Best Culinary Schools in Canada | Toronto, Ontario, and Alberta
Believe me or not, there are other means to becoming a chef than reality television, Instagram posts, and Kickstarter campaigns. Each year, thousands of amateur cooks enrol in best culinary schools in Canada stretching from coast to coast in hopes of one day preparing your next unforgettable meal and knowing the joy of doing so. With help from some chefs who have gone to best culinary school themselves (and hired quite a few graduates since then), here are some of the top kitchens in which to develop your culinary chops.
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a new environment, participate in cultural events, and more as an international student. This issue is not unique to Canada, and you might be shocked to hear that it has some of the greatest culinary schools in the world.
These best culinary school in Canada will teach you how to become a great chef by instilling in you the required skills, knowledge, and techniques to excel in the profession and build a successful career.
You’ll learn about these culinary schools in Canada, as well as their admissions requirements, in this article, so you can get started on your journey to become a world-class chef, is that not encouraging. Before we go any further, take a look at culinary arts school in canada.
Canada is not one of the greatest destinations in the world to learn culinary arts; Peru, France, Italy, the United States, Australia, and Japan are among the best. Culinary arts degrees are available at universities and institutions across Canada.
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Is Canada good for culinary arts?
Canada is among the top countries to study culinary arts, countries like Peru, France, Italy, U.S, Australia, and Japan take the lead in teaching culinary arts. However, you can get culinary arts degrees at universities and colleges in Canada. But best culinary school in Canada is also amazing when thinking of studying and becoming a chef.
How long is a culinary school in Canada?
In Canada, a two-year culinary arts diploma takes two years to complete, whereas a bachelor’s degree takes three to four years to complete, depending on the institution..
How much money do chefs make in Canada?
Chefs in Canada make an average of 72,000 CAD each year, but wages range from 35,500 CAD (lowest) to 113,000 CAD (highest).
After you’ve answered these questions, carefully review the requirements for culinary schools listed below. You’ll need them to prepare for your entrance application, which will help you get in.
How much does culinary school cost in Canada?
The cost of best culinary school in Canada varies by program and location of the student. It is less expensive for domestic students and more expensive for international students, as is common.
Domestic students should expect to pay between $6,550 and $11,200 per year for culinary school in Canada, depending on the program. For international students, it ranges from $9,22 to $9,22.
Chefs in Canada earn an average of 72,000 CAD each year, although salaries range from 35,500 CAD to 113,000 CAD (highest)
After you’ve answered these questions, carefully review the requirements for culinary school in Canada listed below. You’ll need them to prepare for your entrance application, which will help you get in.
Culinary School Requirements
Cooking schools have different requirements; nonetheless, we can gather the fundamental and basic ones; yet, your favorite culinary school may ask for more. The following are some of the most common ones:
- Applicant must have completed high school and show proof such as high school diploma, official high school transcripts, GED, HISET, high school equivalency documentation, or an acceptable home school certificate.
- A non-refundable application fee of $25 could be more or less and some schools may not even require it
- Reference letters
- Essay (topic vary by institution)
- Valid ID card
- Study permit or student visa for international students
- Language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS for English language, DELE for the Spanish language, DELF or DALF for the French language, and DSH, TestDAF, OSD, or TELF for the German language (may not be required by some schools)
With these qualifications in hand, you can investigate the culinary school in Canada listed below and apply to the one that best meets your needs.
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Culinary Schools in Toronto
The culinary school in Toronto are listed below, with links to learn more about the program requirements and fees in each of the schools.
George Brown College
The College offers certifications, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate culinary studies, and is one of culinary schools in Canada. Students from all over the world are welcome to apply to any of these programs in order to hone their culinary skills and launch a successful food business.
Students at the university obtain the skills and information needed for a successful career in the current culinary and food industry through a combination of academic and practical study.
Students at George Brown College obtain the skills and information necessary for a successful career in today’s culinary and food business through a combination of academic and experiential instruction. Our culinary learning facilities and hands-on training venues are among the best in the industry. We also provide substantial externship and recruitment opportunities, as well as a Dean’s recognition program, to assist our students in developing their talents in real-world situations.
Our commitment to being one of Canada’s best culinary schools has led to the launch of our four-year Honours Bachelor of Food Studies Degree and our four-year Culinary Management Honours Bachelor Degree. These programs are the first of their kind in Canada.
You’ll join over four decades of impressive alumni. We’re proud to count the likes of Mark McEwan, Jamie Kennedy, Bonnie Stern, Roger Mooking, and several internationally recognized chefs among our graduates. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, George Brown puts you at the centre of the culinary industry in Canada.
FIND THE PROGRAM THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Certificate Programs
- Baking – Pre-Employment (H108)
- Culinary Skills Program (H134)
- Baker / Patissier Apprentice Program (H600)
- Cook Apprentice Program (H601)
Diploma Programs
- Culinary Management Program (H100)
- Culinary Management (Integrated Learning) Program (H116)
- Culinary Management – Nutrition Program (H119)
- Baking and Pastry Arts Management (H113)
Degree Programs
- Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) (H315)
- Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) (Bridging) (H316)
- Honours Bachelor of Food Studies (H317)
Postgraduate Programs
- Food and Nutrition Management Program (Postgraduate) (H402)
- Culinary Arts – Italian (Postgraduate) Program (H411)
- Advanced French Patisserie (Postgraduate) Program (H413)
WE’VE BEEN LEAFED
Through our proactive efforts to create an ecologically friendly and sustainable food service establishment, the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is happy to be LEAF Certified.
3. Canadian Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Is there a brewery on campus for craft brewers? What about winery courses? You’ll find both of them right here. Not to mention cutting-edge kitchens!
The school offers multiple programs, such as:
- Sommelier programs
- Classes on brewery and winery management
- Trainings in cooking and desserts
- Cook-apprenticeship
- Culinary management trainings
- Culinary skills
- Baker apprenticeship
- ACF accredited
Liaison College
Liaison College is a private culinary arts training college in Toronto that was founded in 1996 and is regarded as one of the best culinary schools in Canada. The organization has eight locations across Canada in order to provide as many culinary classes to as many people as possible.
Liaison offers the following programs to both international and domestic students:
Specialist in Culinary Management Chef de Partie Personal Chef Chef of the House Diploma in Hospitality Management
Basics of Cooking Advanced Cooking
For any of the programs, students can enroll in full-time or part-time study options.
Centennial College
The School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts at Centennial College is one of Canada’s culinary schools, training both international and domestic students. Participants will receive an Ontario College Diploma as proof of their culinary abilities after finishing the program.
The college diploma program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to create stunning menus and dishes inspired by global cuisine trends and flavors, as well as the abilities you’ll need to establish a successful career.
Stratford Chefs School
Stratford Chefs School,one of culinary schools in Canada, has been training people to become chefs in the province of Ontario since 1983. The college is committed to teaching young chefs and culinary entrepreneurs with high-quality, hands-on training.
The program offers a 32-week professional diploma to experienced chefs who wish to master new skills and take them to the next level.
5 Culinary Schools in Ontario
- The Culinary Art School of Ontario
- Nella Cucina Culinary School
- Cirillo’s Academy
- Dish Cooking Studio
- Maplehern Cooking School
The Culinary Art School of Ontario
Chef School is a culinary school in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Any of the four culinary diploma programs offered here are open to students from all around the world. The programs are as follows:
Culinary Arts Diploma
Professional Chef Diploma, Culinary Management Diploma, and Sous Chef Diploma
The Chef School’s programs are designed to teach students the practical and creative abilities they’ll need to start working as a professional chef.
Nella Cucina Culinary School
One of culinary school in Canada , Nella Cucina Culinary School in Toronto, offers cooking classes where you may learn about contemporary cuisine trends and procedures. There are no prerequisites for enrolment, such as prior culinary experience or academic credentials, and all students are welcome.
The school has class formats that are divided into four broad categories, they are;
- Hands-on Individual
- Hands-on Team
- Interactive Demo
- Specialty Tastings, Guest Speakers, and Demonstrations
The Nella Cucina Culinary School, unlike the colleges listed above, does not provide any diploma or degree programs, but this has the advantage of making culinary education less expensive and requiring fewer criteria to enroll.
Cirillo’s Academy
Cirillo’s Academy is the place to go if you want to improve your cooking skills and learn current culinary techniques. It is a cooking school in Toronto, Canada, that, like the previous organization, does not offer diploma or degree programs.
Cirillo’s will educate you the most up-to-date culinary skills, provide you cooking ideas and techniques, and even help you open your own restaurant.
Dish Cooking Studio
Cirillo’s Academy is the place to go if you want to improve your cooking skills and learn current cooking techniques. It is one of Canada’s culinary schools, based in Toronto, and, like the previous institution, does not provide diploma or degree programs.
Cirillo’s will teach you the most up-to-date culinary abilities, as well as kitchen tips and procedures, and will guide you through the process of opening your own restaurant.
Maplehern Cooking School
Maplehern is a cooking school in Canada that sprang out of Chez Laurent, a local restaurant. It is situated in the province of Toronto. The cooking school focuses on holistic nutrition and teaches students how to eat healthier for improved health.
The sessions last three hours, are hands-on, include a recipe booklet to take home, and include a complete lunch. The majority of the programs run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and cost $75 per student.
It’s important to note that the lessons offered here do not lead to any form of qualification, diploma, or degree; instead, you’ll learn to enhance your cooking skills for use at home or at work.
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Culinary Schools in Prairies and Alberta
1. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary, AB

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology provides a wide range of culinary degrees, including Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Entrepreneurship, and a professional program in charcuterie cuisine. You’ll discover how to properly handle meat and make the best bacon and sausages. Everything made here is served in nearby fine-dining establishments and on campus.
In 2020, it was ranked 21st among the world’s best hospitality and hotel management schools. The first year of tuition for the culinary arts program costs around $7,600 CAD.
2. Red River College, Winnipeg, MB

3. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon, SK

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic is proud to provide the province’s only four-semester advanced culinary training program. This is the place to go if you’re from Saskatchewan and want to enroll in a great culinary arts school close to home.
4. Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts, Brandon, MB

5.Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
NAIT is a culinary school in Canada that offers a Diploma in Culinary Arts to foreign and local students on-campus and online, allowing students to choose the best choice for them. The program lasts two years and provides students with relevant, high-quality culinary training.
6.Lethbridge College
Lethbridge College is a culinary school in Alberta, Canada, that caters to both international and local students, making it one of the country’s best culinary schools. Culinary programs in Lethbridge take two years and can be completed in a mixed (on-campus and online), asynchronous, or synchronous mode.
7.Portage College
Portage College’s Culinary Arts Diploma program is designed to provide students with all of the particular information and professional skills they’ll need to succeed in the ever-changing and intriguing foodservice industry. Normally, it takes two years to finish.
Visit school website
Unfortunately, there aren’t many culinary school in Alberta, but the ones listed here are easy to apply to, have reasonable admissions standards, and tuition that is inexpensive..
7 Culinary Schools in Canada for International Students
- Holland College
- The Culinary Arts School of Ontario
- George Brown College
- Vancouver Community College
- Liaison College
- Northwest Culinary Academy
- Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute
Holland College
It is a culinary school in Canada. On the Canadian island of Prince Edward, Holland College is located. International students are welcomed into the culinary curriculum at the college, which lasts two years and culminates in a Diploma in Culinary Arts. International students interested in pursuing a culinary arts degree at Holland College must complete academic requirements, including passing an English language test and possessing a valid study permit.
The curriculum prepares students for a career in the restaurant sector by providing them with a full understanding of culinary skills as well as business training.
The Culinary Arts School of Ontario
More information, as well as the school’s application link, may be found above. The Culinary Arts School of Ontario is one of Canada’s culinary schools that invites international students into its programs.
George Brown College
The school’s details and application link can be seen above. George Brown College is one of the culinary schools that accepts international students into its programs. It is also a culinary school in Canada
Vancouver Community College
This is one of the few cooking schools in Canada that accepts international students. The school provides two culinary programs: an Asian Culinary Arts Certificate and a Culinary Arts Diploma, which can be completed in five months or two years. It is also a culinary school in Canada
Liaison College
Liaison College is one of culinary schools in Canada, and overseas students are welcome to enroll in their programs. The section above has more information on the program. It is also a culinary school in Canada
Northwest Culinary Academy
Northwest Culinary Academy is a culinary school in Canada that accepts international students into its programs. Among the programs offered are the Professional Culinary Arts Diploma, Professional Bread & Pastry Arts Diploma, and One Year Culinary & Pastry/Bread Arts Diploma.It is also a culinary school in Canada
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute
For 125 years, the Le Cordon Bleu has provided world-class culinary arts education, utilizing innovative teaching methods that allow students to build skill via hands-on study. The institution offers a few short courses, a diploma, and a Bachelor in Integrated Food Sciences.
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute, one of Canada’s culinary schools, allows international students.
These are the specifications of the culinary schools in Canada, along with links to their websites to help you learn more about program criteria and speed up your acceptance.
Culinary Schools in British Columbia
1. Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Vancouver, B.C.
This is an excellent institution that will prepare you for a career in the culinary arts. The program is accredited, and the culinary instructors are top-notch. However, studying at PICA is not inexpensive, since the one-year curriculum costs over $40,000 CAD.
2. Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, Vancouver,
This institution is excellent and dedicated to preparing students for jobs in the culinary sector as quickly as possible. Students here work on agricultural plots outside of Vancouver, learning how to grow the component that will be used to feed local school children. There are numerous more advantages to choosing Northwest Culinary Academy, including lower tuition prices when compared to other top culinary schools in British Columbia.
3. LaSalle College, Vancouver, B.C.
In 2017, the Art Institute of Vancouver, a renowned Montreal-based school, expanded into the Vancouver market. Students in British Columbia now have access to the same curriculum and top-notch professors that have helped LaSalle College in Montreal establish itself as a leading culinary school.
WHAT ARE THE TOP CANADIAN FOODS YOU MUST TRY OUT ?
Most foods in Canada are comfort foods though very delicious and if you haven’t tried them yet you are missing out.
The most common of these foods which you would love to try are listed below.
MAPLE SYRUP:
Maple Syrup is a common syrup that is made from the xylem and sap of different maple trees.
In cold climates, these trees are in the habit of storing starch in their roots and trunks.
Maples are thereafter tapped by drilling holes into these tree trunks and collecting the inborn sap. It is then processed to obtain the Maple syrup.
POUTING:
This is made from French fries covered up with cheese curds and a thick, brown gravy.
Pouting for me is the ultimate delicious comfort food though it doesn’t look good.
The French fries are usually thick, crispy though soft inside.
The cheese in form of curds and then the gravy must be brown and rich. All added together and served.
CANADIAN BACON/PEAMEAL BACON
The Canadian Bacon is known as a breakfast food by Canadians.
In simple terms, it is the lean boneless loin of pork of the animal.
Peameal bacon is a wet cured pork loin.
It is usually gotten from the back of the hog which its fat has been trimmed off and then rolled in cornmeal.
THE TIM HORTON’S DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Double-double simply means coffee with double spoons of cream and double spoons of sugar.
The coffee is really good. Go request for a double-double today at Horton’s.
MONTREAL-STYLE BAGELS
This is a dough that has both eggs and honey in it. It is soft and delicious.
Most times it is made with maple syrups and finally poached in honey water to give it that taste of sweetness.
WHAT ARE SOME CULINARY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS IN CANADA?
Paying for your tuition and the related expenses can be challenging.
At this point thinking about financial aids becomes very necessary.
WHAT ARE SOME CULINARY ASSOCIATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS THAT OFTEN PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CULINARY STUDENTS IN CANADA?
There are Culinary associations and foundations in Canada that offer scholarships for students in Canada Here are the top three foundations offering culinary scholarships in Canada.
WOMEN CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS
The international trade organization is based in the United States and usually host an annual conference in various cities. Not just that, they organize workshops, demonstrations, tastings and job fairs.
They have created hundreds of mentorship and scholarship programs, especially for women. Read more about Women Chefs and Restaurants.
JAMES BOARD FOUNDATION
This is a non-profit organization that is all about celebrating, nurturing and honouring chefs.
They have been in existence for more than 30 years and has created platforms to address the gender imbalance in our culinary industry.
The James Board Foundation scholarship assists both aspiring and professional chefs in furthering their education in any culinary school, hospitality institution, college and university. They have awarded over 8 million dollars to over 2000 individuals.
THE CULINARY THRUST
The culinary trust foundation is bent on giving culinary professionals the required tools and opportunities in the world of food.
They achieve this by giving scholarships and grants to students and professionals.
They also organize educational programs and hunger alleviation schemes. read more about The Culinary Thrust Scholarships.
ARE CHEFS IN DEMAND IN CANADA?
Chefs are in high demand across the country. According to the Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks, the best-trained chefs and cooks are in very high demand. This is because there are a lot of hotels, restaurants and industries that require the services of cooks.
An aging demographic is expected to increase the need for chefs and cooks in establishments that cater to seniors such as retirement homes. Therefore attending any of the culinary schools in Canada is a good option.
DO CHEFS MAKE GOOD MONEY IN CANADA?
The average chef salary of chefs in Canada is $37,050 per year or $19 per hour.
Entry-level positions start at $31,226 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $60,177 per year. So there is obviously so much money to make.
CAN I MIGRATE TO CANADA AS A CHEF?
Chefs are in high demand in Canada because Canada is always in search of skilled workers. Chefs are therefore eligible to apply to immigrate to Canada under the Canadian Government’s Immigration program. The occupation has been included in the targeted occupations list, known as the NOC list (National Occupation Code List).
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