Take a foodie trip in Atlantic Canada
Is there any better way to spend a staycation than by eating your way through Atlantic Canada?
Each of the Atlantic provinces has its own famous eats, so why not take a trip and become a foodie?
We've covered a few provincial classics as well as some fun, quirky options that will leave your mouth watering.
NOVA SCOTIA
To no one's surprise, the must-eat item for Nova Scotia is a donair. Legend says the Halifax donair was created by Greek chef Peter Gamoulakos, who was selling gyros when he realized Nova Scotians needed something more suited to their palates. He swapped the traditional lamb meat for beef, created a secret donair sauce, and before you know it, the late-night snack was unstoppable.
This garlicky treat can be purchased across the province, but King of Donair, Tony's Famous Donairs and Pizza, and Johnny K's Authentic Donairs often top the best-of lists. If you can't make it to the Halifax area, not to worry - most pizza shops in the province will offer their take on the famous donair.
“We're excited to finally be able to share the Donair love with the rest of Atlantic Canada and all other doublevaxxed traveling Canadians. We love hearing first-time donair stories and always say that a trip to Halifax isn't complete without a visit to Peggy's Cove, a trip up to Citadel Hill, and indulging in Halifax's official food," says Nicolas Nahas, vice-president of King of Donair.
If you really want to lean into the seafood frenzy of the Maritimes, treat yourself to a lobster poutine on Nova Scotia's South Shore. Swap out the traditional gravy for a cream sauce poured over fresh lobster meat and cheese curds and dig in at one of the South Shore Fish Shack's sunny picnic tables. You'll even get to check out the fishing boats in the harbor as you scarf down this rich and hearty treat. They've also got fish and chips, fresh clams, and the classic Shack Burger for the seafood leery.
NEW BRUNSWICK
New Brunswick is famous for fiddleheads, Acadian Fricot, and of course, lobster. But today's specialty is a salty snack called Dulse.
Sold at the Saint John City Market, dulse is a dark red seaweed, which is dried and turned into a crispy, chiplike snack. If you're a fan of umami flavour, this is the treat for you. Some New Brunswickers even crush it up and sprinkle it into sauces and soups for an extra kick of salt.
If you've got more of a sweet tooth, make your way to Canada's Chocolate Town – St. Stephen – where you'll find the Ganong Chocolatier Shop. Canada's oldest independently-owned candy company, Ganong is the creator of the famous chicken bone candies with a cinnamon shell and chocolate centre. It's said that chocolatier Arthur Ganong came up with the idea of individually-wrapped chocolate bars in 1898 when he tried to solve the problem of his chocolates melting all over his pockets. Where would we be without you, Art?
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
After you've been screeched in, Newfoundland and Labrador only has two words for you: jigg's dinner.
This traditional Newfoundland dish is made up of salt beef, turnip, cabbage, potato, and carrot and is also known as a boiled dinner. The best salt beef is cured in St. John's at Terra Nova Foods and is the secret weapon in any successful jigg's dinner.
While the best way to guarantee a delicious jigg's dinner is scoring yourself a seat at the Sunday dinner table of a Newfoundlander, rumour has it that Caine's Grocery and Deli is the next best thing.
Newfoundland and Labrador is known for great humour, so it's no surprise that their candy business, Purity, is full of tongue-in-cheek specials. In 1924, Purity creators C.C. Pratt, A.E. Hickman, and W.R. Goobie purchased a confectionary and soft drink company and began producing classics like Peppermint Nobs and Candy Kisses. They also sold Hard Bread, which expanded into crackers, ginger snaps, and other biscuit treats.
Today, they sell more than 50 products, including spearmint nobs, cream crackers, and the climax candy mixture. Their website also features delicious recipe ideas inspired by Purity products.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
When you think of Prince Edward Island, surely you think of potatoes, maybe even Cows creamery, but the underdog-turned-must-have is Anne of Green Gables cordial.
In chapter one of the beloved book, Anne invites her friend over for a glass of the sweet, syrupy drink, except she has accidentally swapped it out for currant wine. Whether you stick to the original and mix it with seltzer or water, or opt for something a little more tipsy, grab yourself a bottle of this delicious drink made from raspberries, lemon juice, and sugar the next time you're on the Island.
While the drink is a staple in many shops across the Island, you can definitely find it at the Anne of Green Gables Store in Charlottetown.
Last but not least, round out your food tour with the famous lobster chowder from The Seafood Shack. This rich and creamy creation comes from Danielle Casario's secret recipe and includes fresh PEI lobster, scallops and haddock. You'll be coming back for more before you've finished your first bowl. They even offer takeout for your cottage getaway or day at the beach.
“We have been known for our lobster chowder since we opened three years ago," says Casario, who owns and operates the Seafood Shack.
"People love it so much that they will call to reserve their bowls and even take coolers to take some home to New Brunswick or Nova Scotia after their visit. It gives me so much pride only serving the best of the best and with all of our amazing local resources here on our little Island, this has made my secret recipe a huge hit among locals and tourists alike.”