1. Tim Hortons:

Canadians can always count on a Tim Hortons being just around the corner, when looking for a quick cup of coffee. But in a recent poll, market research firm Ipsos also found Canadians ranked the iconic company number eight in their views of cutting-edge brands.

2. Trident Booksellers & Cafe:

This Hollis Street café offers beverages along with its used books for purchase. For a medium coffee or tea to go it's $2.10. Check them out between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Just Us!

This Café offers a selection of coffee which provides economic opportunities for its producers in working toward a higher standard of living. For the month of January Just Us! on Spring Garden Road is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meanwhile, On Barrington Street their hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but the Barrington location is closed on weekends.

4. Coburg Coffee House:

Right next to Dalhousie University, this cafe attracts Dal students who want to get off-campus while studying. They also offer a book exchange program where people can bring in their used book and exchange it for another. Coburg Coffee is open 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

5. Second Cup:

Among their sweet, tasty drinks, Second Cup offers a rotation of coffee flavours, so there is always something new to try. For those extra cold days, their vanilla bean hot chocolate is a comforting warm-up treat.

6. Two If By Sea:

Whatever side of the harbour you are on, there's Two If By Sea, either at 66 Octherloney Street in Dartmouth or 1869 Upper Water Street in Halifax. Store hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. (7 a.m. at their Dartmouth location) to 6 p.m. and on weekends 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7. Starbucks:

This Seattle creation has increasingly been making a presence in Canadian cities. With more dessert-like drinks, this is a place to go if you want to warm up while feeding that sweet-tooth craving.

8. Uncommon Grounds:

With a neighbourhood setting and in-house baked goods, this coffee house offers a small-town feel. Uncommon Grounds is located on South Park Street by Saint Mary's University. Their store hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. all week. 

9. McDonalds:

In recent years McDonalds has switched gears to become more competitive in the coffee market. In doing so, the company now sells lattes, cappuccinos and other premium drinks to their customers.