Ontario's reopening plan is underway, which means there are many new opportunities to celebrate Pride Month in Toronto this year. While it certainly won't be the normal celebration the city's used to, there are still tons of ways to enjoy the annual event safely and support local businesses while you're at it.
From scoring unique treasures made by local LGBTQ2+ vendors to slurping on boozy rainbow freezies, here are seven ways to make the most of Pride Month in the 6ix.
Indulge in rainbow-themed treats
Price: Showstopper Pride Bouquet $22.12, Unicorn Sundae $14.15, Unicorn Milkshake and Unicorn Sammie $8.84, plus taxes
When: June 2021
Address: Summer's Ice Cream, 101 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can get a colourful bouquet of 11 ice cream flavours which you can choose yourself. One dollar from each purchase of the Pride menu items goes directly to The 519, an LGBTQ2+ community centre in the Church-Wellesley village.
Shop for goodies made by local LGBTQ2+ artists and vendors
When: June 10 and June 17, 3-7 p.m.
Address: Stackt Markt, 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can get your hands on the official Pride Toronto 2021 merch, and browse products made by members of the LGBTQ2+ community. You can also score a free Pride goodie bag with your purchase, and there are different vendors featured each day.
See the giant new mural in Yorkville
When: Starting June 14
Address: Bellair St. in Yorkville
Why You Need To Go: "Generally Speaking" is Toronto's breathtaking new mural created by two Black queer artists, Nina Chanel Abney, and Ashley Mckenzie-Barnes, who curated the artwork. "The mural invites visitors to reflect on how we can challenge the status quo and heal together, communally, and with love," according to an Instagram post about the project.
Hit up patios in The Village
When: Starting June 11
Address: Church-Wellesley Village
Why You Need To Go: While 2021 isn't the best example of how The Village turns up for Pride, there are plenty of patios to hang out at safely and soak up the good vibes. Black Eagle, Church St. Garage, Crews and Tangos, The Firkin's Churchmouse Pub, and O'Grady's on Church, are a few of the iconic spots that have opened for outdoor dining.
Jam and snap pics for the 'gram
Courtesy from Clockwork Terrace
When: June 18, 19, 26 and 27
Address: Clockwork Terrace, Fairmont Royal York, 45 York St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Live your fairytale fantasy when you hit up the Clockwork Terrace for brunch with its colourful floral wall and tasty cocktails. The terrace will be decked out in Pride colours and will have live DJs on two separate weekends this month.
Cool off with boozy rainbow freezies
Courtesy of the Storm Crow Manor
When: June 11-30
Address: Storm Crow Manor, 580 Church St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: These rainbow freezies aren't just refreshing. They taste like "the fundamental delight of knowing that your love is celebrated by a whole community (and a variety of delicious fruit flavours)", said Storm Crow to Narcity. They're also serving rainbow cheesecake! A portion of the sale for these items will be donated to a local nonprofit that works with the LGBTQ2+ community in Toronto.
Go on a self-guided "Gaybourhood" music tour
When: June 24
Why You Need To Go: See Toronto like you never have before by exploring the iconic LGBTQ2+ music venues and landmarks of the city's past and present. You can use the ON-FOOT mobile app to listen to a podcast that will narrate fascinating moments in history while you wander.
Take a colourful water taxi to the Toronto Islands
When: Every weekend in June, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Toronto Harbour, 145 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: These colourful Bud Light Pride water taxis will have DJs, merch and cool surprises. They are also working on having extra security to provide safe rides to and from Hanlan's Point.
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