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In with the out crowd

By Matthew Hays

From the bunny hill to the cinema to the all-night party, Canada's roster of GLBT events will put a touch of pink in any cheek. Here are four reasons to get out.

Anybody's game

Let the training regimen begin! In 2006, Montreal will host the inaugural World Outgames, an inclusive gathering established so that athletes and cultural performers from all walks of life could compete in a friendly environment. The games will run July 29–Aug. 5, 2006, and will feature sporting events (including tennis, swimming, volleyball and soccer) and four official cultural activities (including dancing and choral events). Tickets for the opening ceremony featuring k.d. lang and the Cirque du Soleil are on sale now! 514-252-5858, www.montreal2006.org

Inside out: The Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival

Now celebrating its 16th anniversary, Toronto's lesbian and gay film festival (May 18–28, 2006) has proven to be a perfect time to visit Canada's largest city (and largest lesbian and gay community). Each year, festival curators showcase movies from around the world about every topic imaginable, from weighty documentaries on the fight against homophobia to campy screwball comedies. Programming also includes thematic series featuring guest speakers and filmmakers – and, of course, star-studded parties. 416-977-6847, www.insideout.ca

Black and Blue Festival

Montreal's Black and Blue Festival has emerged as one of the most famous all-night parties on the international gay circuit. Yet from a single night of partying, the event has expanded to become a weeklong cultural celebration, featuring a museum day, film screenings and an art auction. The main event always takes place over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October (that's Columbus Day weekend for Americans), making for three days of discussion, decadence and dancing. 514-875-7026, www.bbcm.org

Gay and Lesbian Ski and Snowboarding Festival

Since 1993, the picturesque town of Whistler, British Columbia, has played host to a week of celebration for gay ski enthusiasts (late January and early February). This gay-friendly hot spot has accommodations ranging from simple and cozy to lavish and luxurious, all within walking distance of some of the best slopes in the world. Event organizers are careful to arrange off-slope festivities around the skiing to keep the event as much about socializing as snowy athletics. There are also plenty of spas in the vicinity to reward your achy muscles after a hard day on the ski hills. www.tourismwhistler.com