Canada’s most relaxed cafés for you and your dog

When the caffeine or sugar craving hits, it’s reassuring knowing you’ve got a café to rely on. For city folk and travellers with dogs, being able to bring your pup with you is often a bonus. If you’re in Canada, you’re in luck – these cafés will welcome your dog with open arms and you with a piping hot brew.

Le Doggy Café, Montréal

Not one to shy away from its canine-loving character, Montréal’s Le Doggy Café is the city’s first dog-dedicated establishment. Here, you’re welcome to bring your puppy inside for a medley of treats such as doggy biscuits and coffee, however, it’s the roster of events that make it a particularly worthy venue. The café organises adoption days, canine cooking classes and dog-related seminars. And every month they host a meetup where a different breed of dog is invited to take part in a photo shoot with other happy pups, followed by a series of games. The photographer is also always on hand for when your pup is looking even more photogenic than usual. After a few candid shots, wander back to the pet-friendly ApartHotelMontreal.

Tom & Sawyer, Toronto

A pet store that doubles as a dog-friendly café, Tom & Sawyer is a wonderful treat for those pampered pooches. Taking its name from the owner’s fussy dog, Sawyer, the café was born out of the problem the owner had with getting him to eat, so she began her own business specialising in dog food that is both nutritious and delicious. Bring your pup along and watch the chefs in the open-plan kitchen whip up a wonderfully fresh doggy meal of pork and sweet potatoes or simply sit back and sip on a foamy latte as your dog indulges in the homemade dog-friendly muffins. The Broadview Hotel is just down the road on Queen Street East, making a trip to the café and back a worthwhile walk.

Moonlight Dog Café, Vancouver

The Moonlight Dog Café is nestled right in the heart of trendy Yaletown, making it an ideal stop for when you and your pup are hitting the shops. Doubling as a pet supplies shop and café, stock up on pet jackets to withstand the Canadian winter, before cuddling up by the window. With Wi-Fi available and its own library, you can happily while away any afternoon as your dog munches on a biscuit or scampers around with other animated dogs and their relieved owners. They’re even happy to host birthdays, if heading out for some cake without your pooch doesn’t seem right. Head back to L’Hermitage Hotel afterwards – contented and ready for an early night.

Hot Dog & Cie, Brossard

One for those looking to combine coffee, a meal and some much-needed grooming, Hot Dog & Cie is a worthy stop. Here, you’ll find a dedicated play area for the dogs, just off from your dining tables – though don’t be surprised if your pooch ends up eyeing the feast on your plate after a while. The grooming salon is another welcome activity for your pooch, so have them primped and pampered while you take a moment to savour your coffee. When your pup’s coat is gleaming, it’s only fitting you end the day somewhere stylish – Hôtel Alt+ Quartier DIX30 is an excellent choice.

Lili & Oli, Montréal

A lovely low-lit, rustic space, Lili & Oli reinvents the notion of a dog-friendly café. Peppered with antique furnishings such as reclaimed wooden shelves and dark chocolate-coloured furniture, it has a warm and inviting atmosphere to it. Add your dogs into the picture and it’s easy to imagine spending a morning or afternoon sipping on a perfectly poured cappuccino or drinking back yet another espresso. The café also has a terrace for those warmer Montréal days, though its setup is primed for cuddling up with your pup and a good book on cold winter days. When you do decide to leave, wander over to L’Hotel Particulier Griffintown.