BC’s annual Seafood Festival is back for another year. It has been hosted in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island since 2006. It is Western Canada’s largest gathering of seafood vendors and lovers. It will once again be held on Mount Washington from June 21-23, 2024, where vendors and ticket holders from all across Canada and the world, can come to celebrate the best of sustainable BC seafood. And yours truly will be participating, to experience and report the goings on.
The first and last time I attended was in 2019 and I recalled so many unique experiences that has only furthered and elongated my love and passion for seafood. The photos screencapped in this post were from the occasion, so excuse their quality taken with an iPhone 8 (most likely).
We were flown to a remote salmon farm and learned the ethical practices they engage in to ensure Canadians have plenty of nutritious and delicious salmon.
Similarly we got to see how sea cucumber and geoduck are raised.
And how oysters and scallops are farmed at Fanny Bay.
Then to be able to try them for yourself at long table dinners and oyster happy hour with champagne.
Along with the headlining galas where chefs from all over BC have converged to sample their skill in seafood focused cuisine.
Fast forward, 5 years later, I am excited to see what is new to the festival and what has held on as tradition.
“Comox Valley is located midway on the east coast of Vancouver Island. It is well known for its culinary bounty from the farms and sea-to-table. Rich with festivals and sporting events, stunning alpine to ocean resorts and spas, this region is a place of super natural beauty that offers lush culinary, cultural and outdoor experiences.” (As taken from the press release.
Tickets are now available and on sale for those wanting to experience the bounty of BC seafood through their bellies with breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Majority of said events are predicted to sell out, so save your disappointment, and get your tickets soon using the link below.
(As taken from the press release)
“Building on the success of last year’s event, the 2024 Festival promises an even more exciting lineup of top chefs, interactive booths, tastings, and the popular Fanny Bay Oysters Shucking Competition.”
“Attendees can look forward to an impressive roster of returning and new chefs featured throughout the Festival, handpicked by the BC Seafood Festival 2024 Ambassador Chef Ned Bell.”
I was able to get my hands on a few names and the following are the Chefs who have confirmed their attendance: Dez Lo & Welbert Choi of F.I.S.H., Stephanie Martinolich Berwick of By the Sea, Tommy Shorthouse from Fanny Bay Oysters, Will Lew of Versante property fame, Garret Kemp from Banff Springs, Aaron Rail of Nikkei Ramen, Rob & Julian from Organic Ocean, Tushar Tondvalkar of the Indian Pantry, and Dominic Fortin from Bearfoot Bistro.
Along with the ability to meet prominent chefs, guests can expect to learn from them with MasterClasses. Group workshops on how to pick and prepare halibut, oysters, spot prawns, and geoduck. Plus wine and spirits to pairing with them.
Weekend event highlights include the Clam it Up Happy Hour and CrabFest’s Kitchen Party minglers on Friday. The Gala Reception and Dinner featuring the cuisines of top BC chefs on Saturday. And the popular Fanny Bay Oysters Shucking Competition as part of the Shucked! Oyster Bar Happy Hour will be returning. There are even After Parties with live music performances from “Time Well Wasted” and “Hounds of Cuchulain”.
New this year is BC Seafood Marketing Pavilion with demos, educational booths; and ticketed food, beverage, and retail offerings.
As well as the following classes. “Show Me Your Mussels! Lunch”, “Late Riser – The Art of Making a Seafood Breakfast Roll”, “Taste the Forgotten 5 MasterClass”, and The Grande Finale – Leaning Towers of Seafood MasterClass”.
There is something for all interest and skill levels. Whether you are looking for a fun time with friends, or to hone your home-cook skills for your next dinner party. All set to the beauty of Canadian mountains and rolling green hills, surrounded by wildlife and nature.
For those who are fans of Vancouver’s wine and cocktails festivals, and Whistlers food and drink celebration: Cornucopia, this weekend cannot be missed.
For more information and tickets visit
https://bcseafoodfestival.com.
And if you are in need of accommodations, visit the link below of rental properties and Chalets or Chateaus that will add to your experience.
https://www.conagetaways.com/
