Seven Gay Wonders of the World 2018: Vancouver

EDGE returns with our fourth annual "Seven Gay Wonders of the World" - our yearly where-to-go-next guide for all those with serious wanderlust. For 2018, we've ditched calorie-counting and workouts for pure indulgence.

Vancouver, British Columbia , home to Western Canada's largest queer population, is a feast for both foodies and fitness buffs.

Beyond the buzzing gay nightlife of Davie Village and Commercial Drive, this green glass metropolis boasts endless daytime opportunities to work up an appetite between fabulous meals: bike some of the world's great urban cycling trails; hike your way up the Grouse Grind aka "Nature's Stairmaster"; and get naked for swimming and sun salutations on the large gay section of Wreck Beach.

After burning those calories, you've earned your indulgences: Vancouver is home to some of the continent's best Asian and Indian cuisine; one-of-a-kind marketplaces; and fresh Pacific coast seafood.

Bienvenue

The Loden Hotel, centrally located in the Coal Harbor neighborhood is a contemporary boutique property, floor-to-ceiling harbor view windows in its 77 guest rooms. It's close to famous Stanley Park-perfect for exploring on the hotel's free loaner bikes.

While many of Vancouver's most intriguing restaurants draw on Asian influences, its hearty full-on French-Canadian at the Loden's bistro, Tableau: steak tartare, trout grenobloise, and happy hour poutine.

Ferry Fare

Take a quick ferry ride for sparkling city views en route to the Granville Island Public Market, a dockside cornucopia of farm stands and prepared-food vendors.

Early summer is prime time for prized strawberries from nearby Fraser Valley, while cooler days demand a stop at the Stock Market for crazy-creative soups like Chai Chicken and Wild Salmon with Artichoke.

Craft Carb-Loading

Canada's beer scene is booming, but due to some of the world's most byzantine government regulations, most small breweries are not allowed to sell their concoctions in other provinces, let alone export them to the U.S.

So, when you're not running around town, take the rare opportunity to sample the local draughts on the Vancouver Food Tour "Craft Beer 'n Bites" itinerary through the historic cobblestoned Gastown district.

Invigorated Indian

Hailed for its sleekly plated contemporary take on Indian cuisines, Vij's Restaurant relocated to swankier digs in 2016.

The new lounge ceiling is "tiled" with orange and blue teacups, the dining room glows with lanterns, and there's full service on a heated rooftop patio. Try the mango dressed duck breast, spicy cornmeal flatbread, and cocktails by award-winning mixologist Jay Jones.

Catch of the Day

While there are plenty of ambitious trend-conscious seafood emporia in Vancouver, Rodney's Oyster House is a go-to for fresh, relatively unadorned local fish and shellfish in a lively no-frills setting.

Don't miss the bar food brilliance of Haida Gwaii Candy: salmon cured in maple syrup and peppercorns, served with red pepper jelly.

Nocturnal Noshing

You'll feel like you've left North America in Richmond, one of the world's largest Asian expat communities (20 minutes by Skytrain public transit).

From early May through late September, the Richmond Night Market sizzles under twinkling lights, a carnival of snacks: Haystack-size mounds of octopus, barbecued to order; Malaysian roti bread is wrapped around gooey mac and cheese; and half a dozen cuts of meat are skewered and grilled to perfection.

LGBTQ Intel

Slather your gourmet getaway with some gay special sauce during these annual LGBTQ events:

Queer Arts Festival - One of the Top 5 multidisciplinary LGBTQ festivals worldwide, featuring performances, gallery shows, panels, readings and workshops each summer.

Vancouver Pride - Busy in June? Sweet! Because the Vancouver Pride celebration and parade is always the first weekend in August.

Find the most up-to-date listings of local LGBTQ events, bars and community happenings all year round at GayVan.com