Beyond the restaurants and dining scenes that make up the fabric of our vast culinary scene across Canada, certain immersive experiences offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to deeply connect with wild nature and local know-how. These food experiences must be planned for, and often require setting off on an adventure to wild natural (and urban!) adventures.
The following five experiences are a reflection of the vast array of ways to connect with these food cultures throughout the year. No matter which direction you choose, know that it is bound to be delicious.
Fogo Island Inn
It’s on everyone’s list for a reason. The design-worthy accommodation on a remote island off the northeast coast of Newfoundland offers a dramatic escape to the Atlantic and an opportunity to try out a different kind of island life. With all meals, snacks and an abundance of activities included during your stay, the opportunity to kick back and explore the island and its culinary heritage at your own pace is an invitation to slow down. Think: berry picking, jam making (with said berries!), trout fishing and an opportunity to join a traditional boil-up lunch, a home-cooked meal featuring warm stews, local toutons and home-baked goods in good company, a meal best experienced in a traditional saltbox home.
If you’re thinking of making the trek, an abundance of special events are on offer throughout the year to frame your experience through art, culture and design as opportunities to gather and connect.
Dan's Diner at Frontiers North Adventures
Frontiers North Adventures know a thing or two about the Arctic, having offered responsible, seasonal experiences in Churchill since 1987. Hop on the custom-built Tundra Buggy designed for viewing polar bears in the wild during their annual migration. This is your ride across the frozen Churchill River to the remote pop-up, Dan’s Diner. Here, under the glow of the northern lights, a seven course fixed menu awaits, featuring a local taste of place in every bite. The pop up only runs in February and March when the river is frozen and the aurora are at their peak.
Saltbox + Everoutdoor Adventures
Food and adventure go hand in hand here. Everoutdoor curates outdoor experiences ranging from zodiac tours of Newfoundland’s Bay of Islands to codfishing experiences and hiking adventures in this unique geological setting. After all that fresh air, you’d be mistaken not to take a seat oceanside at Saltbox, where fresh local seafood is best enjoyed at sunset, taking in views of the Bay of Islands from the base of the Blow Me Down Mountains.
Custom adventures are also possible with the likes of seafood feasts on the beach of one of many islands in the area. The adventure is yours!
Dining on the Ocean Floor
If you’ve ever experienced force of tides and their ability to transform a landscape, you’ll know it’s quite an ambitious venture to set up a temporary kitchen and three-course dining experience
But there’s something magical that happens when you follow through with such pursuits and chef Domenic Padula has set the bar high by setting the table quite literally at the site of the world’s highest tides.
More Than a Meal
A guided tour of the ocean floor is followed by an intimate multi-course meal showcasing locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce prepared on site. Afterwards, a cozy up around the campfire on the tidal flats with a warm mug, taking in the view all before the tide rolls in. Guests will learn about the wild foods of Nova Scotia, guided by a local forager who will have you getting up close and personal with wild plants throughout the park.
This experience unfolds at Burntcoat Head Park on the Bay of Fundy, known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, and a recognizable feature our country is proud to represent.
With Nova Scotian wine from Avondale Sky Winery and beer from School House Brewery, each course is a reflection of local from fish and beef to charcuterie and cheese.
It truly is a balancing act between natural forces, witht he experience taking place only between July and September, when the conditions best line up
Which Experience is on Your Bucket List?
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