When it comes to Canada, people tend to think of just a few staple dishes that have earned international attention and then write off the food. However, Canada is actually home to wonderful dishes. Admittedly some are more elevated than the others (we may love ketchup chips and Ruffles All-Dressed, but we recognize these convenience store classics are by no means high-brow), but you’ll also find regional staples embracing the local traditions and ingredients, as well as popular classics influenced by international cultures that have forever left a mark on Canadian cuisine.

Discover some of Canada’s favourite Foods…

Or scroll down to the bottom to learn about Canadian drinks to try.

POUTINE

Perhaps the most famous dish to come from Canada, poutine is the perfect meal, snack, late night drunk food, and warm dish to comfort you. It serves all purposes, except a diet, and can be made as simple or fancy as you'd like. Traditional poutine is fries, gravy and cheese curds. Not balls of mozzarella or bocconcini, not cheddar or goat cheese, but specifically cheese curd. From there, you can get fancy by adding additional toppings like caramelized onions, chives, bacon bits, beef or chicken, peppers, or additional cheese.

From Quebec, this greasy dish is said to date back to the 1950's but only began earning international attention in the last decade or so. Throughout the country you'll find poutine on restaurant menus and special shops dedicated to the dish - who doesn't love a good poutinerie? If it's your first time trying this dish, start with a traditional poutine before you look to get fancy with it, because nothing beats a classic.

POTATO CHIPS; SPECIFICALLY KETCHUP CHIPS & ALL DRESSED CHIPS

Lays is a popular brand of potato chip/crisp around the world, even if it goes by other names in different countries (i.e. Walkers, Smith’s, Sabritas, Tapuchips, etc.). However, there is one flavour of this chip that is distinctively Canadian - Lays Ketchup Chips. A childhood favourite amongst locals, this flavour became so popular that other brands began selling ketchup chips in the Canadian market before introducing it internationally. Perhaps it's Canada's odd love of the condiment, with many putting ketchup on or beside nearly everything, that made the Ketchup chip take off. Or maybe it's just a good tangy flavour with a kick. Either way, a trip to Canada wouldn't be complete without giving this convenience store staple a try.

But loyalty to certain brands and flavours goes far beyond the Lays Ketchup Chip in Canada. For instance, Ruffles All Dressed is another flavour that is beloved in Canada and that locals swear by. But if you think any All Dressed flavoured chip will do, almost any Canadian would tell you differently, insisting that Ruffles is the only option for an All Dressed chip. But what is “all dressed”? It's a combination of various popular flavours - ketchup, barbeque sauce, and salt and vinegar.

You'll also find a lot of Dill Pickle flavoured potato chips across multiple brands in Canada, so don't be taken aback and if you like something a little sour and tangy, dig in! Or get adventurous and crush them up on your burger in lieu of an actual pickle.

CHOCOLATE BARS (COFFEE CRISP, MR. BIG, CARAMILK, GLOSSETTES)

Unsurprisingly, Canada - like countries all around the world - have their own range of chocolate bars native to the country. While you’ll easily find a large assortment of both American and British bars throughout the country, and even a fair amount of candy from other countries - though perhaps in more specialty stores - you can’t escape some of Canada’s national favourites, and you’d be remiss not to give them a try.

The most famous is probably Coffee Crisp, a uniquely Canadian chocolate bar that provides a cappuccino aftertaste with your chocolate. It’s made with layers of crispy wafers and coffee flavoured cream, then covered in chocolate. While the original is a thick rectangular bar, now it comes in mini and thin sizes, making it the perfect treat to have with your afternoon coffee.

Caramilk is another popular option amongst Canadians; a candy bar with a perfectly gooey caramel perfectly encased inside creamy milk chocolate. While a Cadbury product (produced by Mondelez International) this chocolate bar is 100% Canadian, though you’ll now find it sold in grocery stores abroad thanks to new distribution deals and a public demand. Mr. Big is another Canadian Cadbury candy bar, twice the size of a standard chocolate bar, hence the name. With Mr. Big, you’ll find yourself getting a little bit of everything, with vanilla wafer, caramel, peanuts, and rice krispies all bunched together under and covered by chocolate.

Glosettes, which come in a box, are chocolate coated candy - usually raisins or nuts. Similar to raisinets, you’ll find Glosettes a popular staple at movie theatres and convenience stores.

KRAFT PEANUT BUTTER

While Peanut Butter may not seem like such a uniquely Canadian thing, it most definitely is. Not only did peanut butter originate in Canada (sorry Americans but Kellogg is not the first to come up with this peanut paste, despite what many believe), but you'll also find perhaps the best PB ever in Canada, specifically from the brand Kraft. Admittedly, if you're after the organic kind, their mainstay classic may not be for you (though they have an All Natural product now available). But if you like a delicious smooth peanut butter that manages to balance being nutty and sweet in one, this will become your new obsession. American peanut butter has nothing on Kraft Peanut Butter, which you can also get in a variety of types. Kraft chunky peanut butter, original, and low-fat are all easily found on any Canadian grocery shelf, but you'll also find peanut butter with honey, extra creamy, extra roasted, unsweetened, and whipped peanut butter. In the Kraft All Natural range, you can find peanut butter with honey, sea salt or plain.

So unless you're allergic, do yourself a favour and get yourself some Kraft peanut butter while in Canada. If not for your Airbnb, at least to bring home with you.

KRAFT DINNER - KD

Boxed macaroni and cheese may not sound like something particularly special, and most definitely not healthy, but it remains a Canadian favourite - especially by the brand Kraft. KD (formerly known as Kraft Dinner) has remained a staple in the Canadian household. In fact, it is so beloved that it was rebranded as KD in 2015, renamed after the common nickname for the product. It is also popular in the US and Australia, where it's called Kraft Mac and Cheese, but despite having a smaller population than America, Canadians are the largest consumer for this cheesy comfort food. Sadly, unless you’re staying in an Airbnb or somewhere with a kitchen, it's unlikely you’ll have a chance to try this product while in Canada but pop into any grocery store and buy a few boxes so you can bring a taste of Canada home with you.

MONTREAL STYLE BAGELS

Get ready for a controversial debate in Canada, especially between Quebec and Ontario, where you'll find lots of choice between a more traditional bagel (similar to that of a New York style bagel) and a Montreal bagel. Originating in Montreal, this signature bagel tends to be a tad sweeter, denser, and thinner, often with a larger holein the middle, and requires being baked in a wood fire oven. There is a noticeably different taste and while some may like both, you'll find that many draw a clear line when it comes to their preferences.

And while of course it's great to try one of these bagels in Montreal, you can find some great Montreal-style bagels in Toronto, where there are countless shops that specialize in this type of bagel, as well as throughout the country. So don't worry if you aren't visiting Montreal on your trip, you can taste this staple elsewhere. Just be prepared to form an opinion and decide what side of the debate you fall on. Best served with cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon/gravlax), why not order a breakfast sandwich to get your day started.

MONTREAL SMOKED MEAT

A deli staple in Canada, Montreal smoked meat is similar to pastrami and best served in a rye sandwich with a little mustard. The meat itself is brisket - Jewish style - that has been salted and cured in a range of spices for at least a week, then smoked and steamed. While you can find this at delis and grocery stores throughout the country, Schwartz's Deli in Montreal is perhaps the most famous for this specialty, making it a must-try when in the city. When Reuben Schwartz, a Romanian Jew, moved to Montreal, he began to smoke pastrami, giving the meat a heavier and smokier taste, giving birth to this beloved deli meat.

NANAIMO BARS

The Nanaimo Bar is a Canadian dessert staple that can be found year-round but especially come winter holidays when Starbucks and coffee shops bring out this chocolatey staple. From Nanaimo, B.C., this three layered bar is a delicious indulgence, with a chocolate coconut crumb base, a soft custard middle, and a thin layer of chocolate ganache on top. Served on the colder side to maintain the structure and prevent anything from melting, the Nanaimo Bar is a must-have if looking for a uniquely Canadian dessert.

TIMBITS

Tim Hortons is one of the most recognized Canadian brands and a staple throughout the country. What started as a beloved coffee and donut shop, it now offers soups, sandwiches, bagels, and an assortment of pastries. But while many love Tim Horton's for their food and affordable prices, it is the Timbit that you need to try; a favourite in Canada and the perfect thing to bring to an office, party, friend's house, someone in hospital, or quite literally any other occasion when you feel you should bring something but don't know what to grab or don't want to spend a lot of money. After all, a box of 50 Timbits is less than $12, even after tax.

A Timbit is a branded name for a donut hole, also known as a Munchkin if you're familiar with Dunkin Donuts. While Old Fashion Glazed is a classic option (and worth trying), other popular flavours include: chocolate glazed, birthday cake, sour cream glazed, apple fritter, and honey dip. Some of the other flavours can be a bit harder to find, either determined by location or season. Flavours include: raspberry filled powdered Timbit, Honey Crawler, Venetian Cream, Pumpkin Spice, Lemon, Chocolate Snowball, Peppermint Dream, and Blueberry.

BUTTER TARTS

The butter tart may look like any other tart upon first inspection, with a typical flaky pastry tart shell and a soft centre filled with something sweet. But what makes it a true Canadian dessert is the unique filling that oddly hasn't become an international sensation yet. But anyone who has had the pleasure of trying a butter tart knows just how sweet and tasty these can be. Dating back to the turn of the century, if not earlier - the first published recipe dates back to 1900 - this became a popular dessert in the prairies before spreading throughout the country. The filling is a combination of butter, sugar, and egg. You may find them being sold with raisins, a controversial debate throughout the country on whether it's a nice addition or a taboo bastardization.

BEAVERTAILS

Jokingly referred to as the Canadian donut by non-Canadians, this pastry is more like a pizza or pancake than a donut - at least in appearance, that is. Typically oval-shaped, a BeaverTail is a slab of thin deep fried dough, often covered in toppings like Nutella, peanut butter, chocolate, sliced fruit, nuts, whipped cream, maple syrup, or even ice cream. However, the traditional version is simply dusted in cinnamon and sugar. Though many bakeries may sell a Beaver Tail, the original is now a licensed product, based on the recipe passed down through generations by Graham Hooker’s family. A family dessert, Hooker and his wife began to sell the Beaver Tail in the 1970s, opening their first store in Ottawa in 1980. Since then, the company has branched out, with franchise locations in Asia and the Middle East.

BANNOCKS

You may have heard of a bannock before, though perhaps it was spelt/sounded like bannach - the Gaelic name for this Scottish flat bread. However while a plain bannock in Canada may have Scottish origins from the early days of settlers and fur traders, it has now become a popular dish amongst Canada's indigenous communities. Though it can differ from group to another, the result is somewhat similar - a flat round bread, typically made with flour, lard, salt, water, and sometimes baking powder. Other ingredients, like sugar or milk, may be added, depending on who is making it. You'll also find fancier and more adventurous versions as restaurants and chefs embrace this traditional dish and find new ways to bring the bannock to life.

TOURTIÈRE

Another popular Canadian dish from Quebec, the tourtière is the French Canadian answer to British or French beef pie. Especially popular during the holidays, tourtière is a hearty dish filled with beef, pork, veal and/or game. Usually it will include onions and potatoes with the beef mixture, along with an array of seasoning.

YELLOW SPLIT PEA SOUP

A delicious and hearty winter soup, split pea soup is a Canadian staple - good all year round, with vegetarian/vegan friendly versions available. While many are familiar with green pea soup, the split yellow pea soup is a Canadian favourite, traditionally served with bits of bacon or ham hock inside. It can also often be served with some sliced up carrot, though that is not a requirement for this dish.

Though pea soup started with the ancient Romans, the version served now is more likely from French settlers in Quebec. And while pea soup is available around the world, it’s become a staple in Canadian cuisine.

MAPLE TAFFY / TIRE SUR LA NEIGE

A Quebecois delight, this winter dessert comes from pouring boiling maple syrup over snow (or crushed ice). The cold immediately makes the maple harden, allowing you to roll it up over a stick before immediately digging into the taffy. This is a popular treat for winter festivals and carnivals throughout the country but especially in Quebec. Who doesn’t want to eat pure maple syrup taffy?

POUDING CHOMEUR

Created during the Great Depression, this French-Canadian dessert is quite simple; its name translating to ‘the Unemployment Pudding’. At its simplest, Pouding Chomeur is cake batter topped with hot syrup. Of course, now you’ll find bakeries and restaurants that get quite lavish with their approach to this dessert, but traditionally it only requires a few simple ingredients as that was all families could afford at the time.

While a traditional Canadian dessert, in recent years it has become less common, so don’t fret if you can’t easily find it on a menu.

FLAPPER PIE

A staple from the Prairies, Flapper Pie is the perfect option for anyone who doesn’t like a fruit filling. Instead, this pie features a graham cracker crumb crust (think the same type as a New York cheesecake), a vanilla custard filling, and is topped by fresh whipped meringue. While a delicious choice, it’s hard to find outside the Prairie provinces, most common in Manitoba.

SASKATOON BERRIES / SASKATOON BERRY PIE

It may not look like anything special, but this pie features a delightful local berry, local to Western Canada. In fact, this unique berry is so special, the city of Saskatoon (capital of Saskatchewan) took its name from the fruit - the origin of the name coming from the indigenous Cree language. The flavour of this berry, which looks like a blueberry but is actually closer to the apple family, is sweet with a nutty almond taste.

While you may be able to find a Saskatoon berry pie around the country, it's admittedly far easier in Western Canada, where this berry grows from sea level up to the Rocky Mountains. As it can also be found in Alaska, this berry is sometimes called a Juneberry, as well as a Prairie berry, Serviceberry, and a shadbush. At its best in early summer, the Saskatoon berry is high in fiber, protein and antioxidants. So no need to feel too guilty if you have it in pie form.

THE HALIFAX/NOVA SCOTIA DONAIR

You may think you’ve had donair before, but the Halifax donair is somehow something different and the city’s most beloved snack. Perfect for hangovers or late night snacks, you’ll find the Halifax donair at a pizza shop of all places. Like a typical donair, it’s made of shaved beef, tossed into a pita with tomatoes and onions. But it’s the signature sauce that has people lining up for this dish. Spicy, yet with a hint of sweetness.

While created by one set of brothers, you can now find this dish at pizzerias across the city and even some trendier spots. So skip going to a Middle Eastern joint for a donair when in Halifax, the proper Halifax donair comes from a greasy pizza joint.

NOVA SCOTIA LOBSTER ROLLS

This East Coast favourite isn’t unique to Canada or Nova Scotia, with it being a common staple up and down the New England coast, but you can rest assured you’ll never be disappointed when having a Nova Scotia lobster roll, with high quality lobster and fresh bread made with equally high quality yeast.

SMOKED SALMON/LOX

While smoked salmon (also known as lox or gravlax) is by no means unique to Canada, you’ll find some of the best in the world here, with your choice of Atlantic or Pacific salmon.

JOS-LOUIS and VACHON PASTRIES

Vachon is famous for making plastic wrapped cakes, perfect for lunch bags and portion-controlled snacking. Much like Hostess in the US, who produces Twinkies amongst other treats, Canada has Vachon and the Jos-Louis. Though Vachon produces a variety of pastries, the Jos-Louis is perhaps the most famous. Two circles of chocolate sponge cake, with a vanilla cream in the middle, all encased in a chocolate shell.

By no means healthy, this grocery store favourite has become a staple in many households across the country. Other favourites from Vachon include the May West (similar to a Jos-Louis but with vanilla sponge cake) and the Ah Caramel, which is a vanilla sponge cake topped with caramel and covered in the same thin chocolate coating.

MAPLE SYRUP

Maple syrup might be the most famous Canadian product internationally and for good reason. Canada produces 80% of the world’s pure maple syrup, most of which comes from Quebec. In Canada, the high quality and affordability of this readily available product means you’ll find maple flavoured everything, including maple butter (great on cinnamon toast) and maple sugar (perfect for lightly sweetening your coffee or sprinkling on baked goods). You’ll find maple flavoured cream cookies, maple fudge, maple taffy, maple bacon, maple lattes, maple jam/jelly, maple chocolate, maple gelato, and even straight maple sugar cubes to delicately bite into (hello, sweetness overload). Needless to say, having pancakes or french toast with maple syrup is a must when in Canada, as is bringing home some pure Canadian maple syrup.

TIGER TAIL ICE CREAM

Tiger Tail ice cream is a unique flavour from Canada that while once popular - mainly in the 1950s and 60s - is by no means a Canadian favourite. In fact, many Canadians have gone their whole lives without trying this flavour, with little desire to sample it. Named for its appearance - orange with black stripes running through it - this is definitely a unique choice when ordering a cone; orange flavoured ice cream with ribbons of black licorice used for making the tiger stripe.

While many may even hate this odd flavour, Tiger Tail has a loyal fan base throughout the country, and it is because of these loyal followers that Tiger Tail remains a seasonal staple at ice cream chains like Baskin Robbins, and always available for purchase from grocery store brands like President’s Choice, Kawartha Dairy, and Chapman’s.

GAME (MOOSE, DEER, ELK, BISON, ETC.)

If you're interested in trying some local game meat, you’ll find some high quality options in Canada, with local butchers and restaurants offering a diverse range of game, including venison, caribou, deer, elk, moose, and bison. In the prairies and Western Canada, you’ll find game more readily come by, though specialty and gourmet restaurants in the eastern provinces often have some options on the menu, with bison being the most common. So if you happen to find a bison burger on a menu, why not give it a go and dig in!

CANADIAN PRODUCE

With such vast terrain, it’s only natural that you’ll find a diverse range of produce local to Canada, with many species of fruits and vegetables originating here, if not strictly limited to Canadian soils. From the vast range of apples, to the high quality all-purpose Yukon Gold potato, there is no shortage of sublime produce to be had in Canada. Perhaps most unique are the grapes and cherries that can survive (and be consumed) in freezing weather, as cold as -40C. And while some of Canada’s fruits and vegetables are also native to the US, you will find some species that are of Canadian origins, if not exclusively Canadian.

Some examples of the delicious produce you should try in Canada - which may be affected by season and where in Canada you’re visiting - includes locally grown peaches and nectarines, Ontario strawberries, freshly picked peas, a Canadian Plum (aka Sugarplum), Prairie cherries, cranberries, grapes, fiddleheads, the vast variety of berries, and the many apple species that originate in Canada.

When it comes to berries, you’ll find superior blackberries, raspberries, chokeberries, box-berries (aka Eastern Teaberry, American Wintergreen, or the Checkerberry), thumble berry (AKA a redcap), salmonberry, gooseberries, and 5 species of blueberries. In fact, Canada is the world’s leading supplier of wild blueberries, also referred to as lowbush blueberries. As for apples, try everyone’s favourite McIntosh apple, or consider other local varieties like the Golden Nugget, Spartan, Ambrosia apples from British Columbia, or the Melba and Sandow from Ontario. And if you are able to find it, consider trying a Red Prince, a species of apple exclusive to Thornbury, Ontario.

BIRCH SYRUP

Though infinitely harder to find than Maple Syrup - both in restaurants and stores - should you come across Birch syrup, be sure to try some. With a strong and unique flavour, this syrup is a delicacy. Sweet, with a hint of toffee and fruit, you’ll want to drizzle this syrup over your breakfast, fish, salads, etc. Given how many birch trees are in Canada, it’s actually surprising it’s not more commonly found.

HONEY GARLIC SAUCE

While honey garlic sauce did not originate in Canada, at least not to anyone’s confirmed knowledge, it has become an extremely popular sauce/condiment in Canada. In fact, you may not even find this sauce outside of Canada, but throughout the country you’ll find it as an option for dipping wings, drenching chicken at Chinese restaurants, used for barbecuing, and as a popular household marinade. Aside from both honey and garlic, ingredients for this sauce include soy sauce, sugar, and ginger.

And now for some Canadian drinks….

CAESAR COCKTAIL

The national cocktail of Canada (unofficially), this drink is a cousin to the beloved Bloody Mary. But instead of tomato juice, the Bloody Caesar - simply referred to as a Caesar - uses Clamato juice. While it's best not to think what goes into clamato juice, just know it's not for vegans - enough said.

Mixed with vodka, tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, the caesar is served with a salt rim and celery stalk. It is commonly topped with a cocktail-stick of olives and/or gherkins. However, while the traditional garnish is still popular, in recent years restaurants and bars have taken to loading the Caesar with outlandish toppings. Whether it’s to keep interest in this drink or simply doing it for Instagram, who knows, but now you can order a Caesar topped with grilled cheese, burgers, bacon, and even waffles.

Invented in Calgary in 1969 by Walter Chell, this cocktail is now a staple of Canadian cuisine, whether you’re nauseated by the idea of clamato juice or not.

ICE WINE

Considered a dessert wine, ice wine is a Canadian specialty, with 90% of Canada’s production coming from Ontario. While historically there are records of ice wines dating back to the Ancient Romans and later throughout history in Germany, they were rare harvests. And while Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and the US produce ice wine, Canada is the world’s leader for production and exportation, producing more than all other countries combined.

Made from grapes that have frozen on the vine, ice wine is tricky to produce. The grapes have to still be fresh and in good shape, able to survive arctic temperatures, and then quickly picked the moment they frost. Making ice wine requires patience, a large team who is ready to jump the moment the grapes are ready, careful precision, and a degree of luck, as you never know what the weather or the harvest will bring each year.

There is a small range of wines available as ice wine, typically including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, and Vida Blanc. And if you find those wines sweet normally, be prepared for them to be even sweeter as an ice wine. Still, even if you’re not a fan of a dessert wine, it’s still worth trying as many of the vineyards have won international awards and recognition for the superior taste and quality. Plus, who wouldn’t want to try some ice wine from Wayne Gretzky Estates? Two Canadian treasures in one.

LONDON FOG

Looking for something warm and tasty? The London Fog is a popular drink in Canada, found at local cafes and chain coffee shops like Starbucks, Second Cup, and Tim Hortons. To be specific, the London Fog is a vanilla Earl Grey tea latte, meaning it’s an Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and a couple pumps of vanilla syrup. Perfect for those who don’t or can’t drink coffee, still giving you the feeling of drinking a sweet vanilla latte. You may also find ice cream parlours and bakeries that offer ‘London Fog’ flavoured items, inspired by the trendiness of this popular drink. Typically these will taste like earl grey with a hint of vanilla, just like its namesake drink.

CANADIAN WHISKEY

Canadian whiskey is often overlooked for its more famous counterparts, such as Irish and American whiskey or a fine Scottish single malt. But don’t overlook a Canadian whiskey, as it is known for its unique light smooth taste. If you’ve heard of a Canadian rye, you’ve heard of Canadian whiskey, as the terms have become interchangeable in Canada - Canadian rye, Canadian whiskey, rye whiskey… all names work.

While there is no legal requirement determining the grain blends in Canada, it is mandatory for the whiskey to be aged a minimum of three years in a wood barrel on Canadian soil. As for taste, while traditionally light and smooth, the taste will be determined by the master blender. Unlike other notable competitors, where the grains are all distilled together, typically Canadian whiskey has each grain distilled individually and then blended together. So unless you’re trying a Canadian single malt, you can almost guarantee that the whiskey you’re trying is a blend.

Take your pick from old popular standbys like Crown Royal, Canadian Club and J.P. Wisers, or try some of the newer brands like LOT 40 (after briefly being discontinued, it’s come back due to public outcry and popular demand), Alberta Premium, Pike Creek, Pendleton Whiskey, and Forty Creek. There are also plenty of micro-distilleries throughout the country with unique blends to try, including White Owl Whiskey from Alberta (a white whiskey, perfect for mixing in cocktails), Eau Claire, Two Brewers, and Fils du Roy (a niche spirit company that is just launching their whiskeys).

CARIBOU

With a taste reminiscent of mulled wine, this Canadian cocktail from Quebec is served chilled. With a red wine base, the Caribou cocktail is typically flavoured with maple and cinnamon, with some vodka or whiskey thrown in. However, you may find some with sherry, port, or brandy added, as well as additional spices. If you’re in Quebec during the winter for La Carneval de Quebec, you can even enjoy this chilled cocktail served in shot glasses carved from ice. For novelty sake, some bars will also serve Caribou in carved ice glasses, though often for a premium. During La Carneval, you may spot individuals walking around with what appears to be red walking sticks/canes but are actually long tubes filled with Caribou.

While this cocktail is typically made at home or festivals, there is now a branded pre-mixed bottle for sale, allowing you to indulge in this cocktail and bring the taste home with you.