Poutine Feast returns downtown for Canada Day weekend (16 photos)

There are few better ways to celebrate Canada Day than by indulging in one of the country’s tastiest and most traditional foods.

Presented by the Downtown Association and the Ermatinger Clergue National Historical Site, Poutine Feast made its long-awaited return to Bay Street as residents came out in droves to sample some of the country’s best poutine.

While the combination of fries, gravy, and cheese curds will always remain a classic, Poutine Feast aims to broaden your palate by serving up hundreds of variations of Canada’s iconic dish.

From gourmet selections featuring slow roasted pork and lobster, to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, the festival is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

The origin of poutine has been debated, but it’s widely believed to have first appeared in 1950s rural Quebec snack bars. The dish has grown considerably in popularity since the turn of the century and is a mainstay in Canada’s restaurant culture.

Next door to Poutine Feast, the Old Stone House is celebrating Canada Day by hosting lots of fun activities like giant games, live entertainment, and a beer garden. Several local vendors are on-site as well.

Poutine Feast is running from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 3.