Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day!!  With my weekly blog landing on Canada Day this year, I sat down in deep research for some perfect ideas to write about.  I soon discovered that Canada has quite the unique variety of foods from coast to coast.  

I guess when you stop and think about it, every country has foods that become part of its identity.   Italy has pasta. France has croissants.  Ireland has Guinness – ok, not a food per se, but it is a national treasure.   What about Canada?  What do we have that stands out or made famous for? 

Let’s start with poutine. A messy mixture of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Sounds questionable, doesn’t it? Personally, I don’t enjoy poutine, but it is certainly a favourite for many Canadians.

Next is maple syrup. I absolutely love the real stuff. On pancakes, waffles, or even in coffee (decaf for those of you following my Brainfog series), it is simply delicious. It’s also the key ingredient in butter tarts—another Canadian invention.

Lastly, Nanaimo bars. We know they are associated with Nanaimo, British Columbia, but the original inventor remains unknown. What we do know is that since the 1950s, they’ve appeared in church cookbooks, bake sales, and community events. And to be honest, they are one of my absolute favourites—especially my homemade version! Click below on the photo to discover how to make these tasty treats (full disclosure: it’s a Christmas blog… because they are a Christmas staple in our home).

Since we are celebrating Canada Day, what food(s) are associated with each of our Nation’s Provinces?  Can you imagine a Canada Day BBQ where each guest brings something from their region?

• Ontario (my province): Butter Tarts – well, that’s a no brainer for me with my likeness to maple syrup.
• Quebec: Poutine – as noted above – invented in Quebec, however with my eversion to this delicacy, I may suggest this Quebec native to bring Tourtiere – a delicious double crusted meat pie.  
• Nova Scotia:  Lobster – nothing tastes better than fresh lobster, grilled in garlic butter and served with steak!  Mmmm.  
• New Brunswick:  Fiddleheads.  I have to admit, I have never had a Fiddlehead before and after reading about what they are, they sound delicious. Similar taste to asparagus or green beans.  Now, I am intrigued.
• Prince Edward Island:  Mussels.  Before the summer of 2025, I’d have to say mussels would be something on my least desired list of food items to try, but honestly, they are great! And, if a PEI potato salad was brought, I’d be the first to dig in. 
• Newfoundland:   Toutons (or the Newfoundland pancake).  I had to look this up as well since I did not know what it was and after reading its description. I absolutely want one! They are made by using leftover raised bread dough and served with maple syrup!  What more can you ask for?  Sounds amazing!
• Manitoba:  Pickerel.  Well, you can’t go wrong with fresh fish (except this makes me think of the movie Christmas with the Kranks – if you haven’t seen it, it’s a definite watch), so this would be a delight and pairing it with their own Honey Dill sauce would be outstanding.
• Saskatchewan:  Saskatoon berry pie.  Made with the now protected wild Saskatoon berries (they are actually under serious threat due to the loss of habitat caused by industrial development), this pie looks delicious and would add to any Canada Day BBQ.
• Alberta:  Beef.  This province is well known for its beef and who better to supply the steaks (for the pairing of lobster) than Alberta.  Delicious AAA quality will melt in your mouth. 
• British Columbia:  Nanaimo Bars – as stated above, this treat is welcomed in my household any time of the year.
• Yukon: Moose. Why not add some different protein flavours to your BBQ with some moose kabobs.  
• Northwest Territories:  Bannock.  A traditional indigenous flat bread which for me, anyone who brings yummy bread has a returning invitation.  This is something I truly forget to purchase or pull out at dinner time.  
• Nunavut:  Arctic Char.  The world’s more northern freshwater fish and has a delicate sweet flavour closely related to salmon.  

So, as you can see, Canada’s ‘food’ identity isn’t just about one dish, it’s a coast to coast potluck.    From lobster in the east to Arctic char in the north. From Saskatoon berry pie in the middle and to Nanaimo bars out west… it’s a picnic table full of variety, history and of course flavour.  

Perhaps this Canada Day, try bringing a dish from your province (or family heritage).  Maybe the foods we love can tell us more about who we are and where we came from.  Many of us value tradition and community.  We also value getting together and celebrating through the juiciness and diversity of all kinds of dishes and a little extra sweetness along the way.  

When I think about it like that, it sounds like my favourites – Nanaimo Bars and Butter Tarts.  Different layers. Different ingredients.  However, when everything comes together… it is a delight.  

That’s what I call us Canadians.  A delight.  We may be a mixture of different ingredients, but together we make up a fabulous celebration.  And what a fabulous celebration we will have.  

So… Happy Canada Day to all of you Canadians out in the world of socials near and far.  For those who have followed me for quite some time, this is where I take my annual summer hiatus from your weekly email box (or social media feeds).  Stay tuned this fall for more inspiring thoughts, uplifting moments, humorous brainfog stories, and adventurous travel reviews.  Until then, enjoy all that summer has to offer. Spend time with family and friends, make some lasting memories, and perhaps indulge in a butter tart or Nanaimo bar along the way. Happy summer.