I am always looking to curate a weekend doing something fun, checking out a new neighbourhood, a nice place to walk and enjoy good and drink. Many neighbourhoods change and new spots open up and certain times of year it is better to go to certain spots.
Burnaby Heights: A Cozy Neighbourhood with Big Local Charm
If you are looking to start your day with a good coffee and breakfast/brunch. It’s a vibrant, walkable neighbourhood centred around Hastings Street (roughly from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue) that has grown into a real culinary and café hub. There is a neighbourhood charm, with streets not dominated by big chains, but rather more independent cafés and restaurants, which gives the area an authentic character.
Coffee culture & sweet treats: For a stroll-and-sip outing, the Heights has you covered with cafés serving baked goods, gelato, craft roasts and comfy spaces to linger.
Spots You’ll Want to Try:
- Chez Christophe
- Fior Di Latte Cafe
- The Gray Olive Cafeteria
- Burnt Orange Cafe + Bistro
Brentwood–Lougheed: A Vibrant Hub with Everyday Charm
Brentwood is a lively local hub with plenty to do, from shopping and dining to great coffee spots. You can catch a movie, sip a latte, and browse the shops all in one visit. It’s a genuinely nice area to walk around — there’s always something happening, and the energy feels fresh and welcoming. It’s also a fantastic place for brunch, whether you’re meeting friends, treating yourself, or exploring new eats in the neighbourhood.
Spots You’ll Want to Try:
- Bin 4 Burgers
- Earls
- Tap and Barrel
- Birdies
- Sweet Victory
Exploring Lonsdale: Where the City Meets the Sea
The stretch of Lonsdale Avenue—especially as you head toward the waterfront at Lonsdale Quay Market—has a little bit of everything. It’s one of those spots that feels perfect for a slow weekend stroll, coffee in hand, with plenty of cozy cafés and brunch spots to discover along the way. The area is full of character, with local eateries, interesting shops, and a lively energy that makes it easy to spend an afternoon wandering. At the bottom of the quay, the market is a must—filled with local bites, fresh produce, and beautiful views of the water and city skyline.
Spots You’ll Want to Try:
- Nemisis coffee
- Lift Breakfast Bakery
- Buddha-Full
- Cream Pony
- Joey Shipyards
The Village That Feels Like a Vacation — Fort Langley’s Hidden Magic
I really love Fort Langley—it has such a charming small-town feel. The streets are lined with cozy cafés, local bakeries, and little bistros that invite you to linger. You’ll find curiosity shops filled with unique finds, and there’s always a relaxed, welcoming energy that makes it easy to spend the whole afternoon wandering and tasting your way through town.
Spots You’ll Want to Try:
- Beatnik’s Bistro
- Gratia Cafe
- Republica Coffee Roasters
- Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe
- Blacksmith Bakery
Como Lake: Calm Views and Neighbourhood Charm
You have como park which is a great spot for a nice walk after you walk around the water, you can grab a nice coffee at la foret.
Spots You’ll Want to Try:
- La Foret
- Doughnut Love
- Vanilla Cafe
- Doppio Zero Pizza
White Rock: Ocean Views, Coffee Breaks & Coastal Eats
What I love about White Rock is how instantly relaxed I feel the moment I get there. There’s something about having coffee by the ocean that just hits differently—the salty air, the sound of the waves, the slow pace.
I love grabbing a latte and taking a walk along the pier before deciding where to eat; there are so many little cafés, brunch spots, and seafood restaurants tucked along the waterfront that you can’t really go wrong. It’s one of those neighbourhoods where the food tastes better because the views are beautiful and you’re never in a rush. For me, White Rock is the perfect mix of good coffee, fresh ocean air, and simple meals that feel special.
Port Moody & Clarke Drive: Local Eats and Waterfront Vibes
Port Moody is one of those neighbourhoods that feels effortlessly welcoming. Clarke Drive, in particular, has a mix of hidden gems—from cozy cafés to casual bistros—where locals gather for coffee, brunch, or a relaxed meal. The area has a laid-back vibe, with plenty of spots to wander, peek into small shops, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. Whether you’re stopping for a quick espresso or settling in for a weekend brunch, there’s always something small but memorable to discover here.
Some places to check out:
- Bakehouse
- Sweet Talk
- Poveria
- Gabi and Jules
Langley Hot Spots: Latimier Villiage
Latimer Village is one of Langley’s most charming emerging neighbourhoods—a walkable little pocket built around a pedestrian-friendly courtyard filled with cafés, bakeries, and casual dining spots. It has a modern European-village feel, where you can grab a latte, wander between local shops, and settle into a cozy patio. It’s relaxed, newly built, and perfect for a slow morning coffee or an easy lunch date.
Some places to check out:
- Blacksmith Bakery
- Artigiano
- Gratia Cafe
- Fuwa Fuwa Brunch and Dessert
- Sidebar Grill
These are some great spots to check out on the weekend. They have good food, drinks, coffee and a nice atmosphere. No matter which neighbourhood you choose—whether it’s a seaside coffee in White Rock, a cozy café in Mount Pleasant, or a sunny stroll through Latimer Village—there’s always something delicious waiting to be discovered.
If you love exploring good food, great coffee, and local gems, start with one of these neighbourhoods and make a day of it.
Have a favourite spot I should try next? Tell me—I’m always looking for my next great latte or bite.