13 Amazing Foods You Need to Try in Canada This Summer
Canada is a great place to be in the summer. It offers incredible sights, great weather, and some of the politest locals you’re likely to ever meet. You probably don’t need another reason to pack your bags, but here’s one anyway: Canada has some uniquely incredible foods to offer. With all that rugged terrain, you need to stay well-fed if you’re going to work hard and play hard this summer.
We’ve put together this list of 13 foods that will help power your body, so you can get the most out of your summer in Canada.
1. Canadian Maple Syrup
This well-known classic tops our list because, well, if you didn’t try maple syrup, did you really even go to Canada? We can thank the Canadian province of Quebec for producing 70% of the world’s maple syrup- so if there’s anything you could consider a Canadian staple food, this is it. There’s tons of syrup in Canada, so you can eat as much as you like without apology. (Although if you do say sorry, you’ll sound like a real Canadian!)
2. Beaver Tails
We can assure you that no beavers are harmed in the making of this delicious Canadian dessert- its a fried pastry shaped like the tail of a beaver. It comes with your choice of sweet toppings, and it is an absolute must-try for first-time visitors to Canada. It may be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
3. Timbits
Step into any Tim Horton’s restaurant and try out some of their amazing baked goods - there’s a reason that Canadians love Timmies, and Timbits are a real crowd pleaser. These bite-sized orbs of delicious dough come in various flavours. Our favourites include Sour Cream Glazed, Apple Fritter, Chocolate Glazed, and Raspberry-Filled Timbits. You can wash them down with Timmies’ famous coffee, or choose from their great selection of beverages.
Check out our YouTube video where our Toronto team member Lizzie gives you the inside scoop on whether Timmie's in the UK is the same as Canada!
Our recommendation: ask for a 10-pack of assorted Timbits and an Iced Capp.
4. Nanaimo Bars
Rounding up our list is this sweet treat that was created in and named after the town of Nanaimo, British Columbia. These delectable “no-bake” Canadian desserts are hugely popular across the country. They are made of soft, yellow custard, on top of a coconut-graham crust- and, for a bit of panache, topped with a rich, creamy chocolate ganache. They’re sure to be one of your favourites as well!
5. Poutine
We imagine that this tasty dish was created as a way to combat the frigid temperatures of the Canadian winter- whatever the reason, we’re glad it exists. This delicious helping of fries, smothered in gravy and cheese curds, can be enjoyed all year long- and what better way to get comfortable in a brand new environment than the ultimate comfort food?
Best place to try: Smoke’s Poutinerie
6. Maple Taffy
This Canadian treat is a little harder to track down than it’s syrupy counterpart, but it’s well worth the effort. Often made during the winter season, it’s easiest to find in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Canadians make it by pouring boiling maple sap on fresh snow (or crushed ice in the summer) and lifting it off with a stick. It’s a great way to taste the delicious maple flavour unencumbered by waffles, pancakes or other common syrup vessels.
Also try: Maple butter and Maple sugar
7. Butter Tarts
Two things we’ve learned: Canadians are competitive, and they love their baked goods. These two things intersect at the Annual Best Butter Tart Festival and Contest in Midland, Ontario. 60,000 people flock to this small Ontario town for a taste of some of these buttery sweet pastries. They’re an essential item on many Canadian grocery lists - we can guarantee they’re worth a try!
8. Canadian Milk
We know, we know- you can buy and drink milk at home. However, what you may not know is that many Canadians buy their milk in bags. Many new visitors to Canada feel like the locals are pulling their leg when they find out this fact, but we can assure you it’s true. Fresh Canadian milk (bagged or not!) is also a great way to wash down all the delicious foods you’ll be eating this summer.
9. Ketchup & All Dressed Chips
Canada is a weird and wacky place where crisps are chips and chips are fries. Got it? If not, it’s okay. Whatever they’re called, they’re delicious, and we want more of them. You may have tried Ketchup flavoured crisps at home, but we’ll wager you’ve never even heard of All Dressed chips. These tasty chips combine a variety of flavours, but we won’t spoil the experience by trying to describe it. We’re sure you’ll love them!
10. Donairs
A Canadian twist on the gyro! Layers of shaved meat are tucked into a pita with tomatoes, onions, and a creamy, sweet donair sauce. This delicious handheld meal is a speciality of Halifax, Nova Scotia, but variations can be found across the country.
12. Montreal Bagels
Denser and sweeter than their New York cousins, Montreal bagels are boiled before baking, giving them a unique texture and a slightly malty flavour. Enjoy them fresh with cream cheese or smoked meat.
Best places to try: St. Viateur, Fairmount Bagel and Schwartz Deli
11. Saskatoon Berry Pie
If you find yourself in Saskatchewan, grab yourself a slice of Saskatoon Berry Pie! These small, tart berries are native to the region and are made into a true Prairie classic dessert.
13. Newfie Fries
Think of Newfie Fries as poutine's more savoury cousin. While poutine features cheese curds as a key ingredient, Newfie Fries replaces the cheese with a flavourful and comforting stuffing. This Newfoundland dressing is made with toasted bread crumbs seasoned with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and sage. These are a must-try for anyone visiting Newfoundland.
Canada offers a range of delicious foods to go along with its stunning sights and friendly atmosphere. From sweet treats like beaver tails, and butter tarts to savoury dishes like poutine and Montreal bagels, there’s something to tempt every taste bud. See if you can try all of them this summer!
