Why They’re Unique: We’re huge fans of the guys at East Cape and the incredible product that they grow but when we learned what it takes to grow oysters in Canada in the winter, our respect went through the roof [read: it ain’t easy). During the cold months, the Souris River turns into a frozen tundra with ice so thick you need a chainsaw to cut through it. In the fall, the oysters are sunk deep enough to avoid the freeze, and when they’re ready to be harvested, Phil and his crew drive to the lease via snowmobile, chainsaw through to the water, and haul the oysters back to the shore. Fun fact: back in the day driving over the frozen rivers was the *preferred* method of transportation because the wind would keep the surface clear…and it was a pretty good shortcut.

Story: Phil started this oyster farm in 2016 as an irresistible side hustle. Growing up on PEI, he fell in love with the ocean and boating and couldn’t let the opportunity to grow oysters pass him by. His main source of business is exporting onions and potatoes he grows on PEI. Amongst us ICO oyster people, we call these the ‘Potato Truck’ oyster for obvious reasons.

Ice cutting photos by Jeremy Vessey

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