This blog was developed in partnership with Think Turkey.

Moving to a new country is full of exciting firsts, and food is one of the best places to start. From comforting classics to sweet treats and summer favourites, Canada's kitchens are filled with recipes that bring people together around the table.

This guide introduces some of Canada's long-loved recipes. Along the way, you'll find everything from juicy grilled turkey and flaky butter tarts to the famous Montreal smoked meat sandwich.

Why Food Is One of the Best Ways to Experience Canada

Every region of Canada has its own favourite dishes, shaped by local ingredients, family traditions, and cultures that have come from around the world. Trying traditional Canadian recipes is a fun way to learn about the places and people who make Canada unique.

The best part? Many Canadian recipes are easy to make at home and can be adapted with your own favourite herbs, spices, and ingredients. Before long, you may even have your own version of a Canadian classic.

Canadian Turkey: The Summer Star That's Open to Options

If there's one ingredient that deserves more space on your BBQ, it's Canadian turkey.

Turkey is often associated with holiday dinners, but it's just as delicious during the summer. It's a lean source of protein that's naturally lower in fat and calories, making it a great choice for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard BBQs on the weekend.

With approximately 30 grams of protein in every 100 grams, turkey helps fuel active days, whether you're heading to the park, packing a picnic, or gathering friends for a meal.

Turkey Blog2 Turkey Recipe

Credit: Think Turkey

Turkey Loves Every Flavour

One of the best things about turkey is its versatility. It happily pairs with almost any marinade, seasoning, or sauce, making it easy to create meals inspired by flavours from around the world.

Try grilling turkey with:

Smoky BBQ spices
Maple Dijon glaze
Tandoori seasoning
Jerk spices
Korean-style BBQ sauce
Peri-peri seasoning

It's proof that your grill doesn't have to play favourites.

Recipes Everyone Will Enjoy

Looking for fresh Canadian dinner ideas? Turkey works for almost every occasion.

Try making:

Grilled turkey burgers
Turkey kebabs with colourful vegetables
Turkey lettuce wraps
Turkey sausages on the grill

Whether you're feeding a family, hosting friends, or cooking for one, turkey makes it easy to mix familiar flavours with something new.

Find the full recipes from start to finish on Think Turkey's website.

A Canadian Choice for Summer

Choosing Canadian turkey also supports more than 510 Canadian farming families across the country. So, while you're enjoying a meal fresh off the grill, you're also celebrating an ingredient that's proudly raised here in Canada.

Butter Tarts: Canada's Sweetest Debate

Ask a group of Canadians about butter tarts, and you'll quickly find one important question:

Should they have raisins? (I'm personally pro-raisin.)

No matter which side you're on, Canadian butter tarts are one of the country's most iconic desserts. These flaky pastries hold a rich, buttery centre that's sweet, gooey, and impossible to ignore.

Turkey Blog2 Butter Tart

Credit: David Thielen

Montreal Smoked Meat: A Canadian Sandwich Legend

One bite of a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, and you'll understand why it's considered a Canadian classic. And why it's worth planning a trip to Montreal.

Unlike traditional deli meats, Montreal smoked meat is cured with spices, smoked, steamed until tender, and sliced into generous layers before being piled onto rye bread with mustard.

The result is a sandwich that's simple, satisfying, and packed with flavour.

Turkey Blog2 Sandwich

Credit: Jonathan Pielmayer

More Canadian Foods Worth Adding to Your List

Canada has no shortage of delicious dishes to explore. Here are a few more classics to keep an eye out for:

Poutine combines crispy fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy into one comforting meal.
Nanaimo bars are a no-bake dessert layered with chocolate, creamy filling, and a crumb base.
Tourtière is a savoury meat pie enjoyed by many families, especially during the winter holidays.
Bannock is a bread enjoyed in many Indigenous communities and prepared in a variety of ways.
Split pea soup is a hearty favourite that's perfect for cooler weather.