City Guide for Coffee Lovers & Record Enthusiasts

by pourtherecord

Whether it’s a raw, emotional song written and performed by Joni Mitchell or a citywide chant started by Drake, Canada has produced some of the most influential musicians of all time—and the record scene is a byproduct and feature of the multicultural influence.

And while Timmie’s dominates the coffee-to-go space, the specialty coffee scene has been thriving, pushing the boundaries of what coffee can be.

Canada

Toronto

Coming soon…

downtown st. catharines

St. Catharines

Coming soon…

Canada’s Record Scene

Powerhouses in alternative rock, country and folk

Overview

Canada boasts a vibrant record scene that reflects its profound musical impact on the global stage, from legendary artists like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell to influential indie acts like Arcade Fire and Feist. This rich musical heritage fuels a passionate record collecting culture across the country, where vinyl enthusiasts hunt for rare finds and timeless classics. Major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver stand out as top destinations for record collectors, each offering a diverse array of independent record stores, local music markets, and vinyl fairs. Whether you're seeking vintage pressings or new indie releases, Canada's thriving vinyl community makes it a must-visit for collectors and music lovers alike.

Genres to look out for

Rock / Classic Rock

  • Rush

  • The Tragically Hip

  • Neil Young

  • Bryan Adams

  • Guess Who

Folk / Singer-Songwriter

  • Joni Mitchell

  • Gordon Lightfoot

  • Leonard Cohen

Indie Rock / Alternative

  • Arcade Fire

  • Feist

  • Metric

Francophone Pop / Chanson Québécoise

  • Céline Dion

  • Coeur de Pirate

  • Ariane Moffatt

Best places to buy records in Canada

Sonic Boom

  • Large inventory of both used and new vinyl

  • Retail store is located in Toronto

Red Cat Records

  • Independent shop with a loyal following

  • Retail store is located in Vancouver

Local record fairs

Kijiji

  • Canada’s #1 Marketplace website

Canada’s Coffee Scene

More than just double doubles at the Timmie’s drive-thru

Overview

Canada's coffee scene has evolved from its early roots of traditional drip brews and diner-style cups into a thriving, diverse culture that embraces both history and innovation. Coffee has been a staple in Canadian life for over a century, deeply woven into social rituals and daily routines, which has been driven by the Canadian staple coffee chain, Tim Horton’s.

In recent years, the specialty coffee movement has surged, led by acclaimed roasters like 49th Parallel (Vancouver), Pilot Coffee Roasters (Toronto), Monogram Coffee (Calgary), Detour Coffee (Hamilton), and Dispatch Coffee (Montreal). These industry leaders have elevated the standard with a focus on ethically sourced beans, precise roasting profiles, and cutting-edge brewing methods. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal now rank among the best places to drink coffee in Canada, offering a rich blend of community, craftsmanship, and world-class flavor for both casual sippers and discerning connoisseurs.

Top Coffee Roasters in Canada

Monogram Coffee (Calgary, AB)

  • Co-founded by one of the world’s best baristas, Benjamin Put, Monogram blends competitive expertise with a customer-first café experience

  • Their flagship cafés have won design awards for blending Nordic minimalism with Canadian warmth

Hatch Coffee Roasters (Markham, ON)

  • Hatch primarily supplies cafés and restaurants but operates with state-of-the-art roasting equipment and strict quality control for consistency.

  • Known for carrying experimental fermentations and rare varietals, often featuring unique processing methods like carbonic maceration

  • This is my personal favourite of the coffee roasters I’ve tried

Rosso Coffee Roasters (Calgary, AB)

  • Rosso was one of the early Canadian roasters to build direct relationships with producers

  • They’ve participated in multiple Cup of Excellence auctions, investing in some of the world’s top-rated coffees

  • Rosso is a B Corp-certified company, highlighting their commitment to social and environmental responsibility

Luna Coffee (Vancouver, BC)

  • Unlike many roasters, Luna posts detailed transparency reports including exact farm names, producer payment data, and import timelines

  • Co-founded by coffee scientist Jessica Godfrey, Luna emphasizes flavor clarity and light roasts through a data-driven roasting approach

Subtext Coffee Roasters (Toronto, ON)

  • Subtext only buys fresh-crop, in-season micro-lots, often sourced through intimate relationships with small producers.

  • Their coffee can be sampled at any of the Boxcar Social coffee shops, their location hidden in an alleyway is one of the coolest record cafes I’ve visited