Digby Scallops Where to Eat Season Guide
DIGBY SCALLOPS OVERVIEW:
• Fame: World's largest inshore scallop fleet
• Size: Exceptionally large, sweet Bay of Fundy scallops
• Season: Year-round fishing, peak August-April
• Preparation: Pan-seared, fried, baked, raw preparations
• Price Range: $18-35 CAD for scallop dishes
• Fleet: 300+ scallop boats operate from Digby
• Quality: Day-boat fresh, landed same day caught
Digby Scallop Season
SCALLOP FISHING SEASON TIMELINE:
• Year-Round: Scallop fishing operates throughout year
• Peak Season: August through April, best quality
• Summer Months: May-July, spawning season, lower quality
• Fall/Winter: October-March, prime eating season
• Daily Landings: Fresh scallops landed daily by fleet
• Weather Dependent: Rough seas can limit fishing days
• Processing: Shucked and processed within hours of landing
Best Digby Scallop Restaurants
TOP DIGBY AREA SCALLOP RESTAURANTS:
• Fundy Restaurant: Digby waterfront, famous for scallops ($22-28)
• Admiral Digby Inn: Historic inn, elegant preparation ($25-32)
• Crow's Nest Restaurant: Waterfront views, local favorite ($20-26)
• Shoreline Restaurant: Family-run, traditional preparation ($18-24)
• Digby Pines Resort: Resort dining, gourmet preparation ($28-35)
• Captain's Cabin: Casual dining, generous portions ($19-25)
• Bayside Inn: Annapolis Basin views, fresh daily ($22-28)
Regional Scallop Restaurants
NOVA SCOTIA RESTAURANTS FEATURING DIGBY SCALLOPS:
• Halifax: Stories Fine Dining, Press Gang, Chives Bistro
• Lunenburg: Fleur de Sel, Saltwater Jacks, Lincoln Street Food
• Annapolis Royal: Leo's Cafe, Ye Olde Towne Pub
• Wolfville: Front & Central, Tempest Restaurant
• Yarmouth: Rudder's Seafood, Harris' Quick 'N Tasty
• Sydney: Flavor Downtown, Governors Pub
• Chester: Rope Loft Restaurant, Fo'c'sle Tavern
Scallop Preparation Styles
DIGBY SCALLOP COOKING METHODS:
• Pan-Seared: High heat, caramelized exterior, tender center
• Beer Battered: Deep-fried in crispy batter coating
• Baked: Oven-baked with herbs and breadcrumbs
• Raw/Ceviche: Fresh scallops with citrus and herbs
• Grilled: BBQ preparation with simple seasonings
• Scallop Rolls: Maritime-style sandwich preparation
• Chowder: Creamy soup featuring scallop pieces
• Pasta: Tossed with linguine in various sauces
Digby Scallop Fleet and Harbor
DIGBY SCALLOP FISHING INDUSTRY:
• Fleet Size: Largest inshore scallop fleet in world
• Boats: 300+ vessels from 30-65 feet length
• Daily Trips: Day-boat fishing, return same day
• Processing: Multiple processing plants in Digby
• Employment: 1,500+ jobs in scallop industry
• Export: Ships worldwide, primarily US and Europe
• Tourism: Harbor tours show working scallop fleet
Bay of Fundy Scallop Quality
WHY BAY OF FUNDY SCALLOPS ARE EXCEPTIONAL:
• Tidal Action: Extreme tides create nutrient-rich waters
• Cold Water: Temperature produces sweet, firm meat
• Size: Among world's largest sea scallops
• Clean Waters: Pristine Bay of Fundy environment
• Quick Processing: Fresh from boat to plate
• Sustainable: Well-managed fishery with quotas
• Adductor Muscle: Large, meaty portion of scallop
• Sweetness: Cold water enhances natural sugar content
Scallop Pricing and Portions
DIGBY SCALLOP RESTAURANT PRICING:
• Appetizer Portions: 3-4 scallops, $12-18
• Main Course: 6-8 large scallops, $22-32
• Scallop Roll: 4-5 oz scallop meat, $16-22
• Scallop Chowder: Cup $8-12, bowl $12-16
• Fried Scallops: 8-10 pieces, $18-25
• Scallop Pasta: 5-6 scallops with pasta, $20-28
• Market Price: Prices fluctuate with daily landings
Seasonal Scallop Festival
DIGBY SCALLOP DAYS FESTIVAL:
• Timing: Second weekend in August annually
• Duration: 3-day waterfront celebration
• Activities: Scallop shucking contests, cooking demos
• Food: Multiple vendors serving scallop specialties
• Entertainment: Live music, family activities
• Fleet Tours: Boat tours of scallop harbor
• Attendance: 15,000+ visitors annually
• Accommodation: Book early, popular tourism weekend
Buying Fresh Scallops
PURCHASING FRESH DIGBY SCALLOPS:
• Digby Fish Market: Direct from processing plants
• Waterfront Vendors: Fresh from daily boats
• Halifax Farmers Market: Weekend scallop vendors
• Grocery Stores: Major chains carry Digby scallops
• Online: Some processors offer direct shipping
• Quality Signs: Sweet smell, firm texture, clear color
• Storage: Use within 2 days, keep very cold
Scallop Cooking Tips
HOME COOKING DIGBY SCALLOPS:
• Preparation: Remove side muscle, pat completely dry
• Pan-Searing: High heat, don't move until caramelized
• Timing: 2-3 minutes per side for large scallops
• Temperature: Internal temperature 125°F for perfect doneness
• Seasoning: Simple salt and pepper, don't overpower
• Overcooking: Avoid, makes scallops tough and rubbery
• Pairing: Light wines, citrus, herbs complement sweetness
• Serving: Serve immediately while hot
Scallop Nutrition and Health
DIGBY SCALLOP NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS:
• Low Calories: Only 30 calories per large scallop
• High Protein: 6g protein per scallop
• Low Fat: Less than 1g fat per scallop
• Omega-3: Good source of healthy fatty acids
• Vitamin B12: Essential vitamin in high concentration
• Minerals: Rich in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium
• Selenium: Important antioxidant mineral
Scallop Tourism and Tours
SCALLOP-THEMED TOURISM EXPERIENCES:
• Harbor Tours: View working scallop fleet
• Processing Plant Tours: See scallop processing (seasonal)
• Cooking Classes: Learn scallop preparation techniques
• Food Tours: Multi-restaurant scallop tasting tours
• Boat Charters: Deep sea fishing for scallops
• Photography: Document working waterfront scenes
• Educational: Learn about sustainable fishing practices
• Shopping: Purchase fresh scallops and local products
Planning Your Scallop Experience
DIGBY SCALLOP TRIP PLANNING:
• Best Time: October-March for peak quality
• Duration: 1-2 days in Digby area sufficient
• Transportation: Rental car recommended for flexibility
• Accommodation: Several inns and B&Bs in Digby
• Reservations: Recommended for dinner at popular restaurants
• Budget: $60-100 per person for full scallop experience
• Weather: Indoor dining options for Maritime weather