Discover delightful culinary adventures to give this Christmas.
When you’re on the hunt for thoughtful experience gift ideas this holiday season, food and drink adventures are among the most heartfelt. They bring people together, create memories over shared plates, and let your loved ones explore some of Canada’s most delicious corners.
Whether you’re surprising a foodie friend or treating a family member who just loves trying new tastes, food- and drink-based experiences offer something truly special, and they’re especially perfect for giving as gifts.
Why Canada Is a Food Lover’s Playground
Canada’s culinary scene is remarkably diverse. From craft breweries in British Columbia to seafood feasts on the Atlantic coast, there’s a rich variety of tastes that reflect the country’s geography and cultures. And food isn’t just about sustenance here; it’s a part of tourism.
According to Statistics Canada, a significant portion of tourism small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate in the food and beverage services industry. Meanwhile, Canada is officially rolling out a National Culinary & Agritourism Action Plan (2025–2028) to boost food tourism across provinces.
This is more than just restaurants: Canada is building culinary trails, supporting farm-to-table dining, and highlighting Indigenous food experiences. That momentum aims to make Canada not just a destination for its natural beauty, but for its world-class food too.
Why Food and Drink Adventures Make Such Great Gifts
You might be wondering, why pick a foodie experience instead of more traditional gifts? Here’s the thing: people crave connection. Culinary travelers tend to also engage more with history, local culture, and other experiences. When you gift a food tour or brewery pass, you're giving someone time to explore, chat, and savor, and not just something to unwrap.
Plus, food tourism in Canada is growing fast. The culinary tourism market in Canada generated USD 483.6 million in 2023, and it’s projected to rise sharply over the next few years. On top of that, food service remains a major part of our tourism economy. So by choosing these experience gifts, you’re also supporting local food businesses.
And let’s not forget the practical side: dining out has become more purposeful. According to a recent Restaurants Canada report, many Canadians are eating out less, but when they do, they want more value. Giving someone a curated food or drink experience feels like getting major value and joy all in one.
A Guide to Canada’s Best Food and Drink Experiences
Here are thirteen unforgettable food and drink experience gift ideas in Canada to consider for everyone on your Christmas list:
#1 Canadian Beer and Cheese Tour - Toronto Distillery District
This tour is a celebration of two Canadian classics: craft beer and artisanal cheese. Visitors explore the historic Distillery District, tasting local brews and expertly paired cheeses. It’s a sensory journey through Toronto’s vibrant food culture.
Best for: Beer and cheese enthusiasts, first-time visitors to Toronto
👉 Book your spot and taste Toronto’s best beer and cheese.
#2 Dark Table Restaurant, Vancouver
Dining in complete darkness heightens your other senses, making every bite a surprising adventure. This experience challenges your perception of taste and textures while offering a unique atmosphere that is both intimate and unforgettable.
Best for: Adventurous diners, romantic experiences
👉 Experience dining in the dark in Vancouver.
#3 Collingwood and Blue Mountain’s Wine, Cider & Beer Tour
This guided tour takes you through scenic Collingwood and Blue Mountain, sampling local wines, ciders, and beers. Along the way, learn about the production process and regional flavors that make Ontario beverages unique.
Best for: Couples, small groups of friends, beverage connoisseurs
👉 Discover local drinks in Collingwood.
#4 Edmonton Savoury and Sweet Strathcona Food Tour
Explore the vibrant Strathcona district on this culinary adventure. From hearty brunches to decadent baked goods, you’ll taste the best of Edmonton while learning about the neighborhood’s history and culture.
Best for: Brunch lovers, food explorers, history enthusiasts
👉 Explore Strathcona’s best eats.
#5 Distillery District Breakfast Tour, Toronto
Enjoy a morning stroll through Toronto’s historic Distillery District while tasting breakfast favorites from local artisans. This tour combines sightseeing with delicious bites, perfect for a relaxed start to the day.
Best for: Morning food lovers, urban explorers
👉 Start your morning adventure.
#6 Eat Like A Canadian Food Tour, Victoria
This tour highlights iconic Canadian dishes and local specialties in Victoria. From poutine to seafood chowder, you’ll enjoy a variety of flavors that showcase Canadian culinary traditions.
Best for: Visitors to Victoria, fans of Canadian classics
#7 Granville Island Food Tour - Vancouver
Granville Island’s public market is a hub of food culture. This tour takes you through artisan stalls and sampling stations, highlighting fresh seafood, baked goods, and other local delights.
Best for: Market lovers, culinary explorers
👉 Explore Granville Island’s flavors.
#8 Halifax Waterfront Food Tour
Walk along Halifax’s waterfront and sample the city’s best seafood and regional dishes. The tour offers insights into Nova Scotia’s culinary heritage and local food producers.
Best for: Seafood lovers, coastal explorers
👉 Enjoy Halifax’s seafood delights.
#9 Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour
Vancouver’s craft beer scene is thriving. This tour lets you taste a variety of locally brewed beers, learn brewing techniques, and discover the stories behind each brewery.
Best for: Beer enthusiasts, casual explorers
👉 Sip craft beers in Vancouver.
#10 Kelowna Guided Wine Tour on an E-Bike with Lunch
Cycle through Kelowna’s picturesque vineyards and enjoy guided tastings with a gourmet lunch. This tour combines physical activity, stunning scenery, and delicious local wines.
Best for: Wine lovers, active travelers, scenic tour enthusiasts
👉 Pedal through Kelowna’s vineyards.
#11 Old Montreal Food Walking Tour
Discover Old Montreal’s culinary gems with a guided walking tour. Sample pastries, cheeses, and local specialties while learning the stories behind the city’s historic architecture.
Best for: History buffs, foodies exploring Montreal
👉 Explore Old Montreal’s culinary history.
#12 Taste of the Continents: International Food Tour, Toronto
Toronto’s multicultural food scene comes alive on this international tour. Sample dishes from various continents and learn about the cultures and chefs that bring these flavors to the city.
Best for: Fans of global cuisine, adventurous eaters
👉 Take a world tour of flavors in Toronto.
#13 St. John's Newfoundland Food Tour
Explore St. John’s colorful streets while sampling local favorites, including fresh seafood, baked goods, and traditional dishes. This tour gives a taste of Newfoundland’s rich culinary heritage.
Best for: Atlantic Canada travelers, seafood and local cuisine lovers
👉 Discover Newfoundland’s tastes.
Final Thoughts
Food and drink adventures make great experience gift ideas because they go beyond “stuff.” You’re giving someone moments: shared laughter, new flavours, and stories they’ll talk about later. In Canada, where culinary tourism is booming, and every region offers something special, these experience gifts are more meaningful than ever.
This Christmas, consider giving something different. Not just a present, but a memory that tastes amazing.
