Happy Pride Month! This is a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ people (that is, people who are Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex, asexual or who use other terms related to sexual or gender diversity). According to some recent stats, an estimated 1 million people in Canada identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, which represents 4% of the Canadian population.
The unfortunate reality is that 2SLGBTQIA+ folks still face barriers and danger that may not be immediately obvious to people outside of these communities. That’s where the Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program comes into play.
Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly businesses and organizations. When patrons see a Rainbow Registered symbol in a window, they know immediately that the business or organization has implemented a stringent set of standards to ensure that their 2SLGBTQIA+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted. When you choose Rainbow Registered establishments, you're not just enjoying a meal or a drink; you're embracing and supporting a community that is committed to fostering respect for all individuals.
Today, we’re sharing a few foodie-focused Rainbow Registered businesses that are creating safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ gourmands across the country!
Alberta
Andromeda Coffee & SnowDome Coffee Bar
607 Patricia Street, Jasper, AB
Expect to find excellent coffee and delicious pastries at this duo of stylish coffee shops in Jasper, Alberta! Whether you’re resting, studying, or planning your next adventure, stop by and soak up the uniquely Jasper vibes.
Banded Peak Brewing
519 34 Avenue Southeast, Unit 119 Calgary, AB
Banded Peak opened in 2016 with a passion for making beer taste as good as it does on a mountain top. Their taproom is located in the heart of Calgary’s Barley Belt and offers an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy their beers. Gluten-free and non-alcoholic drink options are available, as well as snacks and light meals.
British Columbia
Roar Tofino
1258 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC
Tucked inside of Hotel Zed, Roar Tofino is a restaurant rooted in rebellion! Their team cooks with live fire, and their menus are inspired by the local people, makers and ingredients of Tofino. Expect a high-quality, unforgettable and enthusiastically welcoming experience (and a delicious meal to boot!).
40 Knots Winery
2400 Anderton Rd, Comox, BC
The 40 Knots vineyard is situated on glacier till soil adjacent to the Salish Sea, which adds a unique coastal twist to their wines. The team is committed to providing a safer, friendly and memorable experience for every guest. They’ve made it their mission to create a community brought together by a shared passion for fun and culture, and of course – wine!
Manitoba
Falcon Trails Resort
100 Ridge Rd, Falcon Beach, MB
Falcon Trails is a family-owned resort hidden in the woods of Treaty 3, in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba. Experience complete woodland serenity in the cabins, then head to the lodge to rent Nordic equipment and grab a specialty coffee, local beer, wine, and baked goods from the Owl Wing Coffee House. The team is committed to creating a safer, welcoming and enjoyable space for guests and staff. The cabins are solar-powered, but don’t forget your flashlight!
New Brunswick
Monarch Night Club And Community Centre
474 Queen Street, Fredericton, NB
The Monarch in downtown Fredericton is a community centre during the day before becoming a nightclub in the evening. They aim to give the city’s 2SLGBTQIA+ residents of all ages a safe space to “finally feel valid” in their identity. Stop in for a coffee or mocktail during the day and participate in their family-friendly programming, or lace up your dancing shoes and get ready for a fun night out.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Twillingate Artisan Market and Cafe
96-98 Main Street, Twillingate, NL
At the Twillingate Artisan Market, you can shop for products made by 100+ Newfoundland & Labrador and 3 Atlantic Canada artisans under one roof! The attached café is open daily and serves coffee, tea, and scratch-baked pastries. Looking to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Maritimes? The attached boutique inn even offers a traditional kitchen party package during the summer months.
Nova Scotia
Easy Street Diner
3625 Dutch Village Road, Halifax, NS
The Easy Street Diner is an inclusive and respectful space with 2SLGBTQIA+ owner/operators and a small staff. Many of their items are made in-house, such as the Kimchi (to ensure that it’s vegan), the bacon and pastrami (to ensure that there are no fillers or additives), and even the onion rings (so they can keep the fryer gluten-free!). This attention to detail means delicious meals in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Grand Pré Wines
11611 Highway 1, Grand Pré, NS
Domaine de Grand Pré is a charming family-owned winery in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. They offer winery tours, farm-to-table dining at Le Caveau restaurant, and a cozy stay at the historic winery Inn. As the oldest farm winery site in Atlantic Canada, they’ve been welcoming guests through their doors for years and have created a welcoming and relaxed environment that is open to all.
Ontario
Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar
1705 County Rd 12, Prince Edward County, ON
Sand and Pearl is a seasonal oyster bar and seafood joint in the heart of Prince Edward County. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the laid-back county vibe on their two large patios, cozy indoor dining room and backyard campfire. On the menu, you'll find lavish seafood towers and champagne alongside cheeseburgers, fish n’ chips and cold beers. Need we say more?
Meeting Place Organic Farm
86016 Creek Line, Lucknow, ON
Meeting Place Organic Farm is a 100 acre family farm in picturesque Huron County. They farm the land organically with a team of Suffolk Punch draft horses. Their farm shop stocks certified organic pastured pigs, certified organic 100% grass fed cattle and organically-raised poultry alongside organic eggs, organic apples from their farm and organic lamb, goat, duck, maple syrup and honey from local producers. Their products are available for delivery throughout Ontario.
Prince Edward Island
Anne of Green Gables Chocolates
15 Milky Way, Unit 10, Charlottetown, PEI
Anne of Green Gables Chocolates opened its doors in 1999 as a traditional chocolate shop specializing in handmade chocolates crafted using time-tested Prince Edward Island recipes from the early 20th century, when the book was first published. Visit one of their six locations across PEI to try their delicious treats!
Québec
Club Med Charlevoix
1, rue de la Montagne-Secrète, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, QC
For skiers headed to Québec for a weekend getaway on the slopes, Club Med Charlevoix is an all-inclusive, cost-effective spot to dine and relax! As Club Med's first North American Mountain Resort, the resort offers a wide array of food and drink options, including two restaurants and three bars with different specializations. Club Med prioritizes the guest experience, and they aim to make each visitor feel safe, welcome and accepted regardless of their identity.
Saskatchewan
Discover Saskatoon
Why focus on one Saskatchewan business when we can highlight an entire city? Discover Saskatoon is a membership-based, non-profit tourism bureau that has received Rainbow Registered status thanks to their commitment to diverse and inclusive practices. Saskatoon's 2SLGBTQIA+ community has deep roots, including the first national gay conference in 1977, and the city is ready to welcome visitors with open arms and open hearts.
Yukon
Terre Boréale
Whitehorse, YT
Terre Boréale is a tourism company based in Whitehorse, Yukon, specializing in offering high-quality wilderness backpacking and canoeing tours. This certified B Corp is committed to operating as a force for good, prioritizing sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Their team takes great pride in creating a culinary journey using open-flame cooking and fresh ingredients while following a Leave No Trace philosophy to help preserve the pristine wilderness.
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Click here to browse the full directory of Rainbow Registered businesses, and check out the Canada Culinary website for more travel inspiration!
Header photo: Sophie Emeny via Unsplash
