NYCMan makes a good point. There's not much architectural distinction to the Gay Village, true. And there are actually some poor people there, and some with substance abuse issues - also true. So it's a little rough, but there's also an inclusive, funky, friendly, non-judgmental vibe in Montreal like almost nowhere else. You can see disabled people out enjoying themselves next to the ripped stripper boys. Street performers can suddenly dive into real acrobatics, or a singer can start belting like the next Celine Dion. I love it.