If you’ve driven across Canada, either west bound or east, you’ll say the same thing…are we ever going to get out of Ontario?? Having family in North Bay, I always thought that’s as far north as I want to go…until I worked and stayed in the Thunder Bay area a few times. Yes, the winters are not for the faint of heart, but the summers are absolutely spectacular!
Driving up the east side of northern Ontario close to the Quebec border, you’ll find communities rich in their culinary culture:
North Bay
North Bay has you covered so you can spend time in their lovely city while appreciating the food, festivals and delights of the area. They offer a fall and winter prix-fixe experience, a pop-up picnic in the summer and a list of local breweries and bistros. Taste The Bay – Tourism North Bay
Sudbury
According to https://threebestrated.ca/food-trucks-in-sudbury-on you’ll want to try one of the three best food trucks in Sudbury. All three specialize in the traditional food truck fare of burgers and fries taking on some funky twists: Miss Maple Fries’ Janis Joplin Burger, a Thunder Crunch Chicken Burger from The Food Truck Sudbury, or even The Campsite‘s Widowmaker. You’ll not be hungry for a long time after, guaranteed!
Timmins
A farm producing food for the restaurant, food truck and bakery gives farm to table the freshest meaning. Cooking up scrumptious bites like strawberry-bacon melt sandwiches, Tom’s Firetruck panini, or celebration cakes, Radical Gardens wants you to appreciate their homegrown food and smiles. The menu changes as the seasons change…this speaks volumes about their fresh take on the food they serve. https://radicalgardens.com/
Kapuskasing
The Nadeau family invites you into their cheesy world and will be more than happy to tell you about the magnificent cheeses made right on their premises by providing tours and free samples. Their artisanal fromages are made using single-sourced and local whole milk from cows, sheep and goats. You’ll want to try their various Chevre choices, iconic cheese curds, and “The Kapuskasing”, an aged cheese having a buttery, creamy flavour with the center lined with vegetable ash. Available at specialty stores near you…or can be shipped via Canada Post right to your door. Get your fondue pots ready! https://en.fromageriekapuskoise.com/
Sault Ste Marie
Join a walking tour of Sault Ste. Marie with Blaq Bear Culinary Adventures. Learn about the history and cultural effects in the many stops along Queen Street and the boardwalk of downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Enjoy tasty bites from farms and cultures that have influenced this city’s food scene.
Mackenzie
East from Thunder Bay, you’ll want to take Lakeshore Drive to Liisa Karkkainen’s famous fish shop where she not only serves up many varieties of local fish but showcases her Finnish culture. Try some smoked trout or pickerel burgers and then head over to the Gift Shop and pick up some Boreal Birch Syrup and a Lapland hat!
Thunder Bay
In Thunder Bay, take a stroll to St. Paul Roastery for your morning cup of java. Try their Huehuetenango medium roast coffee or Gunpowder Green tea. Then stock up on freshly ground coffee and a sweet treat to take along with you on your travels.
Then before getting back on the highway, stop in at the Red Lion Smokehouse for the best smoked food in Thunder Bay! Join chef John Murray as he serves up British pub food with a twist of smoke. I love ribs – try their beef ribs rubbed with their House Spice & Dry Smoked for 15 hours topped with BBQ sauce and served with coleslaw, chips & aioli. And wash it all down with a bottle of vintage ale – now that’s lunch!
Kenora
While enjoying a leisurely boat ride around The Lake of the Woods, try the boat’s brunch, galley lunch or dinner with the captain – your walleye never tasted so fresh! All senses will be piqued as you enjoy the beautiful landscape while tasting the best of local fare. https://www.mskenora.com/ Feast for the eyes and tummy!
Who would know the Northern Ontario region better than outdoorsman Gord Pryzer. The fishing editor of Outdoor Canada magazine provides us with a Mediterranean Walleye Supreme with Avocado & Grapefruit Salad recipe – make it yourself in our Recipe section.
https://www.outdoorcanada.ca/gords-mediterranean-walleye-supreme/
Want to know how to filet a fresh fish? Gord has had a lot of experience with fish and will guide you through it:
Stratton
Skirting the Canada/US border, visit https://manitoumounds.com/, not only for the cultural experience in the visitor’s center but to eat in their dining room. The authentic Anishinaabe menu includes a variety of traditional wild rice dishes, Bannock and frybread served with butter and jam, as well as walleye in a special batter.
Marathon
And speaking of wild rice…head to just east of Marathon to immerse yourself in the techniques of harvesting wild rice traditionally and in a contemporary setting. The Nishnaabe traditions and culture will be explored along with an appreciation for rice harvesting at https://www.wildriceexperience.com/
Since we’re talking about Northern Ontario, I thought this book was timely and provides insight into the food security issue among indigenous peoples. A Land Not Forgotten: Indigenous Food Security and Land-Based Practices in Northern Ontario explores the sometimes less understood historical influences on hunting, fishing, gathering of foods that not only sustain the indigenous communities but speak to their connection with the land, sea and air. To purchase a copy, check out https://uofmpress.ca/books/detail/a-land-not-forgotten
Contents and images used with permission by Destination Northern Ontario, Outdoor Canada Magazine and University of Manitoba Press. Destination Northern Ontario – Building A Strong Tourism Industry In The North