Gino’s Canadian Escape

A TLN Studios Original production, Gino’s Canadian Escape is a six-part, half-hour series that sees Gino D’Acampo land in Canada for the very first time, setting off on a whirlwind journey through Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara. In Montréal, he explores the city’s Italian soul, from Little Italy and homemade pasta to panettone and hanging upside down at the National Circus School. Ottawa takes him behind the scenes on Parliament Hill, while Toronto brings sports, food and adventure. Gino gets game-ready with the Maple Leafs, steps onto the Raptors’ court with NBA players, experiences the excitement of Game 6 of the World Series and heads to BMO Field to explore the city’s soccer culture. Along the way, bustling markets, celebrated chefs and local flavours keep food at the heart of the journey. The adventure ends amid the mist of Niagara Falls, followed icewine and a final escape into wine country. Fun, flavourful and full of unexpected moments, Gino’s Canadian Escape is Gino’s unforgettable first taste of Canada.

Episode 1: Montréal: “Montréal, Mon Amour”

Gino kicks off his journey in Montréal, checking into Le Mount Stephen Hotel before diving headfirst into the city’s Italian soul; espresso stops, fresh bagels, a stroll through Little Italy, and cooking alongside Elena Faita, where homemade pasta and family tradition take centre stage. From long lunches and local flavours to Negronis and charcuterie back at his penthouse suite, Montréal delivers the perfect mix of flavour, flair, and indulgence.

Episode 2:  Montréal: "Tightropes & Panettone"

After a homemade affogato at Le Mount Stephen, Gino throws himself into Montréal at full speed. At the National Circus School, he hangs upside down, tests his nerve, and takes in the jaw-dropping skill of elite performers before bouncing from BeaverTails to towering stacks of panettone and a hands-on lesson in fresh ravioli at a family-run pasta shop. Equal parts spectacle, chaos, and carb-loaded indulgence, Montréal pushes Gino far outside his comfort zone before he hits the road toward Ottawa.

Episode 3: Ottawa: "House of Carbs"

With Parliament Hill as the backdrop, Gino spends time with Senator Toni Varone and Italian-Canadian parliamentarians, trading stories of food, family, and identity behind the scenes of public life. He then heads to Mādahòkì Farm, dodges Ottawa’s fearless geese, and ends the day the only way that makes sense - around a table, where food brings everyone together.

Episode 4: Toronto: "Stadium City"

Gino dives into Toronto’s high-octane sports world, going behind the scenes with the Maple Leafs and Raptors from the Leafs’ training facility with Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the OVO Centre, where he hits the court with Jamal Shead and Sandro Mamukelashvili under Coach Darko. The energy peaks at Game 6 of the World Series before Gino heads to BMO Field with Dwayne De Rosario, exploring multicultural stadium food and how sport brings the city together as Toronto looks toward FIFA 2026.

Episode 5: Toronto: "The 6ixth Course"

Gino dives into Toronto’s food culture, reconnecting with David Rocco from Naples before roaming Fortinos and the historic St. Lawrence Market, the city’s beating culinary heart. The episode builds in the kitchen at Bisteccheria Sammarco with Rob Rossi, where Gino learns the tricks behind cooking the perfect steak before closing at a community charity gala.

Episode 6: Niagara: "Bubbles Beneath the Falls"

Gino heads to the base of Niagara Falls, surrounded by mist, thunder, and an unexpected beaver sighting, before cooking overlooking the Falls and sharing a paired meal with icewine pioneer Donald Ziraldo, reflecting on risk, craft, and passion. The journey continues into wine country at Stone Eagle Winery, where bold tastings and sweeping landscapes bring the series to a powerful close, from roaring water to quiet vineyards, ending in flavour, place, and purpose.