British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich culinary scene. The province’s unique blend of coastal and mountainous geography, along with its diverse population, has influenced its food traditions, giving rise to some iconic dishes. From fresh seafood caught right off the coast to locally grown produce and indigenous flavors, BC offers a dynamic and delicious food experience. Here are some famous foods that define British Columbia’s culinary identity.
1. Pacific Salmon
When people think of British Columbia, one of the first things that comes to mind is its Pacific salmon. BC’s wild salmon, particularly sockeye and chinook, are world-renowned for their taste and quality. These fish are central to the diet of Indigenous peoples and have become a staple across the province. Whether it’s smoked, grilled, or served raw as sushi, salmon plays a starring role on menus throughout BC.
The iconic “cedar plank salmon” is a must-try dish in BC. This traditional cooking method, developed by Indigenous peoples, involves slow-cooking salmon over an open flame on a cedar plank, infusing the fish with a unique, smoky flavor.
2. Spot Prawns
British Columbia is home to some of the best spot prawns in the world. These sweet, succulent prawns are harvested sustainably from the coastal waters and are celebrated during the BC Spot Prawn Festival every spring. With a short season, they’re considered a delicacy, and local chefs make the most of it by incorporating them into a variety of dishes, from pasta to seafood risotto.
Fresh BC spot prawns are often enjoyed simply—boiled or grilled—with a touch of lemon and butter, allowing their natural sweetness to shine.
3. Oysters
Oysters from British Columbia are a treat for seafood lovers. The cool, clean waters of the Pacific Ocean make BC an ideal place for oyster farming, producing some of the finest varieties, like Kusshi, Fanny Bay, and Royal Miyagi oysters. These oysters are known for their delicate flavor and silky texture, often enjoyed raw on the half-shell with a squeeze of lemon or mignonette sauce.
The West Coast’s oyster culture is so popular that many restaurants offer “buck-a-shuck” specials, making it affordable and accessible for everyone to enjoy these briny delights.
4. Dungeness Crab
A highlight of British Columbia’s seafood bounty, Dungeness crab is a local favorite. Known for its tender, sweet meat, Dungeness crab is often prepared steamed or boiled and served with melted butter or a tangy dipping sauce. Crab season is a much-anticipated event, with local markets and restaurants offering this delicious crustacean in various forms—whether it’s crab cakes, bisques, or simply fresh off the dock.
5. Nanaimo Bars
No exploration of BC’s famous foods would be complete without the mention of Nanaimo bars. Named after the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, this no-bake dessert is a Canadian classic. It features three delicious layers: a crumbly base made from graham crackers, cocoa, and coconut, a smooth middle layer of vanilla custard, and a top layer of rich chocolate.
The Nanaimo bar has become one of Canada’s most beloved desserts and can be found in cafes, bakeries, and homes across British Columbia.
6. BC Rolls (Sushi)
Vancouver, in particular, has gained a reputation as a top sushi destination outside of Japan, thanks to its large Asian population and access to fresh seafood. One unique creation is the “BC Roll,” which typically features grilled salmon skin, cucumber, and sweet sauce. This local twist on traditional sushi pays homage to the province’s abundance of fresh salmon and its diverse culinary influences.
The BC Roll is often accompanied by innovative variations of sushi using locally sourced ingredients, showcasing how BC’s food scene embraces global flavors while staying connected to its roots.
7. Poutine with a West Coast Twist
While poutine is traditionally a French-Canadian dish, British Columbia has put its own spin on it by incorporating seafood like prawns or smoked salmon. West Coast poutine can also be found topped with pulled pork or wild mushrooms, adding a distinctive local flavor to this beloved comfort food.
8. Bannock
Bannock is a type of flatbread that has deep roots in Indigenous culture. Originally brought to Canada by Scottish settlers, Indigenous communities made it their own, incorporating local ingredients and methods of cooking. In BC, you can find both traditional bannock, fried or baked, and modern takes on this bread, often served with jams, honey, or savory toppings like smoked salmon.
9. Farm-to-Table Cuisine
The farm-to-table movement is huge in British Columbia, thanks to the province’s fertile land and ideal climate for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and wine grapes. Farmers’ markets, like the ones in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley, offer fresh, seasonal produce, from apples and berries to asparagus and squash. Many restaurants in BC pride themselves on sourcing their ingredients locally, creating menus that highlight the best of what the province has to offer.
10. Wine and Craft Beer
British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is one of Canada’s premier wine regions, known for its award-winning wines, especially pinot noir, chardonnay, and ice wine. Wine tours in this region are popular, offering visitors a chance to sample local wines paired with delicious food.
In addition to wine, BC is known for its thriving craft beer scene. Breweries in Vancouver, Victoria, and other parts of the province produce a variety of innovative beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, often featuring local ingredients like berries or honey.
