Canada's Best Vegetarian-Friendly Cities

#1 Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is "top tofu" in Canada for the second time in a row, despite strong challengers in the East. This metropolis is such a powerhouse that Vancouver Magazine bragged, "Every good restaurant in town offers vegetarian dishes." We are certain that the abundance of veggies has something to do with Vancouver's recent title as "the world's best place to live." For an insider's look at the area, you can check in with the Vancouver Vegetarian Association and VanVeg.

If you have a major appetite, Greens & Gourmet Natural Food Restaurant has a vegetarian pay-by-weight buffet that includes lots of vegan desserts. Stop in at Jamaican Pizza Jerk to sample by-the-slice vegan pizzas with tasty faux ham. Chai offers exotic, healthy dishes. Annapurna serves up reasonably priced, super-tasty all-vegetarian Indian food. Right next door is "East Is East", where you'll be treated to free soy chai tea along with a range of Middle Eastern specialties. Having a stressful, busy day? Stop by Radha Yoga and Eatery, where you can refocus with a hatha or kundalini yoga class, grab a vegetarian lunch, and surf the wireless Internet. Or you can stop by Om Vegetarian and Bo Kong, two popular Chinese Buddhist eateries.

Vancouver vacationers can unwind for the weekend at the Manor Guest House bed-and-breakfast, which features tasty vegetarian breakfasts. If you're lucky, you'll be in town to commune with like-minded people at the annual "Taste of Health" vegetarian festival, sponsored by EarthSave Canada. But don't worry if you miss the festival, because you can still check out the many social events, discussion groups, potluck meals, and other get-togethers that EarthSave hosts throughout the year.

Top Tip: If you thought that your only late-night options for vegetarian food were the side dishes at the local diner, then you'll be happy to hear about The Naam. Open 24-7, the restaurant makes homestyle food with a vegetarian twist. Some highly recommended dishes are the vegan pancakes, the Dragon Bowl, Buddha's Feast, and the Steak Platter, which features a veggie-nut patty with sesame fries smothered in miso gravy.

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