7 Post-Hike Brunch Spots to Check Out Near and in Vancouver

Photo: Cafe Medina

Hiking season is here! And along with rehydrating during and after, did you know it’s generally recommended to eat within an hour after a hike? So how convenient is is it that we have a plethora of post-morning-hike brunch options near said hikes and in the city? There is no shortage of restaurants and cafes very happy to help you re-fuel after your trek up the Grouse Grind or any other North Shore Mountain hikes.

Whether you’re looking for hearty and/or healthy, patio seating, or that perfect cup of coffee to complement your hike endorphin buzz, you are all set. The Greater Vancouver area is a melting pot of unique and traditional brunch options — here are a few local favourites!

If you need to feed the beast immediately after you’ve stretched, stay on the North Shore…

The smoked salmon breakfast at Tour de Feast | Photo: Tour de Feast

Tour de Feast (North Vancouver)

A short drive from both Lynn Canyon and the Grouse Grind, respectively, Tour de Feast is a cute French bistro nestled in North Vancouver’s industrial area. They are a small family run restaurant that specializes in French cooking, so you can expect the food to be full of fresh flavours and look so beautiful in it’s simplicity. This writer’s particular favourite dish is the Smoked Salmon Breakfast — highly recommend!

319 Mountain Hwy, North Vancouver | Website

Get your post hike re-fuel on the patio at the Cheshire Cheese Restaurant | Photo: The Cheshire Cheese Restaurant

The Cheshire Cheese

Calling all our British visitors and residents! Tucked away on the second level of Lonsdale Quay Market, The Cheshire Cheese Restaurant & Bar is possibly the best kept brunch secret in the Vancouver area. Serving up traditional British fare, they offer common staple breakfast accompaniments like grilled tomatoes and proper English sausage. Brunch is served only on weekends and holidays, and you should get a seat by the window or on the patio so you can enjoy the view of the Quay.

218 – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver | Website

Photo: Tap & Barrel

Tap & Barrel Shipyards

With a focus on fresh and local ingredients, Vancouver-based chain Tap & Barrel is known for serving up top quality, flavourful food; and their Shipyards location in North Vancouver is no exception to the rule. And while brunch might be a bit early to imbibe, Tap & Barrel also boasts an all-BC craft beer and wine list. And then there’s the breathtaking views of Downtown Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet. You can’t go wrong.

8 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver | Website

If your appetite can wait until you get back into Vancouver…

Catch 122

Located in historic Gastown, Catch 122 offers Canadian comfort food in a casual West Coast setting. Served in a rustic fashion that will make you feel at home, you’ll experience fabulous coffee, daily fresh-baked pastries, house-made charcuterie, and great local craft beer (perhaps for later!) And, for all the Brits* out there, if you’re missing an All English while you’re in Vancouver, be sure to order the Classic so you can have those baked beans you didn’t know you were missing. You’re welcome.

*Writer’s note: I’m not British, but my partner is. He is forever on the hunt for baked beans at BC restaurants, and this was a score for him!

122 West Hastings Street, Gastown | Website

The Distillery Scramble | Photo: Yasmine Hardcastle

The Distillery Bar + Kitchen

The Distillery Bar + Kitchen offers great food, charming and friendly service, and a great vibe for both a post-hike brunch or for happy hour and dinner in the day. All brunch menu items are under $15 — which is great value for money. Whether you choose to sit on the patio to people watch, or inside to soak up all the prohibition era glamour and the fabulous bar chandelier, you can’t go wrong. Brunch is served only on Fridays, weekends, and holidays — be sure to make a reservation!

1131 Mainland Street, Yaletown| Website

Photo: Cafe Medina

Cafe Medina

Savoury or sweet? How to choose? A longtime favourite of Vancouverites, Cafe Medina’s niche is twofold: excellent breakfast/brunch, and what are quite possibly the city’s best Belgian waffles. This eclectic bistro is a haven for both foodies and coffee connoisseurs. If you’re keen to have the Cafe Medina experience, be sure to get hiking early, as the restaurant does not take reservations — but it’s worth the short wait!

780 Richards Street, Vancouver | Website

Belgard Kitchen’s Salmon Gravlax Hash | Photo: Yasmine Hardcastle

Belgard Kitchen

Operated in the stunning historic Settlement Building on the edge of the Gastown, Belgard Kitchen is part of what makes the location a triple threat. Walk through the impressive 12′ high wooden doors and find the high-beamed ceilings covering not just the restaurant, but also the the Vancouver Urban Winery and crafter brewery Postmark Brewing. You won’t go wrong with anything on the menu, including their brunch beverages. Cider mimosa anyone?

55 Dunlevy Avenue, Railtown | Website