If you want to mix up your regular study routine, skip the library and hit up a local café or bakery to get through your exam material. These student-friendly spots around Vancouver have strong coffee, free Wi-Fi, ample seating, and plenty of electrical outlets to keep your computer powered up through your cram session. Some are even open around the clock for the occasional nighttime grind.
Callhoun’s is a haven for UBC students trying to get some overnight studying in before next morning’s final. With ample seating, numerous small personal-sized tables, and accessible outlets for laptops, it is no wonder Calhoun's Bakery is the place to be during exam season. Not to mention the delectable treats to keep hunger at bay. But do note, each purchase gives you three hours of free Wi-Fi, so split up your order if you plan on staying a while.
Whether you’re a night owl or an early, Breka Bakery’s numerous Vancouver locations are open around the clock to accommodate any study schedule. Grab one of their delicious apple strudels – flakey puff pastry filled with sweet caramel spiced apples – before you settle in to get some work done.
This Vancouver-based coffee chain is always a great option for getting work done. Most Blenz locations around the city have late-night hours to accommodate students who need to hit the books after dinner. If you need to pull an all-nighter, head to 24-hour Blenz outpost just off No. 3 road in Richmond. The café menu features everything from basic drip coffee to gourmet espresso-based beverages and sweet specialty drinks, so you can keep caffeinated well into the early morning hours.
Café Joie is a hidden gem in the Metrotown area. With its large tables, strong Wi-Fi signal and late-night hours, this coffee and dessert bar is just the place to get you through your finals. The soft classical background music keeps you focused on your work, but be sure to break your concentration to try one of their flavour-packed waffles – the Green Tea that is topped with mochi makes for a sweet snack.
Prado Café’s Gastown location is a favourite for Vancouverites looking to get locally roasted 49th Parallel coffee and made-from-scratch in baked goods. Free Wi-Fi and ample seating at the oversized communal table helps foster productivity, while the interesting street traffic makes for good people watching when you need to take a break from the books. The café is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm throughout the week, so this spot is best for daytime cram sessions.
A hidden gem in New West, Old Crow Coffee is a lively daytime café with expertly crafted lattes and a unique selection of sweet and savoury foods. The spacious café has several long tables and free Wi-Fi that’ll help keep you connected. When you start to feel peckish, order the tasty avocado toast with pickled red onions.
A new addition to the Metrotown area, this cute Taiwanese café has already become a haven for local students. Settle in for a long study session at the large communal tables and enjoy a nutritious daily sandwich and a steaming cup of tea from their vast tea selection. If you need a serious hit of caffeine, there are plenty of espresso-based drinks, pour over coffees and cold brews on offer. Feeling adventurous? Try a refreshing glass of cold grass jelly milk.
If you are looking for a charming café to get some work done, hit up Caffe Cittadella. The converted heritage building is tucked away from the bustling Vancouver streets and offers a cozy place to get work done while sipping on a cup of 49th parallel coffee. If you are looking for some fresh air, head on out to their patio area for a little al fresco reading.
Propoganda Coffee ticks off all boxes for the perfect study spot with its free Wi-Fi, spacious workstations, sufficient electrical outlets, as well as ambient background music. The best part: you can open a tab for your favourite caffeinated beverages and snacks and then settle up your bill on your way out.