Discover Exciting New Food Vendors at Rideau Canal: Gourmet To-Go Options with a Fresh Twist!

If you find yourself craving a snack while gliding along the Rideau Canal Skateway, many people reach for the classic BeaverTail. However, there are new options this year that might catch your fancy!

For something fresh, check out the three new food vendors. You’ll find Dumpling Soup and Super Crunch Tanghulu near the Rideau Centre at the northern end, and Spring Chips at the Concord access point south of the University of Ottawa’s big bend.

Dumpling Soup has some delightful dim sum staples. You can munch on pork buns, potstickers, or soup dumplings, all perfect for snacking between laps.

Meanwhile, Super Crunch Tanghulu has a fun twist with bamboo skewers of fruit coated in a hard sugar glaze. It’s like a candy apple, but with grapes, strawberries, or orange segments. Sweet and refreshing!

Spring Chips brings a unique treat: a fried, spiraled potato on a stick. It’s crispy, satisfying, and makes for a great photo opportunity, too!

Getting a spot on the canal isn’t easy, though. Gary Wu, who owns both Dumpling Soup and Super Crunch Tanghulu, shared that the application process was intense. He submitted a lengthy proposal to the National Capital Commission.

Wu initially thought about using a food truck but wanted something that matched the canal’s charm. He discovered some wooden sheds available for rent from the Christmas market at Lansdowne and decided they were the perfect fit.

Wu believes visitors will enjoy the warmth of freshly made dumplings, especially during a chilly day at the winter festival. He sees no competition with other snacks like BeaverTails; instead, he encourages families to try a little of everything, from classic treats to new offerings.

Other returning favorites on the canal this year include Dunrobin Distilleries, Guylaine Café, and Snack O’Shack. All vendors are open daily, with varying hours depending on the day; typically noon on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends. They stay open until 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. on Sundays.