Canada is a large and fertile country, and its food is as diverse as the history, cultures, and regions that hold it together. The Maritimes’ seafood, the prairie’s comfort stews, and the country boast a tasty selection of traditional cuisine that every traveler must try. Whether you are traveling to the urban metropolises or the serene countryside, below is a travel guide to where you can enjoy the real taste of Canada in its traditional dishes.
Poutine: A Quebecois ClAassic
No Canadian vacation would be complete without a try at experiencing poutine. This classic Quebecois snack consists of crispy fries smothered in gravy and topped with squeaky cheese curds. While found in most parts of Canada, it’s best devoured where it was born: Quebec. Head to La Banquise in Montreal, a neighbourhood staple, and sample their selection of poutines, from classic to more exotic offerings.
Tourtière: The Quebec Meat Pie
A classic pie found on French-Canadian plates during every season, tourtière is typically made from a mixture of ground beef and pork with a host of spices. Comfort food at its finest, the pie is traditionally served during holidays but may be eaten year-round at Quebec eateries. Experience the quintessential moment by visiting an old-fashioned neighborhood bakery or an old-fashioned family-run bistro in Old Quebec City, where the aroma of freshly baked tourtière wafts through the air.
Bison and Venison: A Taste of the Prairies
The Canadian prairies are renowned for their wide open spaces, and this province also has some wonderful game meat. Bison and venison are low-fat, flavorful meats that have been staples in the nation’s diet for centuries. If you find yourself in Alberta or Saskatchewan, dine at a local restaurant that specializes in wild game. You might find bison burgers, venison steaks, or stews prepared with these, all seasoned with wild herbs and spices that have a distinctive earthy flavor.
Butter Tarts: Sweet Canadian Delight
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the butter tart is an absolute must-try. Originating from Ontario, this gooey, caramel-like delight is made of butter, brown sugar, and eggs. While the filling itself is simple, it’s the blending of flavors that sets this dessert apart as one you’ll be thinking about. You can possibly find butter tarts in bakeries across Canada, but the best of these are typically found in family bakeries in Ontario or neighboring provinces. Make sure to get the old-fashioned type, but don’t hesitate to try out varieties with nuts or chocolate as well.
Restaurant Ambiance with the Perfect Food
When traveling across Canada, you’ll find various dining establishments serving good food along with distinctive settings. Case in point is the retro diner, where you not only get to enjoy common comfort foods, but also travel back in time to bask in the atmosphere of the 50s. If you’re in Calgary, make sure to check out a retro diner in Calgary for a fun dining experience that offers both great food and a lively, retro-inspired ambiance. These diners serve up everything from hearty breakfasts to delicious milkshakes, making them a perfect stop for foodies and vintage enthusiasts alike.
Nova Scotia Lobster: A Maritime Delight
The Maritimes are famous for fresh seafood, and there is no replacement for the sweetness of a Nova Scotia lobster. For the very best in lobster freshness, head to the small coastal fishing villages, where you can pick up a lobster roll or have a lobster boil. The Lobster Shack in Shediac, New Brunswick, is one of the best places to enjoy this sea delicacy with the Atlantic Ocean unfolding as your view.
Caesar Cocktail: Canada’s Version of a Bloody Mary
Caesar cocktail is the personification of Canada itself, and it’s as real as reality gets—just ask any Canadian about it. Vodka, Clamato juice (the equivalent of tomato juice and broth with clams), hot sauce, and spice get mixed in an odd yet compelling combination apt to accompany the brunch or a plate of seafood. Regardless of whether you’re in Vancouver or Toronto, any restaurant or bar will have some version of this cocktail, but for the authentic experience, go to Calgary or Edmonton, where it was allegedly created.
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Nanaimo Bars: A Sweet Taste of the West Coast
Named after Nanaimo City on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo bars are a no-bake three-layer dessert. The base is a crunchy graham cracker crust, the middle is a custard-flavored filling, and the top is a smooth chocolate glaze. Nanaimo bars are a favorite in British Columbia and an excellent take-home souvenir to take back home from your trip. They can be found in bakeries and cafes all across the province, where they will frequently be accompanied by a coffee or tea.
Maple Syrup: Canada’s Sweetest Tradition
No Canadian experience would be complete without the flavor of genuine maple syrup. 71% of the globe’s maple syrup can be found in Canada, and it’s especially prevalent in Quebec, where the maple syrup production takes place. In the spring, go to a “sugar shack” (cabane à sucre) in Quebec or Ontario to see maple syrup harvested. There, enjoy traditional foods like maple taffy, where hot syrup is drizzled over snow and rolled onto a stick to create a delicious snack.
Conclusion
East to west, Canada’s food is as diverse as its landscape. Whether you’re relishing a plate of freshly harvested lobster in the Maritimes or cozying up to a warm slice of tourtière in Quebec, every province and territory boasts its own culinary claim to fame. Make sure to explore the dense restaurant scene, where atmosphere and cuisine go hand in hand, like the nostalgic diners of Calgary. With all there is to taste and explore, a Canadian culinary experience is guaranteed to be a memory-maker.
