Go Nuts for Doughnuts in the Doughnut Capital of the World
Canada is known for many great things – beautiful scenery, hockey, having the world’s largest proportion of freshwater lakes – but one of its most delicious accolades is being hailed as the Doughnut Capital of the World. With more doughnut shops per capita than anywhere else around the globe, this claim to fame is very well earned, and is definitely worth celebrating on National Doughnut Day, which falls on the first Friday in June. Across the country, thousands upon thousands of shops are serving up these delicious treats daily, and with unique twists on this old classic, no two doughnuts (or shops for that matter!) are ever quite the same. The best solution? Try them all!
The Donut Mill — Red Deer, AB
Red Deer, Alberta’s The Donut Mill is celebrating its 27th year in business, having first opened its doors in the spring of 1994. With rotating monthly features (past flavours include S’More and Banana Cream Pie), unique flavours like Chocolate Venetian and Apple Pie, and beloved classics like Honey Dip and Old Fashion Glaze on the menu, no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here. Looking for a little taste of a few different flavours? Try the mill bites!
Darkside Donuts — Saskatoon, SK
A monthly menu box, donut letters to really personalize your snacks, and big number donuts to celebrate any birthday milestone are just a few of the unique ways that this beloved Saskatoon doughnut shop sets itself apart. Conveniently located just a few minutes from the downtown, Darkside Donuts is a perfect place to treat yourself to a little something, but if you’re not close by, not to worry – their website features a Donut Cam, which will make you feel like you’re right in the shop!
Oh Doughnuts — Winnipeg, MB
A commitment to both mouth-watering treats and sustainability is what you’ll find at Winnipeg’s delightful Oh Doughnuts shop. Whenever possible, ingredients are sourced locally from within Manitoba, and all containers are made to be completely recyclable or compostable, ensuring that waste is minimized. In addition to classic favourites like Boston Creams and Vanilla with Sprinkles, creativity was the name of the game when the team was dreaming up doughnut flavours like Chicago Mix, Yam and Everything Bagel.
The Sunshine Doughnut Co. — Burlington, ON
Ideally situated just a hop, skip and jump from Burlington’s beautiful waterfront at Spencer Smith Park, The Sunshine Doughnut Co. continues to delight guests with unique feature delectable creations like the Cookie Monster, Banana Peanut Butter Pie and Blood Orange Mimosa doughnuts. Grab a doughnut and a coffee and head down to the waterfront to enjoy your treat. Not sure where to find the shop? Don’t worry – you can’t miss the giant pink doughnut that shines like a beacon above the building.
Trou de Beigne — Montreal, QC
These hand-rolled, fried and glazed delicacies are made daily, ensuring that every customer gets the best of the best to satisfy their need for a doughnut. Arguably one of the most famous doughnut shops in Montreal, this distinctive shop serves up unique flavours like Chili Mango and Bourbon Lemonade, but it’s also got you covered with an extra shot of energy in their Espresso doughnut. Catering to all appetites and preferences, Trou de Beigne also offers mini doughnuts (adorably called “Scouts”) and a vegan menu.
Jagger’s Café + Donut Bar — Halifax, NS
You’ll never need to worry about not getting exactly what you’re craving at Jagger’s Café + Donut Bar, where your doughnut daydreams become a reality right before your eyes. Warm, freshly fried doughnuts are topped with your own unique mix of icings, toppings and drizzle – with all of the options on the menu, there are more than 450 mouth-watering combinations available. This cozy café is the youngest on this list, having just opened in 2020, but with these offerings, it’s safe to say they’ll be around for the long haul.
So, no matter where you are, from Vancouver’s Harmony Donut Shop, to Hamilton’s Donut Monster, to Burchie’s Gourmet Donuts in Newfoundland, Canada is ready to live up to its title of Doughnut Capital of the World and delight your tastebuds. Bon appetit!
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