Bursting at the seams with vibrant West Coast eateries, cocktail bars, award-winning breweries and distilleries, it's not at all surprising--especially to Canadians--that Vancouver is known internationally for its incredible food scene and the culinary community that have help it to strive. Outside of the wide world of food, the city also boasts a progressive LGBTQ+ culture. Vancouver Pride is just short of three weeks away and the energy in the coastal mecca is already building toward its peak.

Like most major North American cities' Pride celebrations, this time of year in Vancouver comes filled with plenty of fun, dancing, freedom of expression, glitter (of course), but perhaps, most importantly, awareness. From July 14 to August 6 (the date which the official Vancouver Pride Parade will take place), more than 40 restaurants and bars have joined forces by way of the Pride Crawl Fundraiser.

The long list of well-known establishments includes hot spots like Wildebeest, Mission, L'Abattoir, The Cascade Room, Pourhouse and more, all featuring a signature Pride-themed cocktails. Once you've ordered and sipped, partial proceeds will directly benefit the Dr. Peter Centre, which provides compassionate HIV care for British Columbians who face poverty, homelessness, mental illness, addictions and social isolation in addition to HIV.

"We are indebted to the generous support of an ever-growing group of local bars and restaurants for showing their pride and giving back to those living with HIV in a profound and meaningful way by taking part in our inaugural Pride Crawl," says Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation Philanthropy Officer Brittany Grant. "We look forward to this event becoming a regular part of the annual celebration of Pride in Vancouver for years to come."

If you live in Vancouver or are headed there before August 6th, you can enjoy a well-made cocktail while supporting this important cause. For everyone else in this country who won't be out on the coast in the next few weeks, here are some celebratory signature cocktail recipes.

Do us a favour and make one of this delicious cocktails at home and cheers to our country for becoming more progressive and accepting with each passing year.