What to eat in British Columbia? Our province is a delicious reflection of its culture, natural resources and vibrant communities. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC is rich in a wide variety of fresh, seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients that are at the heart of its emerging culinary culture. From the famous West Coast salmon to the lovely wines of the Okanagan Valley, there’s something for every taste in British Columbia. Here are some of the regional specialties that make BC a food lover’s paradise. This is a guide of what to eat in British Columbia and when!

1. Pacific Salmon

Salmon is perhaps BC’s most famous ingredient. The province is home to a vast run of wild Pacific salmon, including sockeye, chinook, coho, pink and chum. Each variety has its own flavor profile and is prepared in many ways in restaurants and fish markets throughout BC. Smoked, grilled, baked or cured like lox, salmon is a classic Pacific Northwest dish with a rich history that’s deeply rooted in the culture of First Nations people and the coast’s commercial fishing industry. Must-Try: Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver or one of Tofino’s seafood restaurants for fresh salmon, or Haida Gwaii to learn about the cuisine of BC’s First Peoples.

2. Spot Prawns

Spot prawns are often called the “lobster of the West Coast” and are a true BC treasure. These sweet and tender seafood delicacies are harvested sustainably and prized by top chefs. The short spot prawn season (mid-May to June) is a time for celebration in BC, with markets and seafood restaurants featuring the fresh catches. Must-Try: Vancouver’s Spot Prawn Festival, which features fresh spot prawns caught by local fishermen, or seafood restaurants like Go Fish in Vancouver or Whistler’s Wildflower Restaurant during prawn season.

3. Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a Pacific coast specialty and a favourite in BC. The cool, nutrient-rich waters are perfect for Dungeness crab, which has sweet and tender flesh. Steaming or boiling brings out the full flavour of this West Coast seafood treasure. Must-Try: Dungeness crab is on the menu in seafood restaurants from Victoria to Prince Rupert. For a fun and casual experience, book a beachside seafood boil in a destination like Cambria or Parksville. For a more luxurious experience, try it at one of Vancouver’s top restaurants, like Blue Water Cafe.

4. Oysters

BC oysters are known for their robust, sea-salt flavour, which is perfect for oyster connoisseurs. Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are home to many oyster farms, which harvest delicious and diverse varieties. BC oysters are more full-bodied than others on the market, making them a favourite among oyster aficionados. Must-Try: Fanny Bay Oyster Bar in Vancouver or a working oyster farm on Vancouver Island.

What to eat in British Columbia: Trusted Vancouver Food Tours

5. Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are the iconic BC dessert. These delicious no-bake treats consist of a crumbly base topped with citrusy custard and covered in chocolate. They were originally created in the 1950s at a women’s club in Nanaimo (formerly a popular destination for health seekers) and have been a favourite at potlucks and family gatherings ever since.

While seafood is a natural in BC, so is this sweet treat. Nanaimo bars are named after the city on Vancouver Island, but are enjoyed throughout BC. These no-bake delights feature a crumbly chocolate base, a creamy custard filling and a smooth chocolate ganache top. They’re a favourite at bakeries and cafes, and even appear on the menus of upscale restaurants. Must-Try: The original Nanaimo bars in Nanaimo, or at a local cafe, where unique variations like peanut butter or mint Nanaimo bars often make an appearance.

6. Seaweed

First Nations people have harvested seaweed on BC’s coast for centuries, and it’s still a nutritious and delicious ingredient today. BC chefs use seaweed in everything from salads and soups to desserts. BC-cultivated wakame, kelp and nori give many Asian dishes a Pacific flavour. Must-Try: Seaweed dishes at Japanese restaurants, or packaged BC seaweed snacks at farmers’ markets and specialty grocery stores.

7. Okanagan Wine and Produce

The Okanagan Valley is the heart of BC’s wine and fruit country. With a dry, Mediterranean-like climate, the region is perfect for growing grapes and a wide variety of fruits. The Okanagan is home to award-winning wineries, especially those producing pinot noir and chardonnay, as well as delicious ice wines. Local cherries, apples and peaches are delicious, and the Okanagan is a great place to take a foodie road trip. Must-Try: Wineries along the Bottleneck Drive wine route, and local fruits at farmers’ markets in Kelowna and Summerland. Pair Okanagan wines with local cheeses and charcuterie at winery restaurants and patios.

8. Indigenous Cuisine

Indigenous cuisine in BC is a true cultural experience and a perfect example of what to eat in British Columbia. Heavily influenced by traditional ingredients and cooking methods, Indigenous dishes often feature local and native ingredients like salmon, berries and game meats that have been an important part of the diet for centuries. Visit Kekuli Cafe in Kamloops, Kelowna and Merritt to sample modern Indigenous cuisine. This casual cafe features everything from bannock tacos to sweet bannock treats, and Saskatoon berry smoothies. In Osoyoos, The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry at Spirit Ridge Resort is a fine dining experience that showcases the Indigenous story through contemporary cuisine. The restaurant is named for the four food chiefs in Syilx (Okanagan) culture: the bear, the fish, the root and the berry. Each represents a vital element in Syilx cuisine and the ecosystem. Must-Try: A savoury bannock sandwich at Kekuli Cafe, or the signature four-course tasting menu at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry, which features dishes inspired by Syilx cuisine and storytelling.

9. Sablefish (Black Cod)

Sablefish is another Pacific treasure. Affectionately known as “black cod”, it’s rich and buttery flavour makes it a favourite among coastal chefs. This low-fat fish is often prepared using Japanese techniques like miso marinating, which complements its delicate flavour. Sablefish is a sustainable and responsibly harvested seafood choice. Must-Try: Sablefish at Vancouver’s Tojo’s or Whistler’s Araxi, both of which often feature miso-glazed sablefish on the menu, paired with seasonal vegetables.

10. Mountain Berries and Edible Wilds

BC’s mountains and forests are filled with wild berries and other edible treats. Berries like huckleberries, salal berries and Saskatoon berries have been gathered by Indigenous people for centuries, and are now featured in everything from savoury dishes to desserts by local chefs. The Kootenays and Vancouver Island are great places to sample wild berry treats. Must-Try: A huckleberry pie in the Kootenays, or wild berry jam on Vancouver Island.

11. Craft Beer

BC’s craft beer scene is proud and growing. With a reputation that spans Canada and more, BC’s craft beer culture is about creativity, quality and locality. In addition to the Vancouver Island and Okanagan wine routes, BC has its own brewery and pub-filled trails to follow. In Vancouver, check out the North Shore Ale Trail, while Victoria and the Okanagan are home to numerous breweries. Many BC breweries feature local ingredients in their beers, including super-fresh seafood, local grains and foraged herbs. BC beers often feature local fruits, like berries, and even tea. Must-Try: BC Ale Trail events in the province, or breweries like Victoria’s Phillips Brewing, Vancouver’s Red Truck and Kelowna’s Tree Brewing.

12. Fusion Cuisine

A true reflection of what to eat in British Columbia! BC is a vibrant multicultural province, and its cuisine reflects that diversity. In Vancouver, fusion cuisine is incredibly popular. Local chefs combine Pacific Northwest ingredients with Asian, Middle Eastern and European techniques and flavours to create everything from sushi tacos to kimchi poutine and salmon sashimi burgers. Must-Try: The food at Vancouver’s Richmond Night Market and the Dumpling Trail throughout Richmond.

BC’s cuisine is a rich tapestry of Indigenous, Asian-fusion and classic Canadian flavours, influenced by our diverse geography and people. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a dessert fan or a craft beer enthusiast, BC’s regional foods feature the classics, as well as plenty of unique specialties. From the seafood-rich coast to farmland, cities and mountains, BC’s cuisine is a flavourful introduction to our regions. So why not follow your taste buds on your next BC vacation?