›› Lauren Gaultier

We all know Fernwood is a hub for cool cafes—we have no less than five. Did you know that we are also the home to some incredible bakeries?
Origin Bakery, on Pandora Avenue, was opened by co-founders and long-time friends Marion Scott & Tara Black in Fernwood in 2010. This entirely gluten-free bakery puts those with celiac disease at ease—never having to ask again if there is cross-contamination. Origin offers up a broad range of gluten-free breads, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and more. In addition to gluten-free, Origin accommodates other dietary restrictions with baked goods like their vegan Vega bread. This bread was initially created to help a celiac customer who couldn’t have rice and has since become their best seller! Check out ­originbakery.­com for a comprehensive list of products and ingredients.

Patisserie Daniel, on Cook Street, has been a staple in Fernwood for more than 25 years. This European style bakery, named after Chef Daniel Vokey, is known to many as a great place for beautifully handcrafted cakes and pies. That’s not all they make! They have a wide range of danishes, tarts, croissants, and cookies. As a bonus, Patisserie Daniel is open 7 days a week so you always have somewhere to turn to get your baked goods fix. Find out more at ­patisseriedaniel.com.

Mount Royal Bagel Factory, on Grant Street, is another long-standing Fernwood staple specializing their baking efforts on—you guessed it—bagels! This local business was founded by friends Mark Workman & Elliot Silverman, native Montrealers. They found Victoria was lacking in the bagel department and decided to open up shop. With more than eight flavours, a variety of cream cheeses, and sandwich offerings, we are happy they brought a little Montreal flavour to the streets of Fernwood. Visit them on the web at mntroyalbagel.com.

For mouth-watering food photos, follow @originbakery, @patisserie_danie, and @MontrealBagel on Instagram.

If you want to be the office hero or the weekend host with the most, pick up some of my recommended crowd pleaser ­favourites:

Origin Bakery: Cookies and ­cupcakes
Patisserie Daniel: Croissants
Mount Royal Bagel Factory: Cheese flavour bagels and/or cinnamon ­flavour bagels

Happy eating!