Bonjour Montreal! This beautiful metropolis in "la belle province" is said by many to be one of the most lesbian-friendly cities in North America, for both tourists and locals alike. Canada is already the world's most forward-thinking country in regards to LGBT rights, and Quebec is Canada's most liberal province, so as you can imagine, sexual orientation really is a non-issue here. It's not uncommon to see lesbian couples walking hand-in-hand pretty much anywhere in the city and Montreal ladies have style you rarely find elsewhere. and of course that French accent is totally charming!

A salsa dancer kicks off the night at Sala Rosa, where once a month girls gather for a hot party called Meow Mix. The tables quickly clear on Meow Mix for not-so-demure dancing.

Montreal is officially a French city, but there's a large English population as well, and many locals are comfortable in both languages (but remember to say "bonjour" and "merci" whenever possible.) The local gay village is huge compared to most other cities (spanning along Ste-Catherine St. from St-Hubert to Papineau streets... about a dozen blocks), but it's primarily a gay boy destination except for nighttime clubbing.

When you're looking for the ladies in the daylight, there are two main neighborhoods to visit: the Mile End and the Plateau. Mile End (which is found between St. Laurent Blvd. and Parc Ave. going east to west, and Bernard to Mont-Royal north to south) is home to Montreal's faux-hawked, mainly English, hipster lesbians. In the Plateau (from Parc Lafontaine to St. Laurent Blvd., east to west and Mont-Royal to Roy streets, north to south), it's much more of the Francophone, professional lesbian set.

Left: Colorful autumn trees line the Bonsecours Bassin in the old port of Montreal. Right: Le Drugstore, a four floor lesbian playground.

Le Drugstore (review | map) is Montreal's full-time lesbian club, though the word "club" really sells it short. It's a huge, multi-level complex made up of bars, boutiques, a restaurant and a great view of the gay village's main strip. The Friday after-work happy hour is especially popular with the ladies as is the rooftop patio in the summertime. Another weekend option is Le Cocktail (review | map), which hosts a women's happy hour on Fridays and dancing on Saturdays.

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Mile End is home to Montreal's faux-hawked, mainly English, hipster lesbians. The Plateau is more the Francophone, professional lesbian set.

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One of your best bets for going out is the monthly Meow Mix at Sala Rosa (review and video | map). These long-running (more than 10 years!) parties for bent girls and their buddies are where all of the cool girls converge. The evening always starts at 10:00 p.m. with some kind of performance, followed by lots of dancing.

If you'd like something a little more warm and comforting, try the lesbian-owned La Paryse (review | map). A charming 50s-style diner, La Paryse serves up the best burgers and fries in Montreal, with tons of veggie options. Another local favorite is Cafe Santropol, offering huge sandwiches made with the most unlikely, yet delicious concoctions, such as the sweet root sandwich with a mix of grated carrots, raisins, cilantro, nuts and mayo topped with fresh apple slices. In warmer weather, insist on a table in the gorgeous back garden. Nearby is Le Cagibi, a vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafe with a legion of lesbian followers.

Revolution Montreal, where the "bikurious" congregate. Photo by Meera Margaret Singh.

At the lesbian-owned and operated Revolution Montreal you can buy a refurbished bike or have your bike repaired. While you're there, you can also get a "lesbian haircut" for $15. But that's not all! The owner also makes floggers out of bicycle inner tubes and hosts sex toy workshops.

At the end of the night when you're tired and looking for a place to lay your head, check out Lindsey's B&B for Women. Situated in the lovely Plateau district, this lesbian-owned, women-only bed and breakfast is close to all the action. Bon voyage!