Planning a visit to Malcolm Island? After you choose your Sointula accommodation and plan out what you’d like to see and do, you have a little more planning to do. If you’re not staying at Sointula Lodge, the island’s all-inclusive fishing lodge, you’ll need to consider where you’ll eat during your stay. Despite the town’s small size, there are a handful of Sointula restaurants to choose from.
You can grab a cup of coffee and a quick breakfast at Coho Joe’s. Or dig into delicious burgers and fries at the Burger Barn. But if you want a caffeine fix and a snack, and also want to experience a taste of the Finnish culture that Sointula is known for, head to Upper Crust Bakery. This local staple is located in the heart of Sointula and serves up coffee, pastries, and big smiles to locals and visitors alike.
Keep reading to learn more about this local gem.
What is Upper Crust Bakery?
Upper Crust Bakery is a small, family-owned bakery located in Sointula, on Malcolm Island. The bakery specializes in freshly baked bread, Finnish-inspired pastries, and coffee. While their menu does change, they typically sell a variety of scones, cookies, muffins, and donuts, as well as a rotating selection of lunch items. They also make specialty cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions. These can be ordered in advance for pick-up, and are perfect for visitors celebrating a special occasion during their trip. You can call ahead to order your cake, and pick it up upon your arrival.
An ice cream counter in the bakery offers a variety of flavors of dipped ice creams. Occasionally, the bakery also sells other food items, like pizza or freezer meals. In addition to selling their fresh baked goods in their Sointula bakery, they also sell them from local co-ops and gas stations, like the Port Hardy Co-op gas station.
While there is limited seating available at Upper Crust Bakery, including outdoor tables with views of the water, many of their items are also great for taking to go. You can grab some pastries, bread, or lunch items, and take your treats with you to enjoy as a picnic while you explore the rest of the island.
Where is Upper Crust Bakery?
Upper Crust Bakery is located right off of the ferry dock. If you aren’t traveling to Sointula by seaplane, you’ll pass right by the bakery as you step off the ferry boat and head into town. This also makes it a great spot to stop for a break and a snack while exploring Sointula.
What are Their Operating Hours?
Upper Crust Bakery is typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Saturday. However, these hours may change depending on the season. Like many Sointula restaurants, the bakery is usually closed during the winter months as well. If you’re planning a visit, you can call the bakery at 250-973-6333 to check on their current hours.
Upper Crust Bakery’s Menu
Because everything is baked fresh, the menu at Upper Crust Bakery does change frequently. Everything is also first come, first serve. If you want the best selection of pastries and sweets, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the day before they’ve begun to sell out of their most popular items.
Upper Crust Bakery’s most popular menu item is their pulla. Pulla is a traditional Finnish bread. It’s sweet and fragrant, with cardamom. This bread is often made for special occasions, but you can grab a loaf most days from Upper Crust Bakery — just plan to arrive early before they sell out for the day!
Upper Crust Bakery’s menu also features a rotating selection of lunch items. Past options have included salmon and cream cheese croissants and even freshly made pizzas.
Planning Your Visit to Sointula
If you’re looking to get a taste of the Finnish culture that Sointula is known for, or are just looking for a tasty treat during your stay, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Upper Crust Bakery! This local gem is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Make sure this is one of the Sointula restaurants on your list to visit!
Ready to start planning your first — or your next — visit to Sointula? While the town may be small, there’s still plenty to see, do, and experience. Doing your research ahead of time will help you make the most of your trip, and help ensure that you don’t miss anything during your stay!
If you haven’t already done so, it’s a good idea to start by choosing your Sointula lodging. From hotels to all-inclusive fishing lodges to vacation rentals, you’ll find it all on Malcolm Island. Ready to start narrowing your options? Check out this guide to help you decide which option is right for you and your family.