The 2025 BC Seafood Festival

Every June, Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley—anchored by the breathtaking slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort—comes alive as Western Canada’s premier seafood celebration descends on the mountains and shores of the region. This year, however, the highly anticipated June 20–22, 2025 festival has been postponed, leaving seafood aficionados eager for what’s next.
Read on to explore the festival’s rich legacy, understand its importance to visitors and the industry alike, and learn how you can stay connected with BC’s vibrant seafood community through upcoming pop‑ups and a potential autumn edition.

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Event Overview

• Original Dates: June 20 – 22, 2025
• Venue: Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
• 2025 Status: Postponed due to industry‑wide economic challenges; organizers are planning local pop‑up tastings and exploring a fall 2025 edition.

A Storied History (Since 2006)

Humble Beginnings

• Launched in 2006 by the BC Shellfish Growers Association as a single dinner to showcase BC shellfish, the festival’s inaugural event drew a few hundred attendees eager to taste local oysters and learn about sustainable aquaculture.
• By 2012, a second public day was added, broadening focus to include crab, halibut, and other finfish—solidifying its transition to the BC Seafood Festival.

Milestones Over the Years

• 2019 (13th Edition): Featured celebrity-chef demos, shellfish tastings, and competitions like the Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking Contest—drawing over 4,000 visitors to Comox Valley.
• 2023 Celebrations: Marked 100+ BC‑harvested species on offer, along with new “Show Me Your Mussels!” sessions emphasizing mussels’ sustainability.
• 2024 Innovations: Introduced the “Bounty! Brunch Seafood Cookout” and educational mussel‑farming tours, further cementing the festival’s role as an industry incubator.

Importance & Why People Love It

Showcasing BC’s Seafood Excellence

• Local Pride: Comox Valley supplies over 50% of Canada’s oysters and is BC’s top shellfish-producing region—making it the perfect backdrop for Pacific‑fresh celebrations.
• Culinary Creativity: Attendees rave about hands‑on MasterClass Series (e.g., “Wild about Halibut!” and “Seafood Breakfast Roll”), celebrity‑chef demos, and the infamous Shucked! Oyster Bar Happy Hour.

Community & Competition

• Interactive Fun: Competitions like Best Caesar in Town and Chowder Challenge invite both pros and amateurs to test their skills, fostering camaraderie and friendly rivalry.
• After‑Party Vibe: Evening parties at Ted’s Bar & Grill and alpine patios keep the energy high long after the last plate is cleared.

Impact on Tourism & the Seafood Industry

Tourism Boost

Pre‑festival weekend bookings in Comox Valley regularly exceed 90% occupancy, with spring/summer tourism on track to outperform 2024, driven by both domestic and U.S. visitors.

Economic Catalyst

The festival injects an estimated CAD 2 million into the local economy each year through hotel stays, dining, and transport—while amplifying BC’s seafood brand globally.

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.