Some of the coziest spots to visit during Vancouver’s ‘long episode of rain’

Staying dry and cozy has never felt more important as Vancouver gets pummeled by this “long episode of rain.” And if staying at home is getting old, we’ve got some fun options to toss your way.

Early Monday morning on Jan. 12, 2026, a “moderate” rainfall warning was issued for much of Metro Vancouver.

According to Environment Canada, an atmospheric river continues to bring heavy rain to the region, set to ease Monday night. Until then, 75 to 150 mm of rain is forecast to fall across Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, New West, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and the North Shore.

In Vancouver, an estimated 30 to 40 mm of rain will fall.

Before the sun makes its long-awaited return starting on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, here are some of the coziest spots to escape to across the city.

Cafes, bakeries, and covered patios

Honest to Pete Coffee Roasters 

Loved for their amazing coffee, biscotti, cinnamon buns, and adjacent vintage store, Honest to Pete is a must-visit if you’re in search of a sweet treat. Next to Beaumont Studios, this spot offers those stopping in a refuge from the rain and a place to get their creative juices flowing.

Where: 2109 Alberta St.

Rise Up Marketplace 

With a vibrant, community-oriented space and warm, nourishing meals like Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese and Jamaican Patties, Rise Up is the perfect place to get cozy and slow down for a bit. Their sandwiches, coffee, and locally-made goods are always a hit, as is their vintage Pac-Man machine.

Where: 704 Vernon Dr.

Union Market 

Union Market sets the curve when it comes to coziness, amazing espresso beverages, and community spirit. Its front patio has tons of overhead heaters, so you can still listen to the rain while remaining warm and dry. All that’s missing is their staple pastel de nata.

Where: 810 Union St.

Batch Kitsilano

Picture everything you love about a pop-up patio under a clear, weather-proof tent surrounded by warm fire pits, beach views, and cozy decor. Batch has multiple locations, but the one in Kits definitely has a special place in our hearts, and it’s open Thursdays to Sundays this winter.

Head here for an ideal after-work hang, catch some live music, and bring a couple of board games while you’re at it.

Where: 2305 Cornwall Ave.

East Cafe 

Situated in Hastings-Sunrise, this two-storey cafe is one of the coziest spaces ever, perfect for grabbing a warm beverage and journaling, catching up with a friend, or joining an open mic night, writing workshops, or jazz night. The newly opened location in Marpole (formerly Gigi Blin) is also a hotspot for community connection and tasty treats.

Where: 2401 East Hastings St. and 1400 West 70th Ave.

Comma Cafe 

This is a great pick if you’re on Oak Street and looking for somewhere warm and delightful to hole yourself up in for an hour or two. The friendly service, espresso beverages, and board games stand out, as does their popular “beer bread.”

Where: 3208 Oak St.

Aiyaohno Cafe

This adorable Chinatown cafe imports its matcha directly from Kyoto, which means every sip is top-tier here. They also serve a variety of veggie-friendly and vegan meals, including mouthwatering ramen and wanpaku sandwiches.

Where: 425 Carrall St.

L’Atelier Patisserie 

This one’s perfect if you’re hungry for authentic French pastries. L’Atelier Patisserie is situated in a warm-toned building with a variety of seating sizes to choose from, beloved for its array of specialty croissants, bread, and desserts.

Where: 599 East Broadway

Far Out Coffee Post

A hidden gem that sells coffee, warm bites, and vintage clothing. This quiet spot is perfect for those who want to leave their house but don’t want to compromise on a “homey” feel.

Where: 2173 Dundas St.

Soyoo Cafe 

If you’re further out in East Vancouver and not close to any main streets, don’t fret. This charming neighbourhood cafe is as cozy as they come, beloved for its croissant sandwiches, pasta dishes, and tea lattes.

Where: 985 Windermere St.

Caffe Cittadella 

This multi-level bistro is situated in a late 19th-century heritage house, complete with character archways and large windows overlooking the neighbourhood streets. Perfect for a quiet afternoon of laptop work and coffee or a cozy lunch.

Where: 2310 Ash St.

The Federal Store

A quaint luncheonette and grocer slash cafe, The Federal Store really does it all. The plant-adorned spot nestled between Quebec and Main is known for its amazing selection of house-baked cakes, pastries, and a selection of espresso beverages.

Where: 2601 Quebec St.

Commercial Street Cafe 

Not to be confused with Commercial Drive, Commercial Street Cafe has two cafe spaces to choose from, with couch seating in addition to tables. The most loved items here include their lattes and bagel sandwiches.

Where: 3599 Commercial St.

Galleries, museums, and theatres

Slice of Life Art Gallery 

Equal parts art gallery, open studios, and social space, Slice of Life is one of those places that contains the fabric of Vancouver’s arts and culture scene. Whether you’re looking for a gift and want to support local artists, take a round of pics in one of their restored analog photo booths, or take part in a pinball competition, this is the spot to be.

Where: 1636 Venables St.

Park Theatre

While now under new management by the Rio Theatre, the historic Park Theatre on Cambie retains its charm, community spirit, and has some exciting films on the roster. This week, you can catch Golden Globe-nominated films like Bugonia and Father Mother Sister Brother, and Nuremberg.

Where: 3440 Cambie St.

Rio Theatre

The Rio is also screening tons of new films in the coming weeks, in addition to cult classics like The Room. Whether you’re catching a movie, a drag show, or a comedy night, you really can’t go wrong here.

Where: 1660 East Broadway

The James Black Art Gallery 

This tiny gallery is housed in a charming character home in Mount Pleasant, hosting community events and art workshops regularly. The space is rooted in community care, creativity, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Where: 144 East 6th Ave.

The Gallery George

This Gastown gallery always has plenty of amazing artists in rotation, and it just reopened on Jan. 7, 2026. Now is the ideal time to check out its newest exhibition, Joyful January, which will be on display until Jan. 25, 2026.

Where: 140 West Hastings St.

Bill Reid Gallery

Admission is $15 per adult to the Bill Reid Gallery, which offers visitors a cozy space to explore marginalized Indigenous Northwest Coast art. Starting Feb. 14, 2026, the gallery will present the world premiere of Every River Has a Mouth by Snuneymuxw artist Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun.

The gallery also offers free admission on the first Friday of every month!

Where: 639 Hornby St.

Stay dry, everyone.

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