The West Coast Chocolate Festival—first launched in 2002— is a unique and innovative collection of individual events occurring throughout the TriCity area of Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam. Our various high calibre chocolate-themed adult and all-ages events celebrate the magic of chocolate and appeal to the senses and the soul, attracting guests from surrounding cities, the BC Lower Mainland and beyond. With chocolate as a powerful draw, we leverage events to bring people of all ages and cultures together as well as aim to raise awareness about proper consumption and the lesser-known positive benefits of the incredibly appealing food.

Each year the festival runs, events offered may be repeated from past years or introduced as new features. Various events run in the past include:

Alcohol and Chocolate Pairing Events — these high calibre adult events offer sophisticated pairings which combine chocolate and either beer, wine, or scotch. They are MC’d by a festival representative but led by an experienced sommelier or connoisseur from a sponsoring chocolate company such as Rogers, Denman Island, or Lindt. Events usually include at least three different pairings to sample, include performances by local talent is a feature, and run for approximately 2.5 hours.

Chicks and Chocolate — a popular event geared towards women featuring live entertainment, vendor booths, food and beverages, as well as exciting highlights such as dance demonstrations and fashion shows has evolved into a Salon du Chocolate – entertaining, enlightening, sampling, and evening of tastings, and scope of the festival.

Chocolate-chip Pancake Breakfast — a less-costly option geared towards all ages, this event includes Willy Wonka-themed activities, live musical performances, and of course, a delicious buffet-style pancake breakfast.

School of Chocolate — an informative all-ages presentation led by a festival volunteer educating the audience about the origins, health benefits, and proper etiquette for chocolate. Can be interactive and include chocolate sampling as well as some audience involvement.

The West Chocolate Festival Returns – October 15, 2009 to November 10, 2009
The box of chocolates has been reopened! The West Coast Chocolate Festival is back this season with a new array of flavorful and enlightening experiences to stimulate your senses and soul.

Thursday, October 15th, 2009
Salon du Chocolat Festival Opening at Red Robinson Theatre

New to the festival this year will be an exciting evening launch event that will showcase many of our participating sponsors, offer a vast selection of samples and tastings, as well as provide attendees with details and opportunities to purchase tickets for upcoming festival events. two tradeshows 1:00 to 4:30 pm, and 6:00 to 9:00 pm. $35 per person.

Friday, October 16th, 2009
Single Malt Scotch and Chocolate at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts 6:30 to 9:30 pm

Always a sold-out event renowned for its originality and elegant ambience, this year the fabulous evening will be led by Marcus Von Albrecht of Mava Foods and feature the sampling of Ileach Peaty, Finlaggan Old Reserve; Ileach cask strength – (won the 2nd best scotch in the world),  and Laphroaig 10 yr old  - single malt scotches paired with delicious chocolates from Xoxolat Chocolaterie, plus Marcus’s hand made white chocolate and dark chocolate whisky truffles, and desserts from the chefs at PICA. $75 per person

Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Craft Beer and Chocolate at The Outlet in Port Coquitlam 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Sleeman’s and Okanagan Spring beer is surprisingly suited to chocolate whether it be light, dark, lager, or pale ale! Join beer expert Ken Beattie for this two-hour tasting featuring five different flavour combinations over the course of an evening. $35 per person.

Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Chocolate High Tea at Schokolade Cafe in Vancouver 11am – 1pm, 1pm – 3pm, 3pm – 5pm

Enjoy a Unique Chocolate High Tea at Schokolade Café between 11am and 5pm; which includes a platter of chocolate petite four, mini chocolate dessert pralines, tea sandwiches, savoury scones and strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce. Top it all off with a Spicy Ancient Aztec chocolate drink or herbal tea. $24 per person

Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Desserts, Chocolates, Wines and More at Club Illia restaurant in SFU’s UniverCity – 6:30pm – 9pm

An elegant evening led by John Gerum of West Coast Wine Education featuring the pairing of fine wines and liqueurs with decadent chocolates sponsored by Reubens Chocolates; also includes espresso service and delicious dessert hand-crafted by owner Fred Soofi. $50 per person

Monday, October 19th to Thursday, November 5th 2009
Schools of Chocolate – Locations to be announced

Always keen to help people appreciate the finer points of the ‘food of the gods,’ this entertaining and informative event is appropriate for all ages as guests learn about the history, growing and making of chocolate, and are led through a progressed tasting of various types of chocolate.

Monday, October 19th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby – 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby – 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby – 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
Chocolate Meditation and Spirit Fitness at Veracis Wellness in Port Moody 9 am-12 pm

Yes, you can have your chocolate and eat it too! Relax, close your eyes and experience inner peace as your day begins with a short guided meditation. Enjoy gentle Hatha Yoga stretches with Certified Fitness Trainer and Meditation Instructor Janice and then shift to upbeat modern music for Cardio Aerobics and Core Strength Building. Then live, laugh and learn the basics to centered consciousness in this dynamic introduction to meditation workshop with Certified Meditation Instructor Regina Kaiser. Finally with the ultimate indulgence ñsavouring guilt free chocolate treats served with mocha mint herbal tea. Leave feeling alive and enlightened! (Maximum 8 participants).$29 per person

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
Chocolate Meditation and Wise Yoga at Veracis Wellness in Port Moody, 1 pm -4 pm

Relax, close your eyes and experience inner peace as you retreat to a soothing guided meditation. Breathe deeply as you gently stretch and balance with Certified Instructor Marian, in this gentle Hatha Yoga class designed for those aged 40 plus ñ because not everyone can sit like a chocolate covered pretzel! Enjoy a chocolate treat with mocha mint herbal tea to finish your yoga. Then live, laugh and learn the basics to centered consciousness in this dynamic introduction to meditation workshop with Certified Meditation Instructor Regina Kaiser. (Maximum 8 participants). $29 per person

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
A Mindful Experience Seminar and Candlelight Meditation at Veracis Wellness in Port Moody, 7-9pm

Breathe Deeply – Imagine enjoying the rich flavour of chocolate with present moment awareness as you connect with your soulís deepest desire to savour serenity. A true body, mind & spirit experience. During this mindful presentation you will learn to connect with your spirit and discover a deeper connection with who you are and who is tasting the chocolate. Yes, weíll taste a few treats. Youíll learn powerful and simple meditation techniques to transcend guilt and thoughts that may keep you from enjoying chocolate and life. Are you ready? Who are you? What do you want? Can chocolate clear the pathway? The time is now and the answers await you. (Maximum 30 Guests). $20 per person

Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Just Here for the Beer… and Chocolate! at The Old Mill Boathouse in Port Moody 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Beer is surprisingly suited to chocolate! Join beer expert Colin Jack for this two-hour tasting which will feature at least three different flavour combinations over the course of an evening. .$35 per person

Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Cooking with Chocolate at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver – 6:30 to 9:30 Maximum 15

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts invites you for an evening of chocolate decadence. This one evening course will allow you to sit back and savour chocolate as the finer details are explained. Enjoy an enlightening, and informative class incorporating the history of chocolate, how chocolate is made, and how to taste chocolate. Watch our pastry chefs prepare up to 8 chocolates and learn what makes them so different. $85 per person

Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Wines, Liqueurs, and Chocolates at Place des Arts in Coquitlam 7:30pm to 10:00 pm

A festival favourite every year, this elegant pairing evening is sure to stimulate the senses and soul as West Coast Wine Education’s John Gerum guides guests through a series of truly unique alcohol and chocolate tastings sponsored by Reubens Chocolates. $50 per person

Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Chocolate Appreciation Workshop at Schokolade Cafe in Vancouver 6pm – 7:30pm, 8pm – 9:30pm (10 guests per seating)

Come join Edward Suter and learn all about how Chocolate is made and how to select good quality chocolate for home use. All the while dipping and decorating your very own handcrafted chocolates to take home! $50 per person

Sunday, October 25th, 2009
A Tealicious Chocolate Tasting at The Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam 2- 4pm

Added to the festival line-up this Fall, this new event will be a unique and innovative afternoon guided by Tea Master Nancy Prokosh who will be introducing the fusion of two classically elegant delights: tea and chocolate.) $35 per person

Monday, October 26th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Chocolate Meditation and Spirit Fitness at Veracis Wellness in Port Moody 9 am-12 pm

Yes, you can have your chocolate and eat it too! Relax, close your eyes and experience inner peace as your day begins with a short guided meditation. Enjoy gentle Hatha Yoga stretches with Certified Fitness Trainer and Meditation Instructor Janice and then shift to upbeat modern music for Cardio Aerobics and Core Strength Building. Then live, laugh and learn the basics to centered consciousness in this dynamic introduction to meditation workshop with Certified Meditation Instructor Regina Kaiser. Finally with the ultimate indulgence ñsavouring guilt free chocolate treats served with mocha mint herbal tea. Leave feeling alive and enlightened! (Maximum 8 participants).$29 per person

Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Chocolate Meditation and Wise Yoga at Veracis Wellness in Port Moody, 1 pm -4 pm

Relax, close your eyes and experience inner peace as you retreat to a soothing guided meditation. Breathe deeply as you gently stretch and balance with Certified Instructor Marian, in this gentle Hatha Yoga class designed for those aged 40 plus ñ because not everyone can sit like a chocolate covered pretzel! Enjoy a chocolate treat with mocha mint herbal tea to finish your yoga. Then live, laugh and learn the basics to centered consciousness in this dynamic introduction to meditation workshop with Certified Meditation Instructor Regina Kaiser. (Maximum 8 participants). $29 per person

Thursday, October 29th, 2009
A Mindful Experience Seminar and Candlelight Meditation at Veracis Wellness in Port Moody, 7-9pm

Breathe Deeply – Imagine enjoying the rich flavour of chocolate with present moment awareness as you connect with your soulís deepest desire to savour serenity. A true body, mind & spirit experience. During this mindful presentation you will learn to connect with your spirit and discover a deeper connection with who you are and who is tasting the chocolate. Yes, weíll taste a few treats. Youíll learn powerful and simple meditation techniques to transcend guilt and thoughts that may keep you from enjoying chocolate and life. Are you ready? Who are you? What do you want? Can chocolate clear the pathway? The time is now and the answers await you. (Maximum 30 Guests). $20 per person

Friday, October 30th, 2009  6:30-9:30pm
Cooking with Chocolate at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver – 6:30 to 9:30 Maximum 15

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts invites you for an evening of chocolate decadence. This one evening course will allow you to sit back and savour chocolate as the finer details are explained. Enjoy an enlightening, and informative class incorporating the history of chocolate, how chocolate is made, and how to taste chocolate. Watch our pastry chefs prepare up to 8 chocolates and learn what makes them so different. $85 per person

Friday, October 30th, 2009
Children’s Session – Make Halloweens’ Goody Bag at Schokolade Artisan Chocolates and Café in Vancouver. 3pm – 4pm, 4 – 5pm, 5 - 6pm, children age: 5 – 16

Kids get to make a Halloween goodie bag and bring home their Chocolate Creations! (Hands off mom and dad) Free Chocolate drink to celebrate at the end.) (10 children per group $20 per person

Saturday, October 31st, 2009
Chocolate High Tea at Schokolade Cafe in Vancouver 11am – 1pm, 1pm – 3pm, 3pm – 5pm

Enjoy a Unique Chocolate High Tea at Schokolade Café between 11am and 5pm; which includes a platter of chocolate petite four, mini chocolate dessert pralines, tea sandwiches, savoury scones and strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce. Top it all off with a Spicy Ancient Aztec chocolate drink or herbal tea. $24 per person

Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Chocolate High Tea at Schokolade Cafe in Vancouver 11am – 1pm, 1pm – 3pm, 3pm – 5pm

Enjoy a Uniue Chocolate High Tea at Schokolade Café between 11am and 5pm; which includes a platter of chocolate petite four, mini chocolate dessert pralines, tea sandwiches, savoury scones and strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce. Top it all off with a Spicy Ancient Aztec chocolate drink or herbal tea. $24 per person

Sunday, November 8th, 2009
A Tealicious Chocolate Tasting at the Tealicious Teahouse in Port Moody 2- 4:30pm

New to the festival this year will be a unique and innovative afternoon event fusing two classically elegant delights: tea and chocolate. Tea Master Nancy Prokosh of Tealicious will guide you through this afternoon tea tasting offering a variety of pairings from green tea to black, white chocolate to dark; the event will also include light refreshments and entertainment by emerging local talent. $35 per person

Monday, November 9th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory in Burnaby 9:00am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am tours

Come see the famous Chocolate River in person and learn about the History of Chocolate and the Owner, Charlie and his Factory. Tours start at 9am, 10am, and 11am. $5 Per Person. For groups of 15 to 20 please call Maria at 604-818-1849 or maria@chocolatefestival.ca – a private tour will be booked for your group.

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
Chocolat ce Soir at Horizons Restaurant in Burnaby – 5:30 to 10:30 pm

A sell-out event in past years, this year the festival will close with an upscale dinner gala hosted at Horizons restaurant on Burnaby Mountain. Featuring an exquisite multi-course menu designed by Chef John Garrett, the dinner will incorporate West Coast cuisine both seasonal and regional as well as fabulous wines, and -  of course— chocolate! This signature festival event is sure to top off a fantastic festival with a top of the mountain experience. Menu designed by Chef Garrett of Horizons Restaurant and Maître Chocolatier Wim Tas of ChocolaTas. $125 per person

Keep checking back to the website www.chocolatefestival.ca for upcoming events including: Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast & Eden West Cooking Class in Port Moody.

Click HERE for a downloadable brochure of 2009 Festival Line up

Tickets for all events are available for purchase here.
We look forward to sharing this box of chocolates with you.

[Email us for more information: dawn@chocolatefestival.ca or call 604-628-9547]

Returning for a 7th year in Fall 2009, the West Coast Chocolate Festival is excited to announce a brand new event! This year we will be offering a festival kick-off tradeshow event that will feature an assortment of all things chocolate such as sampling, presentations, entertainment, and competitions.

Reach out to your target audience as guests while gaining valuable marketing and promotional opportunities as this event will also serve as a media preview for the festival. Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity and come participate as one of our showcased vendors.

For more information, please download our vendor information brochure (PDF, 232kb)

PHOTO CREDIT : CoCreatr on Flickr CC-BY