For fans of roadside food stands, the arrival of cottage season means more than just gorgeous weather and the chance to cool off in the lake. It means chip trucks all across small town Ontario are back in business! Cottagers, day-trippers and campers will feel the familiar thrill as they pull their cars up to their favourite wagons and let the delicious smell of deep fried fatty goodness waft through their windows. It’s a tasty reward for hours cooped up in the car, a satisfying treat that will carry you through the rest of your journey. If you’re dreaming of the perfect chip truck experience this summer, stopping at one of these celebrated wagons will be your best bet.
Shelby’s Chip Wagon, Gravenhurst
Shelby’s has been serving up fresh-cut fries in the Muskoka region for more than 15 years. There’s always a line-up of hungry customers waiting to dig into their sweet potato fries, take a bite out of their steak on a bun or savour their classic poutine. Their portions are more than generous, which makes their items optimal for sharing with friends and family (but only if you want to, of course). You can find Shelby’s on Sharpe Street, near the bike shop.
Katrine Chip Truck, Katrine
Named after the quaint community in which it’s located, Katrine’s Chip Truck attracts hungry french fry lovers from miles away. Aside from their delicious fries, they’re known for their crispy chicken fingers, deep-fried pickles, and daily specials. You can track down the truck at the corner of Three Mile Lake and Katrine Rd.
Kiss Chip Truck, Bridgenorth
The motto for this popular wagon is ‘keep is simply scrumptious’ and the owners are determined to live up to it. They only serve fresh fries and burgers made with meat straight from the butcher. They’re located in a gas station parking lot, off Ward street east of the causeway.
Smokin’ Chip Wagon, Bancroft
This chip truck gets rave reviews for their high quality food and varied menu. Once you’ve savoured their fresh cut fries, there are tons of other options for repeat visits. Try their smoked meat sandwiches, onion rings, or steamed hot dogs with coleslaw. The wagon is located on Hasting’s Street North, but they also do delivery, so if you’re cottaging or camping in the area you can enjoy the chip truck experience without even getting in the car!
JJ’s Snack Shack, Brockville
With more than 10 varieties in total, JJ’s is all about poutine! Here, you can stick to something more classic or you can experiment with options like their breakfast poutine or buffalo chicken poutine. If you’re craving something a little meatier, you can chow down on a bacon cheeseburger or the kickin’ chicken burger. Find the truck on Highway 29, just outside of Brockville.
Country Chip Wagon, Dunnville
This fish n’ chips wagon serves fantastically fresh Lake Erie perch. A full dinner comes with the truck’s famous fries, coleslaw, lemon wedges, tarter sauce, and 4 to 6 pieces of fish. If you have room for dessert you can also treat yourself to a milkshake or hand-scooped ice cream. You’ll find this wagon right on Dunnville Road at 8232.
Jimmy’s Fry Shack, McKeller
Huge portions, friendly staff, and delicious food; what more could you want? Jimmy’s Fry Shack is popular among locals and tourists alike. The poutine is their claim to fame, though people also rave about the massive fish and chips. If ice cream is more your thing, they are now offering 24oz old fashioned milkshakes! Find Jimmy’s at 3 Centre Rd, McKellar.
Kate’s Kart, Parry Sound
Cathy (Kate) and Mike Barber’s food trailer started off as a hot dog kart, but has since gone through a series of evolutions and now includes their signature homemade fries. The Kart is known for its wide array of condiments that can be used on their fries, hot dogs, and sausages. They’re also one of the few chip trucks to offer great gluten-free and vegetarian options. Visit Kate’s Kart on Parry Sound’s Pine Drive.
Wolf Chalet, Perkinsfield
Named for the area’s favourite animal, Kimberly Nightingale’s wood-panelled stand serves up some truly unique snacks alongside chips and fresh Georgian Bay fish. The eclectic menu includes gluten free and local dishes, avocado fries, deep-fried broccoli, and battered mushrooms. The wagon can be found at 79 County Road–just a short drive away from Balm beach.
