Big cities have a way of turning every meal into a choose-your-own-adventure. Depending on your mood, the occasion or even the season, there are endless ways to experience a city’s food scene — from neighbourhood staples and street food to buzzy restaurants and time-honoured traditions.
Still, every city has its culinary cornerstones: the ingredients, dishes and dining experiences that define its identity and tell the story of the place itself. Below, we’re spotlighting a few big cities with even bigger flavour — destinations where you can go straight to the source for the iconic bites that put them on the map.
Roll Up for Sushi in Vancouver
Vancouver’s sushi scene is enviable. Its relative proximity to Japan compared to the rest of the country, along with its ability to source freshly caught fish, lends itself to a mastery of ingredients and skill.
With 462 sushi restaurants to choose from, the range for experiencing these flavours and techniques span from your run-of-the-mill sushi spot (we all have a spot, don’t we?) to elevated Omakase where your dining experience is in the hands and mastery of the chef.
The differentiating factor here is that many restaurants opt to source from Ocean Wise fish mongers and fishers who are committed to ensuring the ocean remains a liveable and healthy ecosystem.
Walk Through the Prairies in Saskatoon
Get up close and personal with the prairies at Beaver Creek Conservation Area in Saskatoon’s Meewasin Valley. This immersive small-group grazing dinner experience is designed to connect guests with the Saskatchewan prairie and deepen their understanding of its value and importance. A guided hike is followed by a three-course dinner prepared by Saskatoon’s Odla Restaurant, known for its commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Over dessert, a shepherd leads a sheep and stock dog demonstration that showcases how the conservation organization uses grazing as a sustainable tool to support and preserve the prairie ecosystem.
Stop for a Pint in Ottawa
If you’re looking to get a better sense of the nation’s capital, why not deep-dive into the brewing ways and flavours of the city. Opt for one of many guided tours offered by Brew Donkey and discover what makes the craft scene unique here.
Aptly named tours will have you tasting and pairing your way through various corners of the region. The Flight Club Tour pairs craft brews with the ultimate pub food (wings!) while The Slice and Vices Tour pairs pints with pizza.
The tours are curated regionally, so you can build your time in the city to discover multiple corners that define the local brewing scene.
Explore Bib Gourmand Eats in Toronto
It’s no surprise that Toronto's dinning options are seemingly endless. If you find yourself curious about Michelin-starred options, consider extending that curiosity to other equally worthy spots. This is where Michelin’s Bib Gourmand steps up to the plate by offering a list of restaurants and eateries with high-quality food at a great value. It's an ideal way to dine at multiple spots when you’re in the city instead of just opting for one.
Sit Down to a Lobster Supper in Halifax
Is there anything more emblematic to the East Coast than lobster? While lobster rolls are a must while visiting the Atlantic, consider taking a seat at the table for a meal dedicated to the iconic experience that is a traditional lobster supper.
The meal features a whole steamed lobster and is often held at community halls and restaurants. There are a few notable options in and around Halifax, such as The Shore Club, which also features a live band every Saturday night throughout the summer.
Discover Local and Regional Goods in Québec City
Some markets truly have been built to impress, and Le Grand Marché de Québec is no exception. Open 7 days a week in the heart of the city, this market is a destination in itself with over 100 producers and artisans selling their goods. Themed pop-up markets and regular programming take place throughout the year along with a host of seasonal events, meaning there is always something to discover, whether you are stopping by for your weekly groceries or discovering the local food scene.
Big City, Big Flavour
From iconic dishes to unexpected discoveries, these cities offer countless ways to experience their local food scenes, with each destination bringing its own bold flavours and culinary traditions to the table. Even if you think you know what a city is known for, there will always be something new waiting to surprise you.
