Winter in Ontario isn't just about frosty landscapes and snowflakes—it's also a feast for the taste buds.
From Toronto to Sudbury, here are the top winter food and drink festivals to warm you from the inside out this snowy season.
Toronto: Winterlicious 2024: January 26 - February 8
Winterlicious isn't just a festival; it's a gastronomic extravaganza for Canadian gourmets. Running over two weeks in late January and early February, foodies can embark on a restaurant crawl, exploring international delights from French and Japanese to Middle Eastern and national Canadian cuisines. With over 200 restaurants participating at all price points, Winterlicious showcases culinary excellence around the GTA. Chefs craft special prix fixe menus, offering three meals at prices that won't break the bank—$23, $28, or $33 for lunch and $33, $43, or $53 for dinner.
Fun Fact: Winterlicious was born in 2003 to bring warmth to Toronto's winter restaurant scene.
Hamilton: Food & Drink Fest: February 16&17
Brought to you by Meat District, the Food & Drink Fest 2024 is the region's most comprehensive food and drink expo, with loads of fun at every turn. Featuring the 'Shaq' Burger and Wings, this festival is a celebration of Ontario VQA and International wines, spirits, craft beers, gourmet local food, specialty coffees, teas, decadent desserts, and unique spices, sauces, and marinades.
Fun Fact: The 'Shaq' Burger got its name from basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal's love for a good burger.
London: Wine & Food Show: January 12&13
The Wine & Food Show in London returns in 2024 with cooking and tasting experiences that festival-goers have missed since January 2020. Approximately 100 exhibitors will showcase the best in beer, wine, spirits, and food samples. Themed lounges, educational seminars, live music, and more await visitors, promising a memorable foodie fest you won’t want to miss.
Fun Fact: The first Wine & Food Show in London dates back to 1979, making it a tradition worth keeping.
Burlington: Winter Beer Festival: March 8&9
The Burlington Winter Beer Festival is back for its 9th year, turning March 8th and 9th into a celebration of beer, community, and perfect pairings. Family and friends come together at The Burlington Holiday Inn and Conference Centre to enjoy progressive craft brewers, local food partners, and a laid-back evening out. Open to those 19 and above, this festival is the perfect to-do on a cold winter night.
Fun Fact: Burlington's craft beer scene is vibrant; this festival is a testament to the region's brewing prowess.
Kitchener: I❤️Beer and Taco Festival: March 8-10
Join the party at the Bingemans Conference Centre for a fun night of beer, cider, spirits, and tacos! With features like Foosball + Pong, board games, classic consoles, and seating for 400+ people, this festival promises a memorable party. With 24 Ontario breweries & distilleries and 14 local food vendors, it's a feast for all the senses.
Fun Fact: The I ❤️Beer and Taco Festival started in Hamilton and has become a favourite in various Ontario cities.
Niagara Falls: Ice Wine Festival: January 12-28
Canada's Ice Wine Festival is an homage to Ontario's liquid gold, the Niagara ice wine. It packs in more than just ice wine; it’s a total culinary and mixology experience with something for everyone. From January 12-28, partake in several events that make up this two-week festival. Attend the Niagara Ice wine Gala, celebrating the finest wines and culinary marvels. Choose from various Grape & Wine events, including self-guided adventures like the Weekend Discovery Pass, the elegant Cool as Ice Gala in Niagara Falls or the Sparkle and Ice Celebration.
Fun Fact: Ice wine, a sweet dessert wine born from grapes naturally frozen on the vine, offers unique and rich flavour profiles from one batch to the next, making every sip decadent and slightly different.
Sudbury: Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink Festival: January 18
Hosted by the Greater Sudbury Hospitality Association, the Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink Festival promises a semi-casual evening with delightful local food and libation samples from over 30 vendors. With DJ entertainment, mingling, raffles, and a cash bar, it's an event not to be missed on January 18th at the Caruso Club.
Fun Fact: Sudbury's culinary scene blends tradition with innovation, offering a taste of local flavours.
Belleville—Poutine Feast: January 9-12
Get ready for the ultimate poutine experience at the upcoming Belleville Poutine Feast, which celebrate Canada’s favourite comfort food. Using classic crispy fries, cheese curds, and gravy to creative twists like loaded Donair poutine or vegan-friendly options, there’s something for everyone.
Fun Fact: The word "poutine" is Quebec slang for "a mess," but this delicious mess has become a beloved Canadian snack known worldwide.
