Canada is a vast country with an equally diverse culinary scene. From the salty sea air of the Maritimes to the rugged peaks of British Columbia, each province and territory tells its own story through food, shaped by history, geography, and cultural influences. Whether you embark on a full cross-country journey or find yourself exploring just one province, we hope to offer a little inspiration to help you discover the flavours that make Canada truly unique.
British Columbia
British Columbia is Canada’s most ecologically diverse province, with everything from Pacific coastlines and temperate rainforests to wine country and mountain resorts. With a population of around 5 million, it is home to Vancouver, a world-class city known for its high quality of life and incredible multicultural food scene. BC is also Canada’s wine powerhouse, with the Okanagan Valley producing some of the country’s best vintages. The province’s Indigenous communities play a significant role in its culinary identity, with traditional foods such as salmon and bannock still widely enjoyed.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Nanaimo Bars – A no-bake dessert bar with layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut-graham crust, originating from Nanaimo. Get yours at Mon Petit Choux Bakery & Café (120 Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC | Website).
- Pacific Salmon – Wild-caught salmon, often smoked, grilled, or prepared as sushi. Try it at Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro (1128 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC | Website).
Alberta
Alberta is famous for its dramatic landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the rolling foothills and sprawling prairies. With a population of over 4.2 million, it is one of Canada’s most economically dynamic provinces, thanks to its oil and gas industry. Calgary and Edmonton are the major urban centres, both offering thriving arts, music, and food scenes. Alberta’s cowboy culture is still alive and well, showcased at events like the Calgary Stampede.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Alberta Beef – Known for its superior quality, Alberta’s beef is often served as steaks or in slow-cooked dishes. Try it at Charcut Roast House (899 Centre St S, Calgary, AB | Website).
- Green Onion Cake – A savoury fried flatbread introduced by Chinese immigrants, now an Edmonton staple. Enjoy it at The Lingnan (10582 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB | Website).
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is often associated with endless golden fields of wheat, but it offers much more than just agriculture. With a population of around 1.1 million, the province has a strong Indigenous heritage, with Cree, Métis, and other First Nations cultures shaping its traditions. While Saskatchewan’s two largest cities, Regina and Saskatoon, are growing hubs of culture and cuisine, the province is also known for its wide-open spaces, abundant lakes, and stunning national parks.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Bison Stew – A hearty dish made from locally raised bison, an important part of Indigenous and settler diets. Try it at Wanuskewin Heritage Park Café (Hwy 11 N & Penner Rd, Saskatoon, SK | Website).
- Saskatoon Berry Pie – Sweet, nutty berries often used in pies and jams. Get a fresh slice at The Berry Barn (830 Valley Rd, Saskatoon, SK | Website).
Manitoba
Manitoba, home to approximately 1.4 million people, is a province of striking contrasts—vast golden prairies stretching to the horizon, dense boreal forests teeming with wildlife, and over 100,000 lakes that shape its breathtaking landscapes. Winnipeg, the capital and largest city of Manitoba, is a cultural and economic hub, blending historic charm with a thriving arts and food scene. Its diverse culinary influences, shaped by strong Indigenous, Ukrainian, and Filipino communities, can be found in everything from wild rice harvested in its pristine waters to bannock cooked over open fires at community gatherings. Whether exploring the vibrant Forks Market or venturing into the untamed wilderness, Manitoba offers a taste of Canada’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Pickerel (Walleye) – A delicate, flaky freshwater fish commonly found in Manitoba’s lakes. Try it at Fergie’s Fish ‘n Chips (1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB | Website).
- Wild Rice – An earthy, nutty grain that grows naturally in the province’s waters. Sample it at Feast Café Bistro, an Indigenous-owned restaurant (587 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, MB | Website).
Ontario
As Canada’s most populous province, Ontario is a true melting pot of cultures. With over 14 million residents, its urban centres—Toronto and Ottawa—are home to some of the country’s most diverse food scenes. Toronto, in particular, is considered one of the most multicultural cities in the world, offering everything from authentic dim sum to Jamaican patties. Ontario also boasts incredible natural beauty, from the Great Lakes to Niagara wine country, where vineyards stretch along picturesque rolling hills.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Butter Tarts – A quintessentially Canadian dessert with a gooey, caramelized filling. Try them at Doohers Bakery(61 Bridge St E, Campbellford, ON | Website).
- Peameal Bacon Sandwich – This Toronto staple, also known as “Canadian bacon,” is best enjoyed at Carousel Bakery (93 Front St E, Toronto, ON – St. Lawrence Market | Website).
- BeaverTails – A sweet, deep-fried pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, first created in Ontario. Get one (or two…) at BeaverTails ByWard Market (69 George St, Ottawa, ON), the first-ever BeaverTails stand, opened in 1980. (Website)
Quebec
Quebec is a province unlike any other in Canada. Its French heritage permeates everything from the architecture to the cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. With over 8.5 million residents, it is the second most populous province, and its largest city, Montreal, is a cultural powerhouse known for its festivals, arts, and food scene. Quebec City, with its cobblestone streets and old-world charm, transports visitors to another era. The province’s culinary traditions blend French techniques with local ingredients, creating a food scene that is both rustic and refined. Quebec is also the largest producer of maple syrup in the world, making it the ultimate destination to experience this sweet Canadian staple.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Poutine – Fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy, a comfort food staple. Try it at La Banquise (994 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC | Website).
- Tourtière – A traditional spiced meat pie, often enjoyed during the holidays. Sample it at Aux Anciens Canadiens (34 Rue Saint-Louis, Québec, QC | Website).
- Maple Syrup & Sugar Shacks – Quebec is home to thousands of sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre) where visitors can enjoy traditional maple-infused meals and see syrup production firsthand. A great spot is Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon (11382 Rang de la Fresnière, Mirabel, QC | Website). Another top option is Sucrerie de la Montagne (300 Chemin St-Georges, Rigaud, QC | Website).
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s easternmost province, is a land of dramatic cliffs, winding coastlines, and a culture deeply tied to the sea. The province has a population of just over 510,000, with St. John’s as its vibrant, colourful capital. While it may not be as cosmopolitan as some of Canada’s larger cities, it boasts a fiercely proud and friendly population, known for its storytelling traditions and distinctive dialects. The influence of Irish and English settlers is still strong, seen in both the music and food of the region.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Jiggs’ Dinner – A hearty Sunday meal of salt beef, boiled vegetables, and pease pudding. Try it at O’Reilly’s Pub(3 George St, St. John’s, NL | Website).
- Touton – Fried bread dough often served with molasses. A delicious version can be found at The Big R Restaurant (201 Blackmarsh Rd, St. John’s, NL | Website).
New Brunswick
A province of deep forests, rolling Appalachian hills, and charming coastal towns, New Brunswick is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, it has a unique blend of English and Acadian French culture. The population of approximately 775,000 is spread across a mix of small towns and cities, including Saint John and Fredericton. The Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides, is a major attraction, and its nutrient-rich waters make the province a hotspot for incredible seafood.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Fiddlehead Ferns – A spring delicacy with a delicate, earthy flavour. Try them at 10 Acres Bistro (6200 Quinpool Rd, Fredericton, NB | Website).
- Dulse – A dried seaweed snack, rich in umami and nutrients. Pick some up at Slocum & Ferris (47 Charlotte St, Saint John, NB | Website).
Prince Edward Island
Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, is a postcard-perfect destination of rolling green fields, red sandy beaches, and historic lighthouses. With a population of around 154,000, it retains a charming, small-town feel. The island has a deep agricultural history, famous for its potatoes, but its proximity to the ocean means seafood is also a star attraction. The local culture is rich with Scottish and Acadian influences, and the island’s literary claim to fame is Anne of Green Gables, which draws visitors from around the world.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Mussels – Fresh, plump mussels harvested straight from PEI’s clean waters. Enjoy them at Blue Mussel Café (312 Harbourview Dr, North Rustico, PE | Website).
- Cow’s Ice Cream – A beloved local brand offering rich, creamy, handcrafted flavours. Stop by Cow’s Creamery(150 Queen St, Charlottetown, PE | Website).
Nova Scotia
With its rugged coastline and charming fishing villages, Nova Scotia is steeped in maritime tradition. Home to just under a million people, it is one of Canada’s more densely populated provinces, with Halifax serving as a cultural and economic hub. Halifax is a cosmopolitan city, boasting a lively arts scene and an evolving food culture, but the real treasures of Nova Scotia are found along the Cabot Trail and in the small coastal towns, where fishing has been a way of life for centuries.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Digby Scallops – Some of the most prized scallops in the world, known for their sweetness. A great place to try them is The Wheelhouse Seafood & Pasta (3334 Highway 1, Belliveau Cove, NS | Website).
- Blueberry Grunt – A warm dessert of cooked wild blueberries topped with dumplings. Sample it at The Wild Caraway Restaurant & Café (3721 Highway 209, Advocate Harbour, NS | Website).
Yukon
The Yukon is a vast, sparsely populated territory known for its stunning wilderness and Gold Rush history. With just over 40,000 residents, most of whom live in Whitehorse, the territory remains a remote and rugged place where nature rules. The Indigenous cultures of the Yukon, including the Kwanlin Dün and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nations, have a deep connection to the land, and their traditional foods remain an important part of life. Visitors come for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter, making it a year-round adventure destination.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Sourdough Pancakes – A nod to the Gold Rush era, these tangy, fluffy pancakes were a staple for early prospectors. Try them at:
- Burnt Toast Cafe (2112 2nd Ave, Whitehorse, YT) – A cozy café offering creative breakfast dishes in downtown Whitehorse. (Website)
- Sourdough Joe’s (Front Street, Dawson City, YT) – A historic restaurant serving classic Yukon fare in the heart of the Klondike. (Website)
Northwest Territories
Spanning vast forests, lakes, and tundra, the Northwest Territories is home to some of Canada’s most untouched natural beauty. With a population of around 41,000, the Indigenous peoples of the region—Dene, Métis, and Inuvialuit—are central to its culture and food traditions. The capital, Yellowknife, is a small but lively city known for its incredible aurora borealis displays. The land and waters provide sustenance for many in the form of hunting, fishing, and foraging.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Muskox Burger – Try it at Bullocks’ Bistro (3534 Weaver Dr, Yellowknife, NT | Website).
- Whitefish – Available at The Black Knight Pub (4910 49 St, Yellowknife, NT | Website).
Nunavut
Nunavut, Canada’s newest and most remote territory, is a land of ice and Inuit tradition. With a population of just 39,000 spread across vast distances, it remains one of the last frontiers of the modern world. Iqaluit, the capital, is a small but growing community that showcases both contemporary Inuit life and centuries-old traditions. Food here is deeply tied to survival, with hunting and fishing still playing a crucial role. Traditional dishes reflect the Arctic landscape, using ingredients that have sustained Inuit communities for generations.
What to Eat & Where to Eat:
- Muktuk – A traditional Inuit dish of whale skin and blubber. Try it at The Granite Room at the Frobisher Inn (4701 Agvik St, Iqaluit, NU | Website).
- Caribou Stew – A warming dish made from locally hunted caribou. Sample it at The Discovery Dining Room (4701 Agvik St, Iqaluit, NU | Website).
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and traveling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet.
Safe and mindful travels!