Isabella Thornton
Discover everything about the CBC original culinary series Locals Welcome Season 1 (2025)—from its official premiere date and streaming platform to the complete episode guide and cast lineup. I’ll also walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from outside Canada so you won’t miss a single moment. Have questions? Share them in the comments, and I’ll respond quickly to help you start streaming with ease.
How can I watch Locals Welcome (2025) outside Canada on CBC Gem
To watch Locals Welcome Season 1 (2025) outside Canada, you can stream it on CBC Gem, the broadcaster’s official free on-demand service. Since CBC Gem is geo-restricted, viewers abroad need to connect to a Canadian server using a reliable premium VPN. Once connected, you can unlock the platform and enjoy seamless streaming of the docuseries from anywhere.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to an Canada-based server.
- Visit the CBC Gem website, then log in or create a new account. During registration, you’ll need to enter a Canadian postal code — you can use an online Canadian postcode generator if you don’t have one.
- You can watch Locals Welcome outside Canada restriction-free!
Note: If you don’t have the CBC Gem app, open it in a browser like Google Chrome on your PC or Mac instead — otherwise you’ll be prompted to download the app. The CBC Gem app isn’t available to download outside Canada.
Locals Welcome (2025) Plot
Locals Welcome is a docuseries that explores the heart of Canada through its hidden food gems. Hosted by Suresh Doss, the show travels across provinces, highlighting immigrant-run kitchens that preserve cultural identity. From Iranian dishes in Toronto’s thriving TehranTO to dynamic Chinese cuisine in Richmond, BC, the series uncovers the stories behind every bite. It also shines a spotlight on the long-overdue rise of Haitian cuisine in Montreal. Each episode marries rich storytelling with cinematic food visuals, capturing both the taste and spirit of these communities. Along the way, viewers meet passionate chefs, restaurateurs, and community leaders who embody hospitality. With its mix of culture, food, and history, Locals Welcome reveals how Canada’s neighbourhood eateries are shaping the nation’s identity.
When did Locals Welcome premiere and on which platform?
Locals Welcome premiered on October 5, 2025 and airs on CBC Television, with full episodes available to stream on CBC Gem in Canada.
Locals Welcome Cast
- Suresh Doss – Host of the series, a celebrated food writer with over twenty years of experience exploring Toronto’s food culture. His storytelling bridges immigrant traditions with Canadian identity.
- Matty Matheson – Special guest, chef and actor, known for his bold personality and culinary expertise.
- Ann Pornel – Guest appearance, comedian and host of The Great Canadian Baking Show, bringing her charm and love for food.
- David Schwartz – Acclaimed chef and guest, sharing his insights into Canada’s evolving food landscape.
How many episodes does Locals Welcome have?
Locals Welcome features 10 episodes, each 30 minutes long.
Episode Guide:
- Episode 1 – TehranTO
Suresh explores Toronto’s Iranian community, diving into Persian dishes that embody culture and hospitality. The episode celebrates the resilience of immigrant kitchens. - Episode 2 – Richmond BC
A vibrant look at Chinese cuisine on the west coast, blending traditional recipes with fresh Canadian produce. It’s a story of adaptation and innovation. - Episode 3 – Montreal’s Haitian Food Scene
Haitian cuisine steps into the spotlight, showing how tradition and creativity transform into a rising culinary force in the city. - Episode 4 – The GTA’s Suburban Eats
Suresh highlights lesser-known suburban food spots, revealing how immigrant families are shaping Toronto’s food culture. - Episode 5 – Small-Town Canadian Flavours
A journey through towns where local food traditions merge with global influences, creating unique culinary identities. - Episode 6 – Indigenous Culinary Heritage
A moving exploration of Indigenous dishes and the cultural history they preserve, showcasing the roots of Canada’s food story. - Episode 7 – Caribbean Community in Ontario
From jerk chicken to festival bread, Suresh dives into the flavours and family traditions of Caribbean food. - Episode 8 – The Prairies’ Hidden Kitchens
Exploring how immigrant communities in the Prairies bring new flavours to classic Canadian landscapes. - Episode 9 – Coastal Cuisine of the Maritimes
A celebration of seafood and the immigrant stories tied to the Atlantic coast’s culinary traditions. - Episode 10 – Canada’s Food Mosaic
The season finale brings the journey full circle, highlighting the unifying power of food across Canada’s diverse communities.
Where to watch Locals Welcome (2025) in Canada
As of October 5, 2025, Locals Welcome Season 1 airs on CBC and streams shortly after its broadcast on CBC Gem, the network’s free on-demand platform. Canadian viewers can watch every episode online without any additional cost, making it simple to enjoy the new documentary food series. CBC Gem ensures easy access across multiple devices, allowing fans to stream Locals Welcome in Canada.
The first episode of Locals Welcome Season 1 will also be available to watch on CBC’s official YouTube channel, giving viewers an easy way to stream the premiere online for free.
Is there a way to watch Locals Welcome online for free?
Yes, you can stream Locals Welcome for free with ads on CBC Gem, making it easily accessible to viewers in Canada. If you prefer an ad-free experience, you can upgrade to CBC Gem Premium, which comes with a free one-week trial and then continues at just CA $5.99 per month plus taxes. For audiences outside Canada, CBC Gem is geo-restricted, so you’ll need to use a reliable VPN, connect to a Canadian server, and then sign up to enjoy the show seamlessly from anywhere.
How to Sign Up CBC Gem:
| # | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download CBC Gem | Get the CBC Gem app on iOS/Android or visit the CBC Gem website. |
| 2 | Create Account | Click Sign Up and enter your name, email address, and password. |
| 3 | Add Postal Code | If asked, provide a valid Canadian postal code to continue. |
| 4 | Choose Plan | Select the Free plan (with ads) or upgrade to CBC Gem Premium for ad-free streaming (includes a 1-week free trial, then CA $5.99/month). |
| 5 | Confirm Account | Check your email for a verification link and activate your account. |
| 6 | Start Streaming | Log in and enjoy CBC Gem content available in your region. |
Locals Welcome Trailer
CBC has released the trailer for Locals Welcome Season 1.
FAQs
- Who is the host of Locals Welcome?
The show is hosted by Suresh Doss, a seasoned food writer and expert who guides viewers through Canada’s hidden kitchens and food communities. - What is the focus or theme of Locals Welcome?
Locals Welcome celebrates lesser-known food places across Canada. It explores immigrant-run kitchens, neighbourhood restaurants, and cultural culinary traditions that seldom get mainstream attention. - Can I download Locals Welcome Season 1 for offline viewing?
No, CBC Gem does not officially support downloads for offline viewing. Their app and service are designed for streaming, not storing episodes locally for later viewing.
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