Pizza is now a beloved part of Canadian cuisine, but this wasn't always the case. The journey of pizza in Canada reflects both our immigration patterns and our evolving culinary identity. In this article, we'll trace the history of pizza in Canada from its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the nation's favorite foods, with uniquely Canadian innovations along the way.
Early Days: Italian Immigration and the First Pizzerias
The story of pizza in Canada begins with Italian immigration. While Italians had been coming to Canada since the 1880s, it wasn't until the post-World War II immigration wave of the 1950s that pizza began to take hold. These immigrants brought with them culinary traditions from various regions of Italy, including pizza-making techniques.
The first documented pizzeria in Canada was Napoli Pizzeria, which opened in Montreal in 1948, established by the Mongillo family who had emigrated from Naples. In Toronto, the first pizzeria, Vesuvio's, opened in 1957 in the Junction neighborhood. Vancouver's first pizzeria, Nat's New York Pizzeria, followed in the early 1960s.
Recreation of an early Canadian pizzeria, circa 1950s
These early establishments served pizza that closely resembled traditional Neapolitan or New York-style pizza, catering primarily to Italian-Canadian communities. However, as Canadians of non-Italian heritage discovered this delicious food, pizza began to spread beyond these ethnic enclaves.
The 1960s-1970s: Canadianization and Chain Expansion
The 1960s and 1970s saw two significant developments in Canadian pizza history: the emergence of uniquely Canadian pizza variations and the growth of pizza chain restaurants.
Perhaps the most famous Canadian contribution to world pizza culture came in 1962 when Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant who ran a restaurant called Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, invented the controversial Hawaiian pizza. Inspired by Chinese dishes that combined sweet and savory flavors, Panopoulos decided to add canned pineapple and ham to pizza—creating a combination that would divide pizza lovers worldwide but put Canada on the global pizza map.
This period also saw the founding of the first Canadian pizza chains. Pizza Pizza was established in Toronto in 1967, Boston Pizza in Edmonton in 1964, and Pizza Delight in Shediac, New Brunswick in 1968. These chains helped standardize and popularize pizza across the country, making it accessible even in areas without significant Italian populations.
The controversial Hawaiian pizza—a Canadian invention
The 1980s-1990s: Regional Variations Emerge
As pizza became firmly established in Canadian food culture during the 1980s and 1990s, regional variations began to develop, reflecting local tastes and ingredients:
- Windsor-Style Pizza: Windsor, Ontario developed a distinctive style characterized by shredded pepperoni (rather than sliced), canned mushrooms, and locally produced Galati cheese, typically cut into square slices.
- Montreal Pizza: Influenced by the city's substantial Italian community, Montreal pizza often features a medium-thick crust with generous toppings and local ingredients like Montreal smoked meat.
- Ottawa Valley Pizza: This regional style often includes a thick, doughy crust with toppings extending right to the edge of the pizza.
- East Coast Donair Pizza: In Atlantic Canada, particularly Halifax, pizza topped with donair meat (spiced ground beef) and a sweet garlic sauce became popular, combining the region's famous donair sandwich with pizza.
During this period, the concept of the "Canadian pizza" also solidified as a standard menu item at pizzerias across the country and even internationally. This typically referred to a combination of pepperoni, mushrooms, and bacon, reflecting ingredients that were readily available in Canada.
The 2000s: Artisanal Renaissance and Fusion Innovations
The new millennium brought a renaissance in Canadian pizza culture, characterized by two parallel trends: a return to authentic, traditional methods and an explosion of creative fusion approaches.
The artisanal pizza movement gained momentum as Canadians traveled more and became increasingly knowledgeable about traditional Italian pizza-making. Pizzerias offering authentic Neapolitan pizza—made with imported Italian flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and cooked in wood-fired ovens at extremely high temperatures—opened in major cities across Canada. Some even obtained certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, confirming their adherence to traditional Neapolitan standards.
Modern artisanal pizza being prepared in a wood-fired oven
At the same time, creative chefs began experimenting with fusion pizzas that incorporated elements of Canada's multicultural food landscape. This led to innovations like:
- Butter chicken pizza, incorporating flavors from Indian cuisine
- Peking duck pizza, inspired by Chinese flavors
- Poutine pizza, topped with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy
- Maple bacon pizza, celebrating iconic Canadian ingredients
This period also saw the emergence of specialty dietary options, with pizzerias offering gluten-free crusts, plant-based cheeses, and vegan toppings to accommodate changing dietary preferences.
2010s to Present: Local Sourcing and Technological Integration
The most recent chapter in Canadian pizza evolution has been characterized by an emphasis on local sourcing and the integration of technology into the pizza business.
Many contemporary Canadian pizzerias now prioritize locally sourced ingredients, partnering with nearby farms and producers to obtain fresh, seasonal toppings. This farm-to-pizza approach has led to unique regional pizzas that truly reflect their local food ecosystems, from British Columbia pizzas topped with local seafood to Quebec pizzas featuring regional cheeses.
Technology has transformed how Canadians order and receive pizza. Mobile apps, online ordering systems, and delivery services have made pizza more accessible than ever. Some innovative pizza companies have even experimented with drone delivery in urban areas or GPS tracking systems that allow customers to follow their pizza's journey from oven to doorstep.
Modern Canadian pizza featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated many of these technological trends, as pizzerias adapted to contactless delivery and take-out focused models. The pandemic also sparked a resurgence in home pizza-making, with many Canadians trying their hand at crafting pizzas in their own kitchens during lockdowns.
Pizza Statistics in Canada Today
Pizza's journey from an immigrant specialty to a Canadian staple is reflected in current statistics:
- Canadians consume approximately 5-6 million pizzas every week
- The average Canadian eats pizza 16 times per month
- Pizza is a $4.5+ billion industry in Canada
- There are over 7,000 pizzerias across the country
- Pizza ranks consistently in the top three most-ordered delivery foods in Canada
The Future of Canadian Pizza
What does the future hold for pizza in Canada? Several trends suggest where our pizza culture might be heading:
- Hyper-Regional Focus: We're likely to see even more emphasis on hyper-local ingredients and regional specialties that can't be replicated elsewhere.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly practices, from renewable packaging to reduced food waste, will become increasingly important in the pizza industry.
- Health-Conscious Options: While traditional pizza will always have its place, we'll continue to see the development of healthier alternatives with whole grain crusts, vegetable-based sauces, and nutrient-dense toppings.
- Technology Integration: Innovations like predictive ordering (using AI to predict when a customer might want pizza) and smart ovens are on the horizon.
- Indigenous Influence: We may see more incorporation of Indigenous Canadian ingredients and cooking techniques in pizza making, part of a broader movement to celebrate Canada's First Nations culinary heritage.
Conclusion: Pizza as a Canvas for Canadian Identity
The evolution of pizza in Canada tells a larger story about our national identity. From its beginnings as an ethnic food enjoyed primarily in Italian-Canadian communities to its current status as a beloved staple that comes in distinctly Canadian varieties, pizza has been a canvas upon which Canadians have expressed their culinary creativity and multicultural heritage.
Unlike some food traditions that remain static, Canadian pizza continues to evolve, incorporating new influences and adapting to changing tastes. Whether you prefer an authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, a unique regional variation like Windsor-style, or an innovative fusion creation, Canada's pizza landscape offers something for everyone—and continues to write new chapters in its delicious history.
At Pizza Depot, we're proud to be part of this ongoing story, honoring traditional techniques while embracing Canadian ingredients and innovations that make our pizza distinctly our own.
