Best BeaverTails in Ottawa: Where to Find This Iconic Canadian Treat

BeaverTails are more than just a pastry — they're an iconic Canadian experience that was born right here in Ottawa. Since 1979, these hand-stretched fried dough treats shaped like beaver tails have become a must-try for anyone visiting the nation's capital.

Whether you're skating on the frozen Rideau Canal in winter or exploring the ByWard Market on a summer evening, there's nothing quite like biting into a hot, crispy BeaverTail topped with your favorite sweet toppings.

What Makes BeaverTails Special?

BeaverTails are individually hand-stretched fried dough pastries that resemble the flat, wide tail of a beaver. The dough is stretched to order, fried until golden and crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside, then topped with sweet condiments ranging from simple cinnamon sugar to elaborate combinations with chocolate, fruit, and candy.

The story began in 1978 when Grant and Pam Hooker created the recipe inspired by a family tradition of fried dough passed down from Grant's grandmother. The first BeaverTails stand opened in 1979 in Ottawa, and the pastry has since become a Canadian icon — even President Barack Obama tried one during his 2009 visit to Ottawa!

Where to Find BeaverTails in Ottawa

ByWard Market — The Original Location

69 George Street, Ottawa

This is where it all began. The original BeaverTails stand on William Street at George Street in the heart of ByWard Market has been serving hot pastries since 1979. This flagship location offers the full range of flavors and is conveniently located near Parliament Hill, making it a perfect stop during your downtown Ottawa exploration.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-midnight (hours may vary seasonally)

The ByWard Market location is beloved by both locals and tourists, with many considering it the most authentic BeaverTails experience. The stand's central location means you can easily grab a BeaverTail before or after visiting nearby attractions like the National Gallery, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, or Parliament Hill.

Rideau Canal Skateway — Winter Magic

Along the Rideau Canal (seasonal, winter only)

There's nothing more Canadian than enjoying a piping hot BeaverTail while skating on the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway. During winter months (typically December to March, weather permitting), BeaverTails vendors set up along the world's largest skating rink.

Picture this: crisp winter air, fresh snow crunching under your skates, and the warmth of a freshly fried BeaverTail in your mittened hands. The contrast of hot, sweet pastry against the cold winter day is an experience that defines Ottawa winters.

The Rideau Canal Skateway stretches 7.8 kilometers through the heart of Ottawa, and BeaverTails stands are strategically located along the route, making them the perfect après-skate treat during Winterlude in February.

Sens Rink of Dreams — City Hall Skating

110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa (seasonal, winter only)

Since 2013, the Ottawa Senators Foundation has funded a 12,500-square-foot ice rink in front of Ottawa City Hall, complete with a BeaverTails trailer serving piping hot pastries to skaters all winter long.

This seasonal location operates from December to March (weather permitting) and offers the same delicious menu as other locations. The Rink of Dreams provides a family-friendly skating experience right in the heart of downtown, with BeaverTails as the perfect warm-up treat.

Tanger Outlets Ottawa — Kanata

8555 Campeau Dr, Ottawa (Kanata)

For west-end residents and visitors, the Tanger Outlets location offers year-round access to BeaverTails. This location is perfect if you're shopping at the outlets or live in the Kanata area.

Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm

This location provides the same classic BeaverTails menu in a convenient indoor setting, making it a great option regardless of weather conditions.

Other Locations

BeaverTails are also available:

• Canadian Tire Centre during Ottawa Senators games and major events
• Mobile stands at various festivals and events throughout Ottawa
• Uber Eats delivery from the ByWard Market location

Check the official BeaverTails website (beavertails.com/stores) for the most up-to-date location information and seasonal availability.

Must-Try BeaverTails Flavors

Killaloe Sunrise (The Original)

The classic cinnamon sugar with lemon is the original BeaverTail flavor and remains the most popular. Named after the Hooker family's cottage in Killaloe, Ontario, this simple yet perfect combination showcases the pastry itself — crispy, warm, and delicately sweet.

Maple

A truly Canadian experience, the maple flavor features real Canadian maple syrup drizzled over the fried dough. It's sweet, nostalgic, and captures the essence of Canadian cuisine in every bite.

Chocolate Hazelnut

For chocolate lovers, the chocolate hazelnut spread (similar to Nutella) turns a BeaverTail into pure indulgence. Rich, creamy, and decadent, this topping pairs perfectly with the crispy pastry base.

Choco Banana

A delicious combination of chocolate hazelnut spread, fresh banana slices, and whipped cream that balances sweetness with fruit freshness. This is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Oreo Cookies & Cream

Crushed Oreo cookies with creamy white icing create a cookies-and-cream dream. The crunchy cookie pieces add texture, while the sweet icing brings everything together.

Apple Cinnamon

Featuring apple pie filling and cinnamon, this flavor tastes like a deconstructed apple pie. It's especially popular during fall and winter months.

Seasonal Specials

BeaverTails regularly introduces seasonal and limited-edition flavors like pumpkin spice in fall, s'mores in summer, and special Valentine's Day or Canada Day varieties. Follow their social media to catch these limited-time offerings.

The BeaverTails Experience

Best Times to Visit

Winter (December-March): The most iconic BeaverTails experience is during winter on the Rideau Canal Skateway or Rink of Dreams. The combination of cold weather and hot pastry is unbeatable.

Summer Evenings: The ByWard Market comes alive on summer evenings, and a BeaverTail makes the perfect dessert after dinner at one of the market's many restaurants.

Festivals: BeaverTails often sets up mobile stands at Ottawa festivals like Winterlude, Canada Day on Parliament Hill, and various summer events.

Pro Tips

• Go early in the day at the ByWard Market location to avoid tourist crowds, especially during summer
• Bring cash — some seasonal locations may prefer cash, though most accept cards
• Share different flavors — BeaverTails are quite large, so consider ordering different toppings and sharing with friends to try multiple varieties
• Check weather for canal skating — the Rideau Canal Skateway opening depends on ice thickness and weather conditions
• Warm clothing in winter — if you're getting BeaverTails on the canal, dress warmly as you'll want to savor it slowly
• Take a photo — BeaverTails are highly photogenic, especially against backdrops like Parliament Hill or the frozen canal

Why BeaverTails Are a Must-Try in Ottawa

Canadian Heritage

BeaverTails were invented in Ottawa and have become an iconic Canadian food. Trying one in the city where it all began is a authentic cultural experience that connects you to Canadian culinary heritage.

Presidential Approval

When President Barack Obama visited Ottawa in 2009, he made sure to try a BeaverTail, bringing international attention to this Ottawa original. If it's good enough for the President, it's definitely worth your time!

Unique to Canada

While BeaverTails has expanded across Canada and internationally, the highest concentration of locations is still in Ottawa. Visitors from around the world come specifically to try this treat in its hometown.

Perfect Ottawa Moments

Whether you're skating on the world's largest skating rink, exploring the historic ByWard Market, or celebrating Canada Day on Parliament Hill, BeaverTails are woven into the fabric of Ottawa experiences.

Beyond the Pastry: BeaverTails Company

The BeaverTails brand has grown from a single stand in Ottawa to locations across Canada and internationally, including in countries like Japan, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Despite this expansion, Ottawa remains the heart of BeaverTails culture.

The company is proudly Canadian, using Canadian ingredients when possible and maintaining the hand-stretched, made-to-order tradition that made the pastries famous.

Pairing Suggestions

BeaverTails pair wonderfully with:

• Hot chocolate or coffee in winter
• Fresh-squeezed lemonade in summer
• Ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience
• Apple cider during fall

Many visitors make an afternoon out of visiting ByWard Market, grabbing a BeaverTail, and wandering through the nearby streets filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

The Verdict

BeaverTails are an essential Ottawa experience that transcends mere food — they're a tradition, a winter ritual, and a sweet connection to Canadian culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong Ottawa resident, there's always a good reason to enjoy a hot, fresh BeaverTail.

The original ByWard Market location remains the gold standard, but each location offers its own charm. For the most memorable experience, plan to skate the Rideau Canal on a crisp winter day and warm up with a Killaloe Sunrise BeaverTail — it's a quintessentially Ottawa moment you'll never forget.

Start with the classic Cinnamon & Sugar to understand what made BeaverTails famous, then explore the creative flavors on subsequent visits. Each BeaverTail is made fresh to order, ensuring that every bite is hot, crispy, and delicious.

Welcome to Ottawa — now go get yourself a BeaverTail! 🍁