Canada-wild, vast, frigid in parts-is a country offering stunning variety within its borders. Distinct regional cultures and a plethora of dramatic landscapes have together cultivated a unique food experience for its residents and visitors alike. Poutine might be a well-rounded Canadian staple, but the country brims with much more than just this familiar treat. Lindsay Anderson and Dana VanVeller, the foodie minds behind Feast: An Edible Road Trip, share their top picks of Canadian dining establishments worth venturing past the 49th parallel for.

Tucked in the tiny seaside town of Tofino, British Columbia, a relaxed gem of a restaurant sits comfortably near the surfer-friendly waves. Chef Nicholas Nutting’s space boasts a menu heavily inspired by the splendid union of local earth and ocean, introducing dishes like Bamfield seaweed salad and an earthy beef tartare with matsutake mushrooms. wolfinthefog.com

Roberta Olsen, popularly known as Keenawaii, whips up an array of coastal First Nations delights from her home on Haida Gwaii, a largely remote island off the northwest coast of British Columbia. Olsen is known to serve up a veritable smorgasbord of unique and organic ingredients like hand-harvested herring roe on kelp, and wild cranberries. facebook.com

Head north to Dawson City, Yukon, to enjoy a mix of historic gold rush charm and southern-style barbecue at Klondike Kate’s. Among the favourites are caribou sausages kissed by wild blueberries and spruce tip aioli, Artic char tacos, and smoked meats drizzled with birch syrup. klondikekates.ca

Yellowknife's Bullocks’ is a legend among Canadian eateries, a charming wooden shack famous for gigantic servings of fried fish and rugged hospitality. A unique range of meats-muskox, caribou, northern pike and more-make it a haven for meat lovers. facebook.com

RAW/Almond, an annual pop-up dining event takes an unconventional approach to dining, setting up over a frozen river in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Creative chef Mandel Hitzer and Joe Kalturnyk of RAW:Gallery join forces to host a gala of gastronomy under chilly Canadian winter skies. raw-almond.com

Up at Churchill, Manitoba, Gypsy’s restaurant serves an inspired mix of Manitoba and Portuguese specialties, drawing tourists from around the world visiting for the polar bear migration. While the freshly fried apple fritter is a must-try dessert, the local fish and Portuguese-style chicken are also highly recommended. gypsybakery.ca

At Canoe, headed by Chef John Horne, you are served Canadian cuisine in its most unadulterated form. The menu answers the complex question, “What is Canadian food?” with finesse, featuring ingredients from around the country. canoerestaurant.com

Prepare for a culinary adventure with legendary Quebecois chef Martin Picard, known for his whimsical creations at his sugar shack restaurants, celebrating the historic cabane à sucre traditions of Quebec. cabane.aupieddecochon.ca

Featuring the seasonal food of Acadian chef Bryan Picard, this 12-seat restaurant nestled in an old wooden farmhouse on Cape Breton Island, serves exquisite plating of homegrown produce, straight from his backyard garden. thebitehouse.com

Last but not least, Melander Cottage in Quidi Vidi, Newfoundland, is a charming fishing village treasure where renowned chef Todd Perrin serves quintessential local dishes like corn-fried cod cheeks and salted baked turnips. mallardcottage.ca