English and French cuisines both use a heap of fresh ingredients and preserves. Canadians eat a lot of baked foods, wild game, and gathered foods. Home-made, warming, and wholesome remain key adjectives in what Canadians consider their cuisine.

The influences on the western provinces come from a variety of countiries from where its settlers set up home. They include German, Ukranian, Russian, Scandinavian, Polish and of course the Bristish. There is also a story about Canada being the home of the Chinese Smorgasboard. Apparently Scandinavians (the original kings of buffet) got together with the local chinese and introduced to concept to them.


The traditional cuisine of The Arctic and the Canadian Territories seems to be based on wild game and Inuit and First Nations cooking methods. The cuisines of Newfoundland and the Maritime provinces derive mainly from British and Irish cooking, with a preference for salt-cured fish, beef, and pork. Ontario, Manitoba & British Columbia also maintain strong British cuisine traditions.

Interestingly any fast food in Canada is generally referred to as American Dinning.Generally though modern Canadian cooking represents the diverse traditions from all of the countries from which it draws, as well as the many other immigrant cultures that have made the country their home. As a result, most home cooks in Canada have assimilated new ingredients and recipes from around the world into the more traditional favourites. It is definatly a real melting pot of world cuisines.

Although some hunters and the local indigenous Canadians eat things like beavers and bears these are not common fare. While most major cities in Canada (other than Montreal, due to local by-laws) offer a variety of street food, regional "specialties" are notable. While poutine is available in most of the country, it is far more common in Quebec. Similarly, hot dog stands can be found across Canada, but are far more common in Ontario (often sold from mobile canteen trucks, usually referred to as "fry trucks") than in Vancouver or Victoria (where the "Mr. Tube Steak" franchise is notable). Montreal offers a number of specialties including Shish taouk, the Montreal hot dog, and Dollar falafels. Although falafel is widespread in Vancouver, 99 cent pizza slices are much more popular. Shawarma is quite prevalent in Ottawa, while Halifax offers its own unique version of the Döner kebab called the Donair, which features a distinctive sauce made from condensed milk, sugar, and vinegar. Ice cream trucks can be seen (and often heard due to a jingle being broadcast on loudspeakers) nationwide during the summer months.
Here's a general list of favourites from certin areas of Canada.

British Columbia -Salmon & Wild Rice, and Nanaimo Bars, Goats Cheese Terrine, Raisin scones with clotted cream, sablefish, Nanaimo Bars, Poached Salmon, Maple Glazed Chicken Breasts, Oysters, Flatbreads, Vegan cuisine and anything healthy really (i.e. tofu, miso soup, etc.)

Newfoundland Cod Cakes and fish cheeks

French Canadian Foods Tortiere, Yellow Pea Soup.

East Coast - Irish Stew, Fish Chowders, Bangbellies , Toutons (Pork Bread), and Duffs (like a dumpling), Molasses Tarts and Partridge Berry Coffee Cake, chocolate bread pudding, oat bread,

Cape Breton scones, Creamed Potato Balls, Baked Stuffed Lobster,

Native - Posole Stew (uses hominy), corn casserole, Frypan Fork Bread, Cornmeal pudding, Maple Fudge, Wojape (a berry pudding)

Quebec - Crème Caramel, French Onion Soup, Split Yellow Pea Soup, Garlic Pork Pot Roast, Cipate (Chicken, meat and vegetable casserole with biscuit topping), 3 crust blueberry pie

Ontario - Pine Nut Stuffed Quail, pickled yellow beans, apple butter, headcheese, smoked ham, creamed potatoes, vanilla pie, ice wine, BBQ's, hot sauces, doughnuts

On The Prairies - Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Wild Mushroom Barley Ragout & Summer Vegetables, Grilled Asparagus, Saskatoon Pie


B.C. - Goats Cheese Terrine, Raisin scones with clotted cream, sablefish, Nanaimo Bars, Poached Salmon, Maple Glazed Chicken Breasts, Oysters, Flatbreads, Vegan cuisine and anything disgustingly healthy (i.e. tofu, miso soup, etc.)

Although Canadian cuisine does differs from region to region, it is still a reflection of its early beginnings.

British Columbia the cuisine really does stick to its English, Scottish and Irish roots with salt-cured fish, beef, and pork being popular. Quebec is all things French ...even the language. In Western Canada, the cuisine tends to be simple and hearty, an echo of the early settlers who had to make do with local ingredients, and in Northern Canada where the growing season is shorter, the cuisine is still influenced by the native Inuit diet including preserved ingredients.

Of course the best know ingredient the Canadians are known for is obviously Maple Syrup for that story go here.

Here are The World Recipe Books stash of Canadian Recipes.