13 bucket list food and beverage experiences to try across Canada
This summer, there has been an influx of Canadians travelling across the country. Regardless of the time of year, Canada offers some seriously iconic bites from coast to coast.
Even after your summer road trip out East or mountain trek out West, there is so much in Canada left to explore.
To start planning your next Canadian adventure, here are 13 bucket list food and beverage experiences across Canada to try.
- See also:Ā
Eat a Nanaimo Bar in Nanaimo
View this post on Instagram
Begin your cross-country Canada trail in Nanaimo. The no-bake dessert square’s claim to fame was when it was highlighted as a classic Canadian dessert at Expo ā86. Taste your way along theĀ Nanaimo Bar Trail to experience the classic, new waffle and macaroon variations, and end with a Nanaimo Bar cocktail.
Visit the only distillery in a National Park
View this post on Instagram
VisitĀ Park Distillery + Restaurant, the only distillery in a national park in the world in Banff National Park. Since the water from the distillery originates from glaciers high in the Rocky Mountains, they are committed to being a leader in environmentally sustainable production, energy efficiency, and water conservation by sourcing 85 percent of their ingredients locally and diverting 90 percent of solid waste from landfill.
Dine under the Northern Lights
View this post on Instagram
Dine on the frozen Churchill River, surrounded by wilderness and the Aurora Borealis glistening overhead. Danās Diner is a pop-up culinary experience that takes place in February and March, featuring a curated multi-course feast featuring regional and local fare.
Drink a beer brewed from an iceberg
View this post on Instagram
In Newfoundland and Labrador, theĀ Quidi Vidi BreweryĀ is best known for itsĀ Iceberg Lager, brewed with purest 25,000-year-old iceberg water to make a crisp and distinct flavour.
Shuck an oyster in the winter Prince Edward Island
Did you know that Prince Edward Island produced six to seven million pounds of oysters every year? Try them yourselves with Tranquility Cove AdventuresāĀ Ice Fishing for Oysters experience, which treats guests to a private wintertime adventure along the Brudenell River. Since oysters fatten up to hibernate through winter, oysters caught during this season are plumper and juicier.
Enjoy freshly tapped maple syrup
View this post on Instagram
Between February and April, farms all over Quebec tap their maple trees to create the sweet treat from their sap. Visit one of Quebecās many maple farms, such asĀ Sucrerie de la MontagneĀ in Chemin St-Georges, orĀ Cabane Ć sucre LeclercĀ in Neuville, to learn more about the production, creation, and unique sweet flavours when its served fresh.
Eat Arctic Char in the Northwest Territories
The eclecticĀ Bullock’s BistroĀ is Yellowknife’s most famous restaurant serving freshly caught fish from Great Slave Lake or wild game. With all sauces, bread, dressings and breading made in-house, it’s no wonder that there’s always a line of hungry guests eager to try the catch of the day.
Add your favourite toppings to a BeaverTail
View this post on Instagram
Save some room for a dessert and order a deep-fried dough pastry. Beavertails were first invented by Pam and Grant Hooker in 1978, west of Ottawa, who sold them at a county fair. Today, they’re found in 140 locations worldwide, including in the Byward Market and all over Ottawa.
Follow the lobster roll trail
View this post on Instagram
Whenever I travel to Nova Scotia, I can’t get enough of their famed lobster rolls. During your next trip, follow theĀ Ā Nova Scotia Lobster TrailĀ to indulge in popular spots like at theĀ Salt Shaker Deli and InnĀ in Lunenburg to be the judge and decide which one is your favourite.
Try a beer in every province and territory
When theĀ Nunavut Brewing Company opened in Iqaluit in 2018, it marked the first time all 13 provinces and territories had an operational brewery. Try beers inspired by the beautiful north like The Floe Edge lager, Aupaqtuq (āredā in Inuktitut), Irish red ale, and Frob Gold British golden ale, available at the Beer and Wine store in Iqaluit.
Taste an award-winning whisky
View this post on Instagram
SaskatoonāsĀ Black Fox Farm & DistilleryĀ has expanded the production of world-class spirits using ingredients grown and distilled onsite with the SE Eleven. This Canadian spirit has already been named among the top whiskies in the world.Ā
Enjoy the world’s best seafood chowder
Located in the small town of St. Martins on the Bay of Fundy, travellers come from far and wide to experience the āWorld Famous Seafood Chowderā atĀ Caveās Restaurant. In 2020, Caveās Restaurant was awarded the Traveller’s Choice Award, putting Caveās in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.
Enjoy wine made from haskaps
View this post on Instagram
The territoryās first commercial winery,Ā Yukon WinesĀ andĀ Solstice Ciderworks,Ā got creative with haskaps grown at Yukon Berry Farms, creating Chardonnay-style apple wine and haskap and raspberry ciders. One pound of haskaps goes into every bottle of wine, known for being higher in antioxidants when grown at the northern latitude.Ā