Beyond the restaurants and eateries that make up the fabric of our vast culinary scene across Canada, certain immersive experiences offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deeply connect with the wild nature of their surroundings and a local know-how that cannot be replicated. These are food experiences that must be planned for, many requiring setting off on an adventure to remote corners that are worthy of any bucket list.
The following five experiences are a reflection of the array of ways to connect with the food cultures of our country throughout the year. No matter which direction you choose, know that it is bound to be delicious and completely immersive. Which one will you check off first?
Fogo Island Inn
This inn has long held an appeal, and for good 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 really an invitation to slow down. Think: berry picking, jam making (with said berries!), trout fishing and taking a seat at a traditional boil-up lunch, a home-cooked meal featuring warm stews, local toutons and home-baked goods, all consumed in good company.
If you’re thinking of making the trek, special events and retreats 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 knows 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 will also be 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 truly is yours!
Dining on the Ocean Floor
If you’ve ever experienced the 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 in this setting.
But there’s something magical that happens when you follow through with such pursuits and chef Domenic Padula has set the bar high by quite literally setting the table at the site of the world’s highest tides.
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, 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. With Nova Scotian wine and beer on offer, each course is a reflection of local, from fish and beef to charcuterie and cheese.
The experience takes place only between July and September, when conditions are best suited to this feat.
Toronto is lucky to have the world’s cuisines at its doorstep, but it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. The Culinary Adventure Co. has taken on the important task of framing these culinary pursuits through intimate guided tours, helping you discover and better understand the food scene in iconic neighbourhoods and hidden corners throughout the city.
From multi-course dim sum feasts in Chinatown to delicious discoveries in Little India, there is a tour for every curiosity. Learn how Every Bite Tells a Story with the city’s #1 food tour provider. You’ll leave with a better understanding (and a full belly!) of the dynamic food and drink on offer. Private and custom tours are also available if you’re looking to craft something more intentional. The only question is which neighbourhood you want to discover first.
Which Experience is on Your Bucket List?
These are the kinds of experiences that connect you more deeply to the places they celebrate through food. Hard to replicate anywhere else, they are a testament to the foodways of a destination and the stories that will continue to be told for all those who are lucky enough to partake. It's clear that no matter where your bucket list takes you, these experiences are truly one for the books.
