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Calling all cheese curd and gravy enthusiasts! Poutine, the iconic Canadian dish of French fries, cheese curds, gravy and increasingly other choice ingredients, is celebrated across the country with vibrant and delicious festivals. We have rounded up details of how you can celebrate the Poutine Festival or Festival de la Poutine in Canada below, including the nationwide Poutine Week.
Ottawa PoutineFest
Friday 26 to Sunday 28 April 2024
Launched in 2012, the PoutineFest Ottawa has become a major culinary event in the capital city, located at the City Hall. At the time of writing, 17 vendors are signed up to showcase their unique takes on the classic dish. This includes variants such as smoked salmon poutine, lobster poutine and butter chicken poutine. Live entertainment, craft beers, eating competitions, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities create a lively atmosphere. Free admission.
Ottawa is a vibrant city brimming with cultural attractions, including Parliament Hill, the Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada. Immerse yourself in history, art, and of course, delicious poutine!
Festival de la Poutine de Drummondville
Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 August 2024
This festival poutine boasts a rich history dating back to 2005. Today, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors with over 12 poutine vendors offering classic and creative variations. Live music, entertainment and family-friendly activities (children under 12 are free), outside the Centre Marcel-Dionne, make it a fun-filled experience for everyone.
Drummondville itself is located in the beautiful Centre-du-Québec region, offering stunning scenery and historical sites such as the Village Québécois d’Antan, a living history museum showcasing 19th-century life.
Poutine Festival Montreal
Saturday 1 to Friday 7 February 2025
Now in its 13th appearance, the PoutineFest de Montreal, held annually in February, is part of the world’s largest poutine festival (see below). Dozens of restaurants across Montreal participate, offering special, often weird, poutine creations for the duration of the festival. It’s a true celebration of Montreal’s culinary scene.
Montreal, a dynamic city with a rich European influence, offers a wealth of sights and experiences. Explore the charming cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, or catch a show at the historic Place des Arts.
La Poutine Week, Nationwide
Saturday 1 to Friday 7 February 2025 (probably to be extended until 14 February)
Launched in 2013, La Poutine Week is a national celebration of poutine. Over 700 restaurants across Canada participate, offering special poutine menus and deals to over 325,000 attendees. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the diverse poutine variations offered across the country, from Vancouver in the west to Prince Edward Island in the east, all from the comfort of a local restaurant.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family, and head to a poutine festival near you! Immerse yourself in the deliciously lively atmosphere and celebrate Canada’s iconic dish!
Canada Time Zones
Canada stretches across six time zones from Pacific in the west to Newfoundland in the east, resulting in varying time differences of between two and a half and up to eight hours compared to UTC/GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
