Favourite hometown bakeries for when you don't have time to make your own treats
The Great Canadian Baking Show bakers from Season 7 share their recommendations
Baking reminds us of home. Shared celebrations, warm homemade bread and making cookies with the little ones.
But we don't always have the time to whip up something delectable. So we asked The Great Canadian Baking Show contestants about their favourite go-to bakeries when life gets a little crazy.
Laval, Quebec
Rainier Maksoud: It's a small family-owned bakery connected to a fruit store. They have the most amazing cannolis I have ever had. You can also ask them to pipe them fresh so that the shell stays crispy.
Toronto, Ontario
Andrew Evers: I pick up doughnuts every Saturday for breakfast! The doughnuts are so light and fluffy and the flavours are creative! They are even perfect a day old.
Andrew Evers: In the summer there are lineups out the door and down the sidewalk for their famous ice cream sandwiches. It is a small shop, but you can tell the heart that is put into the baking as it is always perfection!
Beaumont, Alberta
Kathy Neiman: They are so amazing. They are based in Beaumont just down the road. I met the chef there. I know a friend that works there and have eaten their amazing goods.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Heather Allen: They are one of the oldest bakeries in Manitoba and for good reason. They don't just make amazing food, but they really are great neighbours. Their cinnamon buns are cult.
Port Elgin, Ontario
Niv Saberi: They have the most amazing custom cakes/cupcakes, and cater to a lot of different dietary needs. My favourite bake is their chocolate raspberry croissants which are to die for.
Montreal, Quebec
Andy Bui: If I have friends coming over from like other parts of the city, I'll go buy a dozen. And by the end of the day, we end up with just one or two left because we always eat them on the road.
North Rustico, P.E.I.
Sydney Hayden: My favourite hometown bakery is not in my hometown but by my cottage in P.E.I. They do not make anything particularly special, it is not artisanal, it is not refined in any way but it tastes like my childhood with my family and best friends at my cottage.
Their butterscotch squares burn your mouth with the sweetness but none of us can live without them. It has just always been there and I can't imagine my summers without it.
Kitchener, Ontario
Camila García Hernández: Not only do they have amazing sourdough and delicious pastries, but we used to go every Saturday with our friends and it holds so many nice memories for me.
Mississauga, ON
Candice Riley: It's near my parents' home and that's where we'd get our rolls and bread every Sunday after church. Now, they have a great hot table and fantastic classic Italian desserts.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Loïc Fauteux-Goulet: Flaky croissants and positive vibes are what make a good bakery in my opinion! I've had many favourites throughout the years as I moved and travelled a lot. While living in Scotland during the pandemic, the Twelve Triangles Bakery — and the 2-hour seaside walk to get there and back — became my happy place.
What's your favourite hometown bakery?
