10 Ways to Indulge in Patriotic Fare this Canada Day

By Sonu Purhar

On July 1, celebrations commence nationwide for Canada’s birthday–and as with any major festivity, one of the best parts is the food! Whether your pleasure lies in red-and-white waffles, maple-and-bacon cupcakes or locally sourced salmon, we’ve rounded up 10 venues across the Lower Mainland dishing up patriotic fare this Canada Day. Bon appetit!

Lobster Cookout on Granville Island

Granville Island, Vancouver

Live entertainment, family-friendly activities and tons of food will greet visitors to Granville Island on July 1. The Lobster Man is hosting its annual lobster cook-out, complete with corn-on-the-cob–an indulgent combo that sells out every year (so arrive early!). At Lee’s Donuts, you’ll find a themed Canada Day donut; and, at Liberty Distillery, you can show your patriotism by ordering a specialty Caesar. If you still have room for more, browse the artisan market and nibble on homemade local fare. It’s a food free-for-all!

Salmon Barbecue in Steveston Village

Steveston Village in Richmond

Presented by Vancouver International Airport, the annual Steveston Salmon Festival is best known for its massive barbecue, sizzling up 1,200 pounds of wild sockeye salmon filets served with salad, bun and drink. There are plenty of non-culinary amusements to keep you occupied between meals, including a parade, fireworks show, marketplace and hockey zone.

Very Canadian Cupcakes

Metrotown at 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby

This retro eatery is an Instagram favourite thanks to whimsical cupcakes that are almost too pretty to eat (almost). On Canada’s birthday, the Metrotown shop will offer two patriotic desserts: the “Maple Eh”, a vanilla cupcake with maple buttercream topped by maple leaf fondant; and the “Oh Canada”, a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting and white sprinkles, finished off with a Canada flag. There will also be a selection of cookies decked out as moose, Canadian shirts and maple leaves (perfect for Canada Day goodie bags!).

Beaver Tails on Grouse Mountain

6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Don your finest red-and-white attire and head to Grouse Mountain, which offers a full range of spine-tickling activities to accompany authentically Canadian fare (we dare you to hop atop a gondola on the Super Skyride adventure!). After your mountaintop feats, reward yourself with BeaverTails (fried pastries shaped into their namesake) or classic poutine, then head to the beer garden and sip on ice-cold Molson Canadian beer while grooving to live music.

Poutine, Canadian Tunes and Canadian Craft Beer

1515 Johnson Road, White Rock

On July 1, the popular 3 Dogs brewpub will serve a nationally-inspired poutine hot dog to accompany its rotating roster of beers and ciders. Entertainment includes a Canadian singer covering classic Canadian tunes.

Red and White Chicken & Waffles at C Market

111-100 Schoolhouse Street, Coquitlam

Decked out in your flashiest red and white for Canada Day? Your attire will perfectly match C Market Coffee’s red velvet chicken waffles, a savoury concoction marrying scarlet-hued spicy chicken with whipped Parmesan mousse and maple bacon. If you prefer your festive fare on the sweeter side, treat your taste buds to the maple bacon-flavoured “Oh Canada” cupcake.

Canada Day Food Trucks in Surrey

176 Street and 64 Avenue, Surrey

Surrey’s Canada Day celebrations run the gamut from amusement park rides to performances by national legends like Our Lady Peace and Bif Naked–but we’re most interested in the food trucks! Two dozen will park onsite, fuelling attendees with an array of cuisines sure to appease all appetites. So go ahead and take your pick of ooey-gooey mac-and-cheese, cheesy poutine, veggie delights, authentic bannock or whatever else your taste buds desire!

Gourmet Picnic Supplies from Well Seasoned

117-20353 64 Avenue, Langley

Though Well Seasoned is closed on Canada Day, the gourmet food shop is helping revelers prep for al fresco dining all weekend long with comprehensive picnic-to-go packages. In addition to classic cheese and charcuterie, flavourful pesto shrimp on orzo, and fresh baguette with garlic butter, among other culinary delights, the handy packages include compostable plates, cutlery, napkins and an ice pack.

Montreal Smoked Meat in Langley City

5932 200 Street, Langley City

Famed for its melt-in-your-mouth Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, Estrella’s is the perfect Canada Day pit stop for West Coasters seeking traditional East Coast fare. Opt for the classic, or try the Reuben – regardless, you’ll be treated to juicy beef brisket on light rye with healthy dollops of mustard. Consider it Canadian culinary perfection.

Rocky Point Ice Cream

Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Moody

End your Canada Day with a sweet treat at Rocky Point Ice Cream, whose tantalizing array of flavours might make it hard to choose. Of course, you could stay true to theme and opt for maple bacon ice cream, infused with real Canadian maple syrup and Fraser Valley candied bacon; or the newly introduced Canada Day Birthday Cake, crafted with birthday cake mix and adorned by red-and-white sprinkles. Happy Canada Day!