Mid-May marks one of the most anticipated food seasons in BC. Spot prawn season draws seafood lovers to the docks for these prized local prawns, known for their sweet flavour, firm texture, and delicate freshness.
Because the season is fleeting, you need a strategy to ensure you don’t miss out on the 2026 harvest. I have put together a guide to buying, dining, and cooking spot prawns.
2026 BC Spot Prawn Season Dates
The BC Spot Prawn season is notoriously short to ensure the population remains sustainable for years to come.
- Official Start Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026.
- Expected Duration: The season typically lasts between 30 to 40 days, ending in mid-to-late June.
Where to Buy Live Spot Prawns
The first few days of the season are hectic. To avoid disappointment, it helps to know exactly where the boats are landing and who offers pre-orders.
Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf (Richmond)
- Steveston Spot Prawns: Selling directly from their boat starting May 15. They are currently taking pre-orders.
- Prawns on the Spot: Also selling from the boat at the wharf; note that they have a 2-pound minimum for pre-orders.
Granville Island Fisherman’s Wharf (Vancouver)
- Goodfish Seafood is offering fresh BC spot prawns straight off the boat from May 14 through June. Walk-up sales run daily from 3 PM to 6 PM at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf, Bay C Locker 31, next to Granville Island. Pre-orders are available online by 8 PM the night before for next-day pickup.
- The Lobster Man is taking pre-orders for seasonal BC spot prawns at $26.99 per pound, with a maximum order of 5 lbs per customer and estimated pickup from May 15 to 22. Annual members receive a special price of $22.99 per pound.
Ladner Wharf and Delivery
BC Live Spot Prawns offers live spot prawns for home delivery across Greater Vancouver and pickup at Ladner Wharf. Their prawns are ungraded (expect Large and XL sizes) and come directly from the fishing boats.
Local Markets and Specialized Shops
- For those who cannot make it to the docks, T&T and Sungiven Foods usually stock live prawns in their tanks, often available even in the late evening.
2026 Spot Prawn Festivals and Events
Spot Prawn Festival 2026
Celebrate the peak of the season at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf on Sunday, May 31 (11 AM – 3 PM). Hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC, this annual favorite offers a mix of free community access and elevated culinary experiences.
- Free Admission: Enjoy complimentary dock access and live cooking demonstrations from top local chefs (11 AM – 2 PM).
- Chowder on the Wharf: Grab a bowl of fresh prawn and seafood chowder for $12 (includes a bun; timed pickup slots required).
- The Brunch (19+): For $85, guests can enjoy a stand-up tasting menu featuring premium spot prawn dishes paired with BC wine and beer. Two service windows are available (11:30 AM and 1:30 PM).
Pro Tip: Tickets for the chowder and brunch sell out quickly every year so grab yours early to ensure a taste of the catch!
Steveston Spot Prawn Day (Richmond)
The festivities continue on Saturday, June 6 (11 AM – 5 PM) with a massive community event spanning Fisherman’s Wharf and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. This family-friendly day focuses on education, entertainment, and, of course, incredible local seafood.
- Culinary & Culture: Catch live seafood cooking demos on the Culinary Stage (11 AM – 4:30 PM) or explore the Sustainability Expo, featuring interactive booths on ocean conservation in honor of World Oceans Day.
- Entertainment: The boardwalk will be buzzing with live music, circus acts by Circus West, and a community paint-by-numbers mural project.
- Kids Zone: Young explorers can try Gyotaku (traditional Japanese fish printing), enjoy face painting, or burn off energy in the inflatable bouncy boat.
Don’t Miss: Stop by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery early. The Sustainability Expo kicks off at 10 AM, an hour before the main festival events!
2026 Restaurant Spot Prawn Features
If you would rather leave the cooking and the de-heading to the experts, Vancouver’s top chefs have created some incredible seasonal menus.
Spot Prawn & Seafood Dine About Promotion (May 16 – June 14)
Over a dozen Richmond and Steveston restaurants are serving limited-time seafood features. Highlights include:
- Creative Small Plates: Spot Prawn Ceviche (Little Mexico Cantina), Spot Prawn Bisque (Steveston Built), and Sizzling Skillets (Catch Kitchen + Bar).
- International Flair: Taiwanese Prawn Vermicelli (CHJ Bistro) and Korean Fish Burgers (O’Hare’s GastroPub).
- Signature Mains: A 1 lb Grilled Spot Prawn & Pinot Gris combo at Blue Canoe or Smoked Sablefish Benedict at Breakfast Table.
Why are BC Spot Prawns so Special?
BC spot prawns are the largest of the seven commercial species of shrimp in Canada’s West Coast. Some females exceed 23 cm in length. They are easily identified by their reddish-brown color, white horizontal bars on the shell, and distinctive white spots on their tails.
Sustainable Fishing Methods
Prawn fishermen use baited traps dropped 40 to 100 meters deep along the rocky ocean floor. This results in minimal habitat impact and very low bycatch, making it a sustainable choice endorsed by Ocean Wise.
Expert Buying and Handling Tips
Buying live seafood can be intimidating. Here is how to handle it like a professional:
- Be Prepared for Lines: Expect long line-ups at the wharf (sometimes hours). Boats usually arrive around 12 PM – 1 PM.
- The Mushy Factor: Spot prawns have an enzyme in their heads that begins to break down the tail meat the moment they die. If the prawn dies, the meat turns mushy.
- The Fix: You must cook them live or remove the heads while they are still alive.
- Transporting: Bring a cooler with an ice pack. Never put them directly in fresh water or melted ice; fresh water will kill them instantly.
How to De-head a Live Prawn
- Firmly grab the head in one hand and the body in the other.
- Pinch the head with your thumb and index finger.
- Twist your hands in opposite directions and pull quickly.
- Rinse the tail thoroughly.
Best Ways to Cook Spot Prawns
Keep it simple! Spot prawns taste best when cooked for just two minutes. Overcooking is the most common mistake.
- Steam: 2 minutes, then a cold water shock.
- Boil: 2 minutes in boiling water (with the shell on).
- Grill: 1-2 minutes per side on medium heat.
- Sauté: A few minutes in a hot pan with or without the shell.
- Raw: Freshly de-headed tails are perfect for sashimi-style eating.
22 Spot Prawn Recipe Ideas
- Chilled: Cooked then chilled on ice with lemon and cocktail sauce.
- Butter Sauté: Sautéed with butter only to highlight the natural sweetness.
- West Coast Paella: Combined with mussels, clams, and local fish.
- Mediterranean: Steamed and seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and salt.
- Spicy Sweet: Cooked in sweet chili, butter, garlic, and tomato sauce.
- Spring Pasta: With tomatoes and asparagus in a garlic white wine sauce.
- Prawn Tacos: With mango, lime, salsa, chipotle mayo, and avocado.
- Ceviche: Marinated in citrus with red onion and cilantro.
- Zesty: Tossed with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest.
- Low Country Boil: With corn, potatoes, and onions.
- Romesco: Garlic butter prawns served with Romesco sauce.
- Coconut Lime: Simmered with coconut milk and fresh lime.
- Uni Butter: Grilled and tossed in rich sea urchin butter.
- Scampi: Linguine with garlic, parsley, lemon, and white wine.
- Skewered: Marinated and grilled over an open flame.
- Asian Fusion: Chili garlic prawns steamed with sake and served with coconut rice.
- Seafood Risotto: Featuring mussels and clams in a creamy base.
- Simple Sashimi: Served with high-quality soy sauce.
- Japanese Dashi: Served in a delicate sake dashi broth.
- Herbaceous: Sautéed with garlic, herb butter, zucchini, and peas.
- Grilled Pasta: Grilled with corn, then served with pasta and cherry tomatoes.
- Crostino: Served over whipped burrata with a citrus marinade.
How many to buy? There are typically 10-16 prawns per pound. We recommend half a pound per person for a standard serving.
Happy Spot Prawn Season!