A&W

I stand by the fact that A&W is God-tier fast food and there's really nothing that competes with it. Whether I'm on my way home from a bar, out on a road trip or even if I'm just craving a quick meal, A&W hits the mark.

While root beer isn't my thing (I know it's what they're famous for), the burgers are way better than at any other fast food spot I've tried.

Earls

Earls is always a good choice if you're out with a group because the menu is so big, it basically has something for everyone. Anytime I've been, I've had great service and the food has been way nicer than I'd expect for a chain.

Yes, it's on the pricey side, but sometimes it's worth it for the consistency.

Tim Hortons

Any Canadian will tell you Tims is an institution here, and it's one I've learned to love since moving. While the coffee admittedly leaves a lot to be desired, the breakfast sandwiches and donuts really are the star of the show for me.

Nothing truly sums up the road trip experience like an early morning run to Tims to grab a bagel and a box of Timbits to keep you going on the drive.

Second Cup

Second Cup is another coffee shop chain that I've learned to appreciate in Canada. While it's definitely got a similar overall feel to a Starbucks, I personally have had way better food in Second Cup, and it's usually way less crowded, meaning less time spent waiting for a coffee.

Leopold's Tavern

While Leo's is more of a West Coast/Prairies spot, it's always my go-to bar. While it has a dive bar aesthetic, it serves up a pretty tasty menu, and its poutine is one of my favourite snacks. They also always have wild weekly feature poutines with everything from jalapeno cheddar pierogi to Korean BBQ chicken.

I will pretty much always bring visiting friends and family to Leo's at least once.