The tour starts at the HAVE Caf□, a culinary training society for people with barriers to employment. Here we have a classic soup and sandwich combo made by their chefs in training. The tour then explores Powell Street where we will pass by numerous historic buildings from the late 1800s such as the World Hotel, The Secord Hotel, The Uchida Building, Oppenheimer Park, the Shibuya Clothing company and more.
The next foodie stop is at the Uncommon Caf□ for some mind-blowing meatballs (recently voted best in the city), some drinking shrubs, and fresh handmade bread. Across the street we head to Dosanko, a modern Japanese restaurant that has consistently winning awards for best Japanese food in the city! Here we try some beautiful Japanese dishes including Onigiri (a handheld rice dish) and a Daikon salad.
After passing by some of the oldest houses still standing and the historic Japanese language school, the tour relaxes for a craft beer and BC wine at The Settlement Building. Once a steel factory, this gorgeous space now houses a restaurant, a craft brewery, and an urban winery.
The next stop is at the quirky Railtown Caf□ for an open-faced sandwich and an infused lemonade sample. This bright caf□ is a great place to spot the next tech wizard, fashion designer, or local street artist. After passing by numerous trendy restaurants and more historic buildings such as the Sunshine Market, St. James Anglican Church, and the No. 5 Orange, we end the tour at one of the city’s best bakeries for some sweet pastries made by Eleanor Chow and her talented team of chefs.
This tour is part of the Canadian Signature Experiences collection, a group of tourism businesses designated by the Canadian Tourism Commission as tours and activities that provide and authentic and distinctive Canadian travel experience.
Please note that the Saturday Tour is slightly different as the HAVE Cafe and Uncommon Cafe are closed. We use Soft Peaks as an alternative stop for some amazing soft serve ice cream!