
Spot Prawn Season Has Arrived: Why These Wild BC Beauties Are Worth the Wait
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Only available in-store for a limited time — get them while they last
They’re sweet, snappy, and gone before you know it.
Every spring, Vancouver’s seafood scene holds its breath for a few precious weeks — waiting on the arrival of BC’s wild spot prawns. These local delicacies are caught off our very own coast and delivered straight from the boat to our counter. And when they land at 7 Seas, they don’t sit still for long.
Spot prawns are like nothing else you’ll find on the market — firm, rich, and naturally sweet, with a texture that’s closer to lobster than the typical tiger prawn. But what makes them truly special is the season: short, sustainable, and incredibly sought-after. If you’ve never had them fresh, right in the middle of peak harvest? You’re missing out on one of BC’s best culinary experiences.
“Great selection of fresh seafood. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable…”
— Eric Jin Cheng, ★★★★★ Google Review
Here at 7 Seas, we bring them in as soon as the boats hit the docks. They're sold in-store only, in limited quantities, and they move fast — often gone the same day they arrive. This isn’t the kind of thing you can save for the weekend. When spot prawn season hits, you go now… or you wait a year.
📍 Visit us at 2328 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano.
🕘 Open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Spot prawns are available only while supplies last — first come, first served.
Why Spot Prawns Are the Crown Jewel of BC Seafood
For a few short weeks each year, BC spot prawns take centre stage — not just in seafood shops, but in the hearts (and kitchens) of chefs, home cooks, and food lovers across the coast.
And it’s easy to see why.
Spot prawns are like the champagne of shellfish — elegant, rare, and incredibly satisfying. Their flavour is subtly sweet, with a natural richness that sets them apart from any other prawn or shrimp. They’re firm without being chewy, delicate without being soft. One bite and you’ll understand why people line up for them the day they arrive.
These aren’t your average prawns from a freezer bag. These are wild-caught from BC’s pristine coastal waters — harvested with care using sustainable traps that protect the ocean’s delicate ecosystems. 7 Seas works directly with local fishers to bring them in fresh, still glistening from the sea, and ready to cook the way they’re meant to be: simply, and with respect.
“Amazing real fresh products hard to find in some high-end retailers… I’m always excited to come in.”
— K, ★★★★★ Google Review
From Kitsilano kitchens to top-tier restaurants, spot prawns are a seasonal ritual. Something people wait all year for — and tell their friends about when they’ve scored a fresh haul.
📍 Available now at 7 Seas Fish Market — but only while the boats keep coming.
Come early, ask our team what’s fresh, and take home the best the coast has to offer.
When (and Why) Spot Prawns Sell Out So Quickly
The thing about spot prawns? Blink, and they’re gone.
The commercial season in BC usually lasts just 4 to 6 weeks — and every year, it’s a race against time. Quotas are tightly managed to keep the fishery sustainable, and weather, tides, and demand all play a role in how many prawns hit the docks each day.
At 7 Seas, we get calls the moment the boats are in. Our crew moves fast to bring them from trap to counter, but we’re not the only ones watching. Spot prawns are incredibly popular, and many of our regulars check in daily — because they know that if you wait until tomorrow, you might miss them completely.
“My go-to seafood shop in Vancouver. Amazing real fresh products hard to find in some high-end retailers.”
— Aijuan Zhu, ★★★★★ Google Review
And let’s be honest — frozen just doesn’t compare. Spot prawns are at their absolute best when they’re fresh, heads-on, and still cold from the ocean. That’s why we don’t sell them online. If you want the real thing, you’ve got to come to the source.
📍 Visit our Kitsilano store — but don’t wait.
🕘 Open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
First come, first served — and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
How to Cook Spot Prawns (Without Messing Them Up)
Good news — spot prawns don’t need much. In fact, the biggest mistake you can make is overthinking them.
These beauties are at their best when they’re treated simply: a hot pan, a pinch of salt, a splash of something buttery or garlicky, and just enough heat to bring out their natural sweetness. You’re not masking flavour here — you’re letting it shine.
Here are a few easy ways our customers are cooking them right now:
-
Pan-Seared with Garlic Butter
Heat butter in a skillet with crushed garlic. Add prawns, shell-on. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Hit with lemon juice and serve. -
Boiled & Chilled with Cocktail Sauce
Bring salted water to a boil, toss in whole prawns for 60–90 seconds, then chill fast in ice water. Great for platters and picnics. -
Grilled Whole with Chili-Lime Glaze
Brush with olive oil, chili, lime, and a touch of honey. Grill over high heat for that smoky charred snap. -
Head-On Sauté with White Wine
Keep the heads on for flavour. Sauté in a splash of white wine, garlic, and olive oil — let the shells soak up the sauce.
“The staff is super friendly and everything I ordered was great quality and TASTY! Must try the clam chowder!”
— Nickole Macauley, ★★★★★ Google Review
Still unsure? Our team at 7 Seas is here to help — whether you’re grilling for guests or steaming your first-ever batch. We’ve cooked these prawns every which way and we’ll walk you through exactly what works.
📍 Visit us today, get them fresh, and ask our crew how they’re cooking theirs tonight.
Why Vancouver Trusts 7 Seas for Spot Prawns
There’s a reason people come from across Vancouver — and beyond — when spot prawn season hits: they know 7 Seas is the real deal.
For decades, we’ve been working directly with coastal harvesters, bringing in wild-caught seafood the moment it hits the docks. And when it comes to BC spot prawns, our customers know two things:
✔ We don’t cut corners.
✔ We don’t stock anything we wouldn’t take home ourselves.
“Highly recommend for the best fresh seafood selection and great service! Lots of options too.”
— Johnnie, ★★★★★ Google Review
We portion everything in-house. We prep it with care. And we’re always here to answer questions, share a recipe, or help you pick the best prawns in the tray.
“Wonderful fish… Great chowders, deli, and a choice of cod, halibut, sablefish, and salmon.”
— Melanie Reid, ★★★★★ Google Review
Spot prawns are special — and so is the way we sell them. No guesswork. No filler. Just honest, seasonal seafood the way it’s meant to be: fresh, wild, and handled with pride.
📍 Come visit us at 2328 West 4th Avenue, Kitsilano.
Ask what’s just come in. Get a cooking tip. Take home something unforgettable.
Spot Prawn Recipes to Celebrate the Season
You don’t need a culinary degree to cook spot prawns — you just need a few fresh ingredients and a little inspiration. Whether you’re planning a backyard feast or a quiet dinner at home, these recipes let the prawns do the talking.
Here are a few seasonal favourites our team and customers swear by:
Spot Prawns with Lemon-Garlic Butter
Simple, elegant, and dinner-party approved. Serve with crusty bread or fresh pasta to soak up the buttery sauce.
https://www.exnihilovineyards.com/recipes/Garlic-Spot-Prawns---Lemon-Gremolata
Chili-Lime Grilled Spot Prawns
A bold summer twist — spicy, smoky, and just sweet enough. Perfect for skewers on the BBQ.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chile-garlic-marinated-and-grilled-shrimp-8670789
Pasta with Spot Prawns, Garlic & White Wine
The perfect weeknight indulgence. Rich yet light, with a flavour that builds with every bite.
https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2021/05/spot-prawn-linguine.html
Spot Prawn Ramen with Miso Broth
Comforting, nourishing, and unforgettable. A Vancouver favourite that brings restaurant quality to your own bowl.
https://thedefineddish.com/easy-spicy-shrimp-ramen/
Need help choosing the perfect batch for your recipe? Just ask our team — we’ll guide you through what’s freshest and how to prep it.
📍 Visit us while the season’s still on. The prawns won’t wait… and neither should dinner.
Spot Prawn FAQs
1. When is BC spot prawn season?
BC spot prawn season typically runs from early May through mid-June — just a few short weeks each year. At 7 Seas Fish Market, we bring them in fresh as soon as the boats land.
2. Where can I buy BC spot prawns in Vancouver?
You can buy wild, fresh BC spot prawns in-store only at 7 Seas Fish Market in Kitsilano. We do not sell them online due to their highly perishable, limited-season nature.
📍 2328 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
3. What do spot prawns taste like?
Spot prawns are sweet, delicate, and slightly briny — with a texture more like lobster than traditional shrimp. When fresh, they’re incredibly tender and full of flavour.
4. Do I need to devein or peel spot prawns before cooking?
No — you can cook them shell-on for maximum flavour. Simply rinse, cook, and peel at the table. Heads-on adds richness to broths and sauces.
5. Why are spot prawns considered sustainable?
Spot prawns are harvested using sustainable traps that reduce bycatch and protect marine ecosystems. Ours are Ocean Wise certified, meaning they’re a responsible choice for both the environment and your plate.
Get Them While They Last
Spot prawn season is here — and it won’t last long.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer ready to experience the best seafood BC has to offer, now’s your moment. Come pick your batch, talk shop with our team, and take home something truly unforgettable.
📍 Visit Us at 7 Seas Fish Market – Kitsilano
2328 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
🕘 Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🦐 Spot prawns are available in-store only — first come, first served.
Check in early. Ask what’s landed. And don’t forget the garlic butter.
📬 Want to be the first to know when they arrive?
Subscribe to our Fresh Catch Newsletter for real-time updates, recipe ideas, and insider access to BC’s freshest seafood.
🔁 This page is part of our Living Content System™ and reviewed regularly for freshness, sustainability, and seasonal accuracy.
🕒 Last reviewed: by James Heras — Owner of 7 Seas Fish Market, “The Fish Philosopher”, and master of dry-aged seafood and uni. Follow his journey at @seafoodmafia.