Tucked away in a residential area in North Vancouver, on Queensbury Avenue, there’s a charming little commercial strip that locals know well. Once upon a time, before people had cars, neighbourhood shopping nooks like these were commonplace, and as more people come to embrace local living, they are making a comeback. One of the shops in this niche neighbourhood, Mount Royal Bagel Factory, has been on a steady incline since owner Krista Rawlins first opened the doors in 2004.
The secret to Mount Royal Bagel Factory’s success is their true, hand-made, Montreal-style bagels, which are infinitely more delicious than the pre-packaged options available at many grocery stores. Montreal bagels are sweet and dense, they contain malt and egg, and they are boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked in a wood-fired oven.
Visit this North Van bakery and you’ll be easily tempted by the sight of golden-brown discs heaped into delectable piles in wicker baskets behind the counter. Given the name, its no surprise that these are some of the best Montreal-style bagels you’ll find this side of the Rockies. Open since 1999, the specialty bakery serves up made-from-scratch bagels prepared in a fully BC Kosher-certified facility. The fresh-baked beauties disappear quickly so you’ll have to wake up pretty early if you’re hoping to score your fave flavours; luckily, there’s Kicking Horse coffee on brew to help give you a morning jolt.