Authentic & Locally Focused
A Beloved Bakery in Nelson - Discover French Canadian Delights at La Ruelle
As a French Canadian bakery in Nelson, we bring people together through freshly baked goods. We focus on wholesome, nutritious products made with care and traditional techniques.
Learn MoreOrder NowHow La Ruelle Became a Bakery in Nelson
La Ruelle Bakery’s journey began with a simple vision: keep the dream alive. The owner, Justine, had spent 10 years at Au Soleil Levant French Bakery Inc., creating artisanal sourdough breads and building a loyal customer base. When Au Soleil Levant closed, Justine’s passion for authentic sourdough inspired her to open La Ruelle, a French bakery in Nelson that continues the most popular recipes and the heart of the original bakery.
Bringing the Community Together Through Baking
At La Ruelle Bakery, a bakery in Nelson, we are driven by a passion for baking that goes beyond the kitchen. Our mission is to bring people together through the joy of freshly baked goods while prioritizing community well-being by offering wholesome, nutritious products. We take pride in sourcing most of our ingredients from local organic farms and following sustainable practices for a more promising future.
We’re honoured to bake bread on the shared unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Sinixt First Nations.
Our Commitment to Quality in Nelson
We favour organic, local, fresh, and high-quality ingredients. We support regional suppliers and continually improve eco-friendly practices that benefit the environment. We believe in authenticity and commit to honesty in all interactions. We value the trust of our customers, employees, and partners, and strive to maintain it by delivering on our promises. Our team creates a safe and inclusive environment, listens to customers’ needs, and provides friendly, attentive service, showing care in every interaction.
The Future of Our Beloved Bakery in Nelson
La Ruelle Bakery’s vision is to be the leading provider of quality sourdough breads in Nelson and to create a strong sense of belonging for our customers. Every product is shaped with love and care, connecting our customers to comforting feelings and cherished memories through our baked goods.
Our Team
Justine Gareau Loyer
Owner
Justine’s journey as a baker began 10 years ago at Au Soleil Levant, a French bakery known for its artisanal breads. She immediately fell in love with sourdough and the craft of bread making. Justine values good food, a healthy lifestyle, and strong community connections. As the mother of three energetic boys, she’s mastered creativity and problem-solving to balance family life with running La Ruelle Bakery. When she’s not baking, Justine enjoys exploring the outdoors—camping, hiking, and rock climbing with her family.
Julie Lamoureux
Head Baker
Julie has been passionately baking for over 15 years. If you know her, you know she loves food—and she especially loves sharing that passion with others. As La Ruelle’s proud Head Baker, Julie brings creativity and care to crafting our daily menu. When she’s not baking at the bakery, you’ll find her experimenting in her kitchen, discovering new favourite recipes and ingredients.
Nancy Guillemette
Bakery Chef
Nancy brings years of experience in the food industry, having worked in cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and catering. Passionate about all the possibilities food offers, she loves being part of La Ruelle’s team. When Nancy isn’t working, she enjoys foraging for nettle and other wild plants, cooking delicious meals for friends, and going for a run.
Don't take our word for it
Here's What Our Customers Say:
This bakery is terrific! We bought a loaf of the whole wheat flax sourdough and it is delicious. Fabulous eating alone but with cheese is out of this world. We also sampled the orange ginger cookie, excellent, and the double chocolate chip cookie was tasty too. We didn’t try their sandwiches as we had just eaten lunch, but they look tremendous. It’s a little tricky to find this place (behind/next to Bank of Montreal) but well worth seeking out. I hope they are here for many many years!
Wow! This is a hidden gem that is worth a stop. Delicious French Bakery with fresh sourdough base to many of it's delights including pain au chocolate, brioche, and other tasty delectables. The coffee was high quality and fresh brewed, the atmosphere was vibrant but not over stimulating, and the owner was incredibly friendly and helpful. I loved the artisinal woodcrafts for sale and stylish decor as well the fresh flowers throughout the store. The effort to add class is obvious and the attention to detail was astonishing.
I'm completely addicted to this bakery. They constantly surprise with new sandwiches and fougasses. But the real stars are their sourdough brioches - as a brioche connoisseur, I can say these are the best I've ever tasted, perfectly balanced and not too sweet. The staff is cool and fun, adding to the great atmosphere. Whether you're a casual bread lover or a devoted enthusiast, this place is a must-visit. Trust me, you'll find yourself coming back again and again!
This incredible bakery in Nelson is tucked away down a back alley, but it’s well worth finding. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread.One time, I stopped by for fresh buns, and they just happened to have that dough out—without hesitation, they offered to make me a fresh batch on the spot, ready in an hour. That level of care and dedication is rare and truly sets this place apart.