The Great Canadian BBQ Tour – Stop #1: British Columbia
Our cross-Canada BBQ tour starts on the West Coast with bold, ocean-fresh flavours from BC.
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Welcome to the Great Canadian BBQ Tour, where we celebrate six unique regional grilling traditions from coast to coast. From bold beef in Alberta to smokehouse classics in Ontario, this summer series highlights local ingredients, regional cooking styles, and the best of what Canadian BBQ has to offer. And where better to start than the West Coast, where the ocean is the centrepiece and seafood is the star?
truLOCAL customers in British Columbia enjoy access to a premium selection of wild-caught seafood products that are as clean, traceable, and delicious. This week, we’re diving into the most grill-worthy options from the BC region, all sustainably harvested and introducing you to one of our trusted suppliers, Organic Ocean.
truLOCAL’s Best of BC: Seafood Made for the Grill
Few ingredients capture the essence of coastal BC better than wild sockeye salmon. Sourced directly from the cold Pacific and frozen at peak freshness, these portions are skin-on, boneless, and Marine Stewardship Council certified, which ensures sustainable resources and livelihoods for future generations. Their vivid red flesh and rich, buttery flavour are matched by a firm texture that holds up beautifully on the grill - ideal for cedar planking, foil packets, or direct grilling with just a touch of seasoning. Whether you keep it classic with lemon and dill or explore a maple-soy glaze, this sockeye is a West Coast BBQ essential.
Organic Ocean Wild Blue Shrimp (Shell-On)
These shrimp are wild-caught in the cold northern waters of the Pacific and sourced from a certified sustainable trap fishery - a method that minimizes environmental impact and protects marine ecosystems. Unlike farmed shrimp, these have a distinctively clean, sweet flavour and naturally firm texture that intensifies with a quick sear on the grill. Shell-on for maximum taste and protection against overcooking, they’re perfect for garlic-lemon skewers, chilli-lime marinades, or served with a house-made dipping sauce at your next backyard feast.
Mild, lean, and perfectly suited to grilling, BC rockfish is a versatile staple for anyone looking to lighten up their BBQ spread without sacrificing flavour. Caught using low-impact hook-and-line fishing techniques and certified Ocean Wise, these fillets have a clean white flesh that takes well to citrus, herbs, and high heat. Their medium-firm texture makes them ideal for foil packs, cedar planks, or even grilled fish tacos. It’s an understated West Coast classic that lets your marinades and fresh produce shine.
This whole Mediterranean sea bass comes cleaned, scaled, and ready for the grill - a beautiful choice with delicate white flesh and a mild, sweet flavour. Sourced by Diana’s Seafood, a Canadian family-run business dedicated to responsible fishing, it shines with Greek-inspired ingredients like Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and parsley. Thanks to its thinner profile and tender texture, it cooks quickly over medium heat, developing crispy skin and juicy, aromatic fillets. Elegant yet approachable, it’s a standout addition to any West Coast BBQ and has quickly become a favourite among truLOCAL staff members.
These convenient, grill-ready salmon skewers feature rich, buttery Atlantic salmon with a firm texture that holds up beautifully over the heat. Prepared by Diana’s Seafood, a Canadian family-run company known for responsibly sourced seafood, they come lightly marinated in a zesty citrus blend to enhance their natural, crave-worthy flavour. Whether you’re topping a fresh salad, crafting flavourful tacos, or enjoying them on their own, these skewers deliver a deliciously satisfying BBQ experience.
Our Supplier: Organic Ocean
Many of the products listed above come from Organic Ocean, one of truLOCAL’s superb seafood suppliers in BC and a leader in sustainable Canadian fishing. Headquartered in Vancouver, Organic Ocean was founded by former fishers who wanted to change the seafood industry from the inside out. They now work directly with small-boat harvesters, Indigenous fishers, and community-based operations to deliver wild, Ocean Wise-recommended seafood across Canada.
More than a supplier, Organic Ocean is a certified B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet, and a proud participant in food equity efforts like Until We Are All Fed, which donates meals to people in need. Their focus on transparency, traceability, and environmental care makes them a natural fit for truLOCAL - and for anyone who cares about where their food comes from.
How BC Grills: Recipes Inspired by the Pacific
Bring the fresh, wild flavours of British Columbia to your backyard with these delicious recipes - each featuring premium, wild-caught seafood sourced locally by partners like Organic Ocean..
Cedar Planked Salmon
A true West Coast classic. Grilling salmon on a cedar plank infuses it with a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements its rich, flaky texture - a perfect way to honour BC’s culinary traditions. This technique also helps keep the salmon tender and juicy, making every bite a perfect balance of flavour and moisture.
Grilled Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Juicy, spiced shrimp tucked into tortillas with fresh toppings make for a fun and flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for sharing. The bold Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat to balance the cool, creamy toppings and soft tortillas.
Keto Mexican Spiced Cod with Cauliflower Rice
A zesty, low-carb option full of bold Mexican-inspired flavours and paired with cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal. It’s a light yet flavourful dish that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthy, grilled seafood option without sacrificing taste.
Sheet Pan Pesto Fish and Potatoes
An easy, herb-packed dinner where tender fish and hearty potatoes come together with the bright, savoury taste of pesto. Cooking everything on one sheet pan makes this a convenient, minimal-fuss meal ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Discover these recipes and more on our recipe page, and let your grill bring out the best of BC seafood this summer!
Bring the Coast to Your Grill
Whether you’re after simple grilled shrimp or a cedar-planked salmon showstopper, truLOCAL’s BC seafood lineup brings freshness, sustainability, and West Coast spirit to every box. Each product is hand-picked for quality, traceability, and grillability - all delivered straight to your door.
See our fantastic selection of delicious seafood available to our BC residents.
Next on the Tour: Ontario Smokehouse-Style BBQ
Get ready for slow-smoked ribs, local sausages, and bold BBQ traditions as we head east for a flavour-packed stop in Ontario. Stay tuned for Week 2 of the Great Canadian BBQ Tour!
Article by: Steven Tippin
Posted on July 17th, 2025