Food Day Canada

Shine a Light on Canadian Food

What do we do on Saturday, August 5, 2023? We EAT, of course! It’s not just a regular day – it’s Canada’s day to shine, or rather smell, taste and savour the delicious food grown, harvested and prepared in our country.

Every year, on the Saturday of the August long weekend, we celebrate Food Day Canada.

Food Day Canada is a chance for all Canadians to enjoy our food and give thanks to our farmers and fishers, our chefs and researchers, our home cooks and more.  Canadians share their food and their stories with each other while leading other nations in cultural diversity, food ethics, magnificent flavours … and fun!  

Chefs and home cooks across Canada put CANADA on the menu. Everyone joins forces to create Canada’s largest feast from coast to coast to coast showcasing our incredible bounty of local foods.

It is a day to celebrate our farmers, fishermen, chefs, processors, food researchers and everyone involved in growing, preparing and bringing good Canadian food to our tables.

Did you know?

Food Day Canada has a unique Wellington County connection. It was brought to life by Elora’s own Anita Stewart, an accomplished author, researcher, University of Guelph Food Laureate and a member of the Order of Canada who sadly passed away in 2020. Mourned by the food community across the country, chefs, growers and individuals continue to celebrate her enormous contributions to Canadian cuisine. 

How to participate in Food Day Canada

1. Cook your own meal using Canadian ingredients and share your a photo on socials with the hashtag #FoodDayCanada and tag @FoodDayCanada
2. Shop a farm store, farmers' market or local food retailer and share a photo using the hashtag #FoodDayCanada
3. Shine a light on Canadian Cuisine - at 9:00pm on July 30 landmarks across the country are being lit up in red and white. Visit a local landmark, including the Elora Mill and Wellington County Museum and Archives or turn on your flashlights at home to create a wave of light across Canada
4. Take the pledgeto cook, shop and dine like a Canadian 
5. Make a reservation at a local restaurant and celebrate with a local menu: Here are some of Guelph/Wellington's participating locations:

• Borealis Grille and Bar (Guelph)
• Elora Mill (Elora)
• Elora Brewing Company Resto (Elora)
• LaFONTANA (Elora)
• Miijidaa Café + Bistro (Guelph)
• Park Eatery (Guelph)
• Scozia at The Breadalbane Inn (Fergus)
• The Wooly Pub (Guelph)

Join the Party! Add the hashtag #FoodDayCanada to your posts on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram watch the Food Day Canada socials to see how Canada is celebrating this special day.

For more information, see the Food Day Canada website.

 Food Canada Day Events

Watch for new events in 2023!

Elora Dinner Series

Join us in celebrating Canadian Food with Food Day Canada at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa this year! A 4-Night Collaborative Dinner Series featuring local Chefs and Restaurants, celebrating Anita Stewart and Food Day Canada. Embark on a dining experience like no other, connect your taste buds with a meal inspired in seasonality and local products, executed by the restaurant host and the Elora Mill Kitchen Team.

For more info: Food Day Canada in Elora 

GrandWay Events Centre

The event features a food station style layout, allowing vendors to serve locally-grown food. Some of the items up for grabs include beef or vegetarian burgers, salads, a poutine station, kettle chips and ice cream. It's a limited event, with only 200 tickets available. Adults can get in for $30, kids tickets are $15 and children three and under are allowed to attend for free.

For more info: Food Day Canada presented by GRAS

A Circular Detours: Food Day Canada in Elora

This is a unique local food tour that embodies the principles of sustainability, taste, and community. Learn more about circular food economy practices and savour exceptional local food and drink, led by award-winning food experience leader Lynn Broughton. We start the tour at 10:00 am with a visit to the Elora Farmers Market, and make our way through the town sampling food and drink from Elora’s finest establishments. You’ll hear about the connections between sustainable growers and makers on the excursion, and why this particularly matters today. We’ll showcase that which unites us, what makes our region unique, and spotlight the faces behind the flavour.

For more info: A Circular Detour: Food Day Canada in Elora - Taste Detours 

Aberfoyle Farmers Market Dinner Box

Food Day Canada was founded by the late Elora resident and culinary activist, Anita Stewart, as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our local farmers and fishers, chefs and home cooks. Celebrate with us by taking home a locally curated Dinner Box, complete with all of the farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients needed to create a delicious meal! Don't miss out! Place your order by Saturday July 23 at 11:59pm.

For more info: Food Day Canada Farmers' Market Box