Spot Prawn Season

They’re sweet, snappy, and gone before you know it. For a few short weeks each spring, BC spot prawns arrive fresh off our coast and disappear just as fast.

Why Spot Prawns Are the Crown Jewel of BC Seafood

Every spring, Vancouver’s seafood scene holds its breath for the arrival of BC’s wild spot prawns. These local delicacies are caught off our coast and delivered straight from the boat to the counter.

Spot prawns are like nothing else on the market. Firm, rich, naturally sweet, with a texture that feels closer to lobster than a typical prawn. The season is short, tightly managed, and incredibly sought-after, which is why people plan dinners around the day they land.

Great selection of fresh seafood. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable.

Eric Jin Cheng, Google review

In-store only

We keep spot prawns in-store because they’re at their best when they’re fresh and cold from the ocean. If you want them at peak quality, visit the shop.

When (and Why) Spot Prawns Sell Out So Quickly

The thing about spot prawns is simple: blink, and they’re gone. The commercial season is short, and supply can shift day-to-day based on weather, tides, and how many boats are landing.

When the boats are in, we move fast to bring prawns from dock to counter. Our regulars know the rhythm, too. Many check in often because waiting until tomorrow can mean missing 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

If you’re planning a dinner around spot prawns, the safest strategy is to come earlier in the day and ask what’s just landed.

How to Cook Spot Prawns Without Overthinking It

Good news: spot prawns don’t need much. The biggest mistake is overcooking. Keep it quick, keep it simple, and let the sweetness do the work.

Four easy ways customers cook them:

• Pan-seared with garlic butter: 1–2 minutes per side, finish with lemon
• Boiled then chilled: 60–90 seconds, ice bath, great for platters
• Grilled whole: hot grill, quick char, simple chili-lime glaze if you like
• Head-on sauté with white wine: heads add depth to the sauce

The staff is super friendly and everything I ordered was great quality and tasty.

Nickole Macauley, Google review

If you’re unsure which size or how much to buy, ask us at the counter. We’ll match the batch to what you’re cooking.

Why Vancouver Trusts 7 Seas for Spot Prawns

People come from across Vancouver when spot prawn season hits because they want the real thing. Fresh, wild, handled properly, with straight answers and zero guesswork.

What regulars count on:

• Direct relationships with coastal harvesters
• In-house handling and careful prep
• Helpful guidance on cooking and portions
• Seasonal honesty: when they’re gone, they’re gone

Highly recommend for the best fresh seafood selection and great service. Lots of options too.

Johnnie, Google review

Spot Prawn FAQs

Q: When is BC spot prawn season?

It’s a short spring window, typically running from early May into mid-June, depending on the year’s openings and landings.

Q: Where can I buy BC spot prawns in Vancouver?

At 7 Seas Fish Market in Kitsilano. Spot prawns are sold in-store only and quantities are limited.

Q: Do I need to peel or devein them before cooking?

You can cook them shell-on for maximum flavour, then peel at the table. Heads-on adds richness to broths and sauces.

Q: Why do spot prawns sell out so quickly?

The season is short and demand is high. Daily supply depends on landings, weather, and timing, so availability can change fast.

Get Them While They Last

Spot prawn season is here and it won’t last long. If you’ve been waiting all year, now is the moment. Come pick your batch, ask a question at the counter, and take home something unforgettable.

Visit 7 Seas in Kits 2328 W 4th Ave Check hours and contact Plan your visit

Ordering other seafood for pickup? Use Toast: order online. Spot prawns remain in-store only.