The 15 BEST Coffee Shops in Vancouver, Canada, to Pump Up Your Day
Can’t-Miss Coffee Shops in Vancouver, British Columbia
Forget what you think you know about Canadian cities, because Vancouver, British Columbia, is an absolute superstar—and exploring the best things to do in Vancouver should absolutely include its incredible coffee scene. From specialty roasters tucked into historic neighborhoods to sleek, modern cafés with mountain views, Vancouver's coffee culture is as impressive as its natural beauty.
Once you find the best Vancouver hotel, you'll realize this city doesn't just drink coffee; it celebrates it. Vancouver is a pioneer of the "Third Wave" movement in Canada, where talented roasters treat coffee beans like fine wine, focusing on ethical sourcing, precise roasting, and meticulous brewing.
Best Coffee in Vancouver
Every corner of the city—from the historic, cobblestone streets of Gastown to the breezy, beach-side lanes of Kitsilano—is home to a unique, independent café waiting to become your new favorite spot.
Get ready to learn more about the 15 absolute best, top-rated coffee shops Vancouver has to offer, perfect for satisfying your inner caffeine snob and soaking up the magic of the Pacific Northwest!
1 | Revolver Coffee | Stepping into Revolver is like entering a temple of coffee appreciation. It’s sleek, minimalist, and beautifully designed with exposed brick and high ceilings. You’ll find the atmosphere is respectfully focused—baristas here are truly masters of their craft. It’s the kind of place where you know every single step of the coffee process is taken seriously.
Why You Need to Go: Locals consider this the gold standard for specialty coffee in the city. They constantly rotate an incredible selection of beans from world-class guest roasters, meaning you can try something new and rare every single visit.
Best Thing to Order: A pour-over (Chemex or V60). Don't just get a simple drip! Ask the barista for a recommendation from their rotating single-origin list. If they have one, try the Coffee Flight—it's a rare chance to compare different beans or brewing methods side-by-side.
Known For: Offering a coffee flight and showcasing a diverse, rotating list of elite international guest roasters.
WHERE: 325 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 558-4444
2 | Nemesis Coffee | Nemesis is everything great about modern Vancouver café culture—bold, beautifully designed, and innovative. The original Gastown spot is industrial-chic, but the stunning Great Northern Way location, housed in a bright, unique building, is an architectural marvel. It’s buzzing, bright, and perfect for catching up with a friend or just people-watching.
Why You Need to Go: They roast their own beans with a commitment to long-term, ethical partnerships with farms. Beyond the fantastic coffee, their in-house kitchen, Dope Bakehouse, creates some of the most mouthwatering pastries and breakfast items in the city.
Best Thing to Order: Their signature latte using their house-roasted "The O.G." blend (it’s chocolatey and smooth), or check out their seasonally rotating single-origin espresso. Be sure to grab a freshly baked, flaky pastry to go with it!
Known For: Dramatic, visually stunning café design, roasting their own meticulously sourced beans, and their exceptional, creative food menu.
WHERE: 302 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4, Canada | WHO: N/A
3 | Pallet Coffee Roasters | Pallet is a true local success story. Their cafés are bright, modern, and have a welcoming neighbourhood feel. You'll often see groups meeting up or people tapping away on laptops. The Railtown location gives you an up-close look at their roasting operation—talk about fresh!
Why You Need to Go: They've built a reputation for consistency and sustainability. When you grab a cup here, you know the bean has been treated right from farm to cup, resulting in an incredibly balanced and reliable drink every time.
Best Thing to Order: A cortado—it’s the perfect small drink to appreciate the intensity and balance of their house Benchmark espresso blend. If you're looking for a treat, locals rave about their delicious raspberry lemon loaf or the creative London Fogs.
Known For: House-roasting their own beans with a focus on ethical, balanced blends that work perfectly in milk-based drinks.
WHERE: 848 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1C8, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 428-1313
4 | 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters | 49th Parallel is a Vancouver institution and a pioneer of the Third Wave movement here. Their cafés are always spacious, stylish, and full of energy. The Kitsilano location is particularly popular, offering a sunny spot to start your day near the beach.
Why You Need to Go: They nail the classics, but the real reason people line up is the legendary partnership with Lucky's Doughnuts. Seriously, coffee and a gourmet donut? Name a better duo. We'll wait.
Best Thing to Order: Their classic old school espresso in an Americano or latte, paired with any flavor of Lucky's Doughnut—the old fashioned or salted caramel are eternal crowd-pleasers.
Known For: Being one of the city's original "Third Wave" roasters and the unforgettable pairing of their superb coffee with the famously delicious Lucky's Doughnuts.
WHERE: 689 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 4G2, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 620-4905
5 | Prototype Coffee | This café is a minimalist dream for the serious coffee enthusiast. The shop features micro-roasting machines right behind the counter. It's focused, detailed, and completely centered on the bean.
Why You Need to Go: Prototype is a micro-roaster that keeps a massive, constantly evolving menu of rare single-origin beans. They approach coffee with a near-scientific precision, and the staff loves talking about the bean’s origin, process and unique notes.
Best Thing to Order: You must try one of their unique creations, like a steamed coffee (cold-brew quickly steamed) or choose a single-origin bean for a meticulously prepared pour-over. Ask the barista for a recommendation; you will not be disappointed.
Known For: Offering a vast, rotating menu of rare, single-origin beans and its innovative brewing techniques, often serving over a dozen options at once.
WHERE: 222 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1J4, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 992-0478
6 | Modus Coffee | Modus is known for its bright, clean, and welcoming aesthetic, making it a perfect spot for remote work or a long chat. It has a chic yet relaxed feel, with lots of natural wood and light.
Why You Need to Go: They are celebrated for their preference for lighter, more complex roasts that allow the natural, fruity and floral characteristics of the bean to shine through. If you prefer a brighter, cleaner cup over a dark, heavy roast, Modus is a winner.
Best Thing to Order: Their signature Latif or Hiro roasts, best experienced as a bright, crisp pour-over. Their espresso drinks are also expertly crafted to preserve the distinct bean flavor.
Known For: Excellent espresso and filter coffee, often favoring lighter, complex roasts and having a very knowledgeable staff.
WHERE: 112 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P1, Canada | WHO: N/A
7 | Timbertrain Coffee Roasters | Step into a cozy, urban café that feels distinctly like an old-world railway car. The dark wood, brass accents, and warm lighting create a charming, unique atmosphere in historic Gastown. It’s an ideal spot to sit down and savor the moment.
Why You Need to Go: Timbertrain roasts its own beans and has a stellar reputation for quality control. They offer a comforting, expertly made cup in a truly memorable setting that stands out among the city’s more minimalist options.
Best Thing to Order: A classic, velvety smooth cappuccino or one of their seasonal espresso drinks. Their house blend is robust and comforting, making for an excellent Americano.
Known For: Its distinctive, charming train-themed aesthetic and meticulous in-house roasting, resulting in a perfectly balanced and comforting cup.
WHERE: 311 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4K2, Canada | WHO: +1 (236) 513-4377
8 | Kafka’s Coffee Roasting and Bakery | Less minimalist, more lived-in and loved. Kafka's has a homier, more relaxed vibe, featuring rotating local art, big communal tables, and a friendly buzz. It's a true community hub popular with students and creatives.
Why You Need to Go: They roast their own beans and operate a full bakery, making it a one-stop-shop for a fantastic coffee and a substantial meal. It’s a dependable place to linger without feeling pressured to move along.
Best Thing to Order: Their freshly baked pastries (locals rave about the muffins and loaves) or the hearty avocado toast, paired with a strong Americano made with their full-bodied espresso.
Known For: Its artsy, relaxed atmosphere, prominently displaying local art, and offering a full-service bakery menu.
WHERE: 577 Great Northern Wy, Vancouver, BC V5T 0H5, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 829-2220
9 | Small Victory Bakery | Chic, bright, and airy, Small Victory is where artisanal baking meets top-tier coffee. The interiors are aesthetically pleasing, with stunning displays of meticulously crafted breads and pastries. It has a sophisticated, European patisserie feel.
Why You Need to Go: You come here for the perfection in their baking. Small Victory produces some of the finest croissants, tarts, and breads in Vancouver. It’s the perfect place for a treat that feels both decadent and refined.
Best Thing to Order: A buttery, flaky almond croissant or a seasonal tart, paired with an expertly made Flat White to appreciate their high-quality espresso.
Known For: Combining world-class coffee with some of the city's very best, meticulously crafted European-style pastries.
WHERE: 3070 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J8, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 742-1737
10 | Oidé Coffee | Subtle, focused, and revered by local coffee experts. Oidé is a humble spot that puts all its energy into the cup. It’s a quiet, dedicated space where the baristas treat every order with respect.
Why You Need to Go: Oidé is unique because it doesn't roast its own beans, but instead curates a rotating, high-end selection from the best roasters across Canada and the world. This means their menu is constantly fresh and offers surprising, complex options you won't find elsewhere.
Best Thing to Order: A simple latte or Americano to showcase their unique, carefully selected espresso blend, which often features unique, complex flavor notes.
Known For: Its intense focus on curating a selection of top-notch, not-in-house roasted beans from specialty roasters worldwide.
WHERE: 1548 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 3B1, Canada | WHO: N/A
11 | Matchstick Coffee | Matchstick has a beloved, rustic neighborhood charm, often featuring communal tables, exposed wood, and a relaxed, community-driven feel. It’s an easy, welcoming place to settle in for a while.
Why You Need to Go: A pioneer in ethical sourcing, Matchstick built its reputation on forming direct, long-term relationships with coffee farmers. Their house-roasted beans are consistently bright, clean, and balanced.
Best Thing to Order: Their signature drip coffee (always consistent) or a bright, clean pour-over. Their in-house bakery also produces fantastic sourdough bread and classic pastries.
Known For: Ethical sourcing, meticulous roasting, and a strong, friendly neighborhood presence.
WHERE: 1328 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3G6, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 423-3294
12 | Birds & The Beets | This café is a bright, airy oasis in the heart of Gastown. It feels like a charming florist meets a rustic café, filled with plants and natural light. It's beautiful, slightly rustic-chic, and wonderfully calming.
Why You Need to Go: They serve excellent coffee alongside a highly-rated menu of simple, delicious, and healthy food. It’s a wonderful spot for a light, refreshing break that feels like escaping the city.
Best Thing to Order: An oatmilk latte or a fresh-pressed juice, paired with one of their famous breakfast sandwiches on a soft bun.
Known For: Its gorgeous, plant-filled decor, fresh flowers, and being a quiet haven that offers excellent coffee and simple, delicious food.
WHERE: 55 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7, Canada | WHO: N/A
13 | Breka Bakery & café | Breka is a local hero, primarily because many of its locations are open 24/7. The atmosphere is always warm, bustling, and comforting, offering a mix of cozy seating and counter service.
Why You Need to Go: It is the ultimate go-to for a late-night study session, an extremely early flight, or just when you need a wide selection of treats. They have an enormous display of cakes, donuts and pastries–all available around the clock.
Best Thing to Order: You must try one of their huge, decadent slices of cake (the Black Forest is a local icon) or an apple fritter, paired with a classic, strong drip coffee.
Known For: Being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offering a huge, consistent selection of baked goods.
WHERE: 740 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1A5, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 559-0900
14 | Di Beppe | This café is a slice of old-world Italy tucked into historic Gastown. It’s an authentic, charming espresso bar with beautiful tiled floors and marble counters. It’s less about lounging and more about the quick, powerful ritual of a traditional Italian coffee.
Why You Need to Go: If you are seeking a break from the Third Wave pour-over scene and want a perfect, classic Italian espresso or cappuccino, this is your destination. It's a quiet, cultured retreat.
Best Thing to Order: A classic, perfectly pulled Italian cappuccino or a straight espresso. Grab a bombolone (Italian filled donut) to go with it.
Known For: Authentic Italian café ambiance and traditional, expertly crafted espresso drinks.
WHERE: 2 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9, Canada | WHO: +1 (604) 564-6599
15 | Prado café | Prado has grown into a major, reliable fixture in the city. Their cafés often occupy sunny, bright corner spots, giving them a warm, friendly, and community-focused feel. It’s unpretentious and consistently good.
Why You Need to Go: Prado has won multiple awards for its coffee and service. The staff are welcoming, and the coffee is always reliable and delicious, making it a great, comfortable stop no matter which neighborhood you find yourself in.
Best Thing to Order: A delicious, perfectly balanced mocha or their popular and satisfying breakfast sandwich.
Known For: Excellent service, bright and welcoming corner locations, and a commitment to providing a reliable, comfortable neighborhood stop.
WHERE: 100 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8, Canada | WHO: +1 (778) 379-4315
Quick Tips for Navigating Vancouver on Your Next Trip
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Transportation Tip: Take the Canada Line SkyTrain directly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown for fast, efficient transit.
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Must-Do Activity: Rent a bike and cycle the famous Stanley Park Seawall. It’s a world-class experience offering spectacular city and ocean views.
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Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and mobile payments are widely accepted.
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Neighborhood Exploration: Plan to spend time outside of the immediate downtown core. Explore Kitsilano for beachside views, Mount Pleasant for indie shopping, and Gastown for history and world-class coffee.
Looking for the Best Place to Stay in Vancouver?
The Rosedale Condominiums (VI at Rosedale on Robson) is truly the perfect home base for your trip! Tucked right downtown, you are just a five-minute walk from major coffee hits like café Medina and a quick stroll away from the concentrated specialty zones of Yaletown and Gastown, where icons like Nemesis and Revolver await. Plus, you get apartment-style space with a kitchenette but with the perks of a hotel, like an indoor pool to relax in.
The Rosedale's location is what makes it spectacular. You are literally right on Robson Street, Vancouver’s famous shopping hub, and steps away from the entertainment district, making it easy to catch a game at BC Place.
Historic Gastown and Chinatown are a fast walk away, and with the SkyTrain stations nearby, trips to the Stanley Park Seawall or Granville Island Public Market are a breeze. It’s the central, comfortable spot you need to fully experience the best of Vancouver, from the perfect espresso to the biggest landmarks!
A Perfect Pairing: World-Class Coffee & a World-Class City
Vancouver’s specialty coffee scene is a true reflection of the city itself: high quality, innovative, and deeply committed to craft. From the precise brewing at Prototype to the comforting 24-hour availability of Breka, each café offers a distinct peek into the laid-back, yet dedicated, West Coast lifestyle. These spots are more than just places to grab a drink; they are destinations where community and culinary excellence converge.
As you plan your visit to this spectacular Pacific gem, make sure your itinerary includes time to walk the neighborhoods and discover these local treasures. You will find that Vancouver’s vibrant, welcoming coffee culture is the perfect fuel for exploring the stunning beauty that surrounds you. Happy travels, and happy sipping!
For more guides to visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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