Unique food and drink experiences

Choose from 17 lovely orchards across the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve to gather fruits and nuts— following in the footsteps of the early European settlers dating back to the 1830s. Scattered across the southern Gulf Islands, many of these orchards connect us back to the original settlers where their farming practices linked into the local economy. On North Pender Island, explore the lush Roesland Orchard, planted in 1910 by Scottish immigrant Robert Roe Sr. Discover the Mahoi Orchard on Russell Island and taste the sweet apples and cherries from the garden of Hawaiian settlers, William Haumea, Maria Mahoi and the Fisher family. In late spring, witness the blooming of fruit trees, and enjoy the fragrance and burst of colour in the orchard. Visit in late summer/early fall and take part in harvest season! Follow the rules of considerate and sustainable harvesting and enjoy the taste of sweet heritage fruit!

Take part in a culinary workshop surrounded by Canada’s oldest collection of stone fur trade buildings, where trappers and traders of the Hudson’s Bay Company once gathered in the 1850s.

Learn to make tasty bannock bread, and discover the art of grinding grain by the quern— a stone hand mill to make flour. Then, as your bannock cooks, try your hand at churning butter!

Did you know that the everyday life of a nineteenth-century soldier included alcohol? From persuading the enlistment of new recruits, to fortifying one’s bravery in the field, alcohol was the high-point for many soldiers. Go behind-the-scenes at the citadel with a kilted 78th Highlander and Raise your Spirits as you savour three unique spirits created by the award-winning Compass Distillers; the Noon Gun Gin, Granite & Grain Whiskey, and Daily Ration Rum, all aged in oak barrels and stored on-site at the citadel and paired with delicious artisanal cheeses on this tour.

Get a taste of history in the cheery atmosphere of La Taverne Storehouse with tasty tavern fare such as charcuterie boards and delicious local beer and cider, each brewed with a special connection to the fortress in mind. Step back in time as “residents” of the 18th century town complete with period costumes serve you as you sit in historically accurate carved wood furniture and stone architecture.

Your visit won’t be complete without a sample of Fortress™ Rum which is aged at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site! Did you know that rum was the most popular drink in this 18th century town? Learn more about the fascinating history of this strong spirit at the Rum Exhibit. You can even see original bottles that were excavated from the site!

The Storehouse Tavern also hosts weekly local musicians! Visit the Fortress Louisbourg Association for up-to-date details on musical guests, featured food and drink, and special programs and events.

In 1606, Samuel de Champlain started the 'Order of Good Cheer’ social club at the Habitation, the site of the first attempt at a permanent European settlement in the New World. Stop off at Port-Royal and pick up a Taste of Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail Passport and start your spirited tribute to de Champlain’s love of food and wine and tour Canada’s first winery, craft brewery, cidery and distillery trail, that celebrates a long tradition of hospitality and pride for the bounty of Nova Scotia.

Explore a variety of unique dining experiences that will enhance your experience as you travel back in time. Choose from the following:

• Savour meals inspired by 18th century French cuisine and local Cape Breton Island ingredients at the Grandchamp House as you enjoy an etiquette lesson from servers in period costume!
• Visit the Hotel de la Marine for a quick take-away menu featuring delicious sandwiches, fresh salads and sides.
• French-inspired L’Epée Royale café serves up specialty coffee, French pastries, and local Cape Breton sweets, and makes for the perfect location to re-charge your body and electronic devices before venturing out to explore more of the site.
• Discover a traditional 18th century bread-making process at the King’s Bakery, and savour delicious aromas and flavours of bread inspired by soldier, middle-class and upper-class recipes.

Climb aboard a voyageur canoe for a tour of the Mersey River. Slow down to the flow of the river as you dip your paddle into serene waters, hearing the interesting natural and cultural tales told by your knowledgeable guides. Get excited for a humorous story or two as you are served a delicious treat and refreshing Mersey Tea on this exquisite evening experience. History tastes so good.

Ride into history on a wagon pulled by the majestic Percheron horses to discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s at the Bar U Ranch.

Visit the "belly of the Bar U”, where cowboys ate, slept and relaxed, and sample wood-fired baked goods. Don’t forget to visit the nearby garden, storehouses and the root cellar and explore how food was produced and preserved before modern-day refrigeration. Then, sip on cowboy coffee at the Roundup Camp and hear tales about legends and life on the range as the smoke from the campfire curls lazily into the air. This is a true Alberta Experience!

Experience the beauty of Métis culture, a diverse group of Indigenous peoples. Learn about the fur trade and fur trapping, try finger weaving, move your feet with Métis dancers in your very own jigging lesson or even meet with a Métis Elder. Discover the delicious staple of Indigenous culinary culture: fluffy, open fire-cooked, bannock bread! Dive into this chewy and moist bread made especially delectable topped with local jams. Don’t miss this immersive cultural experience!

A sweet tooth didn’t just go away when rationing came into play! During World War II (WWII), many countries enforced food rationing to ensure everyone had enough to eat. On the home front, surviving the food ration period meant focusing on local ingredients and required teamwork and creativity; waste was not an option! At Fort Rodd Hill, off-duty soldiers, waiting to be shipped overseas, gathered at the Canteen for a bit of social time and to indulge in allowable treats. Inspired by common ingredients and historic recipes from the ration periods, treat yourself to Heritage Ice Cream and Soda; which flavours will you choose: Chocolate Ration Cake, Apple Cider Oatmeal, or Eat Your Invasive Blackberries?

Because everything tastes better when you eat it outside! Enjoy Parks Canada’s twist on take-out and let nature design your dining space with the perfect picnic; a pick-up-and-go lunch for two, packaged in a Parks Canada picnic box provided by local businesses. it's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Place your order with the restaurant
2. Pick up your lunch
3. Find your perfect picnic place and enjoy!

Heritage gourmet recipes
Bring the charm of Canada's national historic sites and the best of heritage cooking into your home with over 60 recipes to choose from.

Historic recipes from Woodside National Historic Site
Learn about cooking in the 1890s with seasonal recipes, historic jams and preserves.