HOW TO GET TO WORLDPRIDE 2014
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, will be the first destination to host a WorldPride event in North America. Organisers estimate that up to two million people will make the trek to this oncein-a-lifetime celebration. Hoteliers in the city confirmed they began receiving bookings for the event way back in August last year. If you’re thinking of going to WorldPride 2014, book your trip well in advance. Here’s some info to help… Where Toronto When June 20-29, 2014 Website www.WP14TO.com Official hashtag #WP14TO WorldPride 2014 theme Rise Up! Win a trip to WorldPride Sign up to the WP14 newsletter for your chance to win a trip for two to WorldPride 2014. Where to stay Book a hotel within walking distance of Church St to be close to the action. For stunning views of Lake Ontario and easy access to the Toronto Islands, check out The Westin Harbour Castle and hotels near Harbour Square Park. If the hip alterna-queer scene is more your thing, stay at boutique Drake Hotel in Toronto’s Queer West district. Beat the queues Most of the city’s bars and clubs will have hideous entry queues during WorldPride. To avoid the wait, do what the locals do: arrive at the venue as soon as the doors open, pay the cover charge and get your ticket or stamp. Then, go and hang out elsewhere for dinner or pre-drinks until the party gets busy. When you return you’ll usually be able to jump the queue and walk straight in. Better still, buy your tickets online. Most parties allow express entry for pre-paid ticket holders. Best parade viewing points Make friends with a local who has a rooftop overlooking the parade route and you’re set. Otherwise, arrive at least 2-3 hours before the main parade kicks off to score front row views. Side trips Don’t skip Niagra Falls – an easy three-hour drive from Toronto. Head east to experience Ottawa, the nation’s capital, and Montreal’s famed queer nightlife. Go west and get some fresh air in the Canadian Rockies before flying home via Vancouver. How to book For advice and packages from local travel professionals, use Toronto’s gayfriendly travel agency Rainbow dotTravel www. rainbow.travel. Out Travel in Sydney can also help to arrange travel packages to WorldPride 2014 www.out-travel.com.au. Extend your trip Canada Day is on July 1 and America’s Independence Day is July 4. Stick around after WorldPride and enjoy the national celebrations.