Student Experience
What to Expect
Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Culinary Skills program.
Success Stories and Testimonials
“Algonquin has a really good mix of chefs. They all offer a big, expansive knowledge and a lot of them are connected to industry. I opened a restaurant six months after I graduated.”
– Ryan, Graduate, Chef and Restaurant Owner
“I needed to make a transition and I decided to pursue my passion. The profs all have their own different skillsets and experience, and they were all so generous in sharing.”
– Resa, Graduate
Algonquin College places 8th on University Magazine’s Best Culinary Schools in Canada 2025 list
“Ottawa’s Algonquin College offers a Culinary Management program that combines hands-on training with academic rigour. Students hone their skills in state-of-the-art facilities, including a fine-dining restaurant operated by the College.”
– University Magazine Read the full article.
Work-Integrated Learning
Culinary students get the opportunity to work alongside the best chefs in Canada – experiential learning at its best.
Baking and Culinary students at Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Culinary and Baking students assisted at ‘Chefs at the Castle: A Michelin Star Culinary Experience’ at Fairmont Chateau Laurier, gaining experience and networking opportunities. Baking and Pastry Arts Management student Yatong Liang was the recipient of the first Chefs at the Castle Excellence Award. Read more about the event here.
The Canadian Culinary Championship (CCC) is an annual national event in Ottawa, featuring winning chefs from ten different regional qualifiers, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party.
Fifty Culinary Arts students got the chance to partipicate, including three learners assisting each chef, in addition to their sous chefs. For many, involvement at this level of competition is a once-in-their-career opportunity. Read the full story here.
Connie gets a taste of her future career at Restaurant International, our on-site training restaurant.
Learn cutting edge skills you’ll need to succeed in the growing culinary industry – an industry alive with creativity, people and passion. Get hands-on experience through hands-on learning in our fully-equipped culinary facilities and in our real-life learning lab, Restaurant International, and make connections during an industry field placement.
Expand your real-world experience and make industry connections with an 80-hour field placement. With opportunities to participate in community events, culinary competitions and activities, you have many opportunities to refine your skills and gain further experience.
Learn more about Restaurant International, our hands-on learning laboratory that provides our students with the opportunity to practice the skills they learn in their programs.
Important information regarding the Algonquin College Culinary Laboratory Uniform and Code of Conduct Policy: AC-Culinary-Laboratory-Policy-and-Procedure-Manual-Fall-2019