What's Happening

Toast to the Coast Event Photos

Ocean lovers celebrate B.C.’s bounty at annual Toast to the Coast, helping to raise $160,000

By Janine Verreault /

Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Click through for more photos…



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Guests mingle among the glowing moon jellies in the Canaccord Gallery



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Set against the aquatic backdrop of the Strait of Georgia exhibit, a crisp white is poured by Naramata’s Serendipity Winery



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Guests dined on bites from 11 Ocean Wise partners, including Tableau who served this Ocean Wise octopus “Nicoise” salad



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Raffle prize hopefuls show off their flashy rings, which came with each ticket purchase. One lucky winner went home with two tickets to anywhere that Air Canada or Air Rouge fly in North America or Mexico



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Pacific Canada Pavilion was bumping all night long to the DJ’s tunes, with wineries and restaurants serving on both levels of the Aquarium



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Surf n’ turf: e.b.o Restaurant & Lounge’s vitello tonnato featured shaved veal tongue, marinated Ocean Wise albacore tuna, house pickles, bone marrow aioli on a mustard-seed cracker



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

At his first Toast to the Coast as Ocean Wise Executive Chef, Ned Bell chats with guests as jellies and seahorses dance in the background.



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

The conversation was anything but dry at Toast to the Coast, where guests sipped wine as tropical fish swam past



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Dancing shoes were a must later in the evening, as the crowd grooved to the energetic covers of Side One Band



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

With savoury must come sweet, and Beta5’s chocolates provided a toothsome treat



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Sonora Room from Burrowing Owl Winery served up pickled Okanagan plums, ponzu gel and prawn cracker in from of BMO Jellyfish



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Teck Connections Gallery was a lively hub for the night, where guests could bid on an array of silent auction prizes while gazing up at the 360° display



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Those who attended the sold-out VIP reception were treated to a private stingray encounter at Discover Rays



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

Walter Caesar, the only Ocean Wise beverage partner, pours their ocean-friendly Caesars for thirsty guests



Credit: Credit Vision Photography

The BMO Jellyfish display provides the perfect backdrop for a frame-worthy shot


Ocean lovers celebrate B.C.’s bounty at annual Toast to the Coast, helping to raise $160,000

There are few places in the city more majestic than the galleries of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre at night. Toast to the Coast, presented by CIBC, is a magical evening that brings together top local chefs, sustainable seafood and B.C.’s best wines. Held on Friday, October 14, 2016, the annual soirée raised more than $160,000 for the Aquarium’s conservation, research and education efforts.

“This event brings together the province’s culinary heavyweights and its master winemakers, its ocean ambassadors and the numerous supporters of Vancouver Aquarium’s conversation work. With a glass of bubbly, a buzzy auction with tremendous prizes and late-night live music, this event is one of the most unforgettable nights of year,” said Sharon Butler, Director of Partnerships, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre.

Attendees were in for a treat. Ocean Wise chefs from 11 partner restaurants, including new Ocean Wise executive chef at Vancouver Aquarium Ned Bell, served up mouth-watering dishes, from freshly shucked, ocean-friendly oysters to northern lingcod croquettes and albacore tuna tartare with kaiso seaweed.

As the night went on, guests mingled in front of the luminous jellyfish and the glowing lights of The Tropics exhibits. The unmistakable songs of the sea lions barking could only be matched by the late-night live musicians, Side One Band, who had the crowd grooving for the rest of the event.