Easter is coming, and we couldn't be more excited! With all of the amazing chocolatiers in Vancouver, the hardest part is choosing which one to visit. We can never decide, so we’ll just have to hippity hoppity over to each and every one of these delicious spots. We both LOVE sweets so it’s hard to compile a list of favourites...but we're true, sweet-loving professionals and we got the job done. [Image courtesy of Thomas Haas]
Thomas Haas is one of the most respected and well-known chocolatiers here in Vancouver. Since first opening in 2004, the beloved confectionary shop has earned a number of prestigious accolades and now has two Vancouver locations. Using only the finest handpicked, high quality, raw ingredients, Thomas Haas creates some of the most original seasonal treats around. This Easter, you can expect to find unique Easter truffle eggs in dark and white chocolate, adorable chocolate bunnies, Easter stollen with pistachios and cherries, chocolate lollipops, and many more sweet surprises.
Kerrisdale's family-run Gem Chocolates opened its doors in 2011 and this talented team has been serving up tasty chocolate treats since. All the chocolates are made on site in the shop and are created with all natural, certified organic ingredients. You won’t taste any artificial sweeteners or additives that are commonly found in other commercial chocolates. We visited Gem Chocolates recently during the Hot Chocolate Festival and were blown away by the craftsmanship and taste of their chocolates. Our recommendation: their pecan pie chocolates are to die for!
Burnaby’s Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie is another award-winning chocolate shop here in Vancouver that’s definitely worth a visit anytime you’re in need of gourmet goodies. Christophe is a master pastry chef and chocolatier, having trained and studied extensively in Switzerland and France over the past decade. Chez Christophe will be offering a variety of one-of-a-kind, high-quality Easter treats this season. Their Easter Collection 2016 includes chocolate chickadees, various fancy original eggs and more. You'll have to stop by the shop to see what sweet surprises await.
The masters of seasonal chocolates and a perennial Canadian favourite, Purdys has been serving their signature confections since 1907. You’ll find locations across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and their selection really is incomparable; they stock every kind of chocolate bar, box and gift basket you could want, all for reasonable prices. Eastertime brings beautifully wrapped festive chocolates, adorable tins and baskets for kids, sculptural chocolate eggs, bird’s nest chocolates and more. Don’t forget to pick up a box of chocolate hedgehogs; an all-time customer favourite, these smooth sweets will delight your taste buds thanks to the hazelnut gianduja filling.
Beta5 Chocolates might be tucked away in Strathcona but it’s certainly not a secret. Best known for their scrumptious cream puffs, Beta5 Chocolates has become a go-to location in the city to satisfy your sweet tooth. The mouth-watering cream puffs are not only tasty, but each beautiful tiny tower is also extremely Instagram-worthy. Visit in time for Easter to pick up limited-edition treats like peanut butter quail eggs and dark chocolate praline eggs. An oversized bunny sculpture made with layers of white, blond, milk and dark chocolate would make a great centrepiece for your Easter dinner table.
We are big fans of Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe and visit quite regularly, in part because the downtown café is home to some of the best macarons in the city! Pastry Chef Thierry Busset has been labelled one of North America's finest pastry chefs – all it takes is one visit to Thierry and you’ll see (and taste) why; the quality here is truly unbeatable. Indulge this Easter and enjoy Thierry's handcrafted chocolates, desserts, macarons, pastries, exceptional coffee menu and more.
The team at Mink Chocolates use high quality Belgian chocolate to create their delectable treats. Chocolates are all made in small batches with no preservatives added. We suggest you try their signature specialty – a milk chocolate ganache-filled bar – or opt for one of their original seasonal Easter offerings. We love the delightful floppy eared chocolate bunnies (available in both milk and dark chocolate), and the artfully designed Easter bonbons.
Located in Kitsilano, Chocolate Arts is an upscale confectioner specializing in fine handcrafted chocolates. Chocolates are prepared in small batches using only high-quality ingredients and with no artificial flavours. Sweet lovers can stop by to select from a wide variety of luscious, unique chocolates and truffles that can be enjoyed individually or in mix-and-match box sets. The peanut butter bar is a popular pick, and we love the cappuccino ganache, matcha leaf, and rhubarb rhapsody. These aesthetically pleasing chocolate delights are a treat for all the senses.
Tired of boring, plain old chocolates? Koko Monk Chocolates just might be the place for you! Stocked with a wide selection of out-of-the-ordinary chocolates with complex tasting notes, Koko Monk are leaders when it comes to developing new and exotic flavours. They use organic, healthy ingredients and even serve exquisite vegan chocolate bars. Koko Monks Chocolates is definitely worth a visit this Easter, especially when shopping for the health-conscious chocoholic on your list.