There are food festivals, and then there's the BC Seafood Festival. Launched in 2006, this epic celebration of British Columbia's incredible seafood runs over several days in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, and culminates in a massive "Signature Weekend" packed with food, drink, adventure, and fun.
Vancouver Island Visitor Centre/Facebook
Touted as the largest seafood festival in Western Canada, this massive event actually kicked off on June 7, but if you are headed to the Island this weekend - or can be easily persuaded to reserve a ferry spot or book a flight - the BC Seafood Festival Signature Weekend's schedule of events may prove enticing.
Roam the event grounds and learn to master preparing fresh B.C. seafood via live cooking demos from acclaimed chefs. Slurp back oysters, sample scallops, fill up on fried fish, and even try some Kelp Ice Cream. Listen to live music while you sip offerings from B.C. distillers, brewers, and wineries, or let your kids soak up the excitement in the Interactive Kids Zone, which is packed with learning and playing opportunities galore.
You can also take your experience to the next level by touring venues like Fillberg Lodge and the Hands On Farm. Other options include adding on whale-watching or boating excursions, nature walks, helicopter and seaplane tours, workshops, and other activities - it's really up to you how much you pack into your BC Seafood Festival experience. You'll see all the tours available to add on here.
Vancouver Island Visitor Centre/Facebook
When it comes to sitting down and eating some serious seafood, the Signature Weekend features a few terrific options, including "Shucked! Canada’s Largest Oyster Bar Happy Hour" on the Friday evening; "Baked n’ Boiled! Kitchen Party Saturday night; and "Bounty! A Brunch Seafood Cookout" on Sunday morning. Be sure to purchase tickets for these popular events, as they will likely sell-out before the weekend gets underway.
Vancouver Island Visitor Centre/Facebook
There's a lot to soak in when it comes to just how epic the BC Seafood Festival - and the Signature Weekend in particular - is, so take a deep dive on the event's website and get ready to celebrate our province's incredible ocean bounty.
BC Seafood Festival
When: June 7-16, 2019 (Signature Weekend is June 13-16)
Where: Comox Valley, B.C.
