Our favourite recipes for an epic Canada Day celebration

Canada's Ultimate Barbecue-Smoked Ribs

Saucy spice-rubbed ribs are smoked for an added layer of flavour. Look for wood smoking chips, such as apple or hickory, in the barbecue section of the grocery or hardware store. Be sure to check that your chips are food-safe before grilling.

Best Maple Butter Tarts

Make your own delectable custardy tarts instead of buying them. We've subbed in the very Canadian ingredient maple syrup for the more common corn syrup. Plus, we've included variations on the classic, with chocolate and pecans instead of raisins.

Mini Lobster Rolls

Assemble these four-bite lobster rolls right before serving so the bread doesn't get soggy. We like to use mini brioche rolls, but dinner rolls work well, too!

Togarashi Beef Burgers

Up your burger game this Canada Day. The bold flavours of Japanese togarashi, ginger and miso add a trendy twist to the beloved burger.

Frozen Nanaimo Pie

We've turned the classic B.C. bar into an easy three-step pie—all without the need of an oven! Custard powder gives softened ice cream the same taste as the bar's signature creamy filling; pour it over a nutty crust and top with ganache for a minimal-effort dessert that wows.

Spice-Rubbed Barbecue Chicken

Dry rubs are fuss-free, require no chopping and become easy flavour heroes for your protein of choice.

East Coast Donair

True Maritimers know lettuce doesn't really belong on a donair—after all, it's about the spiced meat and sweet, garlicky sauce—but adding this leafy green cuts the richness and provides great crunch.

Butter Tart Ice Cream

Chunks of buttery shortbread and a sweet butterscotch ripple make this ice cream taste just like Canada's favourite tart. If you like raisins or pecans in your butter tarts, swirl a small handful into the ice cream when you add the butterscotch and the cookies.

The Ultimate Poutine

The best part about this classic poutine? The gravy is made using store-bought broth, so you don't have to make your own. With a few added aromatics, it has all the intense, meaty flavour of homemade. If you're really pressed for time, use frozen fries and be done in about 30 minutes.

Canada's Best Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Icing

Our most popular recipe ever! This moist carrot cake is welcome at birthdays, weddings, reunions and all special occasions, including Canada Day!

Rose-Eh Snow Cones

A sweet syrup made from rosé wine and real vanilla turns simple crushed ice into a sophisticated delicacy.

Grilled Corn With Sriracha Aioli

Grilled corn is the ultimate summer side. Brushing the aioli onto the corncobs during grilling allows it to cook. If raw eggs are a concern for you, discard the remaining aioli rather than serving it at the table.

Canadian Maple Raspberry Cake

From sweet maple to zingy ginger to tart raspberries, this cake has it all. It's the perfect indulgence at the end of a big day of celebrating.

Maritime Blueberry Mess

Though the mess (a layered mishmash of meringue, whipped cream and fruit) is a nod to our British heritage, the blueberries and biscuits in this version are inspired by the traditional Acadian grunt. Essentially a stovetop cobbler, this rustic dish was made by some of Canada’s earliest French settlers.

Grilled Maple Mustard Short Ribs

We've given Korean short ribs a Canadian touch by marinating them in a sweet, tangy blend of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon. Korean-style ribs are sliced super thin, so they soak up the flavours and cook in minutes.

Naked Canadian Maple Fudge Cake

We love the versatility of this cake: Make it a trendy naked cake and have extra icing for creating cake pops, or go to town and generously cover each layer with fudgy maple icing.

Butter Tart Ice Pops

We've turned what is perhaps the most iconic Canadian dessert of all time, the butter tart, into an ice pop that'll be your new favourite go-to ice pop this summer. 

Spiced Grilled Maple Lime Chicken

Marinating the chicken in a spiced buttermilk keeps it moist and tender. We love this marinade for juicy chicken thighs and thick pork chops.

Red and White Summer Sangria

Our national colours blend together in this refreshing sangria.

Nanaimo Bar Éclairs

Even in Nanaimo, B.C., the origin of the Nanaimo bar is contested. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that Canadians love this triple-layered treat. Over the years, creative Canucks have used the traditional elements of this dessert in Nanaimo bar–flavoured martinis, cupcakes and more. We've married it here with an éclair to create an especially rich pastry.

Maple Whisky Lemonade

Break out your best barware for our refined take on hard lemonade.

Kale and Fennel Salad With Lemon Dill Dressing

You need at least one salad at your Canada Day bash. This refreshing salad can be made with your favourite type of salad greens, if you prefer to substitute the baby kale; mixed baby greens, arugula and torn red or green leaf lettuce are all great options. Don't like dill? The licorice-like flavour of tarragon complements the fennel.