13 Must-Try Canadian Foods by Province

Posted by Terri Coles on June 29, 2015

In a country as large as Canada, it only makes sense that our signature foods demonstrate the different tastes and local ingredients you can find from coast to coast. This round-up of classic dishes from each of Canada's 13 provinces and territories highlights the quality of our ingredients as well as popular flavours across the country.

1 of 13

Québec: Duck Poutine

As if poutine — a Québec favourite that's become a Canadian classic, wasn't decadent enough — this version adds a fried egg and duck gravy to the mix. Get this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quebec-duck-poutine/14972/" target="_blank">Duck Poutine</a>
2 of 13

Nova Scotia: Seawater Lobster

Rich lobster is mouth-wateringly delicious on its own, but you can really taste the cold Atlantic waters around Nova Scotia when you boil it in salt water. Get this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/seawater-lobster/13307/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Seawater Lobster</a>
3 of 13

Alberta: Rosemary Grilled Steak

Alberta is known for its Calgary Stampede, which serves up tons of the province's famous beef. Enjoy a classic grilled Alberta steak on your barbecue this summer with this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rosemary-grilled-steak/15901/" target="_blank">recipe</a>.
4 of 13

P.E.I.: Lobster Mashed Potatoes

Celebrate two of P.E.I.'s most famous ingredients — lobster and potatoes — with this decadent side dish that eats like an entree. Get this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lobster-mashed-potatoes/9663/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Lobster Mashed Potatoes</a>
5 of 13

British Columbia: Nanaimo Bars

This bake-sale classic is popular around the country now, but its name is all B.C. Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="//www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-ultimate-nanaimo-bar/16810/">The Ultimate Nanaimo Bar</a>
6 of 13

Saskatoon Berry Pie

The Saskatoon berry is considered an <a href="http://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/saskatoon-berry/" target="_blank">Ark of Taste</a> by Slow Food International — a traditional food preserved by a region over time. So you really are getting a taste of the Prairies in this delicious, berry-packed pie. Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/saskatoon-rhubarb-pie/18068/">Saskatoon Rhubarb Pie</a>
saltjunk.com

7 of 13

Newfoundland and Labrador: Fish and Brewis

This hearty Newfoundland favourite uses the province's traditional salt cod. Serve it with local veggies like cabbage and carrots, or a side of fried scrunchions (a Newfoundland term for small pieces of cured salt pork fried until golden grown. Get the recipe for <a href="http://saltjunk.com/?page_id=14139" target="_blank">Fish and Brewis</a>
westjet.com

8 of 13

Metis Bannock

A traditional First Nations food, bannock can be fried flat at home or wrapped around a stick over a campfire. It's hearty and delicious either way! Get the recipe <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/metis-bannock-175091" target="_blank">here</a>
girlmeetsdirt.com

9 of 13

Yukon: Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is so popular in the Yukon that it's the inspiration for an entire festival: <a href="http://www.yukonrendezvous.com" target="_blank">the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous</a>. Get the recipe for traditional <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/media/gourmand-gourmet/recettes-recipes/sec_02/recette-recipe19.aspx" target="_blank">Sourdough Bread</a>
10 of 13

Ontario: Beaver Tail

This Ottawa classic is a must-eat when you're skating the Rideau Canal in the winter, but we think it tastes great any time of year. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/-classic-canadian-fried-dough-treat/17910/" target="_blank">Classic Canadian Fried Dough Treat</a>
globeandmail.com

11 of 13

Northwest Territories: Baked Arctic Char

Arctic char is one of the many cold-water fish species found off the coast of the Northwest Territories, and it's a natural fit for the Nordic-inspired flavours in this recipe. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/recipes/recipe-arctic-char-with-a-northern-twist/article22659900/" target="_blank">here</a>
flyingak.com

12 of 13

Caribou Stew

Caribou is one of many local "country foods" eaten traditionally in Nunavut, available by foraging or hunting. If you don't have caribou available, try this dish with another game meat like moose. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.flyingak.com/caribou-meat/" target="_blank">Caribou Stew</a>
Pinterest

13 of 13

New Brunswick: Grilled Oysters

As in the other Atlantic provinces, New Brunswick seafood is top notch. Their shellfish is celebrated during the annual <a href="http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/F/BouctoucheShellfishFestival.aspx" target="_blank">Bouctouche Shellfish Festival</a>, and you can have a fest of your own with these tasty grilled oysters. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/oysters-rockefeller/13411/" target="_blank">here</a> Terri Coles is a freelance writer living in St. John's, NL. She writes regularly about food, health, nutrition, and travel.
Start Over

Next Gallery
10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Whistler for a Cozy Evening
More Galleries