In his “Complete Guide to Canada,” Vancouver native J.J. McCullough observes that, “In a multi- ethnic, restaurant-heavy country like Canada, it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to define what exactly ‘Canadian food’ is.”
For groups convening in the nation’s larger-than-life western provinces, that’s less of a challenge than an invitation to explore and discover. Whether enjoying sizzling Mexican fare from Edmonton’s acclaimed “Los Tres Carnales” (“three homeboys”) to savoring hors d’oeuvres and sipping cocktails as polar bears swim overhead in Winnipeg, it’s a food fest filled with flavorsome surprises.
ALBERTA
From dynamic dining in Calgary and Edmonton to the Rocky Mountain cuisine of Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta groups have nourishing experiences in store.
“World-renowned for innovative, creative and unique cuisine, Calgary’s thriving culinary scene includes locally sourced ingredients, Alberta beef, Top Chef Canada-winning chefs, fine dining, craft beer pubs, bistros, food trucks and much more,” says Heather Lundy, marketing director for Meetings + Conventions Calgary.
Housed in a heritage home, Rouge Calgary is a fine-dining standout with versatile space for up to 150 guests. Located in Heritage Park, Calgary’s famed living history village from 1964, Big Rock Brewery offers hands-on brewing experiences.
As Michael Sieger, director of sales and marketing for Edmonton Tourism explains, locals’ embrace of good food is a ready benefit for delegates.
“This is a creative, collaborative and entrepreneurship-minded city, and we are fortunate to have so many award-winning chefs call Edmonton home,” Sieger says. “When it comes to spousal programs, pre and post tours and other group activities, Edmonton’s authentic and varied culinary experiences offer a wealth of unique opportunities.”
Along with David Omar of ZINC Restaurant/Zinc Catering, Edmonton’s star chefs include Brad Smoliak of Kitchen by Brad. Another renowned local chef is Gail Hall, who offers cooking classes at Seasoned Solutions with Gail Hall. Groups can also enjoy authentic Mexican fare at Tres Carnales and its sibling Rostizado.
Sustainable and regionally sourced, the cuisine of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains is as uniquely invigorating as the scenery. Options at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise include fondue at The Walliser Stube, fine dining at The Fairview and cocktails at the newly renovated Lakeview Lounge. Banff Ave. Brewing Company is another great group choice.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
After welcoming a record 8.94 million overnight visitors in 2014, Vancouver anticipates a 2.9 percent increase for 2015. With more guests to feed than ever, the city is equal to the task.
“Over the last few years, Vancouver has become a contender on the global stage as an internationally acclaimed culinary destination,” says Dave Gazley, Tourism Vancouver’s vice president of meeting and convention sales. “Thanks to our city’s award-winning and envelope-pushing chefs, bartenders and restaurants, planners can easily find a dining experience to please every delegate’s palate.”
Groups can dine against a backdrop of belugas and dolphins at the recently expanded Vancouver Aquarium, which can host up to 2,400 for receptions, dinners, business breakfasts and more. It’s five-star dining at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where Vancouver-born executive chef Blair Rasmussen has cooked for royalty and world leaders. Thirsty delegates can sample B.C. wines and craft beer at the Settlement Building and experience tastings with Vancouver Brewery Tours and Off the Eaten Track’s Craft Distilling Tour.
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Neighboring Richmond boasts culinary might with 400-plus Asian restaurants, diverse dining in the village of Steveston and Alexandra Road, known as “Food Street.” The B.C. bounty extends to the capital of Victoria on Vancouver Island, where top group choices include the Empress Room at the Fairmont Empress, and Whistler, where Whistler Tasting Tours can customize group programs.
MANITOBA
For the last 14 years running, Winnipeg has been crowned “Slurpee Capital of the World” for its citizens’ avid consumption of the icy treat. Also on the menu of Manitoba’s capital city: tantalizing fare such as golden caviar, pickerel cheeks and grilled bison tenderloin.
“Award-winning chefs, nationally renowned restaurants, contemporary bistros and ethnic eateries make Winnipeg’s food scene delicious, diverse and dynamic,” says Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, senior vice president of Tourism Winnipeg. “More than 1,100 restaurants dot the city’s culinary landscape, serving authentic global dishes, regional favorites and innovative fusion food that defies description.”
Tourism Winnipeg’s culinary tourism blog, Peg City Grub is updated twice weekly with the latest food news, restaurant reviews and chef profiles.
Among the standout choices for groups is a reception at the mesmerizing Journey to Churchill exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo. The “Gateway to the Arctic” section features underwater viewing tunnels known as the Sea Ice Passage. Here, delegates can gather for cocktail receptions as polar bears and seals swim freely overhead.
At event-capable Fort Gibraltar, planners can organize wine, local honey and cheese pairings along with traditional French-Canadian cuisine.
SASKATCHEWAN
Claiming the most restaurants per capita of any Canadian city, sunny Saskatoon exemplifies the diversity of the national cuisine, with authentic Mexican, Burmese, Indian, Thai and Jamaican restaurants among its multiethnic mix. Farm-to-fork is also a focus, with standouts including European-style Truffles, along with Berry Barn on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
The provincial capital of Regina offers unique F&B-related programming such as tours of Last Mountain Distillery and event-capable Bushwakker Brewpub; visits to the Regina Farmers Market; and hands-on harvesting with local farmers.
