaria in 1912, ultimately amassing a diverse portfolio of vehicles and a presence across many major U.S. and European cities.

No. 7: Dollar

Dollar Car Rental made its California debut as Dollar Rent A Car in the 1960s. In the modern era, this budget-friendly rental service now operates all throughout the United States and multiple other countries, offering a wide variety of cost-conscious options to customers.

No. 6: Alamo Rent A Car

In business for half a century, Alamo Rent A Car now serves four different continents and the Caribbean, and it even holds the distinction of being the first rental car company to roll out an online booking and check-in system.

No. 5: National Car Rental

While National Car Rental is available to all forms of traveler, the company is particularly popular with frequent fliers due to the Emerald Club. The loyalty membership allows participants to quickly attain their vehicle without many of the typical steps that come with rental agreements.

No. 4: Budget

For any vacationers in need of a low-cost vehicle, the aptly-named Budget is armed with a large and diverse fleet of cars. Customers can find roughly 2,700 rental locations scattered across more than 120 countries.

No. 3: Avis

Stemming from humble origins with a three-car fleet in 1946, Avis ballooned into the second-largest vehicle rental company in the United States less than a decade later. Today, the enterprise has expanded far beyond North America with a presence in more than 150 different nations.

No. 2: Hertz

Operating for more than a century, Hertz has developed into one of the planet's largest car rental companies, equipped with hundreds of thousands of vehicles and multiple rental facilities located on all six inhabited continents. 

No. 1: Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Equipped with thousands of locations, Enterprise Rent-A-Car serves as the one of the largest vehicle rental companies in all of the United States. Though rentals are available to any form of customer, the company is popular with consumers in need of a replacement vehicle while theirs is in the shop.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison tibaldi.

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based...   Read More

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles.  She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education.  She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly. 

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50...   Read More

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival...   Read More

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival Guide  (being released May 25, 2021) and  the founder of 2TravelDads , the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. 2TravelDads blazes the way for other two-dad and two-mom families to travel to previously overlooked destinations or places we as gay people would normally avoid. We share the struggles we've faced and the surprising gems and welcomes we've had along the way. Traveling as a family is one thing, traveling as an LGBT family is completely something else.

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

Best Bus Service

Most Walkable City to Visit

Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand

Best Buffet Restaurant

Best Free Attraction

Browse the best.

Best Vintage Trailer Hotel (2024)

Best Gas Station Brand (2024)

Best Gas Station for Food (2024)

Best Roadside Attraction (2024)

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Montréal for

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family or with friends, Montréal has tons of things to do that will delight, inspire and amaze you. Discover local culture, get out and play with the kids or find a little romance in the historic atmosphere of Old Montréal. Gay and lesbian travellers love the warm welcome and the eclectic variety of queer-friendly activities in and outside of the Village. Come find your Montréal!

Me, myself and Montréal

Love is in the air

Montréal is for families!

LGBTQ+ travel in Montréal

Cruise passengers

An unforgettable port of call

Blended travel

For well-being and work-life balance