Visiting Canada means picture-perfect views and friendly people. But the Great White North also has a rich culinary world that’s more than worth a try. Across the country, Canadian kitchens are serving up dishes that show their creativity and unique taste.
In this guide, we’ll show you the top Canadian foods celebrated locally and recommended to Americans traveling up north.
10. Saskatoon Berry Pie
Saskatoon berry pie is a regional Canadian treat that’s packed with delicious berries native to Western Canada. The berries look similar to blueberries but have their own unique flavor—earthy, sweet, and slightly nutty. They’re nestled in a buttery, flaky pie crust and baked until bubbling and golden. Often enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this pie is a delightful slice of Canadian heritage that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
9. Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo Bars are a layered sweet treat popular in the beachside city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, but you can find it almost anywhere in Canada. It has a graham cracker crumb base with coconut and other types of nuts.
The middle layer is a custard-flavored icing that’s sweet and buttery. On top, there’s a glossy layer of chocolate ganache that brings everything together. This dessert has it all – it’s crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey, with just the right amount of sweetness.
8. Canadian Kit Kat
Unlike the American version of Kit Kat, which is dark chocolate, the Canadian Version is mostly cocoa with a hint of caramel. This version has a distinctive, creamy taste, because of the different milk products added to it. There’s also different flavors like Cookie Dough and Hazelnut.
7. Caesar Cocktail
If you’re craving a Bloody Mary, why not try Canada’s Caesar cocktail? It’s made from clam juice, tomato juice, spices, and Worcestershire sauce. This classic bar drink has a savory, tangy flavor with a hint of brininess from the clam juice. The rim of the glass is usually coated with celery salt for a bit of zesty flavor. For the perfect pairing, you can enjoy your cocktail with a side of hot wings or onion rings.
6. Canadian Bacon
Canadian bacon, also known as peameal bacon, is relatively lean and has a milder taste than fattier American bacon. Canadians say it is healthier and more versatile, from breakfast to burgers. It’s made from lean pork loin that’s been brined for flavor, then rolled in cornmeal for a golden crust. You can enjoy it grilled on its own, sliced into an eggs benedict, or sandwiched in a warm roll with some mustard or maple syrup.
5. Hawkins Cheezies
Hawkins Cheezies are different from all the other cheese snacks available in the U.S. It’s made from extruded cornmeal and coated in powdered cheddar cheese. The chips are deep-fried in vegetable shortening to get that extra crunchy texture. Invented post-World War II by James Marker and W. T. Hawkins, Cheezies were perfected in Ontario. Today, they’re still made using the same methods and machinery from 1949.
4. Nestle Coffee Crisp
Coffee Crisp is a Canadian chocolate bar that combines crispy vanilla wafers with a coffee-flavored cream filling. Then it’s all wrapped in smooth milk chocolate. A chilled Coffee Crisp is a Canadian’s chocolate bar of choice because it brings together the mellow bitterness of coffee and the sweet creaminess of chocolate. Before Nestle started making Coffee Crisps, they were originally known as “Biscrisp.” The coffee part didn’t make the recipe until 1938.
3. Tourtiere
Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie that’s best served on cold winter days. It has a flaky pie crust filled with a blend of seasoned ground meats, such as pork, beef, or veal. What makes it taste unique from other meat pies are the spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg mixed in with the meat.
Originally, this dish was made with wild game like pheasant, rabbit, or moose, which early settlers would hunt and prepare for the holidays. Over time, modern variations have included more commonly available meats, making it a staple of Canadian Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
2. Beaver Tails
Beaver Tails are made from wheat dough that’s hand-stretched into the shape of a beaver’s tail (hence the name), then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Traditionally, they’re topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, but they’ve evolved to feature all sorts of toppings – from Nutella and bananas to a full-on “Triple Trip,” which includes peanut butter, chocolate, and Reese’s Pieces.
1. Poutine
Poutine is the number one must-try dish when you visit Canada. It combines crispy fries with squeaky cheese curds, generously topped with a warm, rich gravy. In some regions, it also has pulled pork or mushrooms for added protein. This dish originated in Quebec in the late 1950s, though the exact origin story is debated, with different places across Canada claiming to have invented it.
Recommended for their distinctive tastes, these top Canadian foods provide comfort on cold days or a sweet treat during outings. They make any visit a delicious journey through The Great White North’s rich culinary culture.