The History of BeaverTails: The Story Behind The Iconic Canadian Pastry

What is a BeaverTail? Canada’s Famous Pastry Explained!

No, we’re not talking about the backside of the semiaquatic animal! We’re talking about one of Canada’s most iconic foods. Up there with poutine and the butter tart is the famous Canadian pastry. Before we dive into this Ontario food history, we have to go over what exactly a BeaverTail pastry is. A delicious, deep-fried, flat dough, offered with a variety of topping options, this sweet treat is irresistible, a must try Canadian food! The classic topping option is cinnamon and sugar, but there is a huge array of options, even some savoury ones, like the PouTail, combining two iconic Canadian treats, Poutine and the BeaverTail. 

The Famous Killaloe Sunrise!

Where it all started: The History of BeaverTails in Killaloe, Ontario

BeaverTails originated in the small town of Killaoe, Ontario, in the heart of the Ottawa Valley. Right here, in this small Ontario town, the BeaverTail pastry was sold for the first time. What would later become a famous Canadian Franchise had humble beginnings at an Ontario community fair in 1978. The founders, Grant and Pam Hooker, made and sold the pastry, based on the recipe from Grant’s German grandmother. The pastries were a hit, and the rest is history! 

The Killaloe Craft and Community Fair: Birthplace of BeaverTails

The Killaloe Craft and Community Fair is still going strong today! This August will be the 50th Anniversary of the fair. Now sponsored by BeaverTail and the Hooker’s, the fair continues to be a place where people come together and share in different art forms, workshops, and of course, food. 

How BeaverTail Became an Iconic Canadian Franchise 

In 1980, just two years after that fateful day at the fair in Killaloe, Ontario, the Hooker’s opened up their first store in Ottawa, Ontario, at the Byward Market. This is the same location that is still open today! Their success continued in Ottawa, and the following year, they opened a stand on the frozen canal, forever tying their treat to the Canadian tradition of skating through the capital! Thus, making it an integral piece of Canadian culture. They continued to grow and opened up their first location in Montreal! In 1987, college student Pino di Ioia took a summer job managing the Montreal location. This student would eventually become CEO of BeaverTail. Talk about rising the ranks! 

Our Very Own BeaverTail Stand, in Killaloe, Ontario

Today, right in the town of Killaloe, Ontario, we have a BeaverTail stand open for the summer months. As an homage to where it all started, Pam and Grant Hooker opened this location to serve the Killaloe community, and all the cottagers being drawn in by the beautiful natural beauty (or the call of the BeaverTail). This stand is right on the banks of Brennen’s Creek, making it a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy a treat. 

The town of Killaloe is very proud to be the origin for the BeaverTail, you can tell when you drive by and see the big sign, boasting its claim to fame! Make a trip out to the beautiful cottage country of the Ottawa

Valley, and don’t miss this piece of Canadian history!

BeaverTails Location in Killlaloe