Queen's Park Toronto

Queen’s Park has been a well-known gay cruising area in Toronto since the 1950s. Located in the heart of the city near the University of Toronto, it became a gathering spot for students, bar-goers, and locals looking for discreet encounters. In its early days, the Victorian bandstand and nearby washrooms were central meeting points, with the surrounding bushes providing cover.

Despite repeated city efforts to discourage activity — from demolishing the bandstand in the 1960s to clearing vegetation and adding harsh lighting — the park’s cruising culture has endured. It was even listed in the 1977 Bob Damron’s Address Book, the guide to gay hotspots across North America.

Today, Queen’s Park remains a recognised part of Toronto’s cruising landscape. Although visibility and policing have changed the dynamic, the park’s central location, wooded areas, and history keep it alive as a cruising space, much like Hanlan’s Point or Allan Gardens.

Still sees late-night activity (peaks around 1 am, especially Pride week). Darker central spots attract students and older men alike. Risk of pickpockets, so regulars advise leaving valuables at home.