49th Parallel is one of the names that put Vancouver on the world coffee map, and its cafés, always paired with Lucky’s Doughnuts, are local institutions. The Thurlow Street café, opened in fall 2017 at the base of the FortisBC building, is the downtown one, and it has a trick the others don’t: a small kitchen turning out egg burgers, brunch plates and toasts.
At a glance
| Address | 689 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3 (at West Georgia) |
| Neighbourhood | Financial District, on the edge of Coal Harbour |
| Type | Roaster café with doughnut counter and savoury kitchen |
| Known for | 49th Parallel coffee, Lucky’s Doughnuts, egg burgers, brunch plates |
| Best for | Office breakfasts, coffee meetings, a downtown doughnut fix |
| Price | $$ |
| Nearest SkyTrain | Burrard Station, about 4 minutes on foot |
Location and getting there
The café occupies about 1,600 square feet at the corner of West Georgia and Thurlow, with a big front patio facing the street. It’s a short walk from Burrard Station, Robson Street shopping and the Coal Harbour seawall, which makes it a useful meeting point for both office workers and visitors.
What it offers
- Coffee: 49th Parallel roasts its coffee in Burnaby and is known for everything from chocolatey blends to bright single origins. Espresso drinks, batch brew and pour-over are all on.
- Lucky’s Doughnuts: Made fresh, with signatures like the cold brew cruller alongside seasonal flavours. Some gluten-free options have been available.
- Savoury menu: The only 49th location with a kitchen for egg burgers, brunch plates and toasts topped with seasonal ingredients.
- Beans: Bags of 49th Parallel coffee to take home.
The vibe
Bright, modern and busy, with a professional weekday crowd and a more relaxed weekend feel. The patio is one of the nicer sunny-day coffee seats downtown. Expect a line at 8 a.m.; it moves quickly.
What to order
- Breakfast: An egg burger and a flat white.
- Treat: A cold brew cruller or the seasonal doughnut.
- Coffee person: Ask what single origin is on filter.
Who it’s best for
People working downtown who want better coffee and a proper breakfast in one stop, and visitors who want to try one of Vancouver’s signature roasters without leaving the core. If you only want a quick doughnut and coffee, the Main Street and Kitsilano cafés offer the same coffee in more neighbourhood settings.
How it compares
Compared with Bel Café nearby, 49th is more casual and coffee-forward. Compared with other 49th Parallel cafés, Thurlow is the one to choose for savoury food. The Main Street café in Mount Pleasant and the West 4th café in Kitsilano have more neighbourhood atmosphere.
Tips
- Doughnut selection is best in the morning; popular flavours sell out.
- Weekend hours are a little shorter than weekdays.
- Walk five minutes north to the Coal Harbour seawall with your coffee.
Find 49th Parallel Thurlow
- Address: 689 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3
- Neighbourhood: Downtown
- Map: Open 49th Parallel Thurlow in Google Maps
- Website: 49thcoffee.com
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby cafes
- Bel Café at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.
- TC Mink Chocolate Café on West Hastings.
- Bella Gelateria in Coal Harbour.
Explore more
See the Downtown Vancouver cafe guide and the Coal Harbour cafe guide. Curious about 49th’s roast style? Read our roast levels guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which 49th Parallel location serves food?
Thurlow is the only 49th Parallel location with a savoury menu, including egg burgers and brunch plates.
Where does 49th Parallel roast its coffee?
At its roastery in Burnaby.
Does 49th Parallel Thurlow have gluten-free doughnuts?
Some gluten-free options have been available. Ask at the counter for the day’s selection.
Last checked November 2026. Hours and menus change, so check the cafe’s own website or Instagram before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
