10 Canadian Foods You Need To Try During Your Winter Season in Canada

Whether you are heading over for a Winter Work Canada placement or planning a future season, here are 10 iconic Canadian foods and drinks you need to try while you are there. This list includes sweet and savoury options, local cult favourites and a few surprises that you will hear about from Canadians the moment you arrive. And yes, there is a lot of maple.

1. Poutine

The most famous Canadian dish. Poutine is fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It is warm, comforting and perfect after a long shift on the mountain. You can find it almost anywhere, from small diners to ski resort cafeterias. Some places add pulled pork, mushrooms, bacon or crispy onions. The classic version is still the best place to start.

2. Bannock

Bannock is a traditional Indigenous bread that can be served sweet or savoury. It has deep cultural roots and is still made in homes, cafés and Indigenous owned restaurants across Canada. It can be baked, fried or grilled and is often enjoyed with jam, butter or savoury toppings. If you want a taste of true Canadian history, bannock is a must try.

3. London Fog

Winter in Canada is cold, and nothing warms you up faster than a London Fog. It is made with earl grey tea, steamed milk and vanilla syrup. Many Canadians claim it was created in Vancouver, and the west coast still does it best. The drink is creamy, floral and perfect for your morning commute to the ski hill.

4. Timbits

Tim Hortons is everywhere in Canada, especially in mountain towns where seasonal staff grab coffee before their shifts. Timbits are bite sized doughnut balls that come in flavours like honey dip, chocolate glazed and birthday cake. They are cheap, fun to share and very Canadian.

5. Ketchup, dill pickle and all dressed chips

Canada takes its chip flavours very seriously. Ketchup chips taste exactly the way they sound, dill pickle is surprisingly addictive and all dressed combines barbecue, ketchup, sour cream and onion and salt and vinegar into one strange but delicious flavour. Grab a bag from a corner store and try them during a movie night in staff housing.

6. Maple taffy

If you visit Quebec or attend a winter festival, you will probably see maple taffy. Hot maple syrup is poured onto snow and then rolled up on a stick. It is sticky, sweet and fun to watch being made. Canada also has maple everything: maple cookies, maple chocolates, maple soda, maple muffins and of course, maple syrup.

7. Caesars

If you love a Bloody Mary, you will love a Caesar. The only difference is the use of Clamato juice, which is tomato juice mixed with clam broth. It sounds intense, but the flavour is mild and savoury. The classic garnish includes celery, pickles, olives or a pepperoni stick. Many Canadians order Caesars at brunch or after a long day on the slopes.

8. BeaverTails

BeaverTails are fried pastries shaped like the tail of a beaver. They are covered in toppings like cinnamon sugar, Nutella, bananas, Oreo crumbs or cheesecake drizzle. They are warm, sweet and the perfect treat on a cold night. You will often find BeaverTails stands in resort villages and on mountain peaks.

9. Butter tarts

Butter tarts are small pastries with a gooey, buttery filling and can be found in bakeries across Canada.

10. Nanaimo bars

Nanaimo bars, from British Columbia, have three layers: a chocolate base, a custard-flavoured middle and a chocolate top.

Trying Canadian food is part of the fun of living abroad. When you spend a winter season in Canada, these dishes and drinks become tied to memories of cold nights, new friends and your favourite local spots. You will head home with photos, stories and at least one new snack you wish Australia sold in every supermarket.