Pizza is now so deeply embedded in Canadian food culture that it's hard to imagine a time when it wasn't readily available from coast to coast. But the story of how pizza arrived in Canada, evolved with our unique cultural influences, and became distinctively Canadian is a fascinating journey through immigration, innovation, and cultural fusion.
The Arrival of Pizza in Canada
Unlike in the United States, where pizza gained popularity after World War II soldiers returned from Italy, Canada's pizza story is primarily linked to Italian immigration. The first wave of Italian immigrants arrived in Canada in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Hamilton.
However, it wasn't until the second major wave of Italian immigration after World War II that pizza began to take hold in Canadian food culture. In the 1950s, the first dedicated pizzerias began opening in neighborhoods with significant Italian populations, particularly in Toronto's Little Italy and Montreal's Little Italy (La Petite-Italie).
Early Canadian Pizzerias
One of Canada's earliest documented pizzerias was Napoli Pizzeria, established in Winnipeg in 1959. In Toronto, Vesuvio Pizzeria and Spaghetti House opened in 1957 and is still in operation today. These early establishments served traditional Italian-style pizzas but quickly began adapting to local tastes and available ingredients.
Unlike the American pizza scene, which quickly became dominated by large chains, Canada's pizza landscape remained largely composed of independent, family-owned establishments through the 1960s and 1970s. This allowed for greater regional variation and experimentation.
The Birth of Hawaiian Pizza: Canada's Controversial Contribution
Perhaps Canada's most famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) contribution to global pizza culture is the Hawaiian pizza. Contrary to what the name suggests, this pineapple and ham topped creation has nothing to do with Hawaii.
In 1962, Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant who operated a restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, created the Hawaiian pizza. Inspired by Chinese dishes that mixed sweet and savory flavors, Panopoulos decided to try canned pineapple as a pizza topping along with ham. The combination was a hit with his customers, and the Hawaiian pizza was born.
While this creation has sparked international debates (with no less than the President of Iceland declaring he would ban it if he could), the Hawaiian pizza remains a testament to Canada's willingness to experiment with culinary traditions.
The Rise of Canadian Pizza Chains
The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of distinctly Canadian pizza chains, many of which continue to thrive today. Pizza Pizza was founded in Toronto in 1967, Boston Pizza (despite its American-sounding name) was established in Edmonton in 1964, and Pizza Nova began in Toronto in 1963.
These Canadian chains developed their own distinctive styles that differed from their American counterparts. Canadian chains typically offered thicker crusts than New York-style pizza but not as deep as Chicago's deep dish. The sauce often had a sweeter profile, and the cheese coverage was particularly generous – a trait that would become characteristic of Canadian pizza.
Regional Canadian Pizza Styles
As pizza spread across Canada, distinct regional variations emerged that reflected local tastes and cultural influences:
Windsor-Style Pizza
Windsor, Ontario developed its own distinctive pizza style characterized by shredded pepperoni (rather than sliced), canned mushrooms, and locally produced Galati cheese. The pizzas are typically cut into square pieces rather than wedges, and the crust is medium-thick with a distinctive texture achieved through local flour and cooking techniques.
Montreal-Style Pizza
Influenced by the city's significant Italian population, Montreal pizza often features a thin, chewy crust cooked in wood-fired ovens. Toppings tend to be simple but high-quality, with an emphasis on local charcuterie. A unique variation is "all-dressed" (tout garnie) pizza, which typically includes pepperoni, green peppers, and mushrooms.
Atlantic Canadian Pizza
In Nova Scotia and surrounding provinces, "Halifax donair pizza" became popular, featuring donair meat (a regional variation of the döner kebab), mozzarella cheese, and sweet garlic sauce. This fusion represents the multicultural influences on Canadian pizza evolution.
Western Canadian Pizza
In British Columbia and Alberta, pizza often shows influences from Asian cuisine, reflecting the significant Asian populations in cities like Vancouver. Ingredients like teriyaki chicken, smoked salmon, and unique vegetable combinations are more common in these regions.
Pizza and Canadian Identity
Today, pizza consumption in Canada is among the highest per capita in the world. The average Canadian eats approximately 33 pounds of pizza annually. While we've embraced this Italian creation, we've also made it distinctly our own.
Canadian pizzas tend to be more heavily topped than their Italian counterparts, reflecting our North American abundance. We've also developed uniquely Canadian toppings like Canadian bacon (back bacon) and combinations that you'd rarely find elsewhere.
At Pizza Depot, we're proud to continue this tradition of Canadian pizza innovation. Our Canadian pizza, featuring maple-glazed ham, bacon, and mushrooms, pays homage to our national flavors, while our diverse menu reflects the multicultural tapestry that defines modern Canadian cuisine.
The Future of Canadian Pizza
As Canada continues to welcome immigrants from around the world, our pizza culture continues to evolve. Today, you can find pizzas topped with butter chicken, shawarma, or kimchi – reflecting our diverse population and culinary openness.
Artisanal pizzerias focusing on local, sustainable ingredients have also exploded across Canadian cities, bringing pizza full circle back to its artisanal Italian roots, but with a distinctly Canadian perspective.
The next time you enjoy a slice, remember that Canadian pizza represents more than just a meal – it's a delicious symbol of our national willingness to embrace traditions from around the world while adding our own unique twist.
What's your favorite uniquely Canadian pizza topping or style? Share in the comments below!
