Get me out of Toronto

The other day I overheard a fellow gay exclaim with some exasperation, “Toronto’s gone mad, get me out of here!” Can you blame him? With the G20, Pride and countless other community events all happening around the same time plus the constant threat of pocket blackouts, the skin searing heat, earthquakes and the endless construction along Bloor St W, I’d say I’ve had enough too.

It’s time for an excursion. Montreal is Canada’s version of Paris. There’s shopping at Simons and Les Cours Mont-Royal, art galleries and sightseeing that could keep you occupied for days. But the real reason half of Toronto’s gay village makes a mass exodus during the August long weekend is for Divers/Cite. This week-long cornucopia of gay and lesbian arts and culture runs from Monday, July 26 to Sunday, August 1 and sees an influx of hot men from all over the world. This year artists like the Freemasons, Peter Rauhofer, Joey Arias, Lady Bunny and more are set to play for standing room only crowds, making it a must-attend event.

Here are some escape tips that’ll help when you leave the city for a quick dose of something new.

Gear to go:
	The dump truck bag This bag from Montreal’s Matt and Nat is a sexy weekend ready sack made of their signature vegan leather. There’s enough room for clothes, a pair of shoes, toiletries and whatever sexy accessories you need. $285. Available: mattandnat.com
	The foldable water carrier Lineups at the convenience stores on Ste-Catherine can be fierce. Fill up a foldable Anti-Bottle from Vapur with water and thrill about the fact that it can be rolled up and is completely reusable. $13. Available: Rolo Store, 24 Bellair St
What to see:
	Cajjmere Wray is one of Toronto’s best DJs and he will surely excite all the French boys. Saturday, July 31, Complexe Sky, 1474 Ste-Catherine E from 10 pm- 3am. Admission: $5. Hex Hector and Nicola Torriero are a New York duo who plan make you sweat. Saturday, July 31, Emilie-Gamelin Park at 1pm. Admission: $2. Frankie Knuckles is the godfather of house and someone not to miss. Saturday, July 31, Emilie-Gamelin Park at 7pm. Admission: $2. Sister Sledge promises the gays a funky retro good time. Sunday, August 1, Le Grand Bal in Emilie-Gamelin Park at 10pm. Admission: $2.
The military maneuvers look: Skipping the dog tags, a military look is the hottest and easiest to interpret on the go for those who have to make a last-minute getaway.
	The comfy black shoe Your mission is to live with only one pair of shoes for three days. H&M’s patent leather faux high-tops are fun, cool enough to shop in and still great for dancing at Stereo. $20. Available: H&M stores
	The white T-shirt Clothing Brand Experiment’s Elly Green brings her locally produced mantra to T-shirts. This simple duo-fit T-shirt will look great on and off your body. $28. Available: clothhingbrandexperiment.com
	Hot shorts Travelling can be gruelling and looking like you’ve been run over by a tank is never sexy. Stand at attention in these olive green shorts from JC Rags and get noticed. $125. Available: stylexchange.com
Places to stay: The Opus has a gym and a daily breakfast is included. 10 Sherbrooke W. Info: opushotel.com. Hilton Montreal Bonaventure is one of the few hotels in Montreal with both a gym and a pool. 900 de la Gaucheitiere W. Info: hilton.com W Hotel is famous for its fabulous Away Spa. 901 Square Victoria. Info: whotels.com.

Max MacDonald
style@fabmagazine.com

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