In our mission to discover businesses that genuinely embrace and support the 2SLGBTQI+ community, we aimed to go beyond highlighting those that simply talk about inclusivity, we wanted to showcase those that truly live it.
So, we started by researching which businesses in our region are Rainbow Registered. Why? Because Rainbow Registered businesses are carefully evaluated by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) to ensure their staff receive proper training and maintain a welcoming and safe environment for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Rainbow Registered Businesses We Love to Visit
Below you’ll find some awesome accredited Rainbow Registered businesses within Ontario’s Southwest that are ready and excited to welcome 2SLGBTQI+ visitors! Looking for more suggestions? Check out the map below for the full list of Rainbow Registered attractions, restaurants, accommodations, breweries, experiences, and local products in the region.
Twisted Lemon - Cayuga
Located in the picturesque village of Cayuga, Haldimand County, Twisted Lemon is described as a hidden gem, attracting a faithful following of 'flavour junkies' and experienced diners from far and wide. Twisted Lemon features a lively open-concept kitchen and eclectic ambiance indoors and two patios: one partially covered, and one fully covered.
Twisted Lemon offers seasonal and locally inspired cuisine, including Chef's Blind Tasting menus, Chef's Tables in the private kitchen, demonstrational and hands-on cooking classes, exciting monthly features and house-made desserts. Book a reservation, here!
You don't have to go far for a good night's rest after an amazing meal as Twisted Lemon is now home to a cozy boutique inn! Click here to book a night, or two, and enjoy a cozy and comfortable stay.
Walnut Grove Bed and Breakfast - Harrow
The Walnut Grove B&B, a farmhouse built in 1902, is located about 5 km north of Harrow in the heart of Essex County on a 10-acre treed property.
A true 'farm to table' experience, they know the chickens who lay the eggs, make their own sausages from local ingredients, offer in-house made granola and have a large garden. They also use only local coffee roasters and local soap makers. Leslie is a Sommelier and Chef who does the cooking while Bob acts as sous chef and jack of all trades.
All of the rooms have been thoughtfully and carefully renovated to provide a spa-like setting for your visit with their property offering several areas to enjoy the tranquil country setting. The central location allows convenient access to Point Pelee National Park, Holiday Beach Conservation Area, and John R Park Conservation Area to name a few.
Click here to book your stay at the Walnut Grove B&B.
Turns & Tales - Chatham
Turns & Tales is a board game cafe and bookstore located in the heart of downtown Chatham owned primarily by Terence Johnson and Chandra Clarke. They have a vast board game library of games that you can rent to play in their facilities, a nibbles menu full of old favourites and new surprises, a wide variety of beverages, and loads and loads of books.
Whether you’re on your own, or bringing your crew, you’ll always be welcome. Come play a game, browse the latest books, or just sit and chill with your favourite drink.
Click here to check out what Turns & Tales has to offer.
Forest City Culinary Experiences - London
Forest City Culinary Experiences offers a wide range of food and drink focused walking experiences and gastronomic tasting experiences in Downtown London. You'll be able to connect to the Forest City in a new way and indulge your senses with an insider experience by local culinary experts and storytellers.
The Woodstock Art Gallery - Woodstock
The Woodstock Art Gallery (WAG) occupies three floors of the former John White Building, located in the heart of downtown Woodstock opposite Museum Square. The WAG is Oxford County’s largest municipal public gallery with a permanent collection of over 1,900 works.
The WAG strives to celebrate people of all backgrounds across age, ethnicity, race, colour, culture, language, mental health, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socio-economic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, as well as differences in experiences, ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs. In line with the Gallery’s vision of serving their whole community, the WAG encourages feedback to further their commitment and will continue to actively examine, learn, and work towards meaningful and lasting transformation.
The WAG celebrates the talent of local, regional and national artists and conducts classes, workshops, and programs for all ages. The Gallery gift shop supplies unique items made by local artisans. The WAG has free admission, is fully accessible and has free parking located nearby.
Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life - Bright
Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life provides unique experiences designed to reconnect you with land, animals and food. Play or snuggle with miniature goats. Take in a Goat Yoga class to infuse calm and laughter or center yourself through a walk in the farm fields with an Alpaca. Why not indulge in an Ontario-made picnic lunch in the pasture joined by their Alpacas?
As a Rainbow Registered business, they have made it a priority to create a welcoming environment for everyone through non-discriminatory practices and the use of inclusive language.
More in the mood to shop? The Udderly Ridiculous farm market store is stocked with their award-winning goat milk ice cream, cheese, caramels, soaps, lotions and a full lineup of unique Ontario Made products.
Products Made by Rainbow Registered Businesses
You can't visit these Rainbow Registered locations in person, but you can support them by purchasing their products. By doing this, you'll know that you are supporting a local business that is leading by example.
Ontario’s Southwest: A Proudly Rainbow Registered Organization
Did you know that Ontario’s Southwest is also Rainbow Registered?
Our mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive tourism sector that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. 2SLGBTQI+ visitors are encouraged to contact us at hello@swotc.ca with any feedback on your experiences travelling within Ontario’s Southwest; both good and bad.
