Beginning a Canadian Autumn Adventure
After finishing an incredible trip in Croatia, Brighde and Seb traded beaches for maple leaves and cool air. Their next adventure was a peaceful road trip through Eastern Canada. It was a time to slow down, enjoy nature, and explore the beauty of vegan travel in Canada.
For Brighde, this journey meant more than sightseeing. She was in the middle of her Canadian citizenship process, and each moment — from city walks to quiet lake days — felt personal and full of meaning.
Ottawa: History, Art, and Vegan Comfort Food
Their first stop was Ottawa, the capital of Canada. They admired Parliament Hill, explored parks filled with Indigenous art, and visited the Canadian Museum of History.
And of course, there was vegan food. They found a tiny roadside spot called Golden Fries serving a plant-based version of poutine — crispy fries, vegan cheese curds, and rich gravy. It was simple, warm, and exactly what you crave on a cool autumn day.
Lake McGregor: A Forest Cabin Retreat
Leaving the city behind, they headed to Quebec’s lake country and stayed at Le Refuge de Colline, a cozy A-frame cabin near Lake McGregor.
There were huge windows, forest views, and a private hot tub under golden trees. They made pasta with vegan bolognese, breathed in the scent of pine, and listened to the quiet night. It was the perfect start to their vegan travel in Canada adventure — slow, cozy, and connected to nature.
Vegan Cafés and Fall Hikes
The next morning, they explored Gatineau Park, one of Canada’s most loved natural areas. Before hiking, they stopped at Naturally Véro, a 100% vegan café in Chelsea. The air smelled like cinnamon, and the display was filled with colourful pastries and soups.
Lunch later at Astoria Bistro Botanique was a highlight — creamy vegan risotto, burgers, and French Onion Mac & Cheese. Every bite was delicious and showed how exciting vegan food in Canada can be.
Spa Nordik: A Day of Peace and Wellness
After days of exploring, Brighde and Seb treated themselves to Spa Nordik in Chelsea — the largest Scandinavian-style spa in North America. Surrounded by forests and golden leaves, they spent hours between saunas, steam rooms, and hot pools.
They joined a herbal sauna ritual, plunged into cold water, and sipped tea by a firepit. It was peaceful, restorative, and a reminder that wellness is part of the vegan travel in Canada experience too.
A Meaningful End in Ottawa
Back in Ottawa, Brighde visited The Parliament Immersive Experience and the Senate of Canada. Since she was preparing for her citizenship test, these visits felt powerful and personal.
To end the trip, they visited Odd Burger, a cheerful vegan fast-food chain. Their Holiday Poutine — with vegan “chicken,” stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy — was the perfect finish to a week full of warmth, kindness, and flavor.
💬 Falling for Canada
This trip reminded Brighde why she loves vegan travel in Canada. The country’s kindness, diversity, and deep respect for nature made her feel a true sense of belonging.
“Maybe it’s not pride exactly, but belonging.” – Brighde Reed
Autumn in Canada is more than a season — it’s a feeling of gratitude, connection, and peace.
🥗 Vegan Spots Featured in This Episode
One of the best parts of vegan travel in Canada is discovering amazing plant-based food in every city and small town you visit. Here are a few of the places Brighde and Seb loved during their autumn adventure through Ottawa and Quebec.
🍟 Golden Fries – Orléans, Ontario
A humble roadside gem famous for its poutine — and yes, they make a vegan version with dairy-free cheese curds and rich gravy. It’s the perfect comfort food stop before heading north toward Quebec’s lake country.
🥐 Naturally Véro – Chelsea, Quebec
A 100 % vegan café and meal shop filled with fresh salads, baked treats, and warm community spirit. It’s the ideal place to grab a snack before exploring Gatineau Park or relaxing by the river.
🌿 Astoria Bistro Botanique – Gatineau, Quebec
This stylish, fully vegan bistro offers creative comfort food like wild-mushroom risotto, French Onion Mac & Cheese, and plant-based burgers. Don’t miss their stunning desserts from the Pâtisserie Botanique next door.
🍔 Odd Burger – Across Canada
A cheerful, all-vegan fast-food chain with burgers, fries, milkshakes, and seasonal treats like the Holiday Poutine — complete with vegan “chicken,” stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. A fun and flavour-packed taste of Canadian vegan comfort food.
🌍 Plan Your Own Vegan Adventure in Canada
Ready to explore Canada yourself? Visit World Vegan Travel for upcoming trips, vegan guides, and inspiration for compassionate travelers.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Discover Brighde’s favorite vegan cafés and restaurants around Ottawa and Quebec.
- Get travel tips for visiting Gatineau Park and Spa Nordik in autumn.
- Find out how easy vegan travel in Canada can be — even in small towns.
- Learn about Brighde’s journey toward Canadian citizenship and what inspired it.
- Explore cozy forest stays and vegan-friendly spots featured in the episode.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- The Case for Toronto, the Vegan Capital of Canada | Marc Goldrub | Ep 100
- Best Vegan City Food Tours – North America (US, Canada, and Mexico)
- S4 Ep 4 | The Sea To Sky Region, BC, Canada | Natasha Tatton
- Vegan Travel in San Diego | Food, Culture & Coastal Adventures
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