Plant-based dining has exploded across Canada, and the growth isn’t limited to big urban centres. Smaller communities are keeping pace, and in some cases outshining their metropolitan neighbours. This deep dive goes past the headline lists to unpack why certain cities excel, how costs and quality vary, and what to eat when you visit.
Understanding Vegan City Rankings
Not all rankings are built the same. Some lists tally every vegan eatery in a city, while others measure how many exist relative to the population. The difference matters. Victoria, for example, has about 141 vegan restaurants and nearly 50 per 100,000 people; Toronto, with 1,221 vegan/vegetarian/gluten‑free spots, falls behind on density at 47 per 100,000. That’s why mid‑sized cities such as Niagara Falls and Kelowna pop up in per‑capita lists despite their modest size.
A quick look at the top five illustrates how these metrics vary:
| City | Vegan restaurants | Restaurants per 10,000–100,000 people | Average meal price (CAD) | Average rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 141 | ~50 per 100 000 | 22.79 | 4.31/5 |
| Hamilton | 89 | ~17 per 100 000 | 19.85 | 4.35/5 |
| London (Ontario) | 82 | ~18.6 per 100 000 | 27.56 | 4.37/5 |
| Windsor | 76 | ~31.8 per 100 000 | 21.32 | 4.34/5 |
| Ottawa | 203 | ~19.1 per 100 000 | 25.00 | 4.34/5 |
These figures underscore the point: density and quality can trump sheer numbers. Knowing how rankings are calculated will help you decide which city suits your travel style.
Cost and Quality – Where Value Meets Taste
Price and satisfaction often sway dining decisions. BonusFinder’s data show that Victoria’s diners pay about CA$22.79 per meal and give an average rating of 4.31/5. Hamilton offers the best bargain among the top cities, with meals averaging CA$19.85 and a rating of 4.35/5. London’s vegan dishes cost more at CA$27.56 but still earn 4.37/5.
Cost differences reflect the mix of eateries. Victoria’s scene ranges from casual cafés to upscale dining, while Hamilton’s is more homely and affordable. London’s higher price tags come from a handful of gourmet spots. When planning a trip, balance your budget against the styles of cuisine you enjoy.
Beyond the Big Five – Hidden Vegan Gems
Hamilton’s Evolving Food Scene
Hamilton ranks second thanks to its high density and low prices, yet the city rarely gets its due. Over the past few years, a wave of hip cafés, food trucks and comfort‑food diners has opened along James Street and Locke Street. You’ll find everything from plant‑based junk food and vegan donuts to soul‑warming stews. Community groups organise pop‑up markets and potlucks, making Hamilton feel like a tight‑knit vegan village within a city.
Niagara Falls & Kelowna – Tourism‑Driven Veganism
Tourism fuels vegan demand in both Niagara Falls and Kelowna. At the falls, vegan ice‑cream parlours and plant‑based burger joints cater to visitors who want a quick, cruelty-free bite between boat tours. Kelowna’s wine region takes things up a notch: several wineries now offer vegan tasting menus, and restaurants like Frankie We Salute You! and Naked Café serve locally sourced plates that pair perfectly with Okanagan wines. The region’s mild climate means patio dining is an option most of the year.
Saint John & Atlantic Canada
Saint John makes the MealKitsCanada top five by offering 5.58 vegan restaurants per 10,000 people. The city’s vegan food often riffs on East Coast classics: think chickpea “fish” and chips, kelp‑seasoned chowders and lobster-roll-inspired sandwiches made with hearts of palm. Breweries here brew small‑batch beers that complement these dishes. If you’re exploring the Maritimes, don’t overlook Saint John’s creative take on vegan cuisine.
Spotlight on Major Vegan Friendly Cities
Vancouver
Vancouver is a vegan powerhouse. Studies cite between 359 and 644 plant‑based eateries, and the city claims some of the highest restaurant densities in North America. The annual Planted Expo, Canada’s largest vegan trade show, adds to its reputation. For a taste of the city, start with these local favourites:
- MeeT in Gastown - a casual spot known for hearty comfort food, from burgers to mac and cheese.
- Virtuous Pie - gourmet vegan pizza and ice cream; the creative toppings and house‑made cashew cheese draw rave reviews.
- The Acorn - an award‑winning vegetarian restaurant with a sophisticated menu and plenty of vegan options.
Beyond these, districts like Main Street and Commercial Drive teem with vegan bakeries, zero‑waste grocers and Asian-inspired cafés. Pack a reusable container and spend an afternoon grazing from one neighbourhood to the next.
Victoria
Victoria may top the rankings, but its dining culture is surprisingly relaxed. The city’s success comes from a community of chefs passionate about local produce. Nourish Kitchen & Café, set in a historic James Bay house, is a perfect example. YAM Magazine’s 2024 Best Restaurant awards describe it as a “city staple” for the vegetable-forward crowd, highlighting creative dishes that feature locally sourced ingredients. The judges praise its comfortable space and seasonal menus, which range from roasted squash with tahini to risottos bursting with seeds and roots. Runner‑up spots like Be Love and End Dive (both plant-focused) ensure there’s more than one top-tier choice.
You’ll also find quick bites at long-standing institutions like Green Cuisine, which operates a buffet of wholesome dishes, and casual cafés serving vegan pastries. With almost 50 plant‑based restaurants per 100,000 people, you’re never far from a good meal.
Toronto & Vegandale
Toronto’s 1,221 vegan friendly restaurants catering to vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free diners make it Canada’s largest plant-based scene. The challenge is figuring out where to start. Parkdale’s Vegandale district offers a neat solution: within a few blocks you can sample vegan Southern comfort food, doughnuts, craft beers and even decadent milkshakes. Elsewhere in the city, long-established chains like Fresh set the standard for modern vegan dining, while independent spots such as Hogtown Vegan, Pizzeria Du and Sorelle and Co. push culinary boundaries. Prices range widely, so you can enjoy cheap eats or splurge on prix-fixe menus depending on your budget.
Montreal
Montreal combines French flair with plant-based innovation. With about 790 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants and 49.4 per 100,000 residents, the city’s scene is diverse. Classics like Aux Vivres and Lola Rosa offer comfort dishes, from poutine smothered in a cashew-based vegan cheese to smoked “meat” sandwiches, while upscale eateries reimagine French cuisine with mushrooms, lentils and tofu. Montreal’s summer festival circuit often includes vegan food trucks and pop‑up cafés, adding to the city’s charm.
Festivals, Markets & Vegan Infrastructure
Festivals bring communities together and are a great way to sample multiple vendors. Vancouver’s Planted Expo, the largest vegan trade show in the country, features local and international brands, educational talks and cooking demos. Toronto’s Veg Food Fest and Vegan Social Events offer similar experiences, while Montreal’s Vegan Fest has grown each year and now spans several days. Even smaller cities host pop‑ups and farmers’ markets focusing on plant-based foods.
Grocery options have also expanded. Victoria, Hamilton and Kelowna each have dedicated vegan markets, and zero‑waste shops like Nada in Vancouver and Bare Market in Toronto let you stock up without creating packaging waste. More hotels, especially in Vancouver and Toronto, now offer vegan menus or fully plant-based room service, making travel even easier.
The Future of Vegan Dining in Canada
Canada’s vegan population continues to climb; about 5 % of Canadians - roughly 1.77 million people - identified as vegan by 2020. Government policy is also moving toward more humane standards. Canada banned cosmetic testing on animals in 2023, signalling a wider cultural shift. As consumer demand grows, expect mid‑sized cities like Kamloops, Fredericton and Moncton - already in the top fifteen for restaurant density - to expand their offerings. We’ll likely see more vegan food trucks, pop‑up markets and collaborative events between wineries, breweries and plant-based chefs.
Frequently Asked Questions & Vegan Travel Tips
How expensive is vegan dining in Canada?
It varies by city. Victoria’s average meal costs CA$22.79 and Hamilton’s CA$19.85, while London’s options average CA$27.56. Large cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer budget eats and high-end tasting menus.
Which Canadian city has the most vegan restaurants?
Toronto leads in absolute numbers with 1,221 vegan/vegetarian/gluten‑free venues, but Victoria and Niagara Falls have higher per‑capita densities.
What are some must-try vegan restaurants?
In Vancouver, stop by MeeT in Gastown, Virtuous Pie and The Acorn. In Victoria, Nourish Kitchen & Café serves seasonal, vegetable-forward dishes in a historic home, while Be Love offers creative plant-based cuisine. Toronto visitors should explore Vegandale for a cluster of diverse eateries, and in Montreal, Aux Vivres and Lola Rosa are perennial favourites.
When is the best time for vegan tourism?
Spring and summer are ideal for festivals like Planted Expo, but winter markets in Toronto and Montreal provide cozy plant-based dining experiences.