Dive into Flavour: Enroll in the Nova Scotia Seafood Academy Today
Experience the rich maritime heritage of Nova Scotia like never before! The Nova
Scotia Seafood Academy is calling all food enthusiasts, travelers, and industry professionals to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates our province’s incredible seafood bounty. Join us in sharpening your culinary skills with our exclusive new program, the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada!
At the Nova Scotia Seafood Academy, we believe that cooking is not just a skill but a journey through culture and community. Our unique curriculum is designed to deepen your understanding of seafood preparation while highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and local sourcing. Whether you’re an aspiring home chef, a seasoned professional, or someone eager to explore our coastal culinary traditions, there’s something here for everyone. For any questions about the Academy, please email us here.
The NS Seafood Academy is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
New Courses for 2027
Tide to Table: A NS Seafood Masterclass
May 12-14, June 16-18, July 14-16, Aug 11-13, Sept 15-17, 2027
The Nova Scotia Seafood Academy is calling all food enthusiasts, travelers, and industry professionals to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates our province's incredible seafood bounty. Learn innovative cooking techniques with expert chefs and transform your seafood dishes from ordinary to extraordinary!
Our next course:
A NS Seafood Masterclass
WITH CHEF PAUL THIMOT
May 12-14, 2027
COURSE OUTLINE:
We kick things off May through September with the Tide to Table Culinary Courses led by Chef Paul Thimot. Bringing over 30 years of culinary and sommelier experience, Thimot has trained and taught across Nova Scotia, France, and top Canadian culinary destinations. Over three days, you’ll cook, taste, and explore Nova Scotia’s seafood in a relaxed, hands-on environment designed for curious home cooks.
Day 1: From Sea to Station - Foundations of Seafood
- Welcome & Safety Briefing Review
- Seafood Identification
- Quality & Sustainability: How to Source Local, Seasonal & Sustainable Seafood
- Handwashing & Station Set-Up
- Filleting Workshop: Round Fish
- Calamari Prep
- Shell Lobster
- Chef Tasting: Sample Preparations
Day 2: Smoke, Sear & Soak - Cooking Techniques
- Non-Heat Prep: Ceviche, Crudo & Gravlax
- Cooking Techniques: Grilling & Poaching
- Cooking Techniques: Searing & Marinating
- Tasting Plate Assembly
Day 3: Shell Game - Crustaceans & Celebration
- Humane handling, cooking, shelling & serving
- Shellfish Focus: Mussels, Clams & Scallops
- Plating Like a Pro: Garnishes, Sauces & Modern Plating Theory
- Break & Prep for Feast
- Final Feast: Prep, Presentation & Communal Meal
- Wrap-Up & Certificate Ceremony
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All tools, ingredients & tastings
- Seafood Academy apron & recipe booklet
- Daily meals & chef instruction
- Certificate of Completion
Who Should Attend: Designed for the home cook, food traveller, and anyone who enjoys seafood and wants to build confidence in the kitchen.
Good to Know: Pre-registration required; limited to 20 participants. Comfortable footwear is recommended for kitchen and exploration. Light meals provided and transportation where required.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund for cancellations one week in advance; 50% refund for cancellations 72 hours or less.
Why Choose the Nova Scotia Seafood Academy?
• Hands-On Learning in an Intimate Setting: Engage directly with experts in a state-of-the-art kitchen. Class size: 20 maximum per session.
• Local Ingredients: Celebrate the flavours of fresh, sustainable seafood sourced from our local fisheries.
• Lifetime Skills: Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef, leave with skills that will elevate your culinary repertoire.
• Cultural Immersion: Discover the stories behind Nova Scotia's seafood, learn maritime traditions, recipes and more.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow food lovers, culinary travelers and industry leaders.
• Stunning Setting: Held at Devour! Studios in the picturesque town of Wolfville, overlooking the Bay of Fundy and in the heart of Nova Scotia wine country.
The NS Seafood Academy is supported by
Meet Your Instructor
Paul Thimot
Boasting over 30 years’ culinary and sommelier expertise, Chef Paul Thimot embarked on his gastronomic journey in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia, nurturing his early passion for food and wine. His path encompassed culinary studies, experiences in Halifax, training in France, and sommelier certification in western Canada—culminating in a distinguished teaching career at the Nova Scotia Community College. Previously, Thimot excelled as a wine educator at Mission Hill Winery in Kelowna and as a sommelier at Banff Springs Hotel. On his summers off from academia, he operates a food truck, creating exquisite dishes for weddings and events at wineries and unique venues, and embodying his culinary ethos as a craftsman dedicated to crafting delightful everyday cuisine.
