Last Updated: January 28, 2026
Looking for the best donuts in Ottawa? The city now delivers everything from old-school yeast classics to vegan, gluten-free, and mochi donuts, with neighbourhoods like Hintonburg and ByWard Market leading the charge. This guide is built for real life: where to go early before sell-outs, which shops are worth a detour, and how to build the perfect half-dozen across styles.
Ottawa’s donut scene in 2026 blends the comfort of Tim Hortons with a wave of artisan bakers who obsess over layers, glazes, and seasonal flavours. Expect higher prices at gourmet shops, but also budget-friendly boxes that beat chain quality. If you want more baked goods beyond donuts, cross-check the citywide best bakeries guide for bread, pastries, and dessert stops across the city.
Key Highlights
Caption: Ottawa’s donut scene mixes classic yeast, cake, and modern flavours in one city.
TL;DR: SuzyQ and Maverick’s lead the gourmet side, while Mr. Luko and Mimi’s deliver the best value boxes. Holey Confections is the stop for 140-layer cronut-style donuts, and mochi donuts now have their own Baseline Road hubs. Go before 10 AM, pre-order on weekends, and expect sell-outs by early afternoon at the most popular shops.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Options | 18 donut and donut-adjacent stops covered |
| Top Pick | SuzyQ Doughnuts (multiple locations + consistent quality) |
| Budget Option | Mr. Luko Canada ($10/dozen) |
| Best Area | ByWard Market + Hintonburg for the densest cluster |
Ottawa’s Donut Landscape in 2026
Caption: Donuts in Ottawa are as much about atmosphere as flavour.
Ottawa’s donut landscape is split between classic chain comfort and small shops with serious technique. Hintonburg and ByWard Market are the hubs, but you can build a full donut day trip by pairing stops with neighbourhood guides like ByWard Market or a quick coffee loop using the best coffee shops guide.
The city leans heavily toward yeast and cake donuts, with most prices landing in the $2 to $7 range depending on the shop. These are not all-day pastries: the best places often sell out by early afternoon, especially on weekends. Ottawa’s donut story also reflects the city’s diverse bakers, with Polish and Vietnamese influences shaping how yeast dough is mixed, filled, and topped over the last decade.
Holey Confections: 140-Layer Cronut-Style Donuts
Caption: Holey Confections is all about butter, layers, and light texture.
Holey Confections is a husband-and-wife operation known for its 140-layer donuts, a labour-intensive cronut hybrid that is flaky, buttery, and lighter than most yeast rings. They operate as an Ottawa-based pop-up near downtown, so the exact location changes - check holeyconfections.com for current details. Hours vary and are typically daytime on weekends only, and they routinely sell out by noon.
Expect premium pricing and premium texture. Notes put the range at about $4 to $7 per donut, with some sources placing their gourmet singles roughly in the $3 to $6 range depending on the week. Vegan yeast options appear regularly, with flavours like matcha and seasonal apple cider. Takeout is the norm, the vibe feels like a “secret bakery party,” and street parking can be tricky. There is no phone listed in the available snippets.
Local quotes underline the hype: “Their layers are insane—better than any NYC cronut, worth the hype.” Another fan writes, “Holey Confections, known for its delicious 140-layer donuts. Trust me, it’s as decadent as it sounds!”
Mr. Luko Canada: Classic Polish Yeast and the Best Dozen Deal
Caption: Mr. Luko keeps it old-school: dense, pillowy yeast donuts at value prices.
Mr. Luko Canada is Ottawa’s no-frills value king. The shop sits at 2533 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 8R9, with easy plaza parking and a takeout-first setup. Call 613-737-7111 or check facebook.com/mrlukocanada for daily updates. They are open daily until late, though exact hours vary by day and season.
The big draw is price: donuts typically land around $2 to $4 each, with boxes at $10 per dozen. Flavours lean classic, including prune-filled favourites. One local tip says, “Mr. Luko’s prune is “grandma‑approved.”” Texture is dense and pillowy without being overly sweet, and delivery is available via Uber. As one local put it, “Mr. Luko’s is the real deal for Timmies fans wanting better.” Budget hunters agree that “Box strategy saves.”
Maverick’s Donuts: ByWard Energy, Kanata Twists
Caption: Maverick’s balances classic donuts with playful, high-energy flavours.
Maverick’s Donuts is a go-to in the ByWard Market, with the main shop at 46a Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2. Call 613-680-6223 or visit mavericksdonuts.com for menus and updates. Hours are typically Tue-Sun 10 AM-4 PM (closed Mondays), and it is common for weekend stock to sell out by 2 PM.
This is where you go for both novelty and nostalgia. Yeast donuts come dressed with flavours like peanut butter and berry spritz pairings, while cake donuts are a steady crowd-pleaser. One TripAdvisor review sums it up: “Cakey perfection.” They also sell dressed-up versions of what Tim Hortons usually carries, plus mini donut holes. ByWard offers a patio vibe and easy transit access, delivery is available, and the Kanata location adds gourmet twists for suburban donut runs. One local sums it up: “Maverick’s is what you’re looking for. They do dressed up donuts AND most of whatever Timmies usually carries as well.” Another Reddit comment groups the leaders together: “SuzyQ, Holy Confections and Mavericks are prob the best in Ottawa.”
SuzyQ Doughnuts: Hintonburg Icon with Multiple Locations
Caption: SuzyQ is Ottawa’s most consistent donut brand, with multiple neighbourhood stops.
SuzyQ Doughnuts remains Ottawa’s most recognized artisan donut brand, and the Hintonburg shop is a pastel haven when you want a bright, lively stop. The Hintonburg flagship is at 1015 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2V7 (some listings show K1Y 2X7), and delivery listings also cite locations around St Laurent and Bells Corners/Robertson Road. Hours vary by location and season. Some sources list a daily schedule like Mon-Fri 7:00 AM-7:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, while others show slight shifts (for example 7:30 AM-6:00 PM on weekdays) or a more limited Thu-Sun window. The safest move is to check suzyq.ca before you go, and pre-order online if you are shopping on weekends.
Flavours rotate frequently, from maple-bacon and Vanilla Dip to Blue Majik Bubblegum Fantasy, Hazeldean Crunch, and Tiramisu. Some sources highlight a quarterly rotation with a July-September cookies-and-cream cheese option, plus monthly specials. The dough is made from scratch with local ingredients, and vegan yeast donuts are available daily, including examples like salted caramel. Guides note gluten-free and nut-free options at some locations. Prices are on the higher side, typically $5 to $7 per donut, but consistently reviewed as worth it, and the Hintonburg shop includes a tiny patio for quick dine-in and people-watching.
SuzyQ has a stack of strong reviews. One Google review calls it “Dietary dreamland.” A Yelp fan goes further: “If you love donuts, this is THE PLACE to go in Ottawa. Simple as that. Tim Hortons can’t even hold a candle to it.” Another customer adds: “I brought a box of assorted donuts to a friend’s brunch, and let me tell you, this flavor was the undeniable crowd-pleaser!” A Reddit shorthand is even simpler: “SuzyQ or Holey confections.” Go early if you want warm donuts, and avoid Saturday rushes for the shortest lines. The Hintonburg stop is walkable from transit but not known for easy parking, and delivery is available via Uber Eats. Some listings also note wheelchair accessibility.
Art-Is-In Bakery: Hearty Cake Donuts with Industrial-Chic Vibes
Caption: Art-Is-In is a full bakery, but its donuts are the everyday workhorses.
Art-Is-In Bakery anchors Centretown at 250 City Centre Ave #112, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7. You can call 613-695-1226 or check artisinbakery.com for updates. Hours vary by day: one set of listings shows Mon-Wed 9 AM-3 PM, Thu-Sat 9 AM-9 PM, Sun 9 AM-2 PM, while other notes summarize it as Mon-Sat with Thursdays open until 9 PM. The space is industrial-chic with a busy dine-in atmosphere, and it is close to the O-Train with street parking nearby.
Donuts here are hearty cake-style with savoury edges and a bakery feel, priced around $3 to $5. Some guides mention cronuts and note that vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options can appear, though specifics vary by week. Locals on r/OttawaFood call them “underrated daily drivers.” These are the kind of donuts that pair perfectly with coffee and a seat at the long communal tables.
Strawberry Blonde Bakery and Dietary-First Sweet Spots
Caption: Strawberry Blonde is known for gluten-free and vegan baking that does not feel like a compromise.
Strawberry Blonde Bakery is a core ByWard stop at 325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON with phone 613-321-1234. Sources list hours as daily 7 AM-10 PM, with a dine-in view and easy transit access. Expect light yeast donuts with fruity fills in the $4 to $6 range and a homely feel that reads more bakery than cafe. Their menu is famous for gluten-free baking and rotating donut flavours, and guides describe them as gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and kosher-friendly. One review sums up the vibe: “Better than chains.” Another says it is “considered one of the best gluten-free bakeries in Ottawa… each trip promises a delightful new flavor adventure.”
Ottawa also has other dietary-first donut options with limited public details. Healthy Food Technologies is noted for gluten-free donuts, and some guides point to dedicated allergen-friendly baking across the city. If you are managing strict dietary needs, it is worth pairing this section with the broader best bakeries guide to see which shops are fully dedicated facilities.
Little Jo Berry’s Bakery and Mimi’s Donuts: Family-Focused Stops
Caption: These stops are about big flavours and easy pick-up for families.
Little Jo Berry’s Bakery runs a pop-up model, with sightings in Orleans and Manotick and occasional Wellington West mentions. Locations shift, so checking Instagram is essential. Donuts are fluffy, filled yeast styles around $4 to $6, with seasonal apple fritters and a rotating flavour list. It is family-friendly with a takeout focus, and they are also known for vegan and gluten-free donuts in four flavours. One local review says, “Addicted after one bite.” Another highlights accessibility: “Their donuts are completely vegan and gluten-free, so more folks can enjoy them! There are four flavors to choose from, all of which are sensational.”
Mimi’s Donuts is described as a Manotick outpost with a vibe that some reviewers compare to the 538 Rochester St scene. Hours appear in two different patterns: one source lists daily 7 AM-10 PM, while another lists Thu-Fri 11 AM-6 PM, Sat 9 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM and closed Mon-Wed. Expect iced yeast donuts with ice cream, pricing around $3 to $5, easy parking, and delivery availability. Reviews call it a kid magnet, and a customer note reads: “Great donuts but watch portions.” Another adds: “Mimi’s Donuts is your go-to spot for sweet treats that are as irresistible as they are delightful!”
If you are exploring those suburbs, plan a loop that includes the Orleans neighbourhood guide or a full Manotick day trip for the most efficient donut run.
Mochi Donuts and Global Styles: Mochi Doh, Mochi Bake House, Lokma
Caption: Chewy mochi donuts add a bouncy texture to Ottawa’s donut scene.
Mochi-style donuts are the chewy, springy alternative to classic yeast. Mochi Doh is listed at 780 Baseline Rd, Ottawa, open Mon-Sun 1 PM-9 PM, with phone 613-225-4159 and site mochidoh.ca. Expect ring-shaped mochi donuts with a distinct chewy bite and fusion flavours; one review calls them “a delightful fusion of chewy and sweet.” Takeout is the norm.
Mochi Bake House (sometimes listed as Mochi Donut Bake House) is also noted on Baseline Road, though the exact address is unconfirmed and no verified phone or website is listed. It operates as a cafe with mochi donuts, including ube flavours, priced around $5 to $7 each. Reviews suggest visiting early because specialty batches can sell out, and the vibe is tucked away: “The ube doughnut was quite enjoyable! That spot is rather tucked away.”
For a different global twist, Lokma at 1611 Bank St, Ottawa offers donut-style pastries for events and custom orders. Hours are listed as Mon-Thu/Sat-Sun 11 AM-11:30 PM and Fri 2 PM-11:30 PM, with phone 613-695-8844 and site lokma.ca. Guides note vegan and gluten-free options and highlight their ability to make dessert spreads: “They can whip you up various desserts such as cakes, cupcakes, and of course, donuts.”
Donut-Adjacent Stops and Coffee Pairings
Caption: Ottawa coffee stops often carry standout donuts, even if they are not donut shops.
Not every great donut in Ottawa comes from a dedicated donut counter. Morning Owl Coffee House is often mentioned for breakfast yeast-donut pairings, making it a smart breakfast stop if you want a cafe setting. SIDEDOOR is noted for bagel-donut hybrids, while Feast + Revel is called out for quirky filled donuts.
Local coffee brands get in the mix, too. Happy Goat is referenced for vegan donuts, Corner Peach for seasonal donuts, and Healthy Food Technologies for gluten-free options. A classic baseline still exists at Tim Hortons, which remains the anchor for nostalgia and familiar flavours. Across these stops, the typical range mirrors the rest of the city, with $2 to $7 prices, mostly yeast and cake styles, and a reality of sell-outs by afternoon. The broader donut story ties to Ottawa’s diverse bakers, with Polish and Vietnamese influences shaping the scene over the last decade.
Neighbourhoods, Budgets, Dietary Needs, and Seasons
Caption: Ottawa’s donut runs map cleanly to neighbourhoods and daily rhythms.
Neighbourhood cheat sheet
Hintonburg suits vibe-chasers at SuzyQ, while ByWard Market hums with Maverick’s and Strawberry Blonde energy - especially if you are already visiting the market district. Westboro is lighter on dedicated donut stops, but Art-Is-In edges in as a practical nearby option. Centretown is also well served by Art-Is-In for quick grabs, and Orleans is the best bet for Little Jo Berry’s family-friendly pop-ups. If you want more context on those areas, see the Westboro guide and the ByWard Market guide.
Value and budget picks
Mr. Luko and Mimi’s consistently deliver the best dozen deals, often under $15 for a full box. This is where the local advice matters most: “Box strategy saves.” If you are hunting value across the city, the best cheap eats guide is a useful companion for low-cost food loops.
Gourmet standouts
For premium treats, Holey Confections and Maverick’s top the list, with exotic toppings and layered pastry work that climbs into the $6+ range. SuzyQ fits this tier too - the pros are innovation and texture, while the main con is price.
Vegan and dietary options
SuzyQ leads on vegan yeast donuts, Holey adds layered vegan options, and Art-Is-In is frequently mentioned for gluten-free availability. A Reddit summary captures the relief: “Finally options!” Strawberry Blonde remains the most reliable gluten-free and vegan stop for those who need strict dietary controls.
Family-friendly spots
Mimi’s ice-cream donuts and Little Jo Berry’s larger portions tend to thrill kids, and both locations emphasize easy parking. The ByWard area is fun but crowded, so families often prefer suburban stops for less stress.
Seasonal notes and the apple-cider reality check
Expect apple-cider yeast donuts to pop up at Holey Confections and Maverick’s in the fall, with summer berry specials appearing at SuzyQ. Pre-ordering helps for Canada Day crowds and limited batches.
Research notes also flag a reality check: there is no direct evidence confirming apple-cider donut sales at Saunders Farm, Mountain Orchards, Cannamore Orchard, Proulx Farm, or Log Farm for the 2026 season. These farms focus on apples and cider, but donut sales are not consistently documented.
Comparison: Donuts at a Glance
Caption: Use this quick table to match your donut style to the right shop.
| Shop | Key Feature | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holey Confections | Innovative 140-layer donuts | $4-7 | Gourmets who love pastry technique |
| Mr. Luko Canada | Cheap, authentic yeast classics | $2-4, $10/dozen | Value hunters |
| Maverick’s Donuts | Fun varieties + classic options | $4-6 | Tourists and flavour explorers |
| SuzyQ Doughnuts | Vegan excellence + rotating flavours | $5-7 | Dietary needs and consistent quality |
Tips for Buying Donuts in Ottawa
Caption: A simple strategy makes Ottawa’s busiest donut lines manageable.
- Go before 10 AM. The most popular shops sell out by midday, and early batches are fresher.
- Buy half-dozens. Mixing yeast and cake styles gives a better read on each shop.
- Pre-order on weekends. SuzyQ and Holey Confections routinely sell out, especially on Saturdays.
- Skip rainy days. Lines are longer and options thinner when bad weather pushes people indoors.
- Remember the prune donut. Mr. Luko’s prune is “grandma‑approved.”
- Freeze extras. Donuts freeze well, making box buys practical when you see a good flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caption: Most questions come down to timing, dietary needs, and neighbourhood access.
Q: What is the best area in Ottawa for donuts?
ByWard Market and Hintonburg are the densest clusters. ByWard has Maverick’s and Strawberry Blonde with tourist energy, while Hintonburg anchors SuzyQ. If you want a mix of food and sightseeing, pair the market stop with the ByWard Market guide.
Q: Which shop has the best value donuts?
Mr. Luko Canada leads on price with $2 to $4 singles and $10 dozen boxes. Mimi’s also delivers strong value with larger portions and easy parking, especially for families.
Q: Where can I find vegan donuts in Ottawa?
SuzyQ offers vegan yeast donuts daily, and Holey Confections regularly features vegan options. Strawberry Blonde and Little Jo Berry’s also provide vegan selections, with Little Jo Berry’s explicitly offering vegan and gluten-free flavours.
Q: Are there gluten-free donuts in Ottawa?
Yes. Strawberry Blonde is the most reliable gluten-free stop, and Little Jo Berry’s also offers gluten-free donuts in rotating flavours. Some guides also mention gluten-free options appearing at Art-Is-In and Healthy Food Technologies, but menus vary week to week.
Q: Where can I get mochi donuts?
Mochi Doh at 780 Baseline Rd is the most consistently listed mochi donut stop, with daily hours from 1 PM to 9 PM. Mochi Bake House on Baseline Road is also noted for ube-flavoured mochi donuts, though details are less confirmed.
Q: What time should I go to avoid sell-outs?
Aim for before 10 AM, especially on weekends. Holey Confections and Maverick’s are known to sell out by noon or early afternoon.
Q: Do any donut shops deliver?
Yes. Mr. Luko offers Uber delivery, SuzyQ is available on Uber Eats, and Maverick’s lists delivery options. Always check each shop’s site or app before placing a large order.
Q: Are there apple-cider donuts in Ottawa?
Seasonal apple-cider yeast donuts show up at Holey Confections and Maverick’s in the fall. There is no direct evidence confirming apple-cider donut sales at regional farms like Saunders Farm or Proulx Farm in 2026, so treat farm donuts as unconfirmed.
Q: Are donuts available late at night?
Mr. Luko is open late most days, and Lokma lists late evening hours until 11:30 PM. Other artisan shops typically close mid-afternoon or early evening.
Final Summary
Caption: Ottawa’s donut scene is small but surprisingly deep.
Ottawa’s donut scene covers far more than the chains. Holey Confections delivers the most intricate pastry work with 140-layer donuts, Maverick’s balances classics and playful flavours in the heart of ByWard Market, and SuzyQ remains the most consistent multi-location pick with vegan options and rotating menus. On the value side, Mr. Luko and Mimi’s make the strongest case for budget boxes that still taste fresh.
For a smart donut day, start early with a Hintonburg SuzyQ stop, head to ByWard for Maverick’s or Strawberry Blonde, then detour toward Bank Street for Mr. Luko or Lokma. The key is timing: pre-order when you can, go before noon, and treat seasonal batches like limited runs.
Sources: holeyconfections.com, mavericksdonuts.com, suzyq.ca, artisinbakery.com, facebook.com/mrlukocanada, mochidoh.ca, lokma.ca
