A Guide to Vancouver’s Best Seasonal Seafood Picks

Vancouver is no stranger to the fresh, vibrant seafood it has to offer. From the crisp ocean breeze to the bustling fish markets, it’s clear that seafood is the heart of our culinary scene. But did you know that Vancouver’s seafood selection changes with the seasons, offering a whole new set of flavors depending on the time of year? If you’ve ever wondered what seafood to eat during each season, we’ve got the ultimate guide to make sure you’re tasting only the freshest picks Vancouver has to offer!

Spring: Fresh Prawns and Halibut

Spring in Vancouver is synonymous with the arrival of spot prawns and halibut. These seafood delights are available from local waters and are perfect for lighter dishes as we bid farewell to winter and welcome warmer days.

Spot prawns are known for their sweet flavor and tender texture, ideal in a fresh salad or lightly grilled for a satisfying yet delicate bite.
Halibut, with its firm white flesh, is perfect for grilling or pan-frying, making it a crowd favorite for spring barbecues and seafood dinners alike.

Summer: Salmon and Crab

When summer hits Vancouver, it’s time to indulge in one of the city’s most iconic seafood offerings: Pacific salmon. Whether it’s wild sockeye or chinook, the flavors are bold and beautiful, often best enjoyed grilled or smoked.

Alongside salmon, it’s also the perfect time to dive into Dungeness crab season. With its sweet, tender meat, Dungeness crab is a must-have for summer seafood feasts—whether it's served chilled with dipping sauce or roasted with garlic butter.

Autumn: Oysters and Scallops

Fall brings cooler temperatures and the perfect opportunity to indulge in oysters and scallops, two delicious delicacies that thrive in the colder waters.

Oysters harvested during the fall months tend to have a plump, clean taste, often with a hint of saltiness, making them a perfect appetizer or topping for seafood platters.
Scallops, with their sweet, delicate flavor, are best enjoyed seared or in creamy pasta dishes. Pair them with a crisp white wine or enjoy them in a rich butter sauce.

Winter: Sablefish and Lingcod

As the weather turns chilly, Vancouver’s seafood scene shifts to heartier fare. Sablefish and lingcod take center stage, offering rich flavors perfect for the colder months.

Sablefish (also known as black cod) is prized for its buttery texture and is often prepared with a miso glaze or grilled to perfection.
Lingcod offers a firm, meaty texture and a delicate flavor, making it ideal for hearty stews and soups to warm you up during winter.

Where to Enjoy Seasonal Seafood in Vancouver

Vancouver’s seafood scene is vibrant year-round, but during seasonal shifts, a handful of restaurants truly shine by showcasing the freshest catches of the season.

For spot prawns and halibut, check out Café de L'Orangerie and Blue Water Cafe.
If you’re craving a full seafood feast, The Fish Shack and Tuc Craft Kitchen are great spots to indulge.

For Home Cooks

Vancouver’s farmers’ markets are also excellent places to pick up seasonal seafood.

Kitsilano Farmers Market and Mount Pleasant Farmers Market both feature stalls offering fresh, local catches from Vancouver's surrounding waters.

From spring’s sweet prawns to winter’s rich sablefish, Vancouver’s seasonal seafood offerings are a testament to the diversity and quality of our local waters. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or picking up fresh seafood from the market, make sure to savor the bounty each season brings. Your taste buds will thank you!