1. John's Lunch (Dartmouth, N.S.) 
A Dartmouth institution since 1969, John's Lunch draws customers from all over the world for its famous fresh haddock, drenched in homemade batter and fried to crispy perfection. The batter is made every morning and they go through about 27 kg of fish every day. John's Lunch also serves up delicious fried clams, scallops and shrimp.

2. Lord Elgin Fish & Chips (Port Elgin, Ont.) 
In the summer, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday all-you-can-eat haddock and chips draw hungry customers who are happy to wait more than an hour. In fact, most folks bring chairs and set up in the parking lot while they wait. What are they waiting for? Fresh fish dipped and fried crispy golden, served with fries, homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw.

3. Pajo's (Across B.C.) 
Pajo's began as a humble fish stand on thewharf in Steveston, B.C., in 1985, with owners who dreamed of the best fish and chips in the west. Now with four locations, they are clearly doing something right. The secret to their success? Fresh, local ingredients, stellar customer service and a top-secret fish and chips recipe.

4. Red Fish Blue Fish (Victoria, B.C.) 
Sustainable seafood is the catch of the day at Red Fish Blue Fish, an outdoor eatery on Victoria's Inner Harbour. Choose from wild Pacific salmon, halibut or cod to go with fries, tartar sauce and coleslaw, or order something else, such as fish tacos, sandwiches or grilled fish. It's fish and chips with a conscience and Canadians are loving it!

5. Fish and Chips (St. John's, N.L.)
If you're going to Newfoundland, you need to visit Ches's . Luckily, you'll find several locations across the province. This family-run business has been serving fish and chips since 1951. The restaurant uses a top-secret family batter recipe to coat the always-fresh fish (and seafood and chicken too).

6. Cape Light Restaurant & Pub (Cardigan, P.E.I.)
Maurice Vautour, chef and owner of Cape Light , is fiercely proud of his fish and chips. The fish is fresh haddock with a secret-recipe batter that includes two Maritime beers (Alpine Lager and Gahan House Island Red Amber Ale). It's served with hand-cut fries and a unique tartar sauce that has a hint of pineapple curry. Dipped and fried fresh after ordering, it's no wonder the fish and chips at Cape Light rank among Canada's best.

7. Herbert Fisheries (Killarney, Ont.)
Located in both Sudbury and Killarney, Herbert Fisheries serves up some of the freshest fish in the country: whitefish and lake trout caught in the clear waters of Georgian Bay. Fresh fish, fries and a confidential batter recipe are the keys to success for this family owned and operated business.

8. Bullocks' Bistro (Yellowknife, N.W.T.)
Located in a log cabin in Old Town, Yellowknife, Bullocks' is famous for its local fish, hand-cut fries and frontier charm. The fish changes depending on the catch of the day, but you can count on arctic char being on the menu anytime. It's grilled to perfection in the open kitchen and served with the restaurant's famous Magic Sauce, a delightful blend of sweet and salty. Customers love it – and love trying to guess the recipe. Fortunately, you can buy the sauce to take home with you!

Don't miss out! Discover Canada's best food trucks here, or try fixing your own pickerel (it's low in heavy metals!) with our 10 best pickerel recipes.

This story was originally titled "Canada's best fish and chips" in the April 2013 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!