The 2018 BC Seafood Festival is almost upon us. Just a few weeks left until it begins on June 8th – 17th in Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.
The festival is twice as large as the previous year and is perfect for foodies who love BC seafood. It’s a great chance to learn and explore the depths of the ocean and the varieties of seafood.
For 11 days, there are a series of events happening to give visitors a chance to taste, explore, and experience fresh and local BC seafood. BC produces over 100 sustainable seafood products exported domestically and internationally.
Signature Weekend
The Signature Weekend is on June 16 & 17 from 11 am – 5 pm at Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park, Comox. There is lots to do and you can purchase various passes to enjoy the plethora of activity and eats.
Highlights:
- Learn to Cook BC Seafood at numerous Celebrity Chef Demos featuring National and International Chefs
- Take in action-packed competitions including the Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking Competition and the Ocean Wise Chowder Challenge
- Enjoy 10+ BC Seafood Roving Tasting Stations; meet the producers and incredible chefs
- Pair seafood at any of the 15+ BC Craft Beer, Wine and Spirit Tastings Stations
- While you slurp seafood, enjoy live musical performances
- Explore the Kids Interactive Zone featuring numerous Touch Tanks & Interactive Displays, including the first visit to the Festival by the Vancouver Aquarium AquaVan
If you want to spend time at the BC Seafood Festival, this is the weekend to be there to enjoy as much as possible.
Ticketed Events
Outside the Signature Weekend, there are a lot of events happening from June 8th to 17th. A few of the events are sold out, but here are still a lot that are very affordable at $15 per person. Check their website as new events are added daily.
Dock Days (Free)
On June 9th and 15th at 10am and 2pm, join Rob Clarke, President of the Harbour Authority Association of BC and Wharfinger at the Comox Valley Harbour Authority and enjoy a guided walk of the Fisherman’s Wharf learning about the commercial fishing industry, stopping at different fishing vessels along the way.
Exposed and Protected Beaches Tour (Free)
On June 17th 3-4pm, meet at the bottom of Goose Spit stairs (parking lot #1) for this free tour. You get to learn how waves and wind shape our beaches and coastlines. Goose Spit Park interpreters explain the forces at work along the Lazo Bluffs and the spit.
Sneak Peek: All Aboard the Pacific Yacht
We were given a little taste of what to expect at the BC Seafood Festival by showcasing some of BC finest seafood.
Chef Chris Andraza is the executive chef of Fanny Bay Oyster and he was chucking fresh oysters on the deck. You can find delicious Fanny Bay oysters at the Signature Weekend at the Oyster Shucking Competition on Saturday June 16th and also Shucked! Canada’s Largest Oyster Bar Happy Hour on Friday, June 15.
Freshly shucked oyster
Chef Mardy Ra from Pacific Yacht Charters crafted delicious canapés throughout the afternoon to showcase its versatility. This was the smoked salmon on rice cake with pepper cream.
Honey caramelized miso crab wonton
Charred octopus on suits vide tartar
Stuffed shiitake mushroom with cashew cream and candies cashew
Demonstrations
We were treated to a seafood paella demonstration by Chef Caitlin Mark from H2 Rotisserie & Bar at The Westin Bayshore. The seafood paella consisted of squid, prawns, scallops, clams, chorizo, and white wine.
It’s always fun to see your food get made and understand all the steps that go into making a dish.
Spot Prawns
BC Seafood is really cherished and enjoyed in our beloved province. One of the hottest seafood choices right now are Spot Prawns. As a fresh shipment of spot prawns arrived at the dock, we got to taste some of it. We had ours steamed.
Renowned Chefs
International chefs from London, New York, Hawaii, Shanghai, and Hong Kong will join our amazing local chefs to entice the taste buds of all attendees of the 2018 BC Seafood Festival.
Final Thoughts
If you love seafood as much as we do, you’ll want to check out the BC Seafood Festival. Visit bcseafoodfestival.com for information about the whole festival and details on how to purchase tickets and register for events.
