Fuel Up Before You Hike! 7 Places to Grab Coffee in Vancouver
Whether you’re planning to hike for just a few hours or a for full day, you’ll need to fuel up before you hit the trail, and coffee is a great way to give you an energy boost and get your engine started, so you can power through to the end. There’s lots to choose from when it comes to coffee shops in Vancouver, many of them featuring local roasters.
Revolver
This local hot spot is a true Vancouver must-visit if you love coffee. Located in Gastown, Revolver has an awesome rustic vibe, and offers a rotating espresso from all over the world. They also have delicious baked goods, we recommend the coffee cake— you won’t regret it!
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
All aboard! Timbertrain on Cordova Street in Downtown Vancouver actually feels a little bit like you’re in a train with booth-style seats, but that’s not the only reason we love it. It has some of the best locally roasted coffee in town (and if you’re closer to East Van, you can hit up their Grandview-Woodlands warehouse location for a coffee to go.) Our go-to in summer is their famous cold brew, there’s nothing better when you need caffeine and a cool treat. Grab your cold brew before lunch, it’s known to sell out!
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters & Lucky’s Doughnuts
49th Parallel coffee beans are in coffee shops all over town, but we advise going to straight to the source if you can. You can find 49th Parallel on 4th avenue in Kitsilano, on Main Street and in Downtown Vancouver. Amazing coffee isn’t the only reason we hit up 49th Parallel, we’re also guilty donut addicts, especially when they’re as good as Lucky’s Doughnuts. If you want to indulge a little bit before you hit the trails, grab a doughnuts or one of their delicious breakfasts alongside your coffee.
Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe
We have one word for you when it comes to Beaucoup Bakery: croissants. If you’re as crazy for croissants as we are, then you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven when you take your first bite of their delectable pastries. The owner of Beaucoup learned how to bake in Paris, and lucky for us, brought her talents back across the pond to Vancouver to reward us all! This cute, tiny coffee shop in Kitsilano is a great spot to grab a coffee and a pastry before your hike.
Matchstick
Matchstick has multiple locations around Vancouver, and is one of our favourite coffee joints. Located in Mount Pleasant, Chinatown and the Fraserhood, and Matchstick has amazing breakfast options, baked goods and lunches to accompany their incredible coffee. Stop in to the nearest one before you head out!
Moja Coffee Roasters
Moja is a local roaster with two great locations, one on the Drive and the other in North Vancouver. Stylish, simple ambience and exceptional coffee makes this one of our favourite stops before a hike or a bike ride, especially if you’re starting your day North Vancouver or East Vancouver.
Greenhorn Espresso Bar
If you find yourself driving through the West End before your hike, Greenhorn is a hidden gem. Tucked away in the heart of the neighbourhood, across the street from the fire station, Greenhorn serves Moja coffee and has amazing breakfast and brunch on the weekend, and wonderful fresh salads and sandwiches through the week, filling all your pre-hike needs. There’s limited seating, so you’ll have to fight for space if you’re staying to eat.
Pro tip: They’ve got the best grilled cheese and soup combo!
Essential Hiking Tip! Always drink plenty of fluids when you’re hiking, especially if it’s hot out and you know you’ll be out for several hours. In addition to great coffee, don’t forget to bring lots of water with you!
