Vancouver is a really great place for vegan travellers, set against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes and a vibrant vegan scene. Vancouver's vegan scene has blossomed into one of the most vibrant in North America, earning the city a top spot in global rankings for veganism. By my last count, there are 33 vegan restaurants in the city, a ton of innovative food products, and many lively community events!
The Top Vegan Spots in Vancouver, Canada
A cornerstone of this scene is the Planted Expo, the largest plant-based event in Canada, which draws thousands of attendees each year to explore over 250 vegan businesses, hear from expert speakers, and sample an array of vegan products. Another unique highlight is Vancouver’s Vegan Night Market, the only one of its kind in Canada, which blends the local artisan culture with plant-based living in a fun, social atmosphere.
Historically, Vancouver has been home to pioneering vegan establishments like The Naam, which opened in the late 1960s and remains a beloved fixture. This long-standing commitment to veganism has paved the way for a thriving contemporary scene that includes everything from fine dining at award-winning restaurants like The Acorn to casual eats at spots like MeeT.
Vancouver’s Green Legacy
Vancouver has a long history of being a leader in environmentally friendly living initiatives, a reputation that has only grown stronger over the years. The city’s commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in British Columbia’s broader environmental ethos, which is reflected in initiatives like the preservation of vast wilderness areas and the promotion of green urban planning. Vancouver was one of the first cities in Canada to adopt a comprehensive climate action plan, aiming to become the greenest city in the world by 2020. This plan included ambitious goals such as reducing carbon emissions, increasing green space, and promoting renewable energy use.
The city has also been a pioneer in green building practices, with the implementation of strict energy efficiency standards and the widespread adoption of green roofs and other sustainable building technologies. British Columbia as a whole has supported these efforts through provincial policies like the carbon tax, which was the first of its kind in North America, introduced in 2008. This tax has been instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging the adoption of clean energy technologies. Whether you're looking to sit down for a vegan meal, relax in eco-friendly accommodations, or explore the city's nature spots, Vancouver really does have something to offer for every ethical traveller.
The Best Vegan Places in Vancouver
Now that we have looked at some of the general reasons why Vancouver is great for vegans, let’s look at some specific examples:
#1. Viet Family - The Vegan House
This restaurant is a must-visit for ethical travellers seeking a truly compassionate dining experience. Owned by the Ho family, who brought their Vietnamese heritage to the heart of Vancouver's Commercial Drive, their menu offers 100% plant-based dishes that reflect both traditional Vietnamese flavours and innovative vegan cuisine.
Popular dishes include their vegan pho, made with rich, aromatic broth, and their unique coconut-based Vietnamese coffee. Viet Family's ethos of "Eat Clean, Free Your Mind, and Feed Your Soul" really resonates with us ethical travellers, and this place offers not just a meal but a holistic approach to well-being. Fun fact: Based on my calculation of Google reviews and star rating, this is the BEST vegan restaurant in the city for 2024.
#2. Vegan Supply
For those looking to stock up on vegan essentials, Vegan Supply in Chinatown is the go-to spot. This all-vegan grocery store offers a wide range of products, from local artisanal goods to international brands (They stock Juicy Marbles, which is hard to find in Canada!).
Whether you're after dairy-free cheeses, cruelty-free beauty products, or sustainable household items, Vegan Supply has a ton of choices and they started out as the biggest vegan e-commerce platform in Canada. This shop is a definite must-see when in Vancouver.
#3. Virtuous Pie
Craving some plant-based pizza? Head to Virtuous Pie in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. We had a location in my home-town of Toronto, but sadly it closed. It was very sad because they have some amazing pizza. They are known for their artisanal vegan pizzas but also ice creams.
Their pizzas feature creative toppings like house-made cashew mozzarella, kimchi, and spicy yuba 'sausage.' The restaurant also champions sustainability through its plant-based menu and eco-friendly packaging. An all-vegan pizza shop? Yep, that is a must-visit.
#4. Stanley Park
So far, I have been talking a lot about food—can you tell I like vegan food a lot? Well, to change things up let’s talk about some greenery. No visit to Vancouver is complete without spending time in Stanley Park, a natural oasis that offers breathtaking views and a tranquil escape from the city's bustle.
You can enjoy the park's lush forests, scenic seawall, and the Vancouver Aquarium, which focuses on marine conservation. Pack a picnic from one of the restaurants on this list and spend a day exploring this iconic park, all while supporting sustainable tourism.
#5. The Juice Truck
If you're looking to recharge after a day of exploring Stanley Park, The Juice Truck would be a great place since they offer a refreshing selection of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and vegan snacks.
Located in the trendy Gastown area, this popular spot is known for its health-focused menu that uses only organic and locally sourced ingredients. From nutrient-packed smoothie bowls to energy-boosting elixirs, The Juice Truck is perfect for some healthy eating.
#6. Bonus Bakery
Bonus Bakery is actually my pick for the #2 vegan place to eat in Vancouver. Co-founded by Pierrick Tanguy and baker Monica Tang, Bonus Bakery stands out as Vancouver's first entirely plant-based bakery, offering an array of baked goods that look and taste amazing.
Popular items include their signature Bonus Cookie, which is a mix of chocolate chips, Oreos, Corn Flakes, vegan marshmallows, and pretzels, as well as their salted caramel walnut brownie, known for its rich, moist texture.
#7. The Acorn
Now, this restaurant is not totally vegan because they offer some local dairy and egg options for their omnivore customers, so they call it plant-forward (which I guess just means vegetarian). The Acorn has received numerous accolades for its creative use of seasonal vegetables. Their menu changes frequently to reflect what's fresh and in season, ensuring that each visit offers something new and exciting.
Some of their most popular options include the fried oyster mushrooms, served with koji gravy and cayenne, which has become a standout dish. Another favourite is the house cavatelli pasta, often featuring seasonal ingredients like charred rapini and nettle pesto. Also, their Caesar salad, uniquely prepared with green blueberry caper, is also highly praised.
The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary
Located just outside Vancouver, this sanctuary was founded by Diane Marsh and Stephen Wiltshire, and it provides a forever home for a wide variety of animals, including cows, pigs, goats, chickens, and even a friendly donkey. What makes the Happy Herd special is its commitment to giving these animals not just a safe space but a place where they can roam freely and live out their lives with love and care.
Popular activities include "Yoga with Piggies," where visitors can practice yoga amidst the playful and curious pigs, making for a unique and heart-warming experience. The sanctuary runs on donations and volunteer help, making every visit an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of these rescued animals.
Wrap Up: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver
Vancouver is a really great place for ethical travellers seeking to immerse themselves in a lively vegan culture while embracing sustainability in their free time. From its rich history of pioneering vegan establishments to its commitment to environmental initiatives, the city offers an unparalleled experience for those who prioritise compassion in their travels. Whether you're indulging in the innovative plant-based cuisine at Virtuous Pie, stocking up on essentials at Vegan Supply, or enjoying the tranquillity of Stanley Park, Vancouver provides a multitude of options that every vegan seeks. The city's dedication to green living and its flourishing vegan scene make it a must-visit destination for any ethical traveller.
This blog post was brought to you by our friend Jonathan who runs the vegan blog Veggie in the 6ix - thanks, Jonathan!
