In France, everyone has their “local”: the place where they pop in every morning to not only pick up a fresh croissant (or traditional baked goods of their choice) but savour it. These treasured spots are all about that less-is-more approach: The focus is on excellent ingredients and precise, thoughtful baking. Each bite is a moment of fleeting beauty – gone until their next order helps create new memories.
The good news is, you don’t have to be in Paris to find a local of your own. From buttery croissants and flaky pains au chocolat to elegant pâtisseries and artisan breads, these are the French bakeries worth seeking out across Canada.
British Columbia
Merci Boulangerie — Vancouver
After working at the Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and famed Parisian boulangerie Mamiche, Red Seal baker Natalie Cumberbirch wanted to bring a taste of Paris back to her hometown of Vancouver.
At Merci Boulangerie, she whips up an array of must-try goods. Those include her morning buns, made from flaky croissant dough and lightly tossed in an orange-zest cinnamon sugar. For a savoury bite, consider the roulé jambon fromage, a rolled pasty with Gruyère cheese and honey ham.
Beaucoup — Vancouver
Beaucoup was founded by acclaimed Canadian pastry chef and entrepreneur Jackie Kai Ellis in 2012. It’s now under the ownership of sibling duo Betty and Jacky Hung—and it hasn’t missed a step.
Their pastries are the perfect marriage of French techniques and Asian flavours. Think one-of-a-kind treats, like a limited-edition durian basque cheesecake for Lunar New Year. But traditionalists needn’t worry, because there are many classics to enjoy, like kouign-amann (a Breton cake with buttery laminated layers and a hint of salt) and sablé-shortbread cookies.
La Roux Patisserie — Victoria
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This lovely bakery in the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown is run by an all-women team. On offer are a selection of French pastry goods, including croissants, rich éclairs, canelés, madeleines, financiers and profiteroles.
Spend your afternoon sipping coffee or tea inside the inviting space, with a fun checkered floor and elegant wainscot paneling all around the walls. Don’t forget to try the Paris-Brest at La Roux Patisserie as well, with a light choux pastry and praline cream filling.
Manitoba
Le Croissant — Winnipeg
As you walk through the St. Boniface district in Winnipeg, look for Le Croissant‘s crescent-shaped hanging sign and ready yourself for the coziest experience. With touches of greenery and inviting decor, it’s the perfect place for a solo book date or catching up with friends.
Try the fluffy pain au lait (milk bread available in two versions: rosemary with garlic and shallots with red wine) or indulge in one of the stunning eclairs. And don’t forget about the croissant – after all, it’s in the name.
Ontario
Petite Thuet — Toronto
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If you haven’t heard of owner Marc Thuet, you may recognize him from the 2000’s television show, Conviction Kitchen. This fourth-generation chef was born in Alsace, France and worked at two- and three-starred Michelin restaurants and hotels across Europe. Lucky for us, he has been based in Toronto for the past few decades now, operating two locations of Petite Thuet among other establishments.
In line with his family tradition, Thuet makes all the dough without yeast and follows a low fermentation process that requires three nights of leavening, yielding a crispier crust and chewier crumb. If you’re torn over which to try first, go for the best-selling Alsatian sourdough loaf or a crusty baguette.
Quebec
Maison Oddo — Gatineau
Just two years after opening the doors to Maison Oddo, Toulouse-raised founder and baker Benjamin Oddo was named the best pastry chef in Quebec. And after trying the baked goods, you’ll understand why. The standout bread selection includes three kinds of baguettes (like the thin sesame-crusted ficelle) and 14 different loaves.
Oddo’s attention to detail is obvious throughout the menu. Just take a look at the intricate pâtisseries, including individual-sized Saint-Honoré cakes with vanilla custard and mascarpone chantilly cream. There’s also the poire mousse cake, which is formed by hand to look like a whole pear.
Café Redwood — Montreal
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Situated across the scenic Lachine Canal is Café Redwood, an inviting neighbourhood spot known for fluffy focaccia bread. This star item acts as the base for the avocado toast and a variety of sandwiches (including chicken salad and smoked salmon options).
The stellar brunch menu also includes a pain doré, made from house-made butter brioche bread and topped with maple caramel and blueberries. The pastry case acts as a treasure trove for other must-try pastries like madeleines, warm cardamom cookies and barquette aux fruits made with seasonal produce.
Pâtisserie Chouquette — Quebec City
Quebec City’s Pâtisserie Chouquette was founded by pastry-chef couple Olivier Verdot and Rachel Parenteau. It is known for layered mille feuilles, cream-filled Paris-Brest pâtisseries and, of course, its namesake chouquettes. Here, these small spheres of golden choux pastry are offered plain or beautifully dressed up with various fillings and topped with seasonal fruits.
The owners love spotlighting local produce whenever they can. For example, the beautiful black forest cake with prune compote and the decadent vegan chocolate raspberry mousse both use fruits from nearby l’île d’Orléans.
New Brunswick
Boulangerie Tony — Moncton
What started as one family-run bistro and patisserie in Moncton, N.B., has rapidly expanded. Their budding portfolio includes the homey Tony’s Cafe, the upscale casual-dining establishment Atelier Tony and, most notably, Boulangerie Tony, located in neighbouring Dieppe.
Among the selection of French baked goods are baguettes and pains aux raisins. To satisfy your sweet tooth, sample the colourful macarons and cakes. The chocolate delice, with raspberries and dark-chocolate ganache, looks particularly indulgent.
Boulangerie Seoul — Fredericton
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If you’re in Fredericton and looking to treat yourself to some incredible French pâtisseries, you’ve found the right place. Boulangerie Seoul is owned and operated by South Korean couple, Seulah Jang and Seungho Kim, the latter of whom always dreamt of opening a café. They completely sold out during the grand opening in 2023, and two years in, momentum continues to grow.
The most popular menu items include crunchy-yet-tender canelés, delicate madeleines and basque cheesecakes topped with whipped cream. But they’re not afraid to experiment either – check out the non-alcoholic baba au rhum made with earl grey tea.
Nova Scotia
Café Lunette — Halifax
Situated on the Halifax waterfront is Café Lunette, which doubles as a French bistro by night. The Viennoiserie program is helmed by Cori Osborne. This award-winning executive pastry chef studied at France’s prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie. Bakery standouts include the gluten-free orange-almond cake and tender canelés.
More stories on Canada’s vibrant restaurant scene
- Reimagining Fine Dining at Lucie — A look at how a Michelin-recommended Montreal restaurant is redefining modern fine dining through restraint, atmosphere, and intention.
- Inside Canada’s Most Thoughtful New Restaurants — From intimate neighbourhood spots to ambitious tasting menus, a closer look at the country’s evolving restaurant landscape.
