Canada's food scene serves up a world-class cornucopia of edible delights, from MICHELIN-starred restaurants to foraging in ancient forests. From west to east, Canada's gastronomic adventures offer travellers a delicious discovery of culture, history, landscape, and people. 

Culinary capitals

Canada's major cities of Vancouver and Toronto are globally renowned for their dynamic food scenes and MICHELIN-starred restaurants.

Vancouver's newest One Star MICHELIN restaurant, Sushi Masuda, serves up delights like gelatinous beltfish and savory monkfish liver, artfully presented at an unassuming five-seat counter tucked behind a print shop. This simple space is brought to life by Chef Yoji Masuda, and the welcoming hospitality of his wife Akari. 

In Vancouver's funky Kitsilano neighbourhood, AnnaLena offers one of Vancouver's most refined dining experiences, without a whiff of pretention. We're talking crafted cocktails, perfect wine pairing and a seasonally driven tasting menu, listing delicacies such as dry-aged duck breast paired with scallop agnolotti and a dash of chilli oil.

Toronto & Region now holds 15 one-MICHELIN Starred restaurants and a two-MICHELIN Star restaurant, with Sushi Masaki Saito remaining atop the list.

Lovers of both architecture and Italian fare will love Toronto's one-MICHELIN-Star restaurant, DaNico, housed inside a former bank building, designed to fuse contemporary relevance with the essence of heritage. Choose from mouth-watering plates such as wild Pacific crab or house-made basil bottini, created by chef and partner, Daniele Corona.  

For contemporary cuisine in downtown Oakville, Toronto, head to cool and casual Hexagon, with its wrap-around terrace and classic foods served with a twist. From Hokkaido scallop served with potato foam, brown butter and roe, to cheesecake accompanied by strawberries and almond cookie, Chef Rafael Covarrubias' ambitious menu will have you coming back for more. 

To market, to market 

Canada's artisan markets are a feast for the senses, providing an opportunity for travellers to sample fresh produce, chocolates, and pastry treats, direct from the farmers and artisans. Check out Montreal's Jean Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, it boasts an enormous array of fresh produce, local ice cream, Italian specialities, bakeries, cheese and fish mongers, as well as premium coffee served in funky cafes. 

Alternatively, Granville Island Public Market, positioned under a bridge near downtown Vancouver, is not to be missed for its vibrant community of food stalls, cafés, musicians and craft beer. 

In Canada's Maritime province of Nova Scotia, head to the harbour front to peruse Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, the longest running market in North America. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, chat to the friendly artisans and farmers, and check out the fresh produce, crafts, seafood and gifts. 

Indigenous flavours on the move

While in Vancouver, grab a bite at Mr Bannock, Canada's first Indigenous food truck, led by Paul Natrall, from the Squamish Nation in North Vancouver, British Columbia. This fusion Indigenous cuisine utilises ingredients from Squamish Nation, such as juniper berries and wild smoked salmon, while also specialising in Bannock, the famous fried bread that's long been a staple across Indigenous cuisines. 

On Vancouver Island, Songhees Seafood and Steam food truck in Victoria offers a modern take on traditional Songhees First Nation fare. Renowned Victoria-based Chef David Roger works alongside members of the Songhees Nation to present a diverse menu crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish reflects the artistry and tradition of food preparation that is central to Songhees culture. 

For classic street food with an Indigenous twist, Saga Nomade can be found weaving the streets in Québec City, stationed at local events, or parked in Wendake, an authentic First Nations destination. Devour poutine Forestier (think fries covered in mushroom infused gravy) and the famous wapiti burger made from elk meat. 

Reel in Canada's best seafood

Arguably home to the world's best seafood, Canada's Atlantic provinces are a foodie's paradise, where fresh fish and crustaceans leap straight from the local fishing boats to your plate. 

In downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, 5 Fisherman restaurant's history is as captivating as its menu. Originally a 19th-century school and then a funeral home that housed victims of the Titanic, stories of apparitions and hauntings add an interesting twist to the dining experience. Bring your appetite for the classic Five Fish Experience, featuring jumbo shrimp, Digby scallop, wild-caught halibut, Littleneck clams, lobster tail, lobster velouté, and tomato risotto. 

In Newfoundland and Labrador, feast on Atlantic oysters shucked daily and made to order at the friendly Adelaide Oyster House, where cocktails, craft beers, singing and storytelling accompany outstanding seafood. 

On the beautiful North Rustico harbourfront on Prince Edward Island, the Blue Mussel Café looks out upon dozens of fishing boats bringing in everything from halibut to lobster and, of course, an abundance of mussels. From seafood chowder to twice-baked lobster thermidor, everything is harvested, caught or raised just hours from your plate.  

Forage and feast 

While foraging has been part of Indigenous ways of life for millennia, it's fast becoming a mainstream trend, with authentic experiences on offer throughout the country. 

In Edmonton, Alberta, join a half-day foraging workshop in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, where you'll learn about wild edible plants and fungi, and their use in the home kitchen, guided by Kevin Kossowan, a two-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee for his work on From the Wild, a web series dedicated to wild food harvesting and cooking.

In the Maritimes, Tara and Sean Laceby at Gourmet by Nature offer wild food experiences in Nova Scotian landscapes, including harvesting ingredients, cooking and dining outdoors – gourmet style. Forage along the Bay of Fundy shoreline, discover and harvest edible foods infused with wild flavours, and then prepare a feast right on the beach. 

For a deep immersion in an ancient landscape, take a medicine walk through Odell Park in Fredericton, New Brunswick, with Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours. Wabanaki medicine keeper, Cecelia Brooks and her son Anthony share their knowledge of local flora, fauna and their uses as medicines and food, as you meander through one of Canada's most breathtaking old-growth forests.

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights are available throughout Canada from all major cities, in addition to the VIA Rail train service.

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