Published on
February 9, 2026
Toronto, alongside Winnipeg, Quebec City, Victoria, Charlottetown, St. John’s, and other cities, ranks among Canada’s top poutine hotspots for 2026. These cities stand out for offering delicious, affordable poutine with high ratings and easy access, making them must-visit destinations for food lovers.
Poutine, Canada’s iconic comfort food, is not just a dish—it’s a national treasure. Consisting of crispy fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and smothered in savory gravy, it embodies the soul of Canadian cuisine. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, finding the best poutine in Canada is a culinary journey that every foodie should embark on.
Recent research by Spin Casino, using TripAdvisor reviews, restaurant ratings, and city accessibility data, has revealed the best cities across Canada to savor this quintessential dish. After analyzing multiple cities based on factors like the number of poutine-serving restaurants, the proportion of top-rated establishments, the cost of poutine, and even taxi fares, Winnipeg has emerged as the ultimate poutine destination in the country.
Winnipeg: The Poutine Capital of Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba, has claimed the top spot as the best city for poutine lovers. The city boasts the most affordable poutine options at local restaurants, with an average cost of just CAD 21.25 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. Additionally, the city is home to 121 poutine-serving establishments, many of which receive high marks on TripAdvisor, earning it a final score of 365.19. The combination of affordability and excellent ratings makes Winnipeg the go-to place for anyone looking to indulge in poutine.
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Toronto: A Close Contender
Toronto, Ontario, takes the second spot, though it narrowly missed out on the top position. Known for having the highest number of poutine-serving restaurants in the country—107 in total—Toronto is a haven for poutine fans. Despite this, the quality of the restaurants, with only 33 receiving four stars or above on TripAdvisor, kept it from claiming the top spot. Toronto’s average cost for poutine at an inexpensive restaurant is CAD 25, and with a final score of 364.43, it remains a top choice for poutine lovers.
Quebec City: A Taste of Tradition
Quebec City, the birthplace of poutine, ranks third. It is no surprise that this city, rich in poutine history, offers some of the best renditions of the dish. With 123 restaurants serving poutine and the highest number of top-rated poutine spots (68 receiving 4 stars or above), Quebec City is a true poutine paradise. The average cost of poutine here is CAD 23, and with its final score of 343.14, it proves that some of the best poutine comes from its place of origin.
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Halifax and Charlottetown: Maritime Delights
The fourth and fifth spots go to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Halifax, with 88 restaurants offering poutine, has a reasonable average cost of CAD 25 per meal. The city scores highly in the accessibility department, with a low taxi fare of CAD 1.75 per kilometer, making it a convenient choice for those craving a quick poutine fix. Charlottetown, a smaller city with 102 poutine-serving restaurants, offers a similar experience, with an average meal cost of CAD 21 and a final score of 323.64.
Other Notable Poutine Cities Across Canada
While Winnipeg, Toronto, Quebec City, Halifax, and Charlottetown lead the pack, there are other cities across Canada that offer great poutine options. Edmonton, Alberta, with 99 poutine spots, ranks sixth, followed by Victoria, British Columbia, and Regina, Saskatchewan, which also feature a number of top-rated poutine restaurants.
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Poutine Hotspots Breakdown
Here’s a look at the rankings of Canada’s top poutine cities:
| Rank | Location | TripAdvisor Poutine Restaurants | Number of 4+ Restaurants Selling Poutine | Avg Cost – Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant (CAD) | Soft Drink (CAD) | Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) (CAD) | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winnipeg, Manitoba | 26 | 121 | 21.25 | 3.02 | 1.9 | 365.19 |
| 2 | Toronto, Ontario | 107 | 33 | 25 | 2.85 | 1.75 | 364.43 |
| 3 | Quebec City, Quebec | 68 | 123 | 23 | 2.62 | 4.1 | 343.14 |
| 4 | Halifax, Nova Scotia | 25 | 88 | 25 | 3.15 | 1.75 | 324.01 |
| 5 | Charlottetown, PEI | 11 | 102 | 21 | 2.32 | 3 | 323.64 |
| 6 | Edmonton, Alberta | 21 | 99 | 24.5 | 2.9 | 2.42 | 318.09 |
| 7 | Victoria, British Columbia | 32 | 77 | 25 | 3.18 | 1.96 | 313.44 |
| 8 | Regina, Saskatchewan | 7 | 88 | 30 | 3.35 | 1.1 | 304.62 |
| 9 | Fredericton, New Brunswick | 8 | 83 | 20 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 300.43 |
| 10 | St. John’s, Newfoundland | 10 | 70 | 25 | 2.94 | 2.5 | 277.33 |
| 11 | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories | 1 | 13 | 27.5 | 3.33 | 2 | 214.83 |
| 12 | Iqaluit, Nunavut | 1 | 6 | 43 | 5.3 | 1 | 123.33 |
| 13 | Whitehorse, Yukon | 1 | 50 | 3.33 | 4 | 50 | – |
Poutine’s Popularity in Canada
Poutine is more than just a food trend in Canada—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Originating in Quebec during the 1950s, the dish quickly became a staple across the country, and now, it’s celebrated as one of the most beloved comfort foods in Canada. A recent survey found that over 80% of Canadians would choose poutine over other comfort foods, such as miso soup and hash browns.
For international visitors, sampling poutine is a must when exploring Canadian cities. From the affordability and high ratings in Winnipeg to the historic charm of Quebec City, there’s no shortage of great poutine spots to try across the country.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish Across Canada
Whether you’re in the heart of Winnipeg or the picturesque streets of Quebec City, there’s a poutine hotspot waiting for you. With its rich history, savory taste, and the diverse cities serving it up, poutine continues to be one of Canada’s ultimate comfort foods. So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, these cities are the perfect places to indulge in this iconic Canadian dish.
