Canadian Destinations

International Shellfish Festival showcases PEI seafood

Photo by Vic Brincat

(Special)—As an island that harvests fresh seafood every day, it’s no surprise that Prince Edward Island is fast becoming a Canadian culinary destination.

PEI is widely known for its fresh seafood delights – so much so that there is an annual International Shellfish Festival on the Island. From September 17 to 19, 2010, visitors to Prince Edward Island can be a part of the "Biggest Kitchen Party in Atlantic Canada."

For those serious about seafood chowder, the festival hosts the PEI Potato Seafood Chowder Championship and the Cream International Chowder Championship.

Sample these unique chowder dishes as they are served up during each challenge and you be the judge in choosing your own personal favourite.

If it is oysters you are searching for, be sure to attend the Raspberry Point PEI Oyster Shucking Championship, The North American Oyster Shucking Showdown and the Shellfish World Invitational Oyster Shucking Championship.

Competitors will amaze the crowd with their skill and speed as they compete against some of the world’s best oyster shuckers. Or try your hand at shucking oysters yourself at one of the Keep on Shucking with Frank’s RedHot® Oyster Shucking Demos taking place during the Festival.

Other festival weekend highlights include the International PEI Shellfish Chef Challenge, in which local, regional, national and international chefs and cooks will compete for a $10,000 cash prize.

There are also free activities for children as part of The World is Your Oyster program, Peake’s Wharf Boat Cruises with guided tours, and more.

To learn more about the festival, go to www.peishellfish.com.