Few meals can rival a feast of West Coast clams, crab or prawns, and harvesting these shellfish is half the fun. The rocky coastline and pristine waters of Victoria and Vancouver Island are ideal for growing shellfish and are one of the greatest harvesting destinations in the world. Many species of shellfish await.

Shellfish is a popular term used to describe aquatic animals that are invertebrates (without a backbone) and are harvested. Many shellfish like clams, crabs and sea urchins have a hard outer shell, but there are also shellfish with reduced or no shells, such as squid, octopus and sea cucumbers.

Where permitted by regulations, shellfish may be easily harvested from the beaches of Victoria and Vancouver Island. Some shellfish require traps, but even this process is relatively easy. Enjoy the sand beneath your feet, the smell of salt air and the panoramic ocean and mountain views as you hunt and dig for your dinner. You will hardly be able to wait to savour your fresh catch.