THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE
TO THE
BEST DOUGHNUTS
There are, in my humble opinion, three classic Canadian baked goods that can be pitted against each other so as to determine which ones come out on top: doughnuts, cinnamon buns and butter tarts. This is a guide to the first. Whether they be cake or raised, apple fritters or jelly-filled, here are my top picks for doughnuts, province by province. These include all highly recommended (3 1/2 stars or higher) doughnut destinations, as reviewed by me. This list is not ranked and will be updated if something new needs to be added (🏆 = National Competition Level).
ONTARIO
Address: 307 Bay St, Thunder Bay
Subcategory: Ethnic, Finnish
Did you know that the best classic jelly doughnut is the Finnish munkki? Try it and you won't disagree. And these ones from Scandinavian Deli are amazing!
Address: 589 N Service Rd, Mississauga
Subcategory: Gourmet
The best gourmet doughnuts in the GTA has to be this retro-inspired bakery on an out-of-the-way plaza. More affordable doughnuts that are fresh and delicious.
Address: 40 Main St E, Ridgetown
Subcategory: Classic
With "home of the honey dipped donut" on their sign, these guys better be good... and they are. Fresh, perfectly glazed... some of the best in the province.
Address: 104 Main St S, Rockwood
Subcategory: Classic
Look up "best doughnuts near Guelph" and chances are you'll come across Saunders. Home of the square jelly doughnut, these have to be one of the best on this guide!
Address: 439 Brock Ave, Burlington
Subcategory: Gourmet
Sure, it's a bit hard to find and expensive, but Sunshine still makes amazing doughnuts (though their apple fritters steal the show) and has to be the doughnut destination for West GTA West.
Address: 4966 King St E, Beamsville
Subcategory: Classic
Have I just stumbled upon the best Dutchie ever? Perfectly glazed and loaded with raisins, this is what everyone is after, along with other tasty, classic varieties.
Address: 37 Dundas St E, Napanee
Subcategory: Classic
Two words: doughnut fritters. I came and everything else was gone, so I had to "make do" with the doughnut fritters. And I haven't spoken of anything ever since...
Address: St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, St Jacobs
Subcategory: Apple Fritters
This booth does nothing but fry fritters... and it doesn't need to do anything else, for that matter. Battered apple rings tossed with sugar. More than worth the wait.
Address: 627 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto
Subcategory: Ethnic, French
There's a reason why there aren't any more Toronto bakeries: the rest pale in comparison to these beignets stuffed with a variety of fillings; jam and apple sauce are my faves.
Address: 141 Brock St, Gravenhurst
Subcategory: Apple Fritters
These massive fritters are the size of a dinner plate and beautifully glazed. Tear into this baby and be greeted with fresh and moist dough -- yum!
Address: 272 Caswell Dr, Sudbury
Subcategory: Ethnic, Finnish
So what if there are two munkki on the list? One can never have too many munkki and this one from Sudbury uis in the running for best jelly doughnut just like their Thunder Bay counterpart!
Address: 21 Bay St, Barry's Bay
Subcategory: Apple Fritters
This bakery is recommended based only on its apple fritters, though other items are good as well. Great dough and plenty of apples. Is this the best apple fritter that isn't Mennonite?
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Address: 821E 6th Ave, Hope
Subcategory: Apple Fritters
The apple fritters at this bakery are, like the cinnamon buns, a hands-down 5 out of 4 stars. Fried and glazed with lots of apples -- as it should be!
Address: 430 Campbell St, Tofino
Subcategory: Gourmet
I achieve doughnut nirvana just thinking of this place. I don't think I ever imagined that the best doughnut I had on the West Coast would come from a coffee shop in Tofino.
Address: 1816 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
Subcategory: Ethnic, Polish
I take my pączki seriously and Nickel's happens to be home of the best pączki in Western Canada. The perfect combination of glaze, dough and jam filling.
Address: 534 W Pender St, Vancouver
Subcategory: Gourmet
Probably the only "donuterie" in the country, Cartem's offers rings and stuffies in a variety of rotating flavours. The difference is all in the icing, but it tastes good!
QUEBEC
Address: 446 Rang de la Rivière-Bayonne S, Berthierville
Subcategory: Classic
These are doughnuts based on an old-fashioned recipe and use potatoes in the dense, unique dough. Chewy, soft and so delicious.
Address: Jean Talon Market, Montreal
Subcategory: Ethnic, Polish
Wawel has, without a doubt, the best Polish pączki in the world. Yes, the world. Not to mention some of the best doughnuts in the country. Phenomenal!
to be continued...?
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