Words by Dalene Heck / Photography by Dalene and Pete Heck
It’s important to recognize that the world has changed significantly in recent years—so has the travel industry, and so have we as individuals.
With this realization comes a moment of reflection on what once was. I’m not just talking about wistfulness for our pre-pandemic lifestyles or the freedom of unrestricted travel, but rather a meaningful examination of the choices we made regarding our travels. While we always had good intentions, there are certainly things we wish we could have approached differently.
A core reason for our travels has always been the desire to learn. And we have learned a great deal—both on the road and during our time at home. So much so, that as we prepared for our move across Canada, we did so with renewed intentions. Our goal was to spend our money in ways that positively impact local communities and utilize our platforms to highlight the importance of doing so.
Supporting Minority and Women-Led Businesses Along the Journey
There are countless reasons to support locally-owned, minority- and women-led businesses. While we had this idea in mind during previous travels, we never made a dedicated effort to prioritize it. For our cross-Canada road trip, we aimed to make this a central focus.
Leaving our temporary home in Edmonton, Alberta, we set out on a journey to the east coast of New Brunswick with a clear plan. Considering our traveling companion (our cat) and the limited time we had at each stop, we committed to supporting minority- and women-led businesses whenever possible.
How We Discovered These Businesses
Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with various tourism boards across Canada. We reached out to numerous cities and provinces, and aside from one, we received some exceptional information and guidance to help us achieve our goals. (It’s worth noting that you don’t need to have existing relationships to get assistance—if you wish to travel with similar goals, explore their websites or simply ask for recommendations.) We also identified businesses through two additional methods:
- While in Thunder Bay, Ontario, we came across businesses that self-identify with specific labels on Google Maps (check the “About” section of any business). We discovered women-owned businesses this way and learned that businesses can also indicate if they are Black-owned, Latino-owned, veteran-owned, and newly, LGBTQ+ owned. Our research for this article also revealed that TripAdvisor is rolling out this feature as well.
- Local bloggers with niche expertise often have valuable insights on these businesses and are usually willing to help. For instance, our friend Pam from Urban Guide Quebec provided us with an outstanding list of women-owned businesses in Quebec City.
So Many Fantastic Businesses to Explore!
One thing became clear as we gathered information about the wonderful businesses out there: we wished we had more time to stay longer in each location and support every single one of them. Below are the businesses we managed to visit by city and a few more we’d love to explore in the future. Due to our need for accommodations that suited our travel companion, it was challenging to find businesses that aligned with our objectives. We also required home-style lodging, so our cat could enjoy regular outdoor access (he definitely needs his walks!). Happily, all the Airbnbs we stayed at were managed by women.
Regina
The capital city of Saskatchewan truly set the tone for our journey, impressing us with its richness and alignment with our mission.
Rebellion Brewery
Brewmaster and General Manager Vanessa Owen took a leap of faith in her application to Rebellion Brewing Co, despite her limited experience in the brewing industry (she jokingly mentioned she had only boiled things in her own pot). With positive support from owner Mark Heise, a culture of compassion and kindness is evident—not just in the diversity of their staff but also in the numerous causes they champion.
The list of initiatives they support is extensive, with highlights including hosting community events that combine beer with life-saving training and backing the Brave Noise initiative, which has raised over $10,000 for Sexual Assault Survivors in Saskatchewan. They genuinely embody their commitments, with Vanessa leading the charge and earning accolades for exceptional brews. Additionally, their collaboration with Roberto of Tropezón Tacos offers delectable authentic Mexican flavors on-site (yet another minority-owned business!). A visit to Rebellion is a must when you’re in Regina—don’t miss their Key Lime Pie and Summer Sour beers along with Roberto’s al pastor tacos and churros!
Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream
Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream, owned by Daniela Mintenko, has revolutionized Regina’s ice cream scene, leading to the opening of a second location in the city. The community has embraced Dandy’s wholeheartedly, and Daniela reciprocates by supporting impactful causes. One example is her coconut-ash-honeycomb ice cream, where proceeds from specific sales days went to support Black Lives Matter. Fundraising efforts for meaningful causes are common, yielding significant and delightful results.
Dessart Sweets Ice Cream & Candy Shop
Owner Shelly Patterson ensures her shop is a welcoming space for everyone. It’s an ideal stop for road trip snacks, and Pete was thrilled with the enormous variety of candy available, truly like a kid in a candy store.
The Dragon’s Nest
Co-owned by Denise Urbanski, this themed B&B is right in the downtown heart of Regina. The Dragon’s Nest is set in an older house with uniquely decorated rooms, providing both a lovely location and comfort.
Others in Regina to Explore Next Time!
- The Bannock House
- Picnique
- Luxe Artesian Chocolates
Winnipeg
Often labeled as one of Canada’s most underrated destinations, we were fortunate enough to spend a few days in Winnipeg—the capital of Manitoba—to connect with friends, colleagues, and visit some fantastic businesses.
Feast Café Bistro
Years ago, I had the pleasure of hearing Christa Bruneau-Guenther speak at a conference and eagerly anticipated the chance to dine at Feast Café Bistro. As a proud member of the Peguis First Nation, she infuses her dishes with the essence of her culture, blending modern culinary techniques with traditional Indigenous ingredients. We sampled multiple dishes, and the standout was the savory bison gravy over the poutine—absolutely delicious!
Chaeban Ice Cream
Winnipeg’s first super-premium ice cream shop opened its doors in late 2017 with all ice creams made from scratch by a family of Syrian refugees. Chaeban Ice Cream not only provides employment for these new Canadians but also gives back to the supportive community that welcomed them. During our visit, we chose the Abir Al Sham flavor—a modern take on a Syrian classic featuring rose and orange blossom water—but don’t miss their iconic Salty Carl, recently crowned the Grand Show Champion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
Fête Ice Cream and Coffee
In 2019, Élise Page and Teri-Lynn Friesen joined forces to create Fête Ice Cream and Coffee after realizing they shared a mutual passion for opening an ice cream shop. They collaborated with the University of Manitoba’s Dairy Science program to perfect their ice cream recipe over countless hours of testing. The result? Absolutely amazing ice cream made from a house-made crème anglaise base, not a pre-packaged alternative. And let’s not forget their coffee, which is equally delightful—quite the match made in heaven.
Coal and Canary
Tourism Winnipeg gifted us a candle upon our arrival, prompting a visit to the Coal and Canary store. Founded by a woman and a proud member of the LGBTQI2S+ community, this store was designed as a safe haven for these groups. Vibrant and playful, the store creates a fun experience for visitors, and its candles have even been featured in gift bags at the Oscars and on numerous top magazine gift guides.
Black Market Provisions
A popular store located in South Osborne, Black Market Provisions is LGBTQI2S+ owned and stocked with a remarkable selection of curated goods and delicious takeout. I was instantly drawn to the oversized cookies (which were incredibly tasty), and regretted not snatching some of the Ruffles Squares—sweet treats coated in potato chips. Genius!
High Tea Bakery
Owned by a dear friend, Belinda Bigold, High Tea Bakery is a Winnipeg favorite. While we didn’t have a chance to stop in on this visit, we couldn’t leave it off our list! Famous for her Imperial cookies (which once delighted the late Queen), her bakery offers an incredible variety of sweets that make deciding what to purchase a delightful challenge.
The Fort Garry Hotel
This esteemed hotel, owned by Ida Albo, has been a Winnipeg landmark for over a century. Ida generously volunteers her time for numerous community organizations, strengthening the city’s core. (Interestingly, this was Norman’s first stay in a fancy hotel—he’s probably wondering why we don’t live like this all the time!)
Others in Winnipeg We Will Visit Next Time!
- Good Neighbour Brewing
- Pineridge Hollow
Sault Ste Marie
With a brief stop in the Soo, we managed to enjoy one delicious meal that truly rewarded our focused intentions.
The Breakfast Pig
The Breakfast Pig invites you to have “a badass meal,” and they certainly deliver. Established in 2015, this spot has become a staple in Sault Ste Marie and has won multiple awards. Owner Angela Caputo is dedicated to serving fresh, locally sourced food, and her passion is evident. With Norman along for the ride, we opted for takeout and savored our meal in a nearby park. The Korean Badass Waffles (Pete’s choice) were outstanding.
Sudbury
Sudbury pleasantly surprised us with its abundance of amazing eateries.
La Casa Mexicana
Owner Silvia Rios has earned a stellar reputation for her delicious Mexican dishes and her generous support of the local community. Her warm hospitality greeted me when I stopped by, and I thoroughly enjoyed the chicken chimichanga.
La Fromagerie
We savored a charcuterie board from this woman-owned cheese shop, although we missed the chance to taste their unique drink special—a caesar garnished with grilled cheese!
Old Rock Coffee
It was serendipitous that we discovered this women-owned coffee shop just down the road from where we were staying. Marketed as “Your sommelier de café,” Old Rock Coffee provided us, the coffee aficionados, with exactly what we were craving. It’s clear why this roaster is highly regarded in Sudbury.
Apollo Restaurant
Any day is a good day for authentic Greek cuisine, and Apollo Restaurant delivered! Co-owned by Toula Sakellaris since 1970, it has become an iconic establishment that introduced Sudbury to Greek food (which was relatively unknown back in the ’70s). Their homemade spanakopita was devoured in an instant.
Ottawa
We consider it a significant oversight to have never visited Ottawa during our previous travels, so we were thrilled to explore Canada’s capital with this renewed focus in mind.
Beandigen Café
Paula Naponse and her daughter Jayde, Anishinabe Kwe from the Atikameksheng Anishinawbek First Nation near Sudbury, founded Beandigen with aspirations beyond just being a coffee shop. Located in the Glebe community, Beandigen serves delicious coffee and teas while selling unique Indigenous products and clothing. They also host special events, such as beading workshops.
Ichiban Bakery
Before visiting Ichiban Bakery, I was unfamiliar with what a Japanese cream cheese bun was. Now I can’t imagine my life without it! These cold pastries—soft and donut-like with a dusting of icing sugar—are stuffed with creamy cream cheese icing, and they are truly delightful.
This family-run bakery has been serving delicious Japanese cream cheese buns and fresh breads for over 18 years, dedicated to offering “pure, good, soulful food.”
Moo Shu Ice Cream
Moo Shu’s inventive ice cream flavors, like the sea salt and sea buckthorn one that Pete savored—think orange creamsicle with a dash of salt—are all about creativity. They collaborate with local farmers to bring unique flavors to their customers, making sure to foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for their “Mooshie’s.”
Thali
Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Thali, where you can enjoy exquisite dishes crafted by award-winning chef Joe Thottungal. After immigrating to Canada in 1998, he honed his skills at SAIT in Calgary and later launched his restaurants, Coconut Lagoon and Thali, even publishing two cookbooks to share his culinary passion.
Québec City
During our month-long winter stay in Quebec City back in 2015, we felt we barely scratched the surface. Although we only had two additional days this time, we were excited to learn as much as possible, thanks in part to Pam from Urban Guide Quebec, who helped us discover women-owned businesses in the area.
Ciccio Café
Co-owned by Rosetta Bruce since 1998, Ciccio Café is an essential stop for classic Italian cuisine in Quebec City, conveniently located just down the street from where we were staying. The arancini was especially delicious, and Pete’s tagliatelle alla boscaiola was equally impressive.
Korrigane Brasserie
If you’re seeking great beer in Quebec City, look no further than Korrigane Brasserie. The small-batch brewing utilizes artisanal methods, and their selections such as the “Korrigane” red ale, “Cornik” oatmeal stout cream ale, and “White Kraken” New England IPA stood out as some of the best. Can’t decide? Sample a flight of their many creations!
After 13 days on the road, we arrived in eastern New Brunswick—exhausted, but elated and immensely satisfied with our journey. Not only did we successfully cover around 5,000 kilometers together, but we also felt accomplished in our mission. Now, we naturally seek out women- and minority-led businesses everywhere we go.
It’s a change we are proud of!
A heartfelt thank you to the tourism boards that assisted us along the way, with a special shoutout to Travel Manitoba, Tourism Winnipeg, and Ottawa Tourism for their generous support during our stays.
