We bet you a Canadian dollar that if you’re thinking about moving to Canada, it’s because you’ve read that it’s one of the best places to live in the world.
And you’re not alone; approximately 300,000 new immigrants move to Canada every year and in 2021, more than eight million residents had permanent residency – that’s a whopping 21.5% of the total Canadian Population.
Canada is arguably one of the most inclusive countries in the world and is consistently named as one of the friendliest places for immigrants globally. Unsurprisingly, then, last year one survey awarded Canada the title ‘best countries to relocate’, referencing its diversity and multiculturalism as one of the reasons it’s such a welcoming place for newcomers.
This diversity and rich history of immigration means that Canada is also home to an extraordinary culinary scene. From the French-inspired poutine and tourtière to the indigenous bannock bread and the British-influenced butter tarts, Canadian cuisine itself is a delightful fusion of various cultures, reflecting the country’s multiculturalism.
Moreover, Canada’s vast landscape allows for the cultivation of a variety of produce, from sweet Quebec strawberries to succulent Atlantic lobsters. And we can’t get enough of it!
If you live for food and are considering relocating to Canada, then here are some cities to consider…
Victoria, British Columbia
If there’s ever a place Brits will feel instantly at home, then it’s Victoria in British Columbia. Originally Fort Victoria, a settlement named for Queen Victoria in 1843, it’s known as the most British city in Canada for good reason.
Indeed, the city’s British ancestry is evident in its horse-drawn carriages, tearooms, and double-decker buses. Moreover, it has lots of British-style pubs, meaning Brits abroad will be able to get a pie and pint with ease.
That said, as Lonely Planet writes, “The days when Victoria was more British than Britain are long gone. Now, the food culture embraces fusion and the beer leans toward craft brews”, which is a good thing for foodies after diversity and flavour.
Speaking of diversity, Victoria has the highest number of restaurants per capita in all of Canada, from high-end fine dining to casual fare. According to Victoria’s Tourism Board, the city ranked first with 4.6 restaurants, eateries, pubs, and bars per 1,000 residents ahead of Vancouver, which has 3.6 restaurants, eateries, pubs, and bars per 1,000 people.
However, it’s not just the amount of restaurants that has quietly earned the city its reputation as a culinary hotspot; Victoria has a rich foodie history that includes Canada’s first brewpub, the oldest Chinatown in the country and the nation’s first chocolatier.
The city also boasts a thriving craft brewery scene and a neighbouring wine region. Moreover, it is known for it’s strong focus on sustainability and local produce which is reflected in its numerous organic farms, boutique wineries, and microbrewies, meaning there’s ample opportunities for farm-to-table, locavore dining experiences. And if you want to live somewhere with pop-up street vendors and outdoor markets galore, then Victoria is the place for you.
However, perhaps it is seafood that Victoria is most famous for. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and surrounded by water, the region is famous for its Pacific salmon and shellfish. In fact, five varieties of salmon can be found here; King, Sockeye, Silver, Pink, and Chum. Dungeness crab is also caught along the British Columbia coast and is available year-round. What’s not to love?
Read: 5 travel tips for Canada first timers
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Speaking of shellfish and salmon, Halifax in Nova Scotia is an ideal destination for those seafood enthusiasts looking to relocate. Almost entirely surrounded by the sea, Halifax boasts a thriving seafood industry that contributes significantly to its economy. In fact, Nova Scotia is Canada’s number one exporter, with over 50 species of fish and seafood being exported to nearly 80 countries worldwide. Oh, and 35% of Canada’s shellfish comes from here, with the city’s historic waterfront lined with eateries serving up the freshest catch, including the famed Nova Scotia lobster.
The city’s natural beauty is another major draw, as residents are never far from the ocean, national parks, and protected wilderness areas. This proximity to the sea ensures access to the freshest seafood, including Sober Island Oysters, Arctic Char, Atlantic Halibut, and various shellfish like clams, scallops, and mussels.
Halifax is also home to the longest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, and the oldest salt-water passenger ferry service, the Halifax Transit Ferry. The city’s strong cultural and economic ties to the fishing industry ensure that seafood lovers will find themselves right at home in this vibrant coastal community.
Ottawa, Ontario
When you think of Ottawa, it might be Beaver Tails – the flat doughnut, stretched to resemble the tail of a Beaver – that probably first comes to mind. However, there is so much more to the city’s culinary landscape than this pastry.
As a bilingual city with both English and French widely spoken, it’s home to the world-famous culinary arts institute, Le Cordon Bleu, meaning that foodies flock here in their droves to learn the difference between between a brunoise and a chiffonade. Every year, students from all over the world, representing more than 100 nationalities, attend the campus. This presence adds a touch of culinary excellence to the city’s dining options. IT should come as no surprise, then, that Ottawa is home to a diverse culinary landscape that reflects its multicultural population.
Foodies will find themselves spoilt for choice in Ottawa, with a wide range of local and global cuisines available. From indulging in those aforementioned famous Beaver Tails and Maple Bacon Donuts to savouring fresh local produce and enjoying the totally unique Moo Shu Ice Cream, there is something for every palate.
The city also boasts a thriving food truck scene and fine dining establishments, offering a perfect balance for culinary enthusiasts. The city’s bustling ByWard Market features a variety of vendors (over 260 in fact) selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally-made delicacies. Additionally, food festivals such as PoutineFest and RibFest showcase Ottawa’s love for indulgent comfort foods. Ottawa’s diverse neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown and Little Italy, further enrich the city’s gastronomic landscape.
Calgary, Alberta
Nestled in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Calgary, Alberta, is a burgeoning culinary destination that’s ripe for food enthusiasts considering a new place to call home. Known for its famous Calgary Stampede, which showcases its rich western heritage, the city is also making a name for itself with its innovative and diverse food scene.
Calgary’s culinary landscape is as varied as its natural surroundings. The city has embraced the farm-to-table movement with open arms, thanks to its proximity to some of Alberta’s best farmland. This connection to local producers means that Calgary’s restaurants often feature seasonal menus packed with the freshest ingredients.
One of the city’s standout features is its love for beef, particularly Alberta beef, known for its high quality due to the province’s strict standards for meat production. Steakhouses in Calgary are a testament to this, offering some of the finest cuts that are sure to delight any carnivore. But it’s not just about the beef; Calgary is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and taprooms offering a wide range of local brews that perfectly complement the hearty local cuisine.
The city’s food scene is also influenced by its multicultural population, which is reflected in the variety of international cuisines available. From authentic Vietnamese pho (in fact, many of the top rated pho restaurants in Calgary use that revered beef in their noodle soups) in the International Avenue district to Italian fine dining in Bridgeland, there’s no shortage of global flavors to explore. The bustling 17th Avenue, known as the Retail & Entertainment District, is lined with chic cafes, trendy restaurants, and eclectic eateries that cater to all tastes and preferences.
Calgary’s culinary innovation is on full display at its many food festivals, such as the Calgary Stampede’s Midway, where adventurous foodies can sample unique and outrageous foods, and the Taste of Calgary, which showcases the city’s diverse food and beverage scene. For those who love to cook at home, the Calgary Farmers’ Market and Crossroads Market offer a treasure trove of local produce, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet foods.
Moreover, Calgary’s emerging food scene is not just about dining out. The city has a growing number of cooking schools and culinary workshops where residents can hone their skills and learn new techniques. This educational aspect fosters a community of passionate food lovers who are always eager to share their knowledge and love for food.
Saint John’s, New Brunswick
Located on the Bay Of Fundy, Saint John in New Brunswick is an ideal destination for those looking to relocate, particularly for food enthusiasts with a penchant for delicious maritime Canadian delicacies.
This charming city boasts a rich culinary scene that celebrates its maritime heritage and seafood lovers will (once again!) be delighted by the abundance of fresh, locally-sourced seafood options, including succulent scallops, mouth-watering lobster rolls, and fresh as-as-you-like oysters. You’ll also find unique vegan ocean-sourced ingredients like fiddleheads and seaweed used in the cuisine here.
Saint John’s City Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in Canada, provides an excellent opportunity to sample local produce and speciality foods.
In addition to its traditional fare, Saint John is home to innovative restaurants like Port City Royal, which put a modern spin on classic dishes. The Queen’s Square Farmers’ Market showcases the city’s ethnic diversity with food stalls offering flavours from Nigeria, Cameroon, Thailand, Mexico, Haiti, and Syria. Microbreweries and craft cider producers further enrich the gastronomic experience, making Saint John a haven for foodies.
With its affordable lifestyle, excellent education system, and universal healthcare, Saint John offers a high quality of life for newcomers. Moreover, New Brunswick jobs for foreign workers are plentiful. Its picturesque coastal location, safe neighbourhoods, and vibrant arts and culture scene make it an attractive place to call home.
Quebec City, Quebec
This Canadian city is deeply influenced by its French-Canadian roots, and Quebec’s thriving food scene has not gone unnoticed in recent years. In fact, Conde Nast Traveler readers last year voted Quebec City as one of the 20 Best Food Cities in the World. This recognition highlights the province’s commitment to preserving its culinary traditions while embracing innovation and diversity in its gastronomic offerings
If you’re a fan of cheese, then you’ll definitely want to call Quebec home. It has nearly a dozen artisan cheesemakers, many of whom are internationally renowned. Moreover, Quebecers love their food, and the city is home to some of Canada’s most famous foods including poutine, Quebec’s signature dish, consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in a rich brown gravy.
As the Food Network highlights “the fact that Quebec is such a culinary hub is no coincidence – the province’s capital is actually home to a world-renowned culinary school, ITHQ (Institut de tourism et d’hôtellerie du Québec)”.
In addition to its unique cuisine, Quebec offers a high quality of life, affordable education, accessible transportation, and a plethora of cultural activities. With its unique blend of European charm and North American modernity, Quebec is an ideal destination for those seeking a fresh start and a vibrant food scene.
Toronto, Ontario
For foodies, Toronto is perfect. Canada’s largest city, it’s often described as a more modern and more manageable version of New York. And as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto’s food scene is nothing short of spectacular.
The city’s diverse neighbourhoods offer a culinary adventure that spans the globe, from the aromatic spices of Little India to the rich flavours of Greektown. You’ll find Caribbean cuisine in Eglinton West, Polish delights in Roncesvalles, and Italian fare in Little Italy and Corso Italia. Foodies can also explore Chinatown and East Chinatown for authentic Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, or Kensington Market for Latin American, Japanese, Turkish, and Mexican flavors. The list goes on…
Toronto’s food scene is not only diverse but also innovative, with unique restaurant concepts like Poop Cafe, Toronto’s first toilet themed bar, and Storm Crow Manor offering unforgettable dining experiences. The city is also home to numerous street food vendors, with popular spots like Gushi Japanese Street Food satisfying cravings on-the-go. Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, a historic landmark, is home to over 120 speciality vendors, providing an incredible array of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
When it comes to neighbourhoods we’re particularly fond of the Ossington Strip in Downtown Toronto, which has become synonymous with a groovy, hipster vibe. Occupied by rows of cute bakeries and cutting-edge bars, the Ossington Strip is fast gaining a name for itself as a hub for great food and even greater drinks.
With 12 different cuisines represented in its top 20 restaurants, Toronto is truly a glorious amalgamation of the world’s flavours and cultures. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or eager to explore new culinary adventures, relocating to Toronto will undoubtedly satisfy your inner foodie.
Oh, and it’s also one of the best cities for vegans in the world, we think!