The Best Cities in Canada for Vegans


Some years back, being a vegan was a serious challenge. Trying to find alternatives in a grocery store was a chore and going out to eat? Forget about it! The good news is that cities have risen to the trend and noticed that Vegans are becoming more and more predominant, and now offer plenty of Vegan-friendly restaurants, fast food joints, coffee shops, and more.

 

What are the best cities in Canada for Vegans? Some of the best, most recognized Vegan-friendly cities in Canada include Vancouver, British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Toronto, Ontario, and Montréal, Québec. Other areas like Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Guelph, Ontario, are becoming prominent in the Vegan scene, too.

Whether you are planning to move to Canada entirely or simply want a knockout vacation, if you are a vegan, you need to know where to go. Well, we have compiled a list of the top 8 cities in Canada for Vegans. These cities are loaded to the brink with amazing places to eat that offer Vegan-friendly options that will leave your mouth watering.

The Top 6 Picks for Vegan Canadians

Finding Vegan-friendly options while traveling through Canada is a lot easier than you think. Bigger cities that are already diverse and filled with beauty and attractions are bound to have some lovely Vegan hot spots, but even smaller cities in Canada are jumping on the Vegan bandwagon. This is excellent news for anyone who prefers a quiet, small city!

 

That being said, let’s just into our top 6 picks for vegan-friendly cities in Canada. We are highlighting restaurants, grocery stores, and even cool expos that you might want to check out.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is, without a doubt, one of the most bustling cities in all of Canada. This popular seaport is home to some of Canada’s most stunning views. It’s also ethnically diverse and used as a popular filming spot thanks to its mountainous terrain and ocean views. 

 

Vancouver is also known for its Vancouver Art Gallery and music scene. Here you can also take a stroll along the treacherous Capilano Suspension Bridge or learn something new at the Science Museum.

 

Sounds like the ideal vacation spot for anyone — but what about Vegans? First and foremost, Vancouver, British Columbia is home to the Veg Expo, which is simply 

“A celebration of all things plant-based and sustainable for the health of people, our planet, and the animals we share it with.” 

That’s a festival no vegan wants to skip out on!

 

As far as eating out is concerned, you will find Vancouver, British Columbia to be a haven for Vegan-friendly restaurants, fast food joints, and other wonderful locations. One spot that has taken the scene by storm is none other than Meet on Main. Here, you can find almost anything — from burgers to macaroni, salads to desserts. Everything is tasty — just ask the 2,000+ positive reviews. 

 

Searching for a lush dessert to satisfy your late-night cravings? Well, Vancouver, British Columbia has you covered there, too. Vegan Pudding & Co. has some of the best Vegan desserts in town, with a huge selection of unique and delicious puddings to choose from. Stick to classic vanilla or opt for something more daring like Matcha green tea.

 

Last but not least, we would like to introduce you to Vegan Supply Chinatown. This is a grocery store that focuses solely on Vegan items, so it’s easy to find cheeses, milks, breads, and other Vegan-friendly goods. After all, selection for vegan products is limited in most grocery stores — skip the suffering and shop here, instead.

Victoria, British Columbia

It would be a shame for a capital city not to be diverse and not offer a wide selection of foods for their residents and tourists — and Victoria, British Columbia is sure not to disappoint. This lovely parklike city is known for its sensational, bright views as well as outdoor activities. Here you will find gardens and parks galore as well as beautiful lakes and beaches to relax on. 

 

As far as Veganism is concerned, we will start by showcasing that Victoria, British Columbia is home to Veg Fest, another great expo for Vegan eaters.

“Vegtoria is an annual festival that celebrates veganism, cruelty-free living, compassion and the environment in one fun-filled day!” 

It is something you do not want to miss.

 

When it comes to places to eat out, Victoria, British Columbia is loaded with top-notch Vegan establishments to satisfy all of your Vegan cravings. Be Love is undeniably a top choice for anyone venturing through Victoria, British Columbia, offering a wide selection of Vegan options with large potions, known to be “superfood cocktails” that are farm-to-table.

 

Have you ever heard of a Vegan butcher shop/deli? Well, The Very Good Butchers is a hot spot in Victoria, British Columbia, that is known to ‘butcher beans.’ They have everything from a monthly ‘meat’ club to BBQ boxes, individual slices of vegan bacon and pepperoni, and even nut cheeses.

 

Last but not least, who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned cafe? Cafes are known for being cute, fun spots to hang out at eat in. Welcoming and friendly, the Fern Cafe and Bakery has quickly risen in popularity. Their menu includes classic sandwiches and breakfast delights, all pairing wonderfully with their selection of beverages, including espresso and lattes. 

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario in Canada. This dynamic metropolis is home to soaring skyscrapers as well as plenty of green spots, making it the best of both worlds. Take a trip to the CN Tower or see what the Toronto Zoo has to offer. There is so much to do here, which is no wonder why it’s a tourist hot spot as well as a fun place to live.

 

This bustling city is undoubtedly a place everyone should see at least once in their lifetime, but it is an especially great pick for Vegans. This is because there is seemingly an endless supply of Vegan places to visit, whether you are into the nightlife and love to grab a beer with your pals or would prefer a more elegant spot to dine.

 

There is plenty of nightlife in Toronto, that’s without a doubt. But it can be hard to find Vegan spots. So where can a Vegan go to relax, have a craft beer, and enjoy some tasty bar foods? Toronto, Ontario has the answer — Doomie’s. This Vegan bar not only has some great beer and food to choose from, but they also offer a dark decor that is comforting and soothing.

 

Rosalina Restaurant is a great place to choose if you’re looking for a good combination of food and alcoholic beverages of the Vegan variety. Burgers, salads, and tacos are the highlight of this establishment, but they also have a huge list of wines and drinks that will please the palate. 

 

If pasta and cozy comfort foods are what you’re after, you will find refuge in the Hello 123 restaurants. This unique restaurant is known for sharing ‘Happy Food and Happy Times.’ Their specialties include pastas, lasagnas, and curry bowls — all of which are Vegan friendly and incredibly delicious. Finish off with a succulent mousse, and you won’t regret it.

 

Did you know that Toronto, Ontario, even has an entire street dedicated to Vegan fare? It’s known as the Vegndale Village and is described as a 

“mecca for the ethically minded and hungry, with the best of vegan food, goods, and services co-existing on one city block in downtown Toronto.” 

 

This unique stretch of road is found on Queen Street between Dufferin and Brock. It’s continuing to expand, but for now, Vegandale Village is home to at least seven top-notch restaurants. There is certainly something for everyone on this whimsical, Vegan-friendly street, and it is a place you won’t want to skip when venturing through Toronto.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is truly a treasure trove of wonderful things to do. Not only is it a beautiful place to visit, but it is a wealth of history. Whether you are taking a stroll down the boardwalk, engaging in one of many popular hiking areas, or taking a gander at the museums in town, you are sure to feel thrilled with your visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

 

Halifax may not have as much to offer as the bigger cities, but it has become a standout for smaller areas in Canada that provide Vegan-friendly options. One of the most popular of the bunch is eNvie A Vegan Kitchen. This contemporary cafe only uses fresh ingredients to make their wonderful plates, whether you opt for a cheese board, Pad Thai, or King Wings.

 

Halifax also stepped up the butcher/deli game in their city with the help of Real Fake Meats. Ham, chicken breast, jackfruit, burgers — all Vegan — can be found in this modern deli that focuses solely on offering their customers with Vegan meats that taste like the real deal. They even have other fun items like Oreo bars and lasagna roulette.

 

Did you know that Halifax also has a Vegetarian Association? They are a non-profit education tool and social organization that is 

“dedicated to promoting a vegetarian lifestyle, and uniting vegetarians, vegans, and those interested in vegetarianism/veganism in the Halifax area and throughout the Maritime Provinces.” 

They have fun monthly meetups for members.

 

Last but not least, we have to mention Heartwood. This cozy cafe is situated right on the ocean, giving guests some incredible ocean views while they dine. As far as the menu is concerned, Heartwood has something for everyone. From sandwiches to pizzas, burgers to salads, anyone can find something they love. They even have an incredible kids’ menu!

Guelph, Ontario

Never heard of Guelph, Ontario? Well, that isn’t completely surprising. This is a smaller town about an hour from Toronto. It’s also referred to as ‘The Royal City’ and comes with a vast assortment of outdoor activities you won’t want to skip out on. Aside from the beauty of the scenery, Guelph is also a great spot to enjoy diversity and culture.

 

With Guelph, Ontario being the smaller city it is, it still has a bit of catching up to do in terms of options. It still has a lot of choices, though, although some of them may offer vegetarian and vegan dishes instead of being strictly Vegan. We applaud this small town for taking the first steps towards Veganism, though, and we have found plenty of wonderful spots to enjoy.

 

First and foremost is Cadence. This amazing Vegan bakery seems to be the go-to spot for all your favorite baked goods, entirely made from Vegan ingredients. Here, you will have everything from fresh-baked scones and muffins to pies, cupcakes, and seasonal treats. The company also offers its customers an excellent selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and coffees.

 

Vegan Chinese food? Where do I sign up? Zen Gardens is a wonderful establishment in Guelph, Ontario, that prides itself on selling quality Vegan and Vegetarian Chinese dishes. Sushi, fried noodles, Dim Sum — you name it, they have it. The pictures alone are enough to make you start drooling.

 

If having Vegan Chinese options wasn’t enough, Guelph, Ontario, offers its tourists and residents with Vegan Indian food, too. Kirtida Kitchen is among the best Vegan restaurants. You will find Aloo-Tikki, Paneer Pakora, Cauliflower Pakora, and so much more on the menu. They have even won several awards for their top-notch plates!

Montréal, Québec

There is a reason why Montreal is so well known and why it’s the largest city in the Quebec province. This enticing city has a rich history that people enjoy viewing, from the French colonial history that dates back to the 16th century to ‘New France’ conquest of the British in 1763. Aside from history, this enchanting area is also known for its charm, vivacity, and modernity.

 

To put it simply, Montreal is the city to go to if you are looking for a little bit of everything in terms of activities. Whether you are making your way up Mont-Royal, taking a gander at old Montreal, exploring the Old Port, or going back in time completely, Montreal has something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s indoors or outdoors.

 

We will start by mentioning that Montreal has a wonderful Vegan Festival each year. Here, 

You will have access to cooking demos given by renowned cooks, conferences on different subjects, and discover vegan exhibitors: cosmetics, clothing, food, restaurants, etc. Furthermore, we will be adding themed workshops ($) for those of you who would like to go further.”

 

As far as dining is concerned, there are a few spots in Montreal that ‘take the cake’ in terms of taste and popularity. First on this is LOV, a trendy and stylish restaurant with a patio to sit back and relax on. Here, you will find all types of plates from brunch to cocktails, burgers to caviar, and so much more.

 

Looking for Vegan Mexican fare? It’s easy to find in Montreal, and everyone knows where to head — none other than the Lola Rosa restaurant. Here, you can find traditional Mexican dishes like burritos and nachos — all without the meat. Sink your teeth into one of their dishes, and you will soon understand why they’re a highly sought-after Vegan restaurant.

 

Prefer sushi and Japanese food? Then Montreal has you covered here, too. The Sushi Momo restaurant has everything you could ever ask for. Here, you can order edamame, tofu Agedashi, Jardin Hibiscus, and so much more. All your favorites await at this modern and cool restaurant.

 

Just trying to pick up some Vegan groceries without the hassle of looking around for an hour? Then you might want to head over to Herbivores. Just as the name suggests, they are a solely vegan grocery store that offers all your favorite Vegan foods, treats, and ingredients. This makes it easy for any Vegan to shop for exactly what they want and need.

 

Last but not least, we have to mention Aux Vivres. This was the first Vegan restaurant to enter Montreal but has expanded into two locations. They have creative meals that are jam-packed with flavor. They specialize in mostly comfort foods, such as burgers and curries, as well as a dessert menu that will take your taste buds on a rollercoaster.

 

It’s clear that Montreal, Quebec, is the top choice for Vegans in Canada. This is because they not only have a wide selection of Vegan restaurants and grocery stores to choose from, but they also have ethnic Vegan foods available, whether you’re keen on Mexican fare or prefer Japanese, French, and so much more.

Conclusion

Being Vegan in Canada is clearly a breeze. So many big cities have proven their diversity, even when it comes to the Vegan scene. Even smaller cities are jumping on board and indulging in Veganism, offering some top-notch restaurants and smaller joints for Vegans to pick up some excellent fare. The only question remains — which Canadian city will you travel to first?

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