When people think of Canadian cuisine, sometimes it's hard to get past the stereotypes of crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup — believe it or not, we've even seen the two go hand-in-hand.
We're so fiercely proud of our quirky culinary traditions that even the clichés are whole-heartedly embraced. Still, that doesn't mean we lack imagination, or an endless variety of ingredients. From Montreal's smoked deli meat to Prince Edward Island's world-famous potatoes, Canadians have a huge choice of local foods to experiment with, and they're often available year-round.
But when does food actually become "Canadian"? Being invented here is a start. In the 1950s, Quebecers reportedly invented poutine, though even that has been debated. Sushi pizza on the other hand, which is popular in Toronto, isn't really "Canadian-made" but has become somewhat of a staple for the city's sushi lovers.
Canadian restaurants are also embracing all things local. According to a recent survey from the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the locavore movement is not going away, and is still a top trend to watch out for in 2013.
Other surveys have found that Canadians like to eat healthier and ethnic foods, while trying to balance their love for baked goods and other comfort foods at the same time.
So now that we know what we like to eat, what are the most popular so-called Canadian foods? We've rounded up some of most iconic foods across the country — including those never-to-be-forgotten stereotypical ones. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below.