We wanted to take the citizens on a visual tour of Canada's coffee shop scene by featuring our favourite cafés from each province. Whether you believe the quality of a latte depends on the flavour, the foam art, or the croissant that accompanies it, I think we can all agree that the shop environment can make the experience.
On this cross-Canada expedition, we found that each café vibed with the culture of its city. Tommy's elegant interior with crown molding and antique furnishing reflects the best of Québecois style, while painted picnic tables overlooking Jellybean Row housing at The Battery Café capture the vibrance of Canada's east coast.
We were surprised to find that Winnipeg is a host to so many of the coolest coffee shops, though we are biased to our local Toronto favourites. If you have the chance to stop in at Te Aro in Leslieville, say hi to Nick, our talented barista and model.
British Columbia
Timbertrain - Vancouver, BC
Photos: @timbertrain
Walking through Vancouver's historic Gastown on a chilly October afternoon with a Timbertrain latte in hand is a must.
Oldhand Coffee - Abbotsford, BC
Photos: @oldhandcoffee
It could be because we visited on the first mild day following winter that the shop was buzzing, or it could be their scones. Either way it's obvious that Oldhand is a local favourite in Abby.
Hide + Seek Coffee - Victoria, BC
Photos: @megs.veganlife | @cylerparent
We're down with this roaster's Waffle Sunday concept. We're also down with their motto, "hide out, seek friends."
Alberta
The Woodrack Café - Edmonton, AB
Photos: @mkayitskris | @interiorlodown
Come to the Woodrack Café to admire their coffee, live entertainment, and handcrafted decor, all of which is sourced in Alberta.
Saskatchewan
Little Bird Pâtisserie & Café - Saskatoon, SK
Photos: @angelarkemp | @sophiesuchan
If you go to Little Bird and don't pose with your coffee cup on the upholstered floral sofa, did you really go to Little Bird? This café really is as dainty and feminine as the name suggests.
Manitoba
Thom Bargen - Winnipeg, MB
Photos: @thombargen
Thom Bergen is killing it in Winnipeg. Their two locations are defined by unique feature walls, one displaying a hanging garden and the other a mounted bicycle.
Fools + Horses - Winnipeg, MB
Photos: @fhcoffee_
We thought the Forks market at the Assiniboine and Red River intersection couldn't get more crafty, but that was before Fools + Horses opened shop.
Little Sister Coffee Maker - Winnipeg, MB
Photos: @littlesistercoffee
Despite their tucked-away, below-grade location, the white subway tiles and hexagonal floor pattern in Little Sister provide a bright, welcoming space in the Peg's Osborne Village.
Ontario
Te Aro - Toronto, ON
Photos: @dialaskitchen | @johnsontrinh
Te Aro is the spot for coffee in the east end, and all of Leslieville knows it. There's nothing quite like a latte and cheddar asiago scone from this hub, other than a latte and cheddar asiago scone in summer when the patio opens.
Jacked Up Coffee - Toronto, ON
Photos: @wildingdan | @wildingpaula
"Grab your Blundstones, we're going to Jacked Up." Look out for the blue 1975 Citroen H mobile espresso bar in Yorkville. The vintage aesthetic is balanced by their modern roast.
Café Augusta - Hamilton, ON
Photos: @floreanfotescues | @joshuamcdonald
Augusta is a relatively new shop in Hamilton's James Street North neighbourhood and has been a hot lounge spot for McMaster students. We can't get enough of the white archways.
Quebec
Tommy Café + Apéro - Montréal, QC
Photos: @tommymontreal
Be it facing the entryway from street level or sitting on a cushioned bay window stool, Tommy's interior and exterior design details capture French Canadian elegance.
Café Parvis - Montréal, QC
Photos: @montanaroa | @pluminaa
We could get behind the chipped paint trend if it means our space would look as historic and chic as Café Parvis.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Fixed Coffee - St. John's, NL
Photos: @fixedcoffeeandbaking
This team names their coffee by country, region, and farm name, rather than roast level and only brews one, "fixed" origin coffee a day. The shop owner also owns Bonavista Coffee based in Bonavista, NL. In sum, they know coffee.
The Battery Café - St. John's, NL
Photos: @thebatterycafe
This St. John's staple offers side-door business at the order window for grab-and-go coffee. Two things we love most about this spot are the ocean view and the cup design that reads, "Recharge yourself with The Battery Cafe."
PEI
Receiver Coffee Co. - Charlottetown, PE
Photos: @noisepei | @receivercoffee
The Receiver Coffee team is known around Halifax for sourcing local, fresh food ingredients, and supplying their own roasted coffee. This prompted them to expand and open a second location.
Receiver Coffee - The Brass Shop - Charlottetown, PE
Photos: @lapetitemarika | @vianceknowles
As a division of Receiver Coffee Co., the Brass Shop operates a recently established secondary café with the addition of a roasting facility and bakery. What looks like a hollowed church is actually a warm hangout with hot drinks and baked goods.
New Brunswick
Cinnamon Café - Fredericton, NB
Photos: @natasha.cliche | @elijahkarlo
Inspired by middle eastern cuisine, this traditionally Persian café offers vegan and vegetarian meals in addition to their hot drink selection.
Nova Scotia
Weird Harbour - Halifax, NS
Photos: @hhhhzixi | @commongood4all
Just like The Battery Café, Weird Harbour is also a Detour Coffee Roaster host. Unlike any shop we've ever been to, they once issued DIY wood burnt gift cards at a customer's request. We're inspired.
Deux croissants, s'il vous plaît.
