There is a good reason I always gain five pounds after my annual summer trip to Nova Scotia; actually several good reasons -- mussels, blueberries, lobster, chowder and Scotsburn ice cream to name a few. Sampling (ok fine, gorging) on local flavour is one of the best parts of travel.

Culinary tourism is a rapidly growing segment of the industry and offers travelers many ways to experience the fine food you can find across Canada. The term encompasses a wide range of offerings from hotels like the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, who showcase local offerings in their dining room, to cooking schools to sustainable food initiatives like British Columbia's Ocean Wise conservation program. Founded by C Restaurant and the Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise symbol on the menu indicates that the restaurant is committed to serving only ocean-friendly fish and seafood. http://www.oceanwisecanada.org

The tastes of Nova Scotia are so unique that there is actually a province-wide marketing program called The Taste of Nova Scotia. Members of the program are committed to offering the very best culinary experience Nova Scotia has to offer. Whether traditional or contemporary, their fare reflects the culinary and cultural heritage of Nova Scotia.

The distinctive Taste of Nova Scotia logo is proudly displayed by its member restaurants as their pledge to provide a memorable dining experience. http://www.tasteofnovascotia.com/

If you are a true foodie and want to plan a vacation around the food experience, there are some great regions to hit across the country;

The Charlevoix region in Quebec has a long-established reputation for agro tourism and fine dining. Follow the area's Flavour Trail and you will find producers who open their doors to visitors seeking to discover the secrets of farming and processing. At most farms, products can be sampled and purchased on site. As for chefs along the trail's various hotels, inns and restaurants; they strive to combine these same local products with everyday foods to create exciting new taste sensations. http://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com/tourist-trails/flavour-trail

Vancouver Island's Comox Valley offers lush landscapes with a bounty of chefs, farmers, producers and winemakers. Do it on your own or take a tour with Island Gourmet Trails; they offer appetizers, tastings and guided transport during a half-day adventure or add a multi-course menu paired with regional vintages, and you've got a full day on the tasty trail http://www.islandgourmettrails.ca/

Prince Edward County is Ontario's latest food and winery destination. The area was settled by United Empire Loyalists, who because of their loyalty to the British Crown fled the US by the thousands following the American Revolution. Today "The County" is filled with pretty, Loyalist era towns featuring historic country inns, antique and vintage clothing shops, and plenty of food and wine. Farmers' markets, fromageries, vineyards and cideries vie for attention as well as fine restaurants featuring local produce. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, enthusiast culinary classes at all levels of expertise are offered at the Waring House Inn and Cooking School in Picton. www.tastetrail.ca and http://winecountryontario.ca/Prince-Edward-County