Food & Drink

Canadian cuisine celebrates the country’s multiculturalism, showcasing several unique dishes and approaches to international cuisine. Historically, immigration patterns have influenced regional differences in dishes, along with locally available meats, and cultivation of farmed foods. Cities like Toronto, Victoria, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Halifax boast an incredible selection of restaurants and dining experiences, from luxurious Michelin star meals to homestyle diners and cafes.

What is Canada's traditional cuisine?

Any trip to Canada should include its national staples. One of the most iconic dishes is poutine, a dish of freshly cut french fries and cheese curds topped with a rich brown gravy.  The word poutine in Québec is slang for mess. Poutine originated in Québec in the 1950s and is a delicious dish now enjoyed across Canada, in restaurants and fast food spots alike. Also popular from Québec is the flaky and hearty tourtière, a typically pork meat pie made with potatoes, onions, and plenty of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon

Canada is recognized for its beef so be sure to indulge in a premium Alberta Angus steak, or try game meats such as ​​venison, bison and elk. The Maritimes excel in seafood, including lobster, Atlantic salmon, snow crab, tuna, mussels, and oysters. On the West Coast, salmon reigns supreme with five species that are sought after and freshly prepared for diners. Canada also produces over 80% of the world’s maple syrup so be sure to sample the delicious extract in your classic Canadian breakfast featuring pancakes and Canadian peameal bacon.

For dessert, Canada is famous for its savoury butter tarts, a flaky pastry cup baked with butter, brown sugar, and egg filling, resulting in a slightly crunchy top. Or try a traditional nanaimo bar, a three layered no bake dessert made of a coconut graham crumb crust, custard middle and chocolate whipped topping.

What is dining etiquette in Canada?

Restaurant dinner meals in Canada can typically be found between the hours of 5-10pm, with some spots open later, but not offering a full menu. Mid range and formal restaurants typically have a hostess who will provide you with a table. Meals are served with utensils, but some types of cuisine are eaten with the hands, such as pizza, hamburgers, and tacos. Just plan to follow along with what other diners do. Wipe your fingers on a napkin, as licking is seen as impolite. Canada otherwise tends to practice typical etiquette while dining, such as waiting to eat until everyone has their meal. Serving staff are typically attentive, but do be polite in trying to get their attention.

If you’ve been invited to go out for a meal with a Canadian, it doesn’t necessarily mean the meal will be paid for by them, as it is most common to split bills among diners. If the host is indeed paying for the meal, you can make a polite, but dishonest, offer to also pay. Bills are typically brought to the table by serving staff, along with a portable credit card machine to pay. There is commonly an option on the screen to automatically calculate and a tip, somewhere between 15-20%.

What is drinking etiquette in Canada?

In Canada, while alcohol is widely available, it is seen as a social beverage to be consumed pleasurably at restaurants, and social events. The minimum age of alcohol consumption varies provincially, between 18 and 19 years of age. Over intoxication is frowned upon, and driving under the influence is prohibited. Public drinking, such as in outdoor parks, is generally not allowed. Socially, drinking at a friends house or at a restaurant will involve beer, wine or cocktails. Before everyone takes a sip, a polite cheers is common.

Canada has emerged as an excellent wine producer thanks to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Ontario’s Niagara region. Beer lovers will also feel at home with more than 1,200 microbreweries producing award-winning beer. Brewery tours are available in most major cities, and you’ll be able to sample unique offerings from coast to coast, so no two tours will be the same. For a uniquely Canadian beverage, be sure to try a Caesar—made with Clamato juice (tomato with clam), worcestershire sauce, tabasco, vodka, and a celery salt rimmed glass with a stick of celery.

Does Canada cater to dietary restrictions?

Canada is overall well versed in dietary restrictions, and restaurants are commonly able to accommodate diners needs. The prevalence of allergies and dietary restrictions is high in Canada, but it is still best to do some research before determining which restaurants can best accommodate. Grains are heavily used in Canadian cuisine, but finding gluten free menu items with a little bit of research beforehand is possible. Major cities will have restaurants that are halal, vegan, and vegetarian friendly. If you have concerns about communicating in English or French, it is wise to carry along a translated card indicating any of your dietary restrictions. There are labeling regulations on pre-packaged foods which makes finding items in grocery stores easy.

What do meals typically cost in Canada?

Overall, food in restaurants in Canada is seen as more expensive than other traveller destinations. This is due in part to the size of Canada and transportation of food across the country, plus the limited growing season for fresh fruits and vegetables means many items are flown in at a higher price. Both lunch and dinner dining is typically a la carte, with diners choosing options for an appetizer, or main course. Depending on where you are in Canada, at a mid range restaurant expect to pay $20-$30 for a lunch, or $30-40 for dinner, per person. Fine dining options, with multiple courses, will typically be between $120-180 per person.

If you are on a budget, there are fortunately many international cuisines restaurants and smaller casual local spots to explore. You will find plenty of quick service, or even food truck options available, with lunch items typically ranging between $12-18 per person.