Culinary Delights – Historic Places Days 2024

Whether you want to pick fruit or simply enjoy the blooming of fruit trees and enjoy the fragrance and burst of colour in the orchard, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is the place for you! These heritage fruits go back as far as some of the original settlers in the area in the 1830s. Find out more history about the area through the connections to these delicious treats. 

Soldiers and civilians all experienced changes to their diet during World War Two. While soldiers were given hearty military food, civilians could still eat whatever they wanted, but were limited by “rationing”. Not being able to get certain ingredients made some recipes hard to make but the folks at Fort Rodd Hill have got you covered! Drop by to try some of their Heritage Ice Cream. Which flavours will you choose: Chocolate Ration Cake, Apple Cider Oatmeal, or Eat Your Invasive Blackberries? 

No visit to the Bar U Ranch is complete without a visit to the Roundup Camp. Cowboys were often away from the ranch for months at a time and food and drink helped them survive the rugged land. You may be surprised to hear what fuelled the cowboy- coffee! Just like you, cowboys depended on coffee to keep them alert and awake. Drop by the Roundup Camp, sit around the campfire and listen to historical interpreters tell the tales of ranching in the Canadian west. 

Enjoy a “Métis Welcome” when you attend this program dealing with the culture and traditions of the Métis people. Your experience will be made all the more delicious with some open fire-cooked Bannock topped with local jams!

Is there a fur-trade food more iconic than “Bannock”? This simple frybread was a staple for the fur traders across the country that was made from just a few simple ingredients and was easy to make, even in the most remote parts of the wilderness. Drop by and make some tasty Bannock yourself, from grinding the grain for flour to churning cream for the butter. One of the tastiest demonstrations you’ll ever attend! 

Louisbourg National Historic Site has something for everyone when it comes to culinary delights! Many things available to the original inhabitants of this 18th Century town will be on the menu for curious visitors. From simple fare at the café or bakery to hearty food at Grandchamp House, you’ll be served by staff and volunteers in period historic dress! 

One of the daily aspects in the life of a soldier included alcohol, and this is certainly evident at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Be prepared to be amazed at what’s on offer as you get the opportunity to sample three types of spirits, served to you by a 78th Highlander. Find your favourite- the Noon Gun Gin, Granite & Grain Whiskey, or Daily Ration Rum, all aged in oak barrels and stored on-site at the citadel and paired with delicious artisanal cheeses on this tour. 

Travel down the Mersey River and soak up all the natural and cultural treasures the park has to offer. Led by your guide, you’ll trip will include a tasty treat and a cup of Mersey Tea on this amazing evening adventure.