Long after the sugary sweets of Halloween and Hanukkah and Christmas are consumed and healthy new-year resolutions are faint recollections, there is an annual tradition in Kitsilano and throughout Vancouver: the world’s original hot chocolate festival. Sponsored by City Food Magazine, The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival returns for its eighth year. In 2018 there are plenty of Kits chocolatiers, doughnut shops, bakeries, cafes and ice cream makers on our list.
Around the corner from your home away from home in the heart of Kitsilano, you’ll find Cartems Doughnuts at 3040 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H1. This human- and pet-friendly doughnut shop features “Donut Misu”, a hot chocolate made with dark roasted coffee, authentic amaretto and a hint of nutmeg and garnished with a white chocolate donut truffle. Vegans may want to sample “The Campfire”, a dairy-free hot chocolate made with smoked cocoa and creamy coconut milk chocolate and garnished with vanilla marshmallow fluff and toasted flax seed graham cracker.
Five blocks up the street at 2539 West Broadway, you’ll find “Snowball Fight in Chamonix” and “In the Land of the Rising Sun”, both inspired by locally famed chocolatier Thomas Haas. Stroll along West 4th Avenue for original hot chocolate recipes made by Koko Monk, Terra Breads, and 49th Parallel Coffee & Lucky’s Doughnuts. Use this handy hot chocolate festival walking map to find all Kitsilano participants.
No matter when you visit Vancouver, you’ll find markets and festivals in Kitsilano. Subscribe to this blog to learn more about festivals in Kits. Find modern, cozy furnished accommodations at Avalon Guest Suite & Coach House. Book your accommodations now.