Pack your stretchy pants! Destination Ontario is taking us on a foodie tour of the province. From the multicultural cuisines of Toronto to Niagara wine country and from Ottawa’s artisan markets to the gourmet hotspot of Prince Edward County, Ontario will tempt you – one bite at a time. Buckle up, let’s go!
If you ask us, the perfect way to get a taste of a destination is by sampling its cuisine. Ontario has all the ingredients for a tasty holiday sampler with iconic cities such as Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara Falls plus bountiful produce to savour in the regions.
Full of varied landscapes and terrain, this fertile and rich province blends with local and global influences to inspire countless providores, makers and chefs.
Plus there’s plenty of wineries, craft breweries and cideries to complement your foodie finds and create the ultimate culinary trail from Michelin-starred meals to local fare.
Embark on a fly-drive holiday for a DIY road trip through gourmet regions and cities at your leisure, hop on the VIA Rail network or take inspiration from Destination Ontario’s culinary itineraries. Tempt your clients to linger longer in Ontario and explore more of what the cities and regions have to offer.
Only in Ontario
Firstly, Ontario has some homegrown treats and delicacies you have to try on your trip. Make sure you save room for these quintessential Canadian eats (and drinks):
- BeaverTails are a Canadian classic – a flat pastry loaded with sweet toppings and a non-negotiable experience, particularly at Ottawa’s Byward Market kiosk.
- Maple syrup – Between February and April, Ontario is home to sugar shacks aka traditional producers of the sweet syrup. Be sure to stay for a sugar shack brekky.
- Butter tarts – Ontario is famous for this gooey mini pie with a flaky crust and a sweet butterscotch centre. Sample the staple dessert at bakeries everywhere.
- Icewine – Canada is the world’s largest icewine producer with the majority of this sweet varietal made in the Niagara Region. There’s even an annual festival.
- World-Famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich – A mouthful in more ways than one, the original layered BLT can be found at Carousel Bakery in Toronto’s St Lawrence Market.
Michelin stars & city markets
Toronto was the first Canadian city to launch a Michelin Guide back in 2022, which now includes the Hamilton, Niagara and Blue Mountain regions. It’s a city of multicultural neighbourhoods, dishing up a world-renowned culinary scene.
In 2024, a mouthwatering 30 cuisine styles across 100 restaurants are included – perfect fodder for the client who travels for the Michelin-star dining experience.
If grazing is more your style, savour it all on a foodie tour to explore the farmers markets. In Toronto, Chopstick + Forks focuses on Kensington Market with fusion fare and international food tours.
Meanwhile, Culinary Adventure Co.’s Made in Canada tour includes maple syrup and the aforementioned Peameal Bacon Sandwich at the historic St. Lawrence Market.
Over in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city also has a vibrant culinary scene, featuring the famous and historic Byward Market (don’t forget the BeaverTails kiosk!).
C’est Bon Ottawa cooking school also runs guided gourmet food walking or cycling tours so you can enjoy the famous tastes of Canada, lesser-known eat streets and market stops while sightseeing.
Niagara Falls is famous for its namesake attraction but also for its unique terroir that has generated a thriving cool-climate wine industry with more than 100 wineries within the region.
Popular drops include chardonnay, Riesling, pinot noir and icewine plus it’s also a top stop for cheeses. Wine and cheese – Ontario knows there’s no better pairing!
Winery tours will pick you up from your Niagara hotel or hop on a cycling tour for a scenic wining and dining adventure among the vineyards.
Those crafty regional Ontarians
Wine is not the only beverage Ontario is known for. The province also has an award-winning craft brewery, distillery and cidery scene, making the most of that amazing produce.
Like the wineries, many craft breweries also have onsite restaurants and specialty treats – we’ll cheers to that!
Make a day of it in the countryside, checking out farmers markets across the province, such as the famous St Jacobs Farmers’ Market in Woolwich, and seasonal stops like Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery with its ‘cranberry plunge’ fall festival and harvest activities.
Between Toronto and Kingston, Prince Edward County is a hub of providores and producers with a community of chefs and artisan makers serving up delectable meals and delicacies among the small towns and beaches.
This trending destination is the spot for an indulgent gourmet getaway with markets, foodie finds, wineries, cideries, craft distilleries all on tap.
Have we whet your appetite for more?
Get to know the different regions, cities and towns in Ontario and find out what the province has to offer here.
Highlighting local restaurants across Ontario, Feast On is your ultimate field guide to the best food and drink in the province and this culinary resource also ensures you’re guaranteed a good feed wherever you go.
Discover more about Ontario at destinationontario.com
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