There's something almost ceremonial about eating a BeaverTail in Ottawa.
Whether you're lining up along the Rideau Canal Skateway in January, wandering through Winterlude, or just craving something warm and sweet on a cold March afternoon, the flat, golden-fried pastry stretched to resemble a beaver's tail has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Canada's capital.
A Made-in-Ottawa Original
BeaverTails got their start right here in Ottawa, when Grant and Pam Hooker began selling the family recipe at the Byward Market in 1978. What started as a small booth has since grown into a beloved Canadian brand with locations across the country and internationally, but the roots remain firmly planted in Ottawa.
The pastry itself is made from whole wheat dough, fried fresh to order, then topped with a rotating menu of sweet and savoury combinations. The classics never disappoint: the original cinnamon-sugar, the fan-favourite Killaloe Sunrise (lemon and sugar), and the indulgent Triple Trip (chocolate hazelnut, peanut butter, and Reese's Pieces). Seasonal and limited-edition offerings keep regulars coming back throughout the year.
Why They Hit Different in Ottawa
Part of what makes BeaverTails so special in the capital is the setting. There's simply nothing quite like biting into a warm, crispy BeaverTail while watching skaters glide by on the Rideau Canal, the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink. During Winterlude, the lineups can stretch long, but somehow that only adds to the experience.
Ottawa Tourism recently spotlighted the treat on Instagram, inviting followers to tag someone they'd love to share a BeaverTail with. The response? Hundreds of locals and visitors alike jumping at the chance to nominate friends, partners, and family members for a sugar-dusted session at the nearest BeaverTails stand.
Where to Find Them
BeaverTails operates multiple locations across Ottawa, including spots in the ByWard Market, along the Rideau Canal, and near major tourist corridors. Many locations are seasonal, ramping up during winter festivals and busy summer months. Check the BeaverTails website or app for current hours and nearest locations.
For visitors experiencing Ottawa for the first time, grabbing a BeaverTail is practically mandatory. It's one of those genuinely local experiences that's difficult to replicate anywhere else, made fresh, served hot, and eaten outdoors in one of Canada's most beautiful cities.
The Bottom Line
BeaverTails aren't just food. They're a bit of Ottawa's identity, a thread connecting the city's past to its present. Whether you're a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, they're worth every cent, and every calorie.
Source: @ottawatourism on Instagram
