At CTM Design, we know that Canada’s love for the drive-thru is all about the experience. Whether it’s a cozy spot on the coast or a bustling stop in the city, we work with some of the biggest names in quick service to make sure their drive-thrus keep Canadians coming back for more.

Speed and convenience play a large role in drive-thru performance and this blog post will be your guide to some of the most popular spots in Canada.

A&W

2487 91 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 5R2            

The A&W in Calgary’s Quarry Park is a perfect spot to enjoy A&W classics like the Teen Burger, Chubby Chicken, or a frosty root beer. Designed for convenience, this location is right next to a fuel station and convenience store, so you can grab a delicious meal, refuel, and pick up any extras—all in one stop. Inside, the welcoming space lets you enjoy your favourites in comfort, and the layout makes it easy to swing by whenever you’re in the area. This location, brought to life with CTM’s design, is all about making it simple and enjoyable to experience the best of A&W.      

Angel’s Drive In

8603 47 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2A1

Angel’s Drive In, located in Northwest Calgary, is a charming 1950s-style diner offering classic American and Canadian comfort food. Known for its hearty burgers, crispy onion rings, and a wide variety of milkshakes, this spot has been a local favourite for years. With the convenience of a drive-thru and an inviting indoor dining area, Angel’s caters to both quick stops and leisurely meals. It’s a must-visit for anyone in the Bowness area, offering a nostalgic experience with friendly service and generous portions.    

Pro-Tip: Create a Memorable Atmosphere with Great Design. At Angel’s Drive In, the vintage 50’s diner vibe, complete with classic checkered floors and retro car decor, sets it apart and draws in customers. The nostalgic theme enhances the dining experience, making it a popular stop for those seeking both comfort food and a unique atmosphere. For more advice, check out CTM’s comprehensive guide, Behind the Design: The Essential Quick Service Restaurant Architecture and Design Guide.  

Beacon Drive-In

126 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8V 2N9 

Since opening in 1958, Beacon Drive-In has earned legendary status in Victoria. Its vintage 50’s era style is known for serving up generous portions of classic diner fare, including burgers, fish and chips, and their famous fries, which all pair perfectly with a soft-serve ice cream cone for dessert (which is often hailed as the best in the city). Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing ice cream cone or one of their loaded sundaes, this drive-thru hits the spot. Located directly next to Beacon Hill Park, you’ll often see lines of cars full of people eager to grab a meal to go for a picnic in the park.

Pro-Tip: Landscape Enhances the Customer Experience. The Beacon Drive-In, next to Beacon Hill Park, draws crowds not just for its classic diner fare but also for its location amidst beautiful surroundings. Integrating natural landscaping that complements the park’s greenery enhances the charm, inviting customers to enjoy their meal in a scenic, peaceful setting.

Burger King

209 Chain Lake Dr, Halifax, NS B3S 1C9 

Located in the busy Bayers Lake business district in Halifax, this Burger King is one of Halifax’s busiest drive-thrus, thanks to its superb location near retail stores and offices. The drive-thru does a roaring trade during lunch hours, with workers grabbing a quick bite between meetings.  The dinner rush is also lively, as folks swing by for dinner after a day of shopping at the nearby retail outlets. It goes without saying, but the menu features all the Burger King favorites you’d expect like the Whopper, which remains a top seller for its flame-grilled beef patty and customizable toppings. A newer favourite is the Impossible Whopper, a plant-based option made primarily from soy and potato protein.

Pro-Tip: Do a Needs Assessment First. Before building in a busy spot like Bayers Lake in Halifax, it’s key to understand how much traffic and business you’ll get. Knowing your peak times and customer needs will help set up your restaurant for success. 

Dairy Queen

273 Portugal Cove Rd, St. John’s, NL A1B 2N8

This Dairy Queen location is a hotspot for anyone looking to enjoy a mild St. John’s summer day and to get DQ’s most popular menu item: The Blizzard. Available in a wide selection of flavors like Oreo and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, The Blizzard is the undisputed champion of ice cream desserts. But despite its name, Dairy Queen does more than just ice cream, with classics like the DQ GrillBurger, crispy chicken strips, and their underrated but delicious fries. Whether it’s a Dilly Bar or a classic ice cream cone, this location keeps locals coming back for more.

Gillis Drive In

5207 Hwy a a MacDonald, Montague, PE C0A 1R0

Gillis Drive-In has been a beloved spot for Montague locals and visitors alike, serving up classic diner fare since the 1950s. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, crispy fries, or a cold ice cream cone, this old-school drive-in offers a nostalgic taste of simpler times. While the carhop service and retro vibe are reminiscent of decades past, the community’s loyalty to Gillis runs deep. Over the years, it has been a go-to for families grabbing a quick bite or locals looking to relive childhood memories.

Pro-Tip: Use Traffic Software for Better Design: CTM uses traffic software like AutoTURN to help make sure all types of vehicles can move through the drive-thru safely. It shows how cars and trucks will flow, helping to spot any problem areas before building begins.: The size and shape of the lot will decide how the drive-thru fits. Things like entry and exit points, traffic flow, and parking also matter, and rules in your area will help set these details. This is particularly important when designing for a combination restaurant.

Lynns Drive Inn

525 SK-3, Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0

Lynn’s Drive Inn in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan is a local favorite for good reason. Known for its generous portions and friendly atmosphere, this spot offers classic drive-in fare with a smile. Whether you’re craving a hot burger, crispy fries, or a cold ice cream cone, Lynn’s delivers comfort food that keeps folks coming back. With ample parking and a drive-thru, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of small-town charm. If you’re passing through Hudson Bay, SK, this is a must-stop for a casual meal.

Pro-Tip: Little Extras That Make a Big Difference. Lynn’s is known for large, satisfying portions that keep customers coming back. Similarly, making great design choices like extra bathroom space and well-placed garbage cans will also keep customers coming back.

KFC/Taco Bell

1651 Regent Ave W, Winnipeg, MB R2C 4H9 

For those who can’t decide between fried chicken or tacos, and for those of you who want both, this KFC and Taco Bell hybrid on Regent Ave is your solution. The drive-thru is busy, serving up both KFC’s classic buckets of fried chicken and Taco Bell’s Mexican-inspired offerings like Chalupa Supremes and Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos. KFC’s famous southern-inspired sides, like mashed potatoes with gravy and coleslaw, are also reliably great. This dual-brand drive-thru, operated by Yum Brands, is especially popular during lunch when workers from the surrounding commercial areas line up for quick, satisfying meals. On weekends, expect a heavier flow as hungry tourists and locals grab combo meals and buckets to enjoy around the city.

Pro-Tip: Lot Size and Shape Decide the Layout: The size and shape of a lot will decide how the drive-thru fits. Things like entry and exit points, traffic flow, and parking also matter, and rules in your area will help set these details. This is particularly important when designing for a combination restaurant.”

McDonald’s

356 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1S5 

Sitting at one of Toronto’s busiest intersections, this McDonald’s drive-thru is a go-to for city dwellers and tourists alike. The Yonge Street location serves up quintessential McDonald’s classics like the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder but also offers Canadian specialties like the McFlurry with Smarties. The proximity to Toronto’s business district makes the Yonge Street location a popular stop for quick lunches, and in the evenings the location gets traffic from the nearby entertainment district. If you’re in the area early enough, the breakfast menu with Egg McMuffins, hash browns, and freshly brewed McCafé coffee keeps the drive-thru buzzing from the break of dawn. The efficient service ensures a steady flow of cars, with regulars praising how well the staff handles the constant volume of orders.    

Pro-Tip: Prioritize Safety in High-Traffic Drive-Thrus. At busy locations like McDonald’s in Toronto, safety is key to managing heavy car and foot traffic smoothly. Strategic placement of entryways, crosswalks, and protective bollards keeps people safe and prevents damage during peak hours.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

1975 Weston Rd, York, ON M9N 1W8 

Popeyes’ Weston Road location is beloved for its flavorful fried chicken and mouthwatering sides like their Cajun fries and buttermilk biscuits. The drive-thru here often has lines of cars wrapping around the building during peak mealtimes, with Popeyes’ famous Chicken Sandwich being a particular favourite. Another stable is their Red Beans & Rice, a southern classic that rounds out any meal. Customers can also grab a side of their crunchy popcorn shrimp if they’re in the mood for something a little different. This location’s speed and efficiency make it one of the busiest drive-thrus in York, and the steady stream of customers throughout the day is a testament to the quality of food and service.

Shawarma Palace

464 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Z4 

Shawarma Palace is an Ottawa institution, known for its generous portions and bold flavors. Both locals and visitors to the city line up for their massive shawarma wraps, filled with juicy chicken or beef, and loaded with garlic sauce and pickled turnips. For those looking for something a bit lighter, their falafel wraps are a solid vegetarian option; the same goes for their fresh salads topped with tabbouleh. You can also get a variety of sides like hummus and baba ghanoush, making Shawarma Palace a great option for those looking to get a full Mediterranean meal.

Starbucks

12571 Bridgeport Rd #104, Richmond, BC V6V 1J4 

Coffee and travel go together like peas and carrots, which is a big part of what makes this Starbucks location in Richmond, BC so popular. Just a stone’s throw away from Vancouver International Airport, this Starbucks drive-thru is a favorite for weary travelers and busy commuters. Known for its efficiency, the staff at this location manage to keep the line moving quickly, even during the peak morning hours. Whether it’s a freshly brewed Pike Place coffee, a Caramel Macchiato, or one of their seasonal favorites like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, this Starbucks delivers quality with speed. Breakfast sandwiches, like the Bacon Gouda & Egg or Spinach Feta Wrap, are also hot sellers, providing a convenient, on-the-go option for those in a rush to get to the airport.

Pro-Tip: Design for Efficiency and Customer Convenience in High-Traffic Areas. At the Starbucks drive-thru in Richmond, BC, located near Vancouver International Airport, smart design choices keep traffic moving smoothly, meeting the demands of travelers and commuters alike. Efficient traffic flow, clear entry/exit points, and thoughtfully placed signage streamline service, ensuring quick access to popular items like Pike Place coffee and breakfast sandwiches—even during peak hours.

Subway

685 University Ave, Charlottetown, PE C1E 1E5

Typically known as a “dine-in” Quick Service Restaurant, what makes the Subway at 685 University Ave in Charlottetown unique is that it features a convenient drive-thru, making it an ideal option for students, faculty, and busy professionals looking for a cold cut combo or a meatball sub. Its proximity to UPEI, just a short drive away, makes it a popular spot for grabbing lunch between classes or on the way home. Whether you’re on foot or in a car, this location offers a fast and easy way to enjoy your favorite Subway sandwiches.

Tim Hortons

4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S8 

Sitting right near Niagara Falls, one of Canada’s top tourist attractions, this Tim Hortons location is busy year-round, serving up double-doubles, Timbits, and classic breakfast sandwiches to tourists and locals. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee before heading to see the Falls or stopping for a snack on the way back, this Tim Hortons is a convenient and fast option.

Triple-O’s

5315 Dufferin Blvd SE, Calgary, AB T2C 5R9

The Triple O’s in Calgary’s Dufferin area brings the West Coast flavors of their famous burgers, fresh-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes to Alberta for the first time. Located conveniently beside a fuel station and convenience store, this spot is perfect for grabbing a meal on the go or stopping in to enjoy your Triple O’s favorites in a cozy, welcoming space. With CTM’s design expertise, this location combines the best of Triple O’s signature look and feel with the convenience of nearby amenities, making it a great stop for a quick bite and anything else you need along the way.

As Canada’s love for drive-thrus continues to grow, these iconic spots remind us that a great experience is about more than just convenience. Whether you’re on a road trip, running errands, or out for a special treat, Canada’s drive-thrus offer more than just a satisfying meal; they help create lasting cherished memories. CTM is proud of its work in helping drive-thru’s across Canada create these memories.