Experience Authentic Canadian Hospitality Through the OpenHome Initiative
Experience Authentic Canadian Hospitality Through the OpenHome Initiative
Destination Canada has recently unveiled its innovative program, OpenHome, which provides Americans with the unique opportunity to dine inside real Canadian homes. This initiative is set to foster connections and share the warmth and hospitality that Canada is known for. The program was officially launched on November 13, 2025, and will be available until February 28, 2026, offering a series of bookable dinners across the nation.
From the bustling west coast city of Vancouver to the historic charm of Halifax, a variety of hosts from diverse backgrounds are eager to welcome guests into their homes. This includes teachers, artists, cooks, farmers, and families, all wanting to share not just a meal but also a moment of connection and cultural exchange. The experiences promise to be authentic, providing a true taste of what it means to be Canadian.
How OpenHome Works
Americans interested in participating can explore a range of hosts through the program’s dedicated website, opentable.com/openhome, where they can browse available menus, learn about each host, and book their dining experience. According to Gloria Loree, the Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and CMO at Destination Canada, “There is always room for one more at our table; that's who we are as Canadians.” By inviting Americans into their homes, Canadians hope to share not only delicious food but also stories and experiences that highlight the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
One of the local hosts, Claire Iassam, a business owner from Vancouver, speaks about the program, stating that inviting people for dinner feels very natural. “It’s almost an extension of inviting people into our restaurant,” she says. Growing up, her values were centered around being surrounded by nice people and good food, something she hopes to replicate during these gatherings.
Meet Your Hosts
OpenHome connects diners with a range of hosts representative of the Canadian mosaic:
- - Louis Octeau-Piché from Montréal, Quebec, is known for his appearances on The Amazing Race Canada, and he welcomes guests along with his mom, Marie.
- - Sharon Lui and her husband, Tim, hail from Markham, Ontario; the event manager couple is passionate about sharing their culture.
- - Based in Toronto, Amy Rosen is a chef and award-winning food writer known for her storytelling charm, ensuring an unforgettable evening.
- - Alex Blagdon, a culinary director from Tors Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, prepares multi-generational meals alongside her mother and grandmother, showcasing local game in their cuisine.
- - In Whitehorse, Yukon, the trio Carson Schiffkorn, Dona, and Driss runs a quaint inn and provides a cozy, welcoming dining atmosphere.
As Canada continues to rank highly among Americans' preferred international destinations, OpenHome enhances the country's reputation for warmth and authenticity. With the initiative, Destination Canada not only promotes dining reservations but transforms them into meaningful shared experiences that celebrate compassion, connection, and cultural exchange, all through the simple act of sharing a meal.
For more information about culinary experiences and travel in Canada, visit CanadaNaturally.com.
About Destination Canada
Destination Canada plays a vital role in promoting tourism as a means to enhance the lives of Canadians while offering enriching experiences to visitors. Their mission involves leveraging research and collaborative efforts with public and private sectors to market Canadian tourism, contributing significantly to the national economy.
Tourism in Canada generates approximately $130 billion annually, which translates to over $350 million a day in revenue sustained by 265,000 businesses spanning across 5,000 communities. As a crown corporation fully owned by the Government of Canada, Destination Canada's initiatives quickly convert public funding into spending by international visitors, catalyzing job creation, GDP growth, and tax revenue almost immediately.
With the OpenHome program, Canadians can share their rich heritage in the most personal way possible, fostering connections that can last a lifetime.
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