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Canada's culinary scene is a delicious fusion of flavours that reflects its multicultural heritage. While known for its breathtaking wilderness areas and vibrant cities, Canada also deserves recognition as a gastronomic hotspot, offering an array of gastronomic delights that incorporate diverse influences running from British, French, and Asian flavours to the inventive cooking traditions of the nation’s Indigenous people.
Indulge in must-try dishes to encompass the full spectrum of flavour from savoury meals to delectably sweet desserts. To complete your edible adventure, we'll introduce you to traditional Canadian beverages that will satisfy your thirst and excite your taste buds.
Poutine, often regarded as Canada's national dish, originated in Quebec and became widely popular during the 1950s. This beloved Canadian creation combines an irresistible blend of flavours and textures, consisting of crispy golden fries topped with cheese curds and gravy providing a satisfying crunch and a creamy richness.
Food plays a crucial role in defining a country's cultural identity, and Canadian traditional cuisine showcases this. Canadian dishes embody a harmonious fusion of Indigenous flavours, local ingredients, and colonial culinary traditions.
Seafood lovers will like the delicious flavours of Nova Scotian lobster rolls. They are relished throughout Canada, particularly in coastal areas like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Perfect for enjoying during the summer, these rolls showcase tender Atlantic lobster meat lightly dressed with creamy mayo and served on a perfectly toasted bun.
In our multicultural world, it’s not a surprise to see fusion food, and the BC roll is a great example. This is a sushi roll that was adapted in British Columbia to include barbecued salmon and cucumber. Keep an eye out for this unique treat on our Spectacular Rockies & Vancouver tour.
For a taste of the wild, head to the northern regions for game meat like moose, caribou, and venison. These distinctive meats are commonly used in hearty stews or dried as mouthwatering jerky, offering an authentic taste of the Canadian wilderness.
Montreal-style bagels have their own special qualities that set them apart from traditional New York-style bagels. These chewy snacks are smaller, sweeter, and denser in texture. Originating from Quebec, they are boiled in water sweetened with honey before being baked, giving them a distinctive character. It is common to enjoy Montreal-style bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon, which is a popular pairing with bagel lovers. Don’t forget to sample one of these delicious snacks on your day of leisure in Montreal on our New England, Canada & New York in The Fall tour.
One of the interesting dishes you’ll find in Indigenous and northern Canadian cuisine is jellied moose nose. To prepare this, the moose's nose is simmered until it becomes tender, then left to cool and set into a terrine with a jelly-like texture. This delicacy beautifully highlights the resourcefulness of the communities in Canada's northern regions.
This iconic dish of peameal bacon, reflects the country's British influence. Originating from Toronto, this bacon is known for its lean cuts and a deliciously crispy coating made from cornmeal. It is often enjoyed during brunch or used as a tasty addition to sandwiches.
Touton, a popular breakfast or brunch dish in Newfoundland and Labrador, is a delightful pan-fried bread dough. It can be enjoyed with savoury toppings or drizzled with molasses and syrup. This comforting Eastern Canadian delicacy is simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
Rappie pie is a flavourful dish that blends grated potatoes, tender meat, usually chicken or pork, and a deliciously thick gravy. This substantial casserole has a distinctive texture and taste that reflects the rich food heritage of Canada’s coastal regions.
Originating from New Brunswick, ployes are thin buckwheat pancakes known for their appealing texture. Traditionally cooked on just one side, they are often enjoyed with butter and a variety of toppings.
French-Canadians consider sweetbreads, known as ris de veau, a delicacy. These sweetbreads are the thymus or pancreas gland of a calf and are typically pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess within.
Split pea soup is a beloved and traditional dish that is a cherished part of French-Canadian heritage. It's a nourishing and satisfying meal made with yellow split peas, ham or pork, and a medley of vegetables and is a comforting dish typically enjoyed in winter. Why not try this dish in the home of the French-Canadian - Quebec City on our Canada's Eastern Splendours tour.
The wilderness is celebrated for vast spaces and the ingredients it supplies for unforgettable dining experiences. The bison burger has a lean texture and unique flavour that is a delightful taste of the Canadian landscape.
This scrumptious meat pie is a tribute to Canada's French heritage. A beloved tradition during the holiday season in Quebec, this savoury dish boasts a delightfully flaky and buttery crust filled with aromatic spices and a choice of pork, veal, or beef. Each bite is a genuine seasonal pleasure.
Jigg's Dinner is a hearty meal that has its origins in Newfoundland and Labrador. This satisfying dish features salted beef or pork, along with a variety of root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, and carrots that may be served with pease pudding. It is deeply connected with Canada’s maritime history.
Boudin noir, also known as blood sausage, is a savoury delicacy often found in French-Canadian communities. Made from a combination of pork and pig's blood, it is seasoned with ingredients like onions and herbs to create a tasty sausage. Boudin noir is best enjoyed fried.
Beavertails are a treat made from fried dough. No animals are harmed to make these pastries! They are served hot, in the shape of beaver tails. You can top them with any number of tempting ingredients.
Butter chicken is a rich dish with its roots in Indian cuisine that has become extremely popular in Canada. This delicious creation consists of tender chicken pieces that are marinated in a creamy tomato-based sauce and flavoured with aromatic spices. It is often enjoyed with naan bread or rice.
Bannock is a versatile and delicious fried bread that was originally made in Scotland. It's often used as a side dish or as a base for toppings. If you're looking for an authentic experience, pair it with diced game or wild berry jelly. Easy to prepare and transport, it became popular with the Indigenous population.
Montreal-style smoked beef is a classic Canadian dish. The meat is tender, marinated with spices and full of flavour. It's prepared by being smoked, then expertly steamed. It can be served on rye with a hint of yellow mustard and was brought to Canada by Jewish immigrants at the end of the 19th century. Try it yourself on our Grand Tour of Canada.
From east to west, this ultimate trip across Canada takes in all the must-see highlights and includes a breathtaking journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
Marvel at New England’s glorious fall foliage, explore iconic cities and see the spectacular Niagara Falls.
Explore the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains and the vibrant cities of Victoria and Vancouver on a holiday that’s packed full of magnificent sights and scenery.
The ultimate way to discover the west, this holiday includes both a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer and an Alaskan cruise.
While this is a flavour that some crisp companies toy with from time to time, Canada has mastered it. Canadians love these ridged, potato chips seasoned with tangy ketchup, which are great as a snack or with sandwiches. You’ll find these in most convenience stores.
This delicious Canadian treat was created during the Depression. It’s made with simple ingredients such as cake dough that is soaked in maple syrup and cream. This is a charming dessert you will want to try, and it’s typically served in diners throughout the country.
This delicious dessert, made with blue-purplish berries and named for the Saskatchewan city of Saskatoon, is encased in a flaky pastry crust. These berries have been valued by indigenous peoples for their medicinal and nutritional properties.
Date squares or matrimonial cake as it's affectionately known in Alberta, is one of Alberta's healthier desserts. The combination of a sweet date filling between two layers of oat crumble is a heavenly taste to complement any hot beverage.
This beloved chain is known not only for its coffee but also for its delicious doughnuts, including the bite-sized Timbits. There are a variety of flavours, from classics such as its traditional glazed variety to hazelnut buttercream and strawberry snow. You’ll find these all over the country.
Maple taffy is a traditional sweet from Quebec made by boiling maple syrup to the point where it becomes syrup. The thick liquid is poured onto freshly fallen snow and quickly hardens. The liquid is then rolled on sticks to create candy-like treats. Enjoy lunch at an authentic Sugar Shack and watch this delicious treat get made before tasting it for yourself on our tour of Canada’s Eastern Splendors.
Aside from having a delightful name, this pie is also a delight to eat. A typical summer treat across Canada, this pie is made with a mix of berries including blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.
Butter tarts are a delicious Canadian dessert that feature a flaky pastry shell filled with a decadent mixture of butter, sugar, and sometimes pecans or raisins. You’ll find these all over the country as a sweet treat.
Nanaimo bars are a delicious layered dessert that originated in Nanaimo, British Columbia. These delectable treats have a crumbly base layer made with graham crackers or wafters, coconut, and nuts. On top of this there is creamy icing infused with custard flavour. The top layer is a rich chocolate ganache.
Rouladen, which is popular in German-Canadian areas, is a dish that consists of thinly sliced beef rolled with bacon, pickles, and onions. It's then cooked until it becomes tender. The dish is usually served with a rich sauce and goes well with classic sides such as red cabbage or potatoes.
Sugar pie, also known as tarte au sucre, holds a special place in the hearts of French-Canadians. This beloved dessert has an enticing buttery and flaky pie crust encasing a luscious filling made of brown sugar, cream, and flour. Sugar pie is particularly treasured in Quebec for its ability to warm the stomach and the soul.
During springtime, Canadian forests offer a seasonal culinary treat known as fiddlehead ferns. Young fern fronds are carefully harvested and can be enjoyed after being lightly cooked through blanching or sautéing.
Dulse, a tasty type of seaweed, is sourced from the Atlantic coast of Canada. It is dried and commonly eaten as a flavourful snack or to add delicious seasoning to different dishes.
The delicious Caesar cocktail, a variation on the classic Bloody Mary, is incredibly popular in Canada. It combines clam juice with vodka, tomato sauce and hot sauce to create a new twist on an old favourite. Invented by a restaurant manager in 1969, the drink took inspiration from the Italian dish Spaghetti alle Vongole. The reason behind the name is disputed, some articles suggest the name stemmed from it's Italian roots, others say the drink was simply named after a local patron of the Calgary bar in which it originated.
Spruce beer, a traditional Canadian beverage, is made with needles from spruce trees, giving it a slightly sweet and resinous taste. This unique beverage is a great taste of Canadian history.
Canada, in particular the Niagara region, is renowned for its ice wine. This sweet, luscious dessert wine is made from grapes which have frozen to the vine, concentrating the sugars giving it a deep, rich flavour.
Travellers who choose to explore Canada with Travelsphere are in for a truly immersive experience that includes savouring the best of Canadian cuisine. Our expertly curated guided tours not only showcase the breathtaking geography and multicultural cities of this huge country but also offer the opportunity to sample some of its local culinary delights. If you love venturing out to find the best food possible, our Grand Tour of Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer trip gives you plenty of chances to experience everything from open-air cafes in Quebec to elegant dining on the famous Rocky Mountaineer train.
From indulging in classic Canadian dishes like poutine, butter tarts, and buttery lobster rolls to discovering regional specialities such as Nanaimo bars on the West Coast or sugar pie, our escorted journeys through Canada ensure that you get to taste the authentic flavours that make this nation so diverse and delicious.
Try our New England, Canada, and New York in the Fall tour to visit a real maple syrup farm and see how this natural wonder becomes delicious treats. With Travelsphere, you won't just see Canada – you'll savour it, one delectable bite at a time.
