Restaurants and Activities @ Canadian Medical Schools

Saint John, NB / Dalhousie (Sophia Miao - MD 2021)

RESTAURANTS

1.Thandi’s
Asian fusion restaurant offering plenty of options from Indian curries to seafood. Vegetarian/vegan options available, and gluten-free friendly. Check out their lunch menu for cheaper alternatives!

2. Zesty Lemon
This is a brand new bistro in Millidgeville, close to campus. Cheap breakfast items, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches are offered here.

3. Marjorie’s/Port City Royal
Called Marjorie’s Cafe by day, and Port City Royal by night, this is a unique place with a vintage vibe. Marjorie’s is a great place for a coffee date, and Port City Royal has a seasonal menu.

4. Urban Deli
Loved by everyone at DMNB, Urban Deli is a go-to destination for lunch. They have great deli options, and are also great for vegetarians and vegans.

5. Ta-Ke Sushi
If you’re looking for cheap sushi, Ta-Ke is the place to go! With $9.99 lunch deals, this is a popular place for students.

FREE ACTIVITIES

1. Rockwood Park
Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, swim, skate, bike, or paddle, Rockwood is a lovely park to go year-round with friends. Plus, it’s just down the street from campus!

2. Irving Nature Park
This is a beautiful park for hiking and having a picnic, offering great views of the Saint John and its surrounding area. They also have beaches and marshes, and park staff members can give free guided tours.

3. Reversing Falls Rapids
Just a walk away from Uptown SJ, this is a unique phenomenon formed by the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River. Go during low tide to see rapids and whirlpools, and go at high tide to see the Bay’s tides “reverse” the river rapids.

4. City Market in King’s Square
The City Market is open 6 days a week, and has everything from fresh produce to fine crafts.

5. Saint John Arts Centre
The SJAC is located Uptown and always has plenty of free events, gallery exhibitions, and music performances.

Montreal / McGill (Christine Audi - MD 2019)

RESTAURANTS

1.Kantapia
Amazing Korean restaurant with tons of cheap meals in the Concordia area of the city. No reservations so you have to line up but worth it!

2. Kazu
Great little Japanese restaurant. Pretty small so you often sit at the bar but it makes for a great atmosphere. Plenty of little dishes in the menu and written on the wall so just order up and share! Again, you have to lineup but if you go early enough and in little groups, you’ll be fine!

3. Majestique
Lovely restaurant which has an oyster bar. Amazing seafood and food options. Has a changing menu. Good drink options. Great location on St Laurent and has an outdoor terrace for the summer season. Lovely for a cute night out or a date.

4. Lola Rosa (Vegetarian)
Small and quaint vegetarian restaurant right by campus with cheap meals. Very popular place for students. Amazing nachos. Has the best dessert brownies. Tables have little drawers where you can leave cute notes for future people to read.

5. Fisshu
All you can eat sushi place with BYOB (for wine to go along with the delicious sushi). Plenty of sushi and sashimi options. And it’s downtown and super close to campus.

FREE ACTIVITIES

1. Atwater market
Cute market by the Lachine Canal creating a beautiful atmosphere. Lovely to walk around in in summer. Has flower markets, cheese samples, great little food carts if you want food.

2. Mount Royal Park
Beautiful park in the center of Montreal. Short walk up to get a beautiful view of Montreal. In summer, there are often shows, and music being played at the top. Also a great park for people who enjoy to run in nature!

3. Jean Talon Market
Similar to Atwater market but in a different area of town. Very fun to explore all the stalls and walk around in! Lots of food and produce and an attractive venue for local produce.

4. Nuit blanche
Just happens one night in February but it’s amazing event. Free metro till 5am. Plenty of free concerts all over the city. Street art, cooking classes, dance classes etc. The city just livens up with all kinds of lights. There are also free rides in the city ex. Ferris wheel, slides. Definitely worth checking out.

5. Old port
Great area of town to just walk around in and enjoy the surrounds. Very european (and slightly touristy) but the little cobblestone streets never get old.

Ottawa / U of O (Brandon Lam - Class of 2020)

RESTAURANTS

1.The Green Door Restaurant (Vegetarian)
Self-serve “buffet style” with a great variety of vegetarian food selection. The cost is based on the final weight/how much food you get.

2. Pure Kitchen (Vegetarian)
Vegetarian restaurant and juice bar.

3. Mad Radish (Vegetarian)
“Fast Food” vegetarian option. Great for those who are in a hurry!

4. Joeys
Upscale restaurant with a great selection and variety of different kinds of cuisines. Atmosphere is also really nice. Great place to enjoy food with friends, family, and loved ones!

5. Craft Beer Market
The largest selection of beer, wine, and any kind of alcohol you can think of with delicious food options as well.

6. Belmont
Small, cute, dimly lit restaurant that mainly serves delicious Tapas. Their Charcuterie board is amazing! Nice place for taking dates to.

7. Sansotei Ramen
Great place for delicious Japanese Ramen. The restaurant is pretty small so there are always long line ups. Expect a 30+ minute wait if you go during lunch and dinner hours!

8. El Camino
Mexican style cuisine with the best tacos in the city (especially the fish and ox tongue tacos). The price per tacos are definitely expensive but they are so worth it!

9. Riviera
If you’re looking to splurge then this is the restaurant for you. The portions are small and very expensive but the amazing atmosphere and service makes up for it! If you’re celebrating any special occasions, this is the place to do it!

10. EVOO
Greek style restaurant that serves brunch and dinner. I personally think you will get the best bang for your buck for brunch, large delicious portions that will leave you stuffed for under $20!

Kingston / Queen’s (Brandon Lam - Class of 2020)

RESTAURANTS

1.Wooden Heads
One of the best restaurants in Kingston that serves a wide variety of pizzas with a large selection of great tasting wine!

2. Grecos Grill & Wine Bar
Another fancy restaurant to try out with your friends, family, and loved ones! The service and atmosphere are amazing. Be sure to try out their steak that melts in your mouth!

3. Harper’s
If you’re looking for a great variety of delicious hamburgers to try out, then this is the place for you! They have many selectin of hamburgers and you could even build your own. Be sure to try their milk shake as well!

4. Chez Piggy
A very fancy and upscale restaurant for all your fine dining needs! Each of their menu items are diverse and you’ll be enjoying your food in a cozy limestone building.

5. Ali Baba
For less than $20, their Kingston famous “Ali Baba Combo” will get you a large chicken shawarma, potatoes with garlic, and a soft drink. This meal will be sure to fill you up!

6. Copper Penny
A very chill vibe restaurant that serves hamburgers, steak, and other great food options for a great price.

7. Jack Astors
The rooftop patio is amazing during the summer. Great place to hang out with your friends and classmates while overlooking the beautiful city of Kingston! The nachos and bow tie pastas are delicious!

8. Mr. Donair
Their Donair, chicken shawarma, and poutines taste delicious, especially after a night out with your friends. This place is very small so be prepared to stand while eating or just grab it to go. Be sure to tell the chef to leave the wrap a little longer on the grill to make it more crispy!

Vancouver / UBC

RESTAURANTS

1.Nuba
Amazing Lebanese food for options for all types of dietary restrictions. They have the best hummus and you really can’t leave without trying their fried cauliflower. They have options for individual plates as well as large sharing menus for larger groups to sample most of their menu.

2. Virtuous Pie
This place is vegan, and serves up some of the best pizza you will ever have - even if you love your meat. I had to put it on the list - just cause it’s Vancouver.

3. Umaluma Ice Cream
Best icecream ever!! It’s plant-based ice cream, and I’ve seen it convert many. You gotta try it out at least once.

4. Earnest Icecream
Another popular ice cream shop - with rotating flavours and plant-based options.

5. Aphrodite’s
A popular brunch place that’s super cozy, serves amazing wholesome food including sandwiches, burgers, eggs benny, soups and salads. They have delicious vegan/vegetarian fare as well as gluten free options to make everyone happy. It’s an upscale and healthier take on homey food that’s still very affordable. Most importantly though - they have pie!! All sorts of sweet fruit pies and cream pies - as well as options for gluten free and vegan pies!

6. Storm Crow Tavern
Amazing comfort/pub style food! Burgers, nachos, poutine, mac-n-cheese, etc. Always busy and a great place for an evening hangout for some feel good food and fun times. They also have various vegan/vegetarian options, as well as gluten free options to keep their restaurant open to all!

7. Sushi
I’m just going to lump all sushi restaurants into one category here since sushi restaurants in Vancouver are just as common as coffee shops - which is basically every street corner. Some say sushi in Vancouver is second to only sushi in Japan. Pretty much any sushi restaurant is amazing, but some of our favourites include: Sushi California, Shizenya Japanese Restaurant, Tamaki Sushi. There are so many more - just google sushi while you’re here and you’ll find something delicious!

8. Mr. Donair
Their Donair, chicken shawarma, and poutines taste delicious, especially after a night out with your friends. This place is very small so be prepared to stand while eating or just grab it to go. Be sure to tell the chef to leave the wrap a little longer on the grill to make it more crispy!

Moncton / Sherbrooke (Alex Robin - MD2021)

RESTAURANTS

1.Tide & Boar Gastropub
Rustic-modern atmosphere with comfort pub food done with fresh, local ingredients. Combined with a vast drink selection (sangria and local beer galore) and patio seating on Main Street, it’s a must hit.

2. Tony’s Bistro & Patisserie
A city favorite, Tony’s offers tasty café-style sandwiches, croissants, salads and burgers all-made from scratch. What they’re really famous for though is their pastries and cakes; don’t miss out!

3. Pump House Brewery
Local blueberry ale, wood-fired pizza and crafty radlers? If you enjoy the simple things in life, check this place out for a relaxed experience and solid eats.

4. Taj Mahal - Flavor Of India
One of Moncton’s few Indian cuisine spots, visit Taj at lunchtime for high value specials that are always fully satisfying. Their pakora is highly recommended.

5. Big League Burgers & Wings
Must go to spot for that perfect greasy burger and fries you need for self-love after a rough exam season. Service is quick and the big game is always on one of the big screens!

6. Calactus
A vegetarian selection of international cuisine that always delivers as fresh and a healthy choice. Pair it all with an unique atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed.

ACTIVITIES

1. A Trip to Fundy
In under an hour by car, Fundy’s reclaimed National Park and world-renowned Hopewell Rocks can be reached. Hours of sightseeing, hiking and swimming are waiting to be enjoyed, followed by a quick stop at Kelly’s Bakery in Alma for their famous sticky buns.

2. Local Trails
Take a short or long walk (hopefully with a furry friend) in one of Greater Moncton’s many trail friendly parks. The Dobson Trail, Centennial, Irishtown or Mill Creek Park are all a great start to exploring some hidden scenery that the city can offer.

3. Shediac Beaches
Do you enjoy long walks on the beach? Unbeatable swimming, seafood and sand awaits you nearby the core of Moncton. With all it has it has to offer, Shediac makes for a relaxing vacation day full of frisbee with man’s best friend, beer by a fire or sailing on the great Atlantic Ocean.

4. Downtown Moncton
Enjoy a free festival (Mosaiq, Pride, Canada Day, Acadie Rock, etc), see a game, admire our graffiti wall murals, or grab a beer in Moncton’s classic downtown setting. Setted on the Petitcodiac Riverfront, this area has something for everyone while being enriched with rooted culture and, more importantly, easily-accessible parking.

St. John’s / Memorial (Michelle Moody, Class of 2019)

RESTAURANTS

1.Yellow Belly Brewery
A local restaurant located in downtown St. John’s, minutes away from the harbour and the famous George Street. It’s a great spot to get dinner or to grab drinks with friends, and also has the best nachos in town!

2. The Peaceful Loft
An Asian fusion vegetarian and vegan restaurant in St. John’s that is located downtown on Duckworth Street, across from Moksha Yoga. If you want the friendliest service in the city with delicious vegan and vegetarian food, there’s no better place! Try going for lunch after getting your sweat on in hot yoga!

3. Mallard Cottage
Possibly the most quintessential Newfie restaurant that St. John’s has to offer. Located in the picturesque Quidi Vidi, it offers a beautiful location, unbeatable food, and a rustic Newfie atmosphere. Definitely a great place for Sunday brunch with loved ones.

4. Adelaide Oyster House
Best fish tacos in St. John’s, hands down -- enough said! Not to mention a cool atmosphere, awesome cocktails, and great service.

5. The Merchant Tavern
A wonderful local restaurant that is very accommodating of dietary restrictions. It’s on the fancier side, so it’s great for a treat or celebratory dinner with friends, family or a partner!

ACTIVITIES

1. Hiking the East Coast Trail
There’s nothing more relaxing than hiking with a friend along the rugged coast of Newfoundland, combining quality time with exercise. Make sure you bring your dog and a camera!

2. Bonfire at Middle Cove Beach
Arguably the best summer activity with friends. Bring food, drinks, blankets, and a friend who knows how to start a fire, and you’re in for a great night!

3. Snowshoeing in Three Pond Barren
Getting lost in the winding snowy trails of Three Pond Barren with your dog and friend in tow is the perfect way to enjoy a wintery afternoon. Watch out for the moose!