“Where can I get a good cup of coffee?” This is the question travellers ask most when they’re on the road – according to BBC Travel. In Calgary, Canoe loves a latte at Kawa and Toque craves an Americano at Caffe Beano. We want to know where you live – and where we can get the best java in your town.
Catherine Ford commented:
This is a seemingly simple question. After all, as I used to tell my stepdaughter when she worked for Starbucks: “It’s just a cup of coffee.” But it isn’t and we know that. It’s tough because I rarely go out for coffee in Calgary. But on the rare occasion that I do, if it’s not too late in the day (like noon) The Good Earth on 11th St. and Phil and Sebastian’s on 33rd Ave. are my choice. But the best coffee I’ve ever had was in Italy. All else pales in comparison. For travellers, the best breakfast with a bottomless coffee cup is Rahn’s Bakery and Cafe on Main Street in Ft. Macleod. Worth the trip.
Catherine Ford commented:
Further to my above post: On Saturday morning, I scored the Calgary Impossible — free coffee and free parking. Those of us who live in Calgary, where parking is more expensive than in New York and Park Plus has us by the shorts, know that the absence of parking meters means a search for the ubiquitous parking zone number and a ransom paid to the city for the privilege. I went for coffee with a friend at The Good Earth. Not only did I find a free parking spot right beside the 11th St. outlet, but the coffee was free in celebration of the Good Earth’s 20th anniversary. It doesn’t get much better than that in Calgary.
J.R. McConvey commented:
Toronto has dozens of options for great coffee, depending on what neighbourhood you’re in. Sam James makes some of the best in the city, and you can try his brew at two locations in the west end: the Sam James Coffee Bar at 297 Harbord, or the Coffee Pocket on Bloor just east of Christie. In the east end, Jet Fuel at 519 Parliament usually gets the nod. I’m also fond of a new little joint that’s opened up near my house — El Cafecito on Northumberland, near Bloor and Dovercourt.
They sell something called the Indie Coffee Passport, which, for $25, allows you to try a coffee at 30 shops across the city over the course of four months. Great deal!
Kim Gray commented:
Hey Joel. Nice to see Toronto on our pages. Hope to hear more from you!
Paula Sheridan commented:
and what happens when you go on that road trip (or cycle trip!) and you find yourself in one of interior BC’s awesome little towns like Rock Creek nestled on the Kettle River on Hwy 3 and you can’t think of anything but the aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans?? head directly to Rock Creek Trading Post – Kent & Denise visit Guatemala each winter and being coffee fans roast these exquisite beans to perfection right on site. Lattes, Americanos, Canadiana’s, soy, chai, this little unassuming cafe has it! for snacks try the gluten free carrot cake, cornmeal muffins, spicy homemade sausage rolls, or the best egg salad sandwich ever…
But just one thing to keep in mind – it’s closed on Wednesdays for their much needed day of rest.
Happy trails!
Jim Byers commented:
Balzac’s in the Distillery District (in Toronto). Exposed stone and brick walls. Open and airy with a cool second floor balcony.
S Geddes commented:
I have to say the most delicious latte I’ve come across is at Cafe Rosso in Calgary. The only draw back is they take forever to make it, but well worth the wait! It’s like morning dessert!
Cathy W. commented:
Scoop and Bean is my local fav. As the name dictates they serve great coffee and ice cream (and crepes). The best treat is getting a shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream – in Italy known as the affancado – in Toronto it’s the “scoop & bean”. Located just off Bathurst on Follis (and on the way home from the kids school).
Mr. Fab commented:
Honestly you should all just stop by my friend Angela’s house. I don’t know what is going on with her coffee maker or even what beans she uses, but there must be something delicious about Calgary’s water that makes it special.
Now if she is not home, the best coffee shop in Calgary, hands down, is ‘Purple Perk’ on 4th street in Mission and conveniently the blend is called also called ‘Mission’
Maurice Blouin commented:
In Québec City, the most beautiful City in North America (For its geographic site and historical architecture, San Francisco being the second most beautiful on these aspects), Bruleries (roasting their own coffee) and Cafés are in fashion. They are all over the place. On St-Joseph Street, in nouveau St-Roch quarter, Caffe Roma, Brûlerie St-Roch (between De la couronne and Dorchester Streets) and several other are available.
Sarah Hasson commented:
Where to find a good coffee in “Canada’s cultural capital”? (aka Montreal?) Tough one!
Head down to Café Névé on Rachel Street (Plateau Mont-Royal) and relax on their cozy sofa.
You may also enjoy Laïka on the Main (St-Laurent street, Plateau Mont-Royal) or simply seat on a bench while sipping latte from Café Olympico or Club Social (both on St-Viateur street, Mile-End) and enjoying the street’s life.
John Duckworth commented:
We live on a beach in a 18th century Swiss German settlement on Nova Scotia’s beautiful South Shore. There are 100 houses, but no cafes within 25 minutes. So going for coffee is an exciting excursion. We love the serve yourself coffee bar at The (almost impossible to find) Biscuit Eater in Mahone Bay. And every Thursday morning we look forward to going to the weekly market in Lunenburg for a cup of imported and locally roasted coffee from the wonderful folks at The Laughing Whale, which is always paired up with a chocolate croissant from La Vendenee..
Jen Twyman commented:
I tried The Laughing Whale coffee this summer. You are so right – it was fantastic! Thanks John! Next year I plan to hit the Biscuit Eater…
Hugo Germain commented:
I am a big fan of artegiano in Vancouver and Calgary. Nothing like a bit of artist talent in your cup of coffee in the morning. And the shop smells sooooo good.
Otherwise, i make a pretty good coffee too!
Hugo Germain commented:
I would have to agree with Maurice.
maurice blouin commented:
Bonjour,
Je suis un ami de Kim qui a mis sur pied le site. Je parle d’autant plus en connaissance de cause que j’ai visité toutes les villes d’Amérique du Nord qui présentent un quelconque intérêt. Il en va de même pour l’Amérique latine. Mais là, il y a des villes d’une beauté peu commune. Je suis retourné cet hiver à Cartagena qui m’avait émerveillé lors de mes premières visites,( dont une avec mes parents). Ça été de nouveau le cas.
robin commented:
Inside Parlour Coffee, no ordinary drip brew will do. Winnipeg’s newest coffee house is set in an historic yet renovated Main Street brick-front low-rise. The Exchange District java joint serves serious brews: 49th Parallel and Phil & Sebastian beans are roasted and shipped in weekly from Vancouver and Calgary. For the serious coffee drinkers, forget ordinary drip and sip. Enter Chemex, pour over and aeropress brewing methods. The sidewalk-facing bar offers an always entertaining view of Main Street locals and the just-visiting folks. The neighbourhood is the midst of a budding gentrification. New restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops are all opening doors in the district, which is also home to the annual Fringe Festival. Parlour Coffee, 468 Main St, Winnipeg.