Vancouver in 5 cafes
The end of the month of ' August was marked by my first trip above the clouds in several long months. I was eager to get back on a plane to explore a corner of our magnificent country. After a busy summer in the Eastern Townships and surrounding areas, Vancouver ' announced dynamic, surprising and magnificent.
Many had praised the city to me; its beaches, its vast green spaces, its culinary scene, its fine wines, its panoramic views of the Rockies, and so on, not to mention its cafes, proudly offering local products in the most charming interiors, of course. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves from the beginning to the end of the trip.
This getaway, eagerly anticipated since the beginning of June, was an incredible love affair with the West of our beautiful and vast country. And what can I say about the big city... Simply wonderful.
Located just steps from our vacation rental, The Elysian was our favorite place to start our days. Their Americanos are to die for. The balance between the bitterness and acidity of the Colombian Taminango bean (locally roasted, no less) is perfectly noticeable from the very first sip. It was the perfect brew to start a day brimming with discoveries.
Several addresses
Instagram
After a little research, I stumbled upon this bakery where customers rave about not only the delicious treats but also the coffee. You might think the coffee would be secondary in a place where everything is (very, very) delicious, but on the contrary; the talented baristas at the helm offer a smooth blend prepared by the skilled roasters at Transcend Coffee Roasters, a local Calgary-based roastery. A must-try before a day in Stanley Park. Delighted taste buds, I promise!
Yaletown: 1088 Homer Street, Vancouver,
South Granville: 3070 Granville Street, Vancouver, V6H 3J8
Instagram
Revolver 
While we would have loved to enjoy the beautiful Revolver café space, we were able to appreciate the talents of their baristas, Covid-19 style. The Revolver team set up an outdoor service counter to ensure they could still serve coffee and pastries. So it's in a graffiti-covered alley that Revolver serves its exceptional coffees. Many of the beans on the mill are roasted by experts from all corners of the globe. From Dallas to Copenhagen, via Vancouver and Berlin, the coffees on offer are varied and superb. It was particularly pleasant to enjoy a Flat White made with beans roasted by The Barn, a German roaster I had the pleasure of trying last year.
325 Cambie Street, Vancouver, V6B 2N4
Instagram
Another bakery-pastry shop where talents collide! Besides being an incredible place to enjoy the delicious pastries made on-site, this cozy little café offers a full menu of beverages made with The Elysian's signature infusion, just fruity enough and perfect for a cappuccino. Pair it with a slice of grilled peach toast or homemade raisin bread and enjoy the warm bakery atmosphere. prime.
315 Carall Street, Vancouver, V6A 0A7
Instagram
Pallet Coffee Roasters
Right in the heart of Vancouver's historic district lies the headquarters of the renowned Pallet Coffee Roasters. In a light-filled building, we can peek into the roasters' workshop, latte in hand. Having unfortunately forgotten to note the name and origin of the beans, I can nevertheless assure you that the company lives up to its reputation. Smooth milk, a perfectly bitter and subtly chocolatey espresso, and a decor where wood, light, and greenery blend together beautifully.
Several addresses
Instagram
Extra: Ecologyst — Whistler
Since Whistler is an absolute must-see when planning a vacation in the Vancouver area, I simply had to include this essential stop in my article. This charming, eco-conscious business also houses a delightful coffee counter offering some of the best coffee in Whistler. The Flat White is incredibly smooth. It's made with beans from Bow's & Arrows, a micro-roaster based in Victoria, boasting sweet aromas of chocolate, and even fudge (yes, really!), paired with just the right amount of bitterness from the cocoa. And let's not forget the waffle and raspberry jam: this trio, combined with the most breathtaking views, was the perfect way to start our day at the top of the imposing ski mountain.
4338 Main Street #125, Whistler, V0N 1B4
Instagram
P.S. Please excuse the disposable containers you may see in the photos. With COVID-19, businesses are hesitant to use their own cups and customers' reusable containers. However, the vast majority of them offer recycled, recyclable, and/or compostable containers. They're doing their best during this pandemic, we promise.
