Vancouver Pride 2008: Sunday's post-parade festivities

Vancouver Pride 2008 comes to a close today, but not without a bang. The parade is less than an hour away from starting, and I can see throngs of people headed up to Davie Street and the West End from my hotel window.

Immediately following the parade is the Pride Festival at Sunset Beach. The event is free of charge with local entertainers performing on different stages. Of course, the gay bars will be busy - so expect to see huge lines of partiers headed back up to Davie Street after the parade (or even before it finishes).

The Cruisy T Go-Go Cruise sets sail at Harbour Cruises at 4pm, cost is $55. I believe my friends and I are going on this particular cruise - come join us, should be a blast!

Women have the traditional Hershe Bar bash at Fabric (66 Water Street), though it won't start until 9pm with a $20 admission. And of course, the Global Pride dance party at Telus World of Science is the big daddy of them all, with a scheduled set by DJ Abel and an appearance by porn star Zeb Atlas. That party will start at 9pm and hop until 3am tomorrow morning.

I have a fantastic restaurant to have breakfast at tomorrow morning before you head back to Seattle or elsewhere. It's called Beyond (at Century Plaza). And, it's really affordable ($8 for French toast with fresh raspberries and blueberries. I'll blog about that later today or this evening. Beyond is located on Burrard Street, across from the Sheraton Wall Centre. You'll need a good breakfast tomorrow to soak up today's cocktails and all day festivities, for sure.

Now, it's time to corral my friends to our hotel lobby and begin our walk to the Vancouver Pride 2008 parade. Can't wait!

Vancouver Pride 2008: Sunny start for parade day, see it at The Calling

I haven't stepped outside yet, so I'm not sure how warm it is. But, the sun is definitely out and looks to stay out most of the day. I'd definitely wrap a long sleeve shirt around your waist in case the weather takes a slight turn.

Outside our hotel, cars are honking and floats are making their way to Robson and Thurlow, where the Vancouver Pride 2008 parade will begin at noon. My friends and I will be watching it from The Boathouse, which is at the end of the parade route - so we're not leaving our hotel until 11:30.

I ate at a pub recently here in Vancouver named The Calling, previously the Denman Free House on Davie and Burrard. It isn't a gay hangout, per se, but it does attract a mixed crowd of locals and some tourists, as it features an impeccable view at the mouth of the English Bay.

Surprisingly inexpensive, The Calling serves up delicious pub food in a comfortable setting and lookout points to the water and passersby. I ordered a bacon and gorgonzola burger with soup for just $10, and it was a big juicy burger. My lunch companion had the BLT with fries for only $9. I was completely blown away by the quality of food and affordable prices, because restaurants that can attract tourists with these kinds of views are capable of charging much more - you sometimes find cafes that charge $7 for a lame sandwich.

The Calling's menu includes standard pub items, such as fish n' chips, burgers, salads, sandwiches, chicken wings, nachos, and a variety of domestic and import beers, and wines. Today for Pride, they're charging $20 for admission into the pub (only because so many people want to be in there for the view). For more on The Calling, visit http://www.denmanfreehouse.ca/.

This has turned out to be a perfect day for the 30th annual Vancouver Pride parade. It's just over an hour from starting!

Vancouver Pride 2008: The skies have cleared, perfect for fireworks

It's Saturday evening, and my friends and I have just walked from the Davie Street Village to our hotel, and the great news is that the skies have finally cleared and it is sunny in Vancouver. As evening turns into night, the temperature is dropping - so bring that lightweight sweater out tonight.

With Vancouver Pride 2008 festivities all around, it's easy to forget that the Celebration of Lights is also taking place this weekend on English Bay. Three to four countries compete each year, and tonight is the finale and when everyone finds out which country wins the dazzling fireworks competition. Thousands and thousands of people are expected on Beach Street and near English Bay to watch the fireworks, beginning at 10pm.

Vancouver Pride 2008: Gloomy weather not breaking Pride spirit

It's another overcast day in Vancouver, about 24 hours before the big Pride parade. And even though the past few days have been gray and bleak, it hasn't dampened the spirits of this weekend's festivities.

There's a lot to do here in Vancouver, from renting a bike and exploring Stanley Park to a sea safari along the outskirts of the city to binging on great food. Late this afternoon, I'll blog on two places to eat at this weekend: The Calling and Beyond (at Century Plaza). Both dining spots surprised me in how affordable they are, so if you want to save money and still get a mouthwatering bang for your buck, check back later today for mini reviews on these two eateries.

If you're headed into Vancouver today, bring a warm sweater or light water-resistant jacket. The weather could change tomorrow, but be prepared in case it doesn't. Don't forget socks and a pair of jeans.

Today at noon is the Dyke March, taking place at McSpadden Park (Victoria Drive & 4th), that runs until 4pm. Tonight's big party is POWER featuring hot DJ Brett Henrichsen at the Biltmore Cabaret, cost is $25-$35. This will be a whopper of a dance party, and I'm anticipating one of my roommates will drive up to Vancouver this evening just for this one party. And, he'll probably stay for the Global Pride party at the Telus World of Science with a performance by DJ Abel and an appearance by porn star Zeb Atlas. Cost is $55-$95, and it will be b-u-s-y!

Besides the big parties, Davie Street is bustling with packed-to-capacity bars and sexy passersby. You won't have a problem meeting new friends if you come alone (wink).

Travel safe to Vancouver Pride 2008, and for any specific details on all Pride festivities visit http://www.vancouverpride.ca/.

Vancouver Pride 2008: Davie Street party, full bars, cool weather

The Davie Street Party, also billed as Koodos Big Night Out, is in full swing until 12am, along Davie Street between Burrard and Bute. Admission is free, but if you want to leave and re-enter the event it will cost you $5 for a re-entry bracelet.

All the bars are starting to fill, including Pumpjack, Score, The Majestic, and Fountainhead Pub. Dance clubs like Celebrities and Odyssey will get going around 11pm or midnight. I'm on the guest list for the Celebrities bash tonight featuring Kristine W, however I'm leaving my options open as there are lots of things to do and see here this w'end.

The weather is a bit chilly right now, an oddity for the first weekend of August. I'm told that it may clear up on Sunday for the Pride Parade, but pack a sweater or a coat just in case it doesn't. The parade starts at noon, on the corner of Robson and Thurlow.

A great place to watch the parade is at a pub club named The Calling, right on the corner of Davie and Denman. For $20, you get a prime spot inside a cool pub and not have to stand out on the street. I'll blog more on The Calling tomorrow.

If you're headed to Vancouver tomorrow, travel safely. My list of suggested hotels are Opus, Metropolitan, Pacific Palisades, Moda, Blue Horizon, Sandman Suites, Marriott Pinnacle, Sheraton Wall Centre, and Westin Grand.

Restaurants you gotta try are Cactus Club Cafe (Burrard and Dunmuir location), The Italian Kitchen, The Elbow Room (gay-owned), The Calling, Beyond at Century Plaza, Davie Village Cafe (gay-owned, part of the Davie Village Central), Ho-Ho's, and Raincity Grill. If on a tight budget, there are plenty of fast food choices available, including many great felafel and donnair counters, burger stands, crepe shops, and cafes.

Lastly, I'm staying at the Metropolitan Hotel in downtown Vancouver. As my friend (a fellow journalist from Austin) and I returned from dinner we saw a gay couple checking in at the front counter, and I noticed a very hot gay couple in the 3rd level pool earlier. This hotel has a lap pool, Jacuzzi-hot tub, squash court, fitness room, business center, complimentary morning newspaper, in-room tea and coffee service, and evening turn-down service. The best thing about the Metropolitan Hotel is that the main floor restaurant-lounge is called Diva. Plus, if available you can to be driven to your dinner or entertainment appointment in the hotel's own navy blue Jaguar. It's a wonderful hotel, and close to everything.

More on Vancouver Pride 2008 on the way.

Vancouver Pride 2008: Opus Hotel, a cool place to stay in Vancouver

Should you at the last minute decide to attend Vancouver Pride 2008 and need accommodations, and are looking for a place catered for a hipster, I strongly recommend Opus Hotel (http://www.opushotel.com/) in the Yaletown district.

It isn't uncommon that you'll bump into A-list celebs here, in fact years ago I met Sandra Bernhard at the reception desk as she was awaiting a taxi. The long list of artists and actors that have chosen Opus Hotel to stay at in Vancouver includes Jennifer Garner, R.E.M. Christina Aguilera, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Cher, and J-Lo.

Not only is it a fashion-forward boutique property, but it's also tucked away on the east end of Davie Street. You'll still find weekend cocktailers and savvy diners walking around the area, but it's nothing like the expected huge crowds on Granville or Davie Village the next three days.

Opus Hotel is one of the very few hotels that created its clientele scheme based on characters that represent part of our very own society, including a trendy and quite social gay boy who visits the city of Vancouver regularly and is always in the mood for fun. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, Opus Hotel is not just gay-friendly it's gay-considerate. It knows gay men enjoy an upscale, hip experience when they travel for business or pleasure, and they provide it for them when they're here in Vancouver.

Complimentary business center with two computer stations (even for late night work assignments or Craigslist scroll-throughs), a fitness room, L'Occitaine bath products, colorful rooms, cordial staff, in-room coffee service, and a restarant-lounge called Elixir with good cocktails makes Opus Hotel a hit with locals and out of towners. My favorite part of the Opus Hotel experience is being greeted to and attended to by name, not by the number outside my door.

Call 1-866-642-6787 to inquire about a Pride special this weekend, specifically for Vancouver Pride 2008-bound travelers.

Vancouver Pride 2008: Pride officially kicking off at noon, prepare for rain and border crossings

Vancouver Pride 2008 is less than 15 minutes from officially kicking off with a planned launch at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby Street).

Members of the Vancouver City Council and Vancouver Pride Society President John Boychuk are scheduled to give brief speeches to mark the beginning of this year's festivities. Gilbert Baker and Sahran Abeysundara, two of the parade grand marshalls, are also expected to appear at the Pride launch.

If you are headed to Vancouver this afternoon or evening, bring warm clothes and a rain jacket because it's been off and on rain since yesterday and the weather is a tad chilly.

Here are some tips for getting you across the border with less hassles:

* Have passport in-hand as you approach the customs agent.

* Be honest in your reason for visiting Canada. I told the agent that I was visiting for "Gay Pride", and he asked "oh, is that this weekend?" then immediately let me through.

* Know the hotel and/or area where you'll be staying at because you may be asked.

* The more you bring in, the more it gives Customs agents to consider going through. So pack light and leave unnecessary items at home.

* Be courteous to Customs agents, even if they're not, because at any time they can pull you aside for further questioning.

* Two people on my shuttle yesterday were not admitted through because of expired documents, so please make sure your documents are up to date.

In other Pride-related news, there are so many parties happening this w'end but one of THE hottest is at Club 816 (aka The World) located at 816 Granville. New York DJ Billy Carroll is set to spin, beginning at 2am tomorrow (technically Sunday morning). The first 100 people through the door get in for free!

More from Vancouver Pride 2008 coming soon,