Celebrating 29 Years of Culinary Excellence at the PEI Shellfish Festival
Prince Edward Island has long been known for its shellfish, but the PEI Shellfish Festival, now in its 29th year, is where the island’s seafood, chefs, and culture collide. I had the honour of judging the Garland International Chef Competition as part of the festival, which gave me a front-row seat to the next generation of Canadian culinary talent and the creativity shaping our food landscape.
Chefs from across Canada and abroad transformed PEI’s fresh oysters, crab, clams, lobster, and mussels into inventive dishes, balancing technique, flavour, and respect for the source.
PEI’s culinary scene stretches far beyond the festival. From the innovative events and takeaway at Ada, to the farm-to-table brilliance of The Inn at Bay Fortune, intimate experiences at The Table, and approachable, hyper-local seafood at North Shore Canteen, the island proves that small places can deliver world-class food.
Off the plates, my own experience on the island was unforgettable. I stayed at the Holman Grand, went out on an oyster boat to witness the care behind PEI’s world-class shellfish, and grabbed some famously playful Cows ice cream. This is what culinary travel should feel like—immersive, sensory, and connected to place.
Judging the competition was a reminder of how much passion drives the next generation of chefs. But more than evaluating dishes, it was about witnessing the culture of community, craft, and sustainability that surrounds PEI seafood. The festival is a celebration of where food comes from, who grows it, and how it’s transformed into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re drawn by the festival, the island’s seafood, or its world-class restaurants, Prince Edward Island offers a culinary pilgrimage that delights the senses and inspires the imagination. After 29 years, the PEI Shellfish Festival continues to elevate seafood, champion Canadian chefs, and show why this small island is a must-visit destination for food lovers and culinary travellers.