Recipe for a knock-out
A few tips to remember for your winning idea
How creative can you get?
We’re looking for a heavy-hitter we haven’t seen before. Something fun and new that excites us
How easy is it to make?
Think big, but realistic. What’s a donut you’d actually want to see?
Will the crowd go wild?
Canada will be your stage, and your judge - if they love it, you may just go the distance
Submit your donut
idea below
Fill out the entry form below for your chance to win!
Contest Rules
Click here for the full version of the Official Contest Rules and Regulations
No purchase necessary. Starts June 5, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. ET and ends on the final day of the voting period at 11:59 p.m. ET. Contest consists of: (i) a submission period (June 5 to June 18, 2026); (ii) a finalist selection period (June 19 to October 5, 2026); and (iii) a voting period (October 6 to October 19, 2026). Only age of majority residents of Canada may enter the contest (i.e. submit a donut idea) or place a vote. To submit a donut idea, visit http://timshop.timhortons.ca/collections/national-donut-day during the submission period and complete the contest form with all required information, including a 100-character max. description of a donut idea that you would like to see Tim Hortons® transform into a donut. Limit of 1 submission per person. During the selection period the donut ideas will be judged based on creativity, potential popularity and feasibility, to select 3 finalists (for details regarding the finalist selection process, see the Official Contest Rules and Regulations). To submit a vote, visit http://timshop.timhortons.ca/collections/national-donut-day during the voting period and follow all on-screen instructions, which will require you to enter your email and identify your favourite finalist donut idea. Limit of 1 vote per person. 1 prize available consisting of: (i) 1 x 2-night trip for 2 to Toronto, Ontario to visit the Tim Hortons® kitchen and recreate the donut idea; and (ii) $10,000 CAD. Total prize ARV is $15,500 CAD (trip ARV component based on a hypothetical The Pas, Manitoba departure). Odds of being selected as a finalist depend on the number and calibre of the donut ideas received. Odds of being a selected as the eligible winner from among finalists depend on the number of votes received by each finalist. Math skill-testing question required. For additional details including, without limitation, prize terms, donut idea submission requirements and participation requirements, see Official Contest Rules and Regulations, available above (click “Click here for the full version of the Official Contest Rules and Regulations”). ©Tim Hortons, 2026.
FAQs
What is the National Donut Day Battle of the Donuts contest?
This contest gives Canadians an opportunity to submit their own donut ideas. In 100 characters or less, provide your donut idea for a chance to win $10,000. And, who knows, you may even see the donut in Tim Hortons® restaurants!
What’s the prize of the contest?
The confirmed winner of the contest will win:
- A $10,000 prize
- The “Tims Innovation Experience”, which is a trip for 2 to the Tim Hortons® HQ test kitchen to make the donuts—and other Tims menu items—with our head chef, Chef Tallis.
In addition to the prize, there is potential that the donut may be sold in a participating Tim Hortons® restaurant for a limited time, starting next year.
When can I submit my donut ideas?
The submission period is open from June 5, 2026 to June 18, 2026, during which time eligible participants can submit their donut idea using the form on TimShop.ca.
How will submissions be judged?
By us, and by you! During the selection period, eligible donut ideas will go through multiple rounds of review until 3 potential finalists are chosen.
Starting October 6, the donut ideas submitted by the 3 finalists will be featured here on this website. Then, it’s up to you and people across Canada to vote for the winner!
What will happen during the selection period?
During the selection period, 3 finalists will be chosen based on the following criteria:
- Creativity: is the donut unique?
- Feasibility: can we realistically make this donut?
- Popularity: is the donut likely to be a crowd-pleaser?
For more details, see the full contest rules.
How many times can I vote for a donut idea?
During the voting phase, you can only vote for 1 donut idea.
Are there any eligibility requirements to enter the contest?
The contest is open to residents of Canada who have reached the legal age of majority in their province or territory of residence. This applies to anyone who wants to submit an idea and/or vote for their favourite idea.
For full eligibility requirements, see the full contest rules.
Do I need to buy something from Tim Hortons or TimShop to enter the contest?
No, there is no purchase necessary. To submit an idea, eligible participants will need to complete the entry form.
How many donut ideas can I submit?
You may only submit 1 donut idea during the submission period.
How do I know if my entry has been submitted?
If your submission is successful, you should see a confirmation screen that says “Thank you for entering!”
What kind of donut idea can I submit?
Sky is the limit when it comes to what your imagination can create however they will be judged on creativity, feasibility and popularity.
For full submission requirements, see the full contest rules.
How will the three finalists be notified?
The finalists will be notified via email. Before being confirmed as a finalist, each potential finalist will have to sign and return a declaration and release form. For more details, see the full contest rules.
What will happen during the voting period?
Guests will get to vote on which of the 3 finalist donut ideas is their favourite. The voting will take place on TimShop.ca, and the finalist whose donut idea receives the most votes will be the eligible winner!
For more details, see the full contest rules.
What if someone else submits an identical idea?
We suspect that more than one guest will submit the same idea. The submissions that match or are substantially similar (as determined by Tim Hortons in its sole discretion) will be part of a random draw in order to select a potential finalist to represent that donut idea!
If you’re a finalist and your donut idea has been selected, you’ll be notified before the voting period begins.
If I win, how will I be notified?
After the votes are in, the eligible winner will be notified via email. Before being declared as the official winner, the eligible winner will have to sign and return a declaration and release form.