6 Must-Try Canadian Winter Treats for Newcomers

Winter in Canada can be a real chill, but it doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom. From festive treats to warm comfort food, there’s a lot to love about the Great White North during the cold months. If you’re new to Canada, here are six cozy winter food and drink items that you absolutely have to try to make the season more enjoyable.

BeaverTails
BeaverTails are a must-try Canadian pastry, especially in the winter. These warm and comforting pastries are shaped like beaver tails and can be topped with a variety of delicious options like cinnamon and sugar, chocolate hazelnut, apple pie filling, brownies, and maple. Whether you’re at Blue Mountain or just taking a stroll, BeaverTails are sure to bring some cold-weather happiness. And if you can’t decide on just one, why not grab two and share the joy?

Butter Tarts
Butter tarts are a Canadian specialty that’s perfect for the winter blues. These sweet-tart pastries are filled with butter, sugar, syrup, and egg, creating a semi-solid filling with a crunchy outer layer. The first documented butter tart recipe dates back to 1900 in Barrie, Ontario, but it’s believed that these tasty treats were created in Québec even earlier. They’re increasingly popular in Ontario, and you can even go on a Butter Tart Tour to learn more about them. Trust us, they taste even better in the winter when you can enjoy a fresh and warm batch.

Maple Taffy
Maple taffy is a quintessential Canadian winter treat made by pouring hot maple syrup onto clean snow, creating a sweet and sticky delight on a stick. Also known as tire d’érable (sugar on snow), this Canadian classic is a must-try during the winter season. You can make it at home after a snowstorm or find it at winter events like The Distillery Winter Village in Toronto. It’s a unique and delicious experience that you won’t want to miss.

Eggnog
Eggnog is a festive beverage that’s perfect for the holiday season in Canada. Whether you buy it from the store or make it at home, eggnog is a cozy and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed cold or warm. Add some alcohol and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to make it even more festive. It’s the perfect drink for those cold winter nights when you want to feel extra jolly.

Tourtière
Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie that’s a hearty and warm meal for the winter. Originating in Quebec, this pie is filled with minced pork, veal, or beef, and potatoes, and it’s a popular dish for special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves make it smell as good as it tastes, making it a perfect winter comfort food.

Poutine
Poutine is a beloved Canadian dish that’s a must-try, especially in the cold weather. Consisting of french fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy, poutine is a comfort food that’s enjoyed across the country. Whether you try it at a local restaurant or a fast-food chain, poutine is a delicious and satisfying treat that’s even better when it’s chilly outside. So, if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?