Francophone Ontario

Did you know that Ontario has the largest French-Speaking minority community in Canada? While a large number of people in Ontario are fluent speakers and writers of the French language, over 600,000 people identify themselves as Franco-Ontarians, meaning that they speak French as a first language and are residents of Ontario.

Each community – whether it be Ottawa, Welland or Thunder Bay – has their own traditions. They’re shaped by their communities, migration patterns and of course, family legacy. They’re also home to a number of unique food experiences, many of which include Ontario’s favorite food: cheese!

September 25th is Franco-Ontario Day – a time to celebrate the community and its history. It was officially named Franco-Ontarian Day in 2010 and has been celebrated with singing, dancing and of course, plenty of food ever since. Celebrations are especially dynamic in Northwestern Ontario, where the population has been known to brave torrential weather to take the streets!

Other ways to celebrate Franco-Ontario culture across the province include: Franco-Fête, La Nuit sur l’Étang music festival, the Franco-Ontario Games, the Franco-Ontarian Festival, and of course, the St. Albert Curd Festival.