No longer merely the sugary fried breakfast-time treat, the donut (or doughnut, if you will) has of late become elevated to gourmet goodie status. All the cops in the donut shop may still say “way oh” about coffee’s beloved sidekick, but here in Vancouver the old fashioned donut has some fancy new friends. It’s okay though, there’s room enough for all kinds in our city’s bakery box. Here are our picks for the Best Donuts in Vancouver.
Cartems Donuterie
Photo via Facebook
It’s no secret we love Cartems, but it’s hard not to be smitten with their inventive take on the donut. Having really upped the game for the local donut scene, the former pop-up has been cozily ensconced in their downtown Donuterie digs since November 2013, where they pour their milk from taps, and put out fresh flavourful donut creations like the popular Earl Grey, their filled “stuffies,” and daily selection of vegan and gluten-free options.
Address: 534 W Pender St
Phone: 778-708-0996
Website: cartems.com
Lee’s Donuts
Photo by Lindsay William-Ross/VancityBuzz
When it comes to old school donuts in Vancouver, it doesn’t get more legit than Lee’s Donuts, where they’ve been sating donut cravings for locals and tourists alike from their post inside the Granville Island Public Market since 1979. Keep it classic with their beloved Honey Dip, or take it to the trendier side with their Maple Bacon, which, incidentally, isn’t shy when it comes to the bacon.
Address: Inside Granville Island Public Market, 1689 Johnston St
Phone: 604-685-4021
Website: granvilleisland.com
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies
Photo by Ruth Hartnup/Flickr
You’ll have to head to Deep Cove in North Van for the sugary goodness of Honey Doughnuts. These dense, cakey, puffed-up orbs come dipped in honey, maple, chocolate, or maple bacon, and while by rights they are rich enough to share, you may end up gobbling up the whole one solo.
Address: 4373 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver
Phone: 604-929-4988
Website: honeydoughnuts.com
Duffin’s Donuts
Photo via Facebook
This stalwart staple Vancouver donut shop will not only help you address your donut needs 24 hours a day, but also give you the opportunity to stuff your face with some damn good fried chicken, torta sub sandwiches, and Vietnamese eats. True, that makes it the more schizophrenic of the donut shops in town, but with a case stockpiled with gleaming donut jewels (including their much-hailed sprinkle-topped donut), Duffin’s is still tops when it comes to old school donuts.
Address: 1391 41st Ave E
Phone: 604-325-5544
Website: Duffin’s Donuts (on Facebook)
Lucky’s Doughnuts
Photo by Ruth Hartnup/Flickr
If you’re enjoying a fresh-baked donut from Lucky’s, that’s not luck, son, that’s smarts. Wise Vancouverites and visitors alike know to make their way to 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters on Main Street to pair up their fantastic coffee with their delectable donuts. Lucky’s makes everything from scratch, and aims to employ as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. The proof is in the product. Their Orange Honey Pistachio (pictured) tastes as dreamy as it looks.
Address: 2902 Main St
Phone: 604-872-4901
Website: www.luckysdoughnuts.com
Harmony Donut Shop
Photo by Travis Nicholson/Flickr
Once more into North Van we go, this time to enjoy the eclectic charm and tasty treats at Harmony Donut Shop. At their best when served warm, Harmony’s cake-style donuts have stolen the hearts of savvy sweet tooths. Neon glazes and sprinkles beckon the eye (as do the collectible toys on display!) but its your tastebuds that reap the rewards.
Address: 2945 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
Phone: 604-987-0525
Website: Harmony Donut Shop (on Yelp)
Honourable Mention
A shout out to Swiss Bakery, who saw to it last year Vancouver had its own iteration of the croissant-donut hybrid the “Cronut,” which they call a Frissant. Marrying one of their specialty donuts, the fritter, and a croissant, Swiss Bakery’s Frissant line has expanded since its debut to include flavours like Salted Caramel and Hazelnut Praline.