Culinary adventures in Ontario
From local Farmer’s Markets to traditional food experiences, find out what you should see (and eat!) on your next trip to Ontario!
There are few things in life we love more than traveling to new destinations and trying out delicious foods. So grabbing our already packed bags and heading for a press trip to Ontario did wonders for our wanderlust.
Ontario has more than 37,000 farms offering a wide variety of quality products and is fast becoming a destination for local and fresh foods. One way in which local produce is celebrated and supported is Savour Ottawa, a membership-based initiative that provides recognition to businesses that promote local farmers and use local produce in their recipes.
An example of Ontario’s food heritage is St. Lawrence Market in Toronto with history dating back to the 1800s. We literally spent an entire day eating like the locals and checking out the many market stalls. Ranked amongst the ‘Top food markets’ in the world, this is a serious must-visit site for foodie lovers. With more than 120 retailers selling everything from seafood, peach pies, blueberry jams, sausage varieties and cheeses.
Heading to Ottawa, ByWard Market is considered one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets since 1826. The market offers over 250 market stalls and more than 500 food stores, pubs, restaurants and boutiques!
Ontario is not only famous for its farm to table movement, there are signature culinary experiences that truly can’t be missed, here are our ‘Top 5 Foodie Favourites’:
1. Butter Tart
The Butter Tart is a traditional Canadian dessert made of butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg, all baked into a delicious pastry. Scattered around Ontario are local family run bakeries providing different takes on the famous dessert. A few of these include ‘Butter Tarts ‘n More’ and ‘Betty’s Pies and Tarts’. Visitors also can follow the Butter Tart Trail, one of the most popular trails in Ontario. On this self-guided tour, there are at least a dozen varieties of butter tarts that you’ll come across.
2. BeaverTails
Created by a local, BeaverTails are one of Ottawa’s signature treats. Fried dough is coated with butter and can be served either sweet or savoury. Toppings include cinnamon, chocolate, fruit, maple flavoured spread and much more. Amongst the places that visitors can find BeaverTail stands are: theme parks, ski hills, numerous tourist hot spots and the famous ByWard Market.
3. Apple Pie Trail
Another Culinary treasure Ontario has to offer is the Apple Pie Trail. Located in Collingwood and Blue Mountain, along the shores of Georgian Bay, are some great apple growing areas of Ontario. These areas have the perfect conditions for growing delicious apples, and baking even more delicious apple pies! There are numerous different stops on the Apple Pie Trail, from local family run bakeries and cafés to farmer’s markets and breweries, there’s a taste to tickle everyone’s fancy. In Blue Mountain Village there is an Apple Harvest Festival taking place on 10-12 Oct ‘15. Enjoy thanksgiving weekend, fall colours, family activities, live music, Apple Pie Trail and more!
4. Webers Burgers
Located on Highway 11, just north of Orillia and 135 kilometres from Toronto, Webers creates a traditional diner-style experience for its guests. Considered an Ontario Landmark since 1963, Webers use the highest quality Canadian beef in their burgers. For those wanting to bring the unique taste to their own dinner tables, Webers hamburgers are now sold in over 400 stores across Canada.
5. Maple Syrup
The Ultimate Canadian treat! Lanark County is considered the Maple Syrup capital of Ontario. Located in the Eastern side of the region, the award-winning area is listed in the recommended food travel destinations for Ontario. There are several festivals and celebrations happening in Ontario throughout the year, including Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. Maple syrup farms can also be visited by the public during tapping season; farms include Proulx Maple & Berry Farm and Fulton’s Farms.
Photo courtesy of: BeaverTails® and Ontario Tourism
By: Rebecca Wood