Why You Should Take a Foodie Holiday in Canada
April 13, 2021
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We can confidently say that most people know Canada for the beautiful scenery. With lakes that run for miles and beautiful landscapes. What most people do not know is that Canada is home to some of the most delicious foods.
Canada has a wide diversity ensuring there is a dish for everyone to fall in love with. Although there are many countries to visit, here are 10 delicious reasons why you should take a foodie holiday in Canada.
These dishes will have any tourist feeling like a local in no time. It might just be the reason you choose to stay!
10 Delicious Reasons Why You Should Take a Foodie Holiday in Canada
1. Poutine
Poutine is said to be the provincial dish of Quebec. The name poutine comes from the Québécois slang word translating to “mess”. This describes the tasty mix of the French Canadian dish really well. As poutine is made of french fries and cheese curds topped with rich brown gravy.
Poutine should be on everyone’s “must try” list and can be found in any diner with fries on its menu, particularly in Quebec. It is such a hit that you can find poutine at any Mcdonald's in Canada.
2. Nanaimo Bars
A mouth-watering dessert that is three layers thick consisting of a coconut crumb base, custard icing in the middle, and a top layer of ganache chocolate.
The popular dessert is named after the British Columbian city, Nanaimo. There is a Nanaimo Bar Trail with a map created to guide tourists to locations where variations of the Nanaimo bars can be found.
3. Bannock
This delicious dish can be described as a simple flatbread that is usually cut into sections before serving. Bannock was brought to Canada in the 18th and 19th centuries and has since had new variations, such as the baked or fried version found in bakeries and cafes all over Canada.
For those travelling in Canada who are camping enthusiasts, bannock bread is the perfect thing to make. It is quick and tasty and can be served with many other dishes. It will definitely fill travellers up for a day full of exploring Canada.
4. Montreal-style Bagels
The Montreal-style bagels are not your typical bagels. They are smaller, thinner, sweeter and much heavier with a larger hole. What makes them special is that they are baked in a wood-fired oven.
Many locals and tourists agree that Montreal-style bagels are the best, not only because they are delicious but also because they are, in fact, healthier than regular bagels.
To enjoy these bagels while on your foodie holiday in Canada, visit places such as District Bagel, Fairmount Bagel Bakery and St-Viateur Bagel. These are only a few places among the many in Canada.
They are so tasty, in fact, that astronaut Greg Chamitoff, family to the Fairmount Bagel Bakery owner, took a bag of 18 bagels with him to outer space.
5. Tourtière
This is a French Canadian dish that is commonly enjoyed during the holidays, although it is rather popular throughout the year as well.
Tourtière originated in the province of Quebec. This flavourful meat pie is made with either minced pork, veal or beef and potatoes. Tourtière can be paired with cranberry sauce, pickled beets or any sweet and sour sauce for that extra kick.
If travellers are looking for a tasty and hearty meal while on a foodie holiday in Canada, Tourtière is the go-to dish.
6. Maple Syrup
Canada is known as the home of maple syrup. The province of Quebec supplies maple syrup to a mind-blowing two-thirds of the world.
Although this is not a dish, it definitely is a must-try when visiting Canada. Maple syrup is made from the maple tree. We know the maple tree is quite special to Canada, as the leaf can be seen on the Canadian flag.
Maple syrup can be paired with many foods or snacks. These include:
- popcorn;
- pie;
- granola;
- bread pudding;
- roasted vegetables; and
- soup
7. Tire d’érable sur la neige
The English translation meaning “draw on the snow” is exactly how this maple taffy candy is made.
The maple sap is boiled at a point where it is past the form of maple syrup and just before it becomes maple butter or sugar. This boiling syrup is then poured over snow, where the cold causes it to harden immediately. The taffy is then rolled up with a popsicle stick to enjoy immediately.
What makes this old-fashioned treat great is that you can watch your tire d’érable sur la neige being made in front of you. The experience does not get more local than that.
8. Butter Tarts
The butter tart can be traced back to the 19th century and is considered a classic treat in Canada. The delicate butter tart is made of a soft outer crust and the filling is a mixture of butter, sugar and egg.
The butter tart is a true embodiment of traditional food in Canada. Midland and Muskoka Lakes even host their own butter tart festivals.
9. Nova Scotian Lobster Rolls
Nova Scotia is famously known for seafood, so it is no surprise that the lobster rolls have become a big hit in Canada. The lobster rolls are also inexpensive, making the choice of having one every day on a holiday in Canada reasonable.
This yummy dish consists of lobster meat served on a grilled hot dog-styled bun with various spices, depending on where they are bought. The Nova Scotian lobster rolls are a Canadian favourite, making it the perfect reason to try them.
10. Saskatoon Berry Pie
Saskatoon berry pie has a flaky crust and a filling of saskatoon berries, which have a taste of rich almond undertone because of the seeds.
The dessert is usually paired with vanilla ice cream. This would be a lovely treat after a warm summer’s day exploring everything Canada has to offer.
Saskatoon berry is such a hit that the city of Saskatoon was actually named after it, rather than the other way around.
Why not work while travelling in Canada?
The Working Holiday Program will allow travellers to have a foodie holiday in Canada while earning money.
Working Holiday Visa Program
The Working Holiday Visa Program is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC). It is available to young people from 34 countries who have a youth mobility arrangement with Canada. These citizens can work part-time while travelling through the beautiful cities of Canada.
The Working Holiday Visa can have a validity of up to two years, this will depend on the applicant’s country of origin. Having the visa will allow a traveller to go city to city trying all the delicious foods Canada has to offer, while possibly working in those restaurants.
How Do I Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
Applicants will need the following:
- Valid passport;
- No dependents;
- Aged 18-35 (certain countries cut-off is 30);
- Be part of the 34 participating countries;
- Round-trip ticket or enough funds to cover one;
- Health insurance; and
Are There Travel Restrictions to Canada?
The Prime Minister has announced that most foreign nationals cannot travel to Canada, even with a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), until further notice.
This restriction is for non-essential travel to Canada. Essential travellers are still able to enter Canada under strict conditions.
The travel restrictions in Canada should not discourage any travellers. Instead, the time can be used to get ahead and start preparing all the documents needed, as well as save money for the holiday. Travellers can also use the time to carefully plan the trip and find a route best suited to taste all of the wonderful food in Canada.
Take a Foodie Holiday in Canada
For any food lover, Canada is the place to be. With cuisines inspired by the diverse cultures in the country, travellers will have no shortage of foods to try and places to try them. There is something for everyone.
10 delicious reasons were given as to why you should take a foodie holiday in Canada, however, there are so much more for traveller’s tastebuds to explore.