Northern Ontario’s Culinary Journeys: A Food Lover’s Guide to the North

Northern Ontario offers a diverse and exciting culinary landscape, blending Indigenous traditions, European influences, and a strong farm-to-table movement. The region provides a rich tapestry of tastes, from freshwater fish to artisanal cheeses and craft beverages, making it an ideal destination for food adventurers. Read on to learn more about dining in Ontario’s boreal heartlands.

Superior Country Pie Path: A Sweet Road Trip Along Lake Superior

 

 

 

 

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Embark on the Superior Country Pie Path, a sweet journey along Lake Superior’s North Shore celebrating one of the region’s tastiest traditions, pie! Start in Thunder Bay, home to two beloved spots: Pie.ology, where creativity meets crust, and The Little Pie Shop, known for its classic, heartwarming flavours.

Continue your adventure east to the historic Silver Islet General Store, a charming stop near Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, where visitors can enjoy a slice of their famous four-fruit pie. Then roll into Nipigon for a hearty helping at Ducky’s Diner and finish your trip in Terrace Bay with a slice at the local favourite, Drifters. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just love a good road trip, the Superior Country Pie Path is the perfect way to taste your way across Northwestern Ontario.

Savouring the Seven: A Culinary Journey Through Northeastern Ontario

 

 

 

 

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 Northeastern Ontario, also known as “The Seven” in a nod to its 705 area code (as well as to Toronto’s “The Six”), starts just three hours north of Toronto and is home to three of the region’s largest cities and lots of welcoming towns in between. This journey begins in Timmins, continues through Sudbury, then wraps up in North Bay but it can easily be done in reverse. It’s a trip that balances amazing eats with time well spent in the great outdoors.

Timmins is known the “City with a Heart of Gold”. You’ll “heart” the food here too, including the locally sourced creations of a Feast On® certified gem Radical Gardens and the delectable sandwiches Ciao Sandwich Shop.

Then it’s off to Greater Sudbury, the largest city in Northern Ontario, a scenic three-and-a-half hour drive away. Here you’ll get to experience another a Feast On® certified restaurant, Verdicchio Ristorante Enoteca, where Italian tradition meets Northern Ontario’s terroir, along with vegan treats at Flurple’s and Beards Coffee Bar and Bakery.

Known as the ‘Gateway to the North,’ North Bay is located along the shore of Lake Nipissing. Your culinary adventures here include wining and dining in one of Canada’s top 50 restaurants, Churchill’s Prime Rib House and amazing Northern brews, burgers and so much more in the city’s newest gastropub The Block Public House.

Superior Picnic Path: Scenic Picnic Stops Along Lake Superior

 

 

 

 

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Superior Country’s seven scenic Superior Picnic spots invite you to feast your way along Lake Superior. Your picnic tables are surrounded by the pristine waters and landscapes of Lake Superior, inviting you to enjoy your delicious takeaway picnic from a participating restaurant.

From the Grill Shack’s in Dorion juicy burger, crafted with local beef from nearby Wolf River Farms to delectable baked goods and sandwiches from Lenny Lou’s Bakery and the Clubhouse BLT at your path’s end in Manitouwadge, this is an epic food journey. Along the way you’ll savour Melly Bee’s blueberry goat cheese clucker, Ducky’s diner’s garlic smokie on a bun and much more.

The Grand Algoma Drive: Where Scenic Roads Meet Local Flavours

The Grand Algoma Drive has been rated one of the top weekend rides in Ontario. This scenic loop connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron and allows travellers to experience all the great stuff in between including tasting some of the fresh flavours the region has to offer.

Make your first culinary stop in Johnson Township, in the town of Desbarats, with a visit to IJE`S PLACE. This is a stop like no other in the area offering African, Caribbean and Canadian food, pastries and baked goods.

Once in Wawa, visit the iconic Wawa Goose Monument and visit Young’s General Store for homemade fudge, pickles, or Grammy Mae’s summer sausage. You’ll also want to savour a true taste of Algoma at Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm & Winery for jams, juice, or wine.

Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie is one of Canada’s Top Ten Drives. The coastline of Lake Superior is magnificent with its stunning view of blue-green water, sandy beaches, and rugged cliff faces and mountains. It’s also home to The Voyageurs’ Lodge and the best apple fritters on Lake Superior and freshly caught whitefish at Agawa Fish and Chips.

The city of Sault Ste. Marie is the largest community on the Grand Algoma and is home to craft breweries, farmers’ markets, and restaurants using locally sourced ingredients. “The Soo” is home to many different types of cuisine and world flavours that can be found at its many cafes, restaurants and eateries.

 

Shore-ly Amazing Lunches: A Sunset Country Shore Lunch Experience

A whole other picnic experience is the Canadian shore lunch and there is not likely a better place to partake of this deliciousness than in Ontario’s Sunset Country. Imagine pulling up to the shore after a morning fishing on the water, then you or your guide preparing your freshly caught walleye, with some pan-fried potatoes with a side of beans.

Ontario’s Sunset Country is teeming with lodges and would-be Master Chefs who offer their unique spins on shore lunches. At Ballard's Black Island Resort, your feast will be inspired by Great-Great-Grandpa-Ballard's Recipe, while Lac Seul's Wilderness Resort's “secret” shore lunch recipe involves a few shots of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Over at Smith Camps, the owner’s 5-year-old granddaughter gets involved, sprinkling parmesan cheese over the fillets. Timber Wolf Lodge offers another shore lunch spin with its fish tacos with homemade Baja cream sauce, while J and M Camp serves up walleye croquettes with a spicy dipping sauce.

The list of shore lunch options in Ontario’s Sunset Country goes on and on, from hot walleye dip, walleye chowder to walleye cakes, kabobs and more. With this many choices, you can’t lose.

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