Four PICAchef culinary students in blue caps and chef whites smile together in a teaching kitchen

Pacific Institute of
Culinary Arts

Canada’s oldest private culinary school. Hands-on, technique-first training since 1997. Accredited & EQA-designated in British Columbia.

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Years in
Operation

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Graduates
Worldwide

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Professional Industry
Kitchens

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Diploma & Certificate
Programs

1:15

Maximum
Instructor-to‑Student Ratio

A PICAchef student plating a dessert

Our Tradition

Canada’s Original Culinary School

Founded in 1997 at the gateway to Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s most iconic food destinations, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is Canada’s oldest private culinary school. For more than 25 years, PICAchef has trained the next generation of chefs, pastry chefs, and wine professionals the same way: technique-first, hands-on, in working kitchens led by internationally trained Chef Instructors.

Global Partnerships

We Partner with Leading Schools Worldwide

PICAchef’s partnerships with renowned culinary and hospitality schools around the world reflect our shared commitment to industry leadership and world-class culinary education.

PICAchef’s global partnerships include:

  • Les Roches
  • St. George International College
  • Glion Institute of Higher Education
  • Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland
  • École Ducasse

These collaborations give PICAchef students the opportunity to continue their studies in premier global culinary destinations.

France

France

A world-renowned institution dedicated to the art of French culinary excellence and pastry.

Spain Switzerland

Spain & Switzerland

A leading global hospitality management school with campuses in two of Europe's most celebrated destinations.

Switzerland United Kingdom

Switzerland & The UK

A globally ranked institution in hospitality and business management, developing leaders for the world's finest establishments.

Switzerland

Switzerland

A Swiss academy uniting classical culinary and pastry arts with the country's celebrated hospitality tradition.

Partnered with Leading Industry Names

*Industry partners and supporters of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

John M. Larson
“PICAchef’s approach to culinary education, rooted in excellence, tradition and innovation, aligns with [Triumph’s] strategy to expand career-focused programs in hospitality and culinary fields.”

— John M. Larson

Chairman, CEO & President of Triumph Higher Education Group

Experience Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

How PICAchef Prepares Students for Careers

How PICAchef Prepares Students for Careers

Explore Our Vancouver Campus

Explore Our Vancouver Campus

Behind the Scenes at PICAchef

Behind the Scenes at PICAchef

Lorenzo Bonetti
“I chose [PICAchef] because of the curriculum… It doesn’t just focus on food, but you really work on palate development, creativity, business skills, and learning the habits you need to succeed in the industry.”*

— Lorenzo Bonetti

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts Graduate

*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors such as geographical region or previous experience.

The Triumph Advantage

A Global Workforce Model Founded on Education

Designed to support culinary & hospitality professionals and their employers worldwide.

Culinary student learning

Educate

Accredited culinary education that builds kitchen + business skills and career readiness at scale.

Develop

Develop

Structured upskilling and workforce development programs that build retention, leadership, and internal mobility.

Deploy

Targeted recruiting and placement that connects qualified talent to operational needs.

The result is a workforce strategy employers can implement at scale.

Explore Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts