Our Picks - YYC Hot Chocolate Fest 2026
Every year, local cafes and restaurants participate in the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. Contestants create unique and decadent hot chocolates, then locals vote on their favourites. The stated intentions behind the festival are twofold. First, part of the proceeds from hot chocolate sales support Meals on Wheels. Second, the festival provides a sweet indulgence for an often frigid and bleak month.
"To try to hide the bleakness of February, man invented Valentine's Day, and also Mardi Gras. But then February answered back with another holiday, Ash Wednesday. What other month could host a holiday that's designed to remind us that we're all going to die? That's February for you. It is bleak. It is honest. And it just tells you the way it really is. My father used to have a saying that if you can live through February, you'll live another year."
- Kevin Killeen (KMOX)
And this February, we certainly did indulge ourselves. Taylor and I enjoyed many fantastic hot chocolates (along with some misses), and we wanted to share our top picks with considerations made regarding (1) taste and (2) creativity. But I do not want to bore you with the details too much, so simply put: our three choices of hot chocolates!
Chance's Choice: Dubai Hot Chocolate Affogato - Apprentice Café
Taylor's Choice: Cherry Blasted Hot Chocolate - Maisie Eatery
Couple's Choice: Passion Puff Cocoa - Phil and Sebastian
