Taste of Canada
The best way to discover Canada is through its unique taste of place
From coast to coast to coast, Canada is bursting with unique flavours, fascinating history and stories that make us who we are. If you ask me (and the whole team at the Culinary Tourism Alliance), there is no better way to discover it all than by immersing yourself in the local food scenes of communities across the country.
Doing that isn’t just delicious, it’s also an amazing way to meet some of the country’s most spectacular food producers, chefs, and restaurateurs. From visiting some of Montréal’s most historic markets in Québec to learning from Cree Nation guides to catch and cook your own shore lunch in Northern Saskatchewan, prioritizing local food when travelling isn’t just delicious, it’s informative, puts money back into the local economy, and makes for a damn good time.
The truth is, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice. I’ve rounded up just a few of our favourite foodie experiences from across the country. I hope it ignites an idea for your next Great Taste of Canada adventure no matter what time of year you’re exploring!
Fall
As colours begin to change and the air gets a little crisp, there’s no better time to explore the farmers’ markets and farm gate stands that are so prolific from coast to coast. This is the most surefire way to get to know a destination’s identity. Where else can you talk with farmers, artists, beekeepers, cheesemakers, and more all in one place? Here are a few ways to get started!
The Shuswap Farm Stand Trail in British Columbia
Newly launched this year, The Shuswap Farm Stand trail is a self-guided excursion to some of Shuswap’s best farmers and food producers. Use their handy map, and drive throughout the region discovering everything from freshly grown produce and eggs to homemade preserves and baked goods, pasture-raised meats and more.
Along your way, be sure to take in the stunning countryside views and just slow down a little. You’ll be glad you did!
Hot Tip: You’ll want to bring a cooler and cash
Explore Montréal’s Public Markets in Québec
Montréal is a city known for its epic dining scene, and for good reason! But where does that all start? The market of course. With several major markets spread throughout the city, exploring at least two or three of these historic beauties is an absolute must.
From dining on crêpes at Marché Jean-Talon (one of North America’s largest open-air markets) to diving into Singaporean street food at the Satay Brothers stall at Atwater, there isn’t just a taste of Québec here but tastes from around the globe too.
Winter
Cold weather travel? Sounds pretty cool to me. . . sorry, I had to.
Winter is actually one of our favourite times to explore Canada. Not only are restaurants serving up hearty, savoury dishes but the views of snowy landscapes are unmatched, the crowds are fewer, and you’re helping to create sustainable destinations by visiting in the off-peak season. That’s a win-win-win.
Dine on a Frozen River at RAW:almond in Manitoba
For a dining experience like no other, check out RAW: almond. This event spans over 20 days each winter in Winnipeg, Manitoba and is a true culinary experience to behold. The brainchild of Mandel Hitzer (Chef at Deer+Almond) and Joe Kalturnyk (founding director of RAW: Gallery of Architecture and Design), RAW:almond sets up shop on the frozen rivers of Winnipeg during January and February each year.
Set inside a beautifully designed, temporary structure, over 20 chefs from across the globe as well as right from Winnipeg, create special menus for guests each night. Not only do the menus shine but the setting itself is unparalleled. This is a definite bucket list experience for any foodie and tickets sell out fast so act quickly!
Read more about Chef Mandel Hitzer in A View From Here: Winnipeg
Discover Canada’s Northernmost Brewpub in the Northwest Territories
Want to really discover the heart of Canadian winter? Northwest Territories doesn’t just offer spectacular Northern Lights viewing, dog sledding, and ice fishing. It also offers some solid foodie finds along the way.
In Yellowknife, NWT Brewing Company is Canada’s Northernmost Brewpub and came out swinging as soon as they launched in 2015 bringing home a Bronze at the Canadian Brewing Awards for their Kicksled Cream Ale. Since then, they’ve brought home numerous awards, expanded operations and crafted a great food menu to boot.
The Woodyard, the onsite brewpub, has some classics we’ve come to expect from our fav brewpubs — think fried chicken sandwiches and nachos — alongside real tastes of place like their whitefish croquettes and trout ceviche, both made with locally sourced fish.
Spring
Spring is the perfect in-between time to travel for those who like it “not too hot and not too cold”. I personally love exploring this time of year as new crops begin to pop up in farm fields, chefs are reinventing their menus with newly-foraged items and there’s just a dash of hope in the air!
Dinner in a Kiln in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Photo: Medalta
Photo: Medalta
If we know anything to be true about culinary experiences, we know that the setting can have a huge impact on the meal. In Medicine Hat (a true foodie’s city by the way…you should check it out), Dinner in a Kiln is hosted by the folks at Medalta in the Hat’s historic Clay District in partnership with Tourism Medicine Hat.
On any other day, this is a spot to take a pottery class and tour a clay museum. Dinner in a Kiln event transforms the historic kiln here into a world-class dining experience whereby several chefs work together to create a longtable dinner in this unique setting. Kiln it!
While dates for 2025 haven’t been set yet, be sure to keep your eyes on Medalta’s events page for more info as it becomes available.
Culinary Adventure Co. Food Tour in Toronto, Ontario
Discovering the food scene of “The 6ix”, aka Toronto, is like taking a trip around the globe. With so much variety, planning a trip can be slightly overwhelming. Don’t panic though, we recommend booking yourself onto a food tour with Culinary Adventure Co. and letting them do the work for you.
Culinary Adventure Co.’s food walking tours bring you into Toronto’s historic neighbourhoods to discover stories of immigration to the city, what inspired chefs to create their signature dishes, and so much more. Whether you’re dining on Dim Sum in Chinatown or enjoying Michelin-star eats on the Little India + Gerrard West Food Tour, there really is something for everyone.
Summer
Of course, we could never forget summer. Some of the country’s best fruits and veggies are in season, foraging reaches its peak, and the warm weather makes exploring afar a little bit easier. Here are two bucket-list-worthy experiences to enjoy.
The Shore Club in Nova Scotia
The Shore Club is a time-honoured tradition in Nova Scotia and while it may be well known, I still think it’s a classic worth visiting. Known as “Nova Scotia’s Last Great Dance Hall”, The Shore Club combines traditional lobster dinners with stellar Canadian music acts from mid-May to mid-October each year.
These dinners date back to the 1930s and that historic charm shines through in just about every way. From the red and white gingham tablecloth to the nautical decor, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Our favourite part? This is the most unpretentious lobster you’ll ever eat! Kick back and feel comfortable just being you.
Field to Shield in Northern Saskatchewan
Join Chef Jenni Lessard on a culinary adventure filled with passion, connection, and incredible food that you’ll be thinking about years after you’ve left (no seriously, trust me). Chef Jenni is a Métis chef and your host for this experience as you travel north from Saskatoon up to Missinipe (aka from Prairie Field to Canadian Shield).
We don’t want to give too much away but once you arrive in Missinipe (after some fantastic learning experiences along the way), you’ll meet up with several guides from the Cree Nation who you will connect with and learn from throughout the next few days.
Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan
Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan
Visitors take part in several hands-on activities from blueberry picking with a community elder and visiting a trapline to catching your own fish, learning to fillet it and cooking it over an open fire for lunch.
At the end of each day, Chef Jenni prepares a beautiful dinner to enjoy as you recount your day, things you’ve learned, and what you saw (maybe even a bear or two)! You’ll learn some of the recipes Chef Jenni has created, make new friends, and spend loads of time in a part of the province few ever get to see. This unforgettable experience is truly once in a lifetime and a great step for those looking to work on their own journey towards Reconciliation.
The Field to Shield Culinary Tour is an authentic six-day/five-night experience showcasing Saskatchewan’s culture and culinary uniqueness.
Fill Your Heart and Your Belly
Whether you go North, South, East or West, wherever your feet land in Canada this year, there’s a way to make it delicious. Share a meal with friends, family, and loved ones (maybe over a few pints of locally brewed beers) and take your time getting to know the people who make each destination special.
It’s the best way to travel, trust me.
Gabrielle Mueller
Food was made to be a connector and Gabrielle believes that there’s nothing more powerful than sitting around a table (preferably with a few craft beers) to connect people. Gabrielle is the Marketing Manager for the Culinary Tourism Alliance and works alongside a small but nimble team to tell Canada's taste of place stories from coast to coast to coast.
Gabrielle Mueller
Food was made to be a connector and Gabrielle believes that there’s nothing more powerful than sitting around a table (preferably with a few craft beers) to connect people. Gabrielle is the Marketing Manager for the Culinary Tourism Alliance and works alongside a small but nimble team to tell Canada's taste of place stories from coast to coast to coast.
Embrace Canada with Landsby
Landsby creates unique and immersive experiences that not only provide travellers with purposeful and enriching trips but aim to positively impact the communities being explored.
