10 unlikely locations to find a Tim Hortons

Tim Horton's was founded in 1964 at a small roadside location in Hamilton, Ontario. Since then, the restaurant has grown into a massive chain which has become a staple of Canadian culture that is recognizable around the globe. The chain boasts nearly 5,000 locations, with the vast majority being in Canada and the United States, but did you know that you can find a Tim Horton's in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as well? Even as Tim Horton's is struggling in Canada as it faces more competition from the likes of McDonalds and Starbucks, you may be surprised how much people outside of Canada love their Tim Bits and coffee. Here are ten places around the world where you may be surprised to find a Tim Horton's.

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

There are over 100 Tim Horton's locations in the United Arab Emirates and the locals love it! In fact, UAE hosts more Tim Horton's restaurants than any country outside of North America. As of 2017, Tim Horton's was rated on Trip Advisor as the #3 of best bakeries in all of Dubai, boasting glowing reviews of the iconic Canadian chain. Next time you visit this stunningly modern city, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, make sure you see what all the locals are going crazy over and take a trip to one of the local Tim Horton's.

Even if you decide to make the trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital, rest assured that you will be able to find Tim Horton's there too. 

9. San Pedro Garza, Mexico

Spending some time touring northern Mexico? The city of Monterrey in one of the northernmost metropolitan areas in the state, boasting a history over 400 years old. While you're there, make sure you head out to the suburb of San Pedro Garza to get a nice cup of Timmie's coffee.

8. Madrid, Spain

The epic city of Madrid is home to a great many attractions. Enjoy some tapas as you tour the city streets, lined on either side with buildings hundreds of years old reflecting the once-extravagent wealth of the Spanish Empire. You can't go to Madrid without spending a whole week there though, so make some time to stop at Tim Horton's while you're there before heading off to watch a flamenco dance.

7. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

While at first it may seem like an unlikely location, Saudi Arabia is actually home to 55 branches of Tim Horton's, making itself a popular and recognizable chain in the Arab monarchy. Don't expect to see iconic pork items on the menu though, as Saudi Arabia's strict adherence to Islamic law prohibits all pork products from entering the country. Nevertheless, you can still gorge on Canada's favourite coffee and donuts, even in the middle of the desert on an Arabian night.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

The notorious city of Bangkok, home of expatriots, wild parties, and tourists, is also the home of a Tim Horton's. If you are one of the tens of millions of people who make their way to Bangkok every year and you are starting to tire of the rich local cuisine, rest assured there is a Tim Hortons available to you. 

5. Manama, Bahrain

Manama is home to a single Tim Horton's branch, located in a mall at the south end of the city. The mall, of course, is beautiful, funded by Bahrain's spectacular oil wealth. Make sure you do some shopping, but instead of hitting the food court for lunch, why not get an authentic Timmies breakfast wrap with an iced cappuccino instead?

4. Belfast, Northern Ireland

Tim Horton's arrived in Belfast in 2018 and the locals are just loving it. On opening day, residents of Belfast lined up around the block waiting to get a taste of Tim Bits and other goods offered by the iconically Canadian chain. While Tim Horton's has had a presence in the United Kingdom for quite some time now, the island of Ireland is one of the more recent places to enjoy the classic Canadian restaurant. You can't miss it if you're there.

3. Barcelona, Spain

The second Spanish city on the list, did you know you could grab a Tim Horton's coffee before touring the exhilirating city of Barcelona? That's right, Tim Horton's is the place to go. Barcelona is a magnificient city with many great wonders to visit. There is so much to do there, you'll surely need a good cup of coffee to keep you awake. Why not stop by Tim Horton's in between your architecture tour and your visit to the city's under construction cathedral? Or perhaps grab some Tim Bits after one of Barcelona's signature beach parties.

Keep in mind thta Spain is the only country on the European mainland to host Tim Horton's restaurants, so if you drive a few hours north to France, don't expect to see any new locations.

2. Manila, Philippines

The historic city of Manila is home to 20 Tim Horton's locations. Visit the San Sabastian Basilica, tour Manila's magnificient National Museum of Fine Arts, and end your day with a tasty donut before hitting the nightlife scene in the Filipino capital. Don't forget to throw out any garbage you have though, because the Philippines has a history of holding Canadians accountable for dumping their trash where it's not supposed to be.

1. Muscat, Oman

As you must have noticed by now, the Persian Gulf is a popular location for Tim Horton's restaurants. But did you know that the beautiful and ancient city of Muscat is home to four Tim Horton's branches? Tim Horton's arrived in Oman in 2012, and has since become a staple for many of the locals. The port city has been an important centre of trade in the Indian Ocean region for nearly 1,000 years, flowing with products from around the world. An authentic Canadian breakfast is only one of the most recent international cultural products to arrive in Muscat.