To All Oysters

Sand Dune Oyster

Souris River, PEI
These beauties mature slowly over 4 to 6 years in Souris River. Recognized for their unique bright, green shells, they have a dynamic flavor profile that combines a salty vegetal taste with a buttery finish that lingers on the palate. They're grown on the hard, sandy bottom for their entire life where they are naturally tumbled by the tide, which gives them deep cups and heavy shells.

Oysterology

Product Specifications
  • Specie:
    Crassostrea virginica
  • Origin:
    Souris River, PEI
    (CAN)
  • Farmed: 4 to 6 years
  • Average Size:
    3.25 inches
  • Available:
    August through January
Flavor Profile
Full, springy meats with a melon rind sweetness and a savory lingering finish.
Suggested Pairing:
Viognier
Brine Intensity
Growout method
Seed is raised in surface floating cages before they are planted on the bottom for the entirety of their life.
Site Details
  • Tides:
    Souris River; swift currents from Colville Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
  • Bottom:
    Hard sandy bottom.
the Grower

From the waters of Souris, Prince Edward Island into the hearts and bellies of oyster fans around the world, East Cape Oyster Company carries on the legacy of the original founder of the Sand Dune Selects brand, Tommy Joe MacDonald. Tommy’s journey began in 1975 when he was granted a number of leases in waterways around the eastern end of PEI. He would sell some of them off over the years, but he held a particular spot near and dear to his heart: the leases near his family home in Souris.

The nutrient-rich water in this area has always produced a very high quality oyster, which Tommy branded as “Sand Dune Selects.” It wasn't long before these oysters began making quiet waves in the oyster industry. In 2016, we had the honour of taking over his leases and thus, East Cape Oyster Company was born.

There’s no denying that it’s a ton of work, but we have a tight knit crew that makes for good vibes on the water each day. When we get to see those oysters being shipped out after years of cultivating and watching them grow, it makes it all worthwhile. And we wouldn't have it any other way.

East Cape Oyster Company