Where to Eat in Canada, 2005–2006

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

Unlike most books of its type, this guide to Canadian restaurants from
coast to coast doesn’t limit listings to the offerings of our
nation’s largest cities. Even tiny towns, such as Mary’s Harbour,
Labrador, and Haines Junction, Yukon, are accorded listings. The other
thing that sets this guide apart from its competition is the fact that
all of the reviews are independent. Every restaurant in the guide was
personally tested, and the reviewers were not allowed to identify
themselves or to accept free meals. Moreover, the book accepts no
advertisements or payment for listings. As a result, the reviews are
unbiased and reliable—so reliable, in fact, that the 2005–06 edition
marks the 35th year of publication.

The guide describes the best restaurants in every city, town, and
village. Listings tell what the individual establishments are like, what
they do best, what they cost, what cards they take, and when they’re
open. Maps provide added location information—a helpful addition for
the traveller in search of a good meal.

While the information about the restaurants themselves is excellent,
first-time users of the guide may find accessing that information a bit
awkward. For example, location listings may cause some confusion as they
refer to maps rather than actual geographical areas. For example,
Cranbrook is listed under Alberta rather than British Columbia, although
the city’s location is properly noted on the map provided. The star
rating system might also take a bit of getting used to; in this guide, a
one-star restaurant is still a pretty fine place to dine (of course, the
rating system is fully explained in the introduction).

Future editions of the book would benefit from the inclusion of an
index of restaurants, by name and place.