You’ve Gotta Try This in July 2024

A crab fest in Victoria, a Caribbean carnival in Coquitlam, a chance to taste B.C. wine on a century-old sternwheeler, and a swanky culinary collaboration in Vancouver… here’s everything you should be eating and drinking for the month ahead, as ever grab napkins, it’s gonna get messy.

Summer is here in full swing, so go! Get swingy! There are so very many delicious things to do over the next few weeks, from long table dinners dining late under the stars, to festivals and celebrations of all kinds. Wild pacific salmon is on the menu wherever you go, cherry season is here, patios are open, and oh! Life feels kind of good, doesn’t it? 

COQUITLAM: Y’all know I am English, right? Well, I miss the annual Notting Hill Carnival in London, a chance to groove to amazing beats, dancing on the streets, dazzling parades and delicious food. If you’re missing a taste of the Caribbean too, head on over to PoCo on July 27-28th to enjoy their free annual Caribbean Days Festival and dance to live Soca, Reggae and Calypso sounds; enjoy the parade, and pile into the truly glorious food from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica! 

SQUAMISH: Tis the season for long table dinners in the forest (or amongst the vines!) and there’s few places more delightful to be than Fergie’s Café in Brackendale just a few minutes from downtown Squamish (my advice? Book one of the cabins at Sunwolf for dinner and the best night’s sleep EVER!) On the menu July 20th, a party on the lawn with live music, a Texas-style BBQ, cocktails, beers, and a helluva great time. Go see chef Nick Cassettari (ex-Alta Bistro) making all the delicious things in his new happy place. 

VANCOUVER: Splash out on a night of high-end culinary delights at Hawksworth for an exciting collaboration between chefs David Hawksworth and Jonathan Gushue (ex-Fogo Island Inn and Langdon Hall, now helming his own spot at The Gate, Ontario) for one night only on Sunday July 14th. The seven-course, seasonally inspired menu includes treats such as wagyu, Iberico ham, peaches, and saddle of lamb. The pairings come from around the world taking in everything from Champagne and Margaret River Cab Sauvignon to plum sake. This is going to be a special night, so head on over to score tickets before they sell out. 

WHISTLER: The team at Wild Blue are having an incredible year from Best Whistler restaurant in the Van Mag awards to chef Alex Chen and director Neil Henderson’s induction into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. Go see them at the top of their game at their annual Long Table dinner on the golf range just outside the restaurant for a four-course extravaganza generously paired with wine and excellent service! I had the happy chance to be amongst the guests gathered for Wild Blue’s first long table last year, and all I can say is: GO! Tickets are still available for August 18th and if you’re fast, there may be some returns for July 7th. 

VANCOUVER ISLAND: Just as spot prawn season begin to fade into the rear-view mirror, so now buttery BC Dungeness Crab season ramps up! Head to Banfield Park, Victoria for their super-fun (and crazy-delicious) CrabFest on July 13th where you can feast on crab, corn, clams, prawns, fresh bread and butter—all served up in your very own bucket! On-site, sip your way through local breweries, wineries and non-alcoholic beverages (reminder: Dungeness crab absolutely LOVES chardonnay). Support local fishers, and get your timed ticket pick-up slots available here.

ROSSLAND: More fun is to be had up in the Kootenays at the Red Mountain’s Clam Slam! Back for another year, reimagined and reenergized after a break, the all-new Clam Slam where you get to taste crazy Caesars and vote on the very best shaken up by top bartenders. Tickets buy you a free shuttle bus from Rossland, two sample tickets, live music, and games, and there are brunch bites on offer up at RED! 

PENTICTON: A significant part of my heart longs for the days of paddle boats and prohibition gin; re-live the romance (without any of that pesky being arrested by the cops for drinking) on July 20th down on the shores of Lake Okanagan at the S.S. Sicamous Marine Museum which is hosting a Sip Back in Time event with wine tasting, live music, a silent auction, and charcuterie bites. Wineries include the excellent Lakeboat, 8th Generation, Four Shadows and Sperling. Ticket proceeds go towards raising the S.S. Naramata onto a base to preserve it.