April is Oyster Month | Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Close-up of oysters at Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Why is April the BEST Month for Oysters?

April is a special time on the canal — the waters are crisp, the tides are rich with life, and oysters are at their absolute best. Plump, briny, and bursting with flavor, these local delicacies are harvested from the pristine waters of Hood Canal, offering a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.

Join us as we celebrate the season with the freshest oysters, perfectly paired with coastal views and a glass of crisp white wine. Whether enjoyed raw, grilled, or with a squeeze of lemon, there’s no better way to welcome spring.

Come experience the magic of oyster season — nature’s perfect bite, right here at Alderbrook Resort & Spa.

Why is April the BEST Month for Oysters?

April is an exceptional month for oysters because it falls within the prime transitional month of the year. During this time, the water is colder, which slows oyster reproduction and keeps their meat firm, sweet, and briny.

In the spring, Hood Canal’s nutrient-rich waters contribute to oysters developing a balanced flavor profile, with a refreshing mix of minerality and ocean salinity. As the water starts to warm, algae blooms provide natural food for oysters, enhancing their taste without pushing them into spawning mode just yet.

Hood Canal’s unique tidal flows and clean, sheltered waters create an ideal environment for oysters to thrive. By April, they’re plump from winter feeding, and local oyster farms are harvesting some of their best selections.

That's why we "shell"-ebrate the beginning of spring with oysters!

The beige color background used at Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Why is April the BEST Month for Oysters?

That's why we "shell"-ebrate the beginning of spring with oysters!

Cynthia Nims

Joining us on April 4th

We’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed seafood expert and cookbook author Cynthia Nims to help us celebrate Oyster Month!

A lifelong Northwesterner, Cynthia is the author of thirteen cookbooks, including Oysters and Crab, published by Sasquatch Books. She holds the Grand Diplôme d'Études Culinaires from La Varenne Cooking School in France and has contributed to publications including Simply Seafood, Seattle magazine, Cooking Light, Sunset, and the Alaska Airlines in-flight magazine.

Join us as we celebrate one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic delicacies—oysters!

Pearls of the Canal Wine & Oyster Cruises

April 11th | 2 PM
April 18th | 2 PM

BUY TICKETS

Man grilling food outdoors on a barbecue in Hook & Fork near Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Canal Cookout | Brine on the Canal

April 15th | 6 PM - 8 PM

BUY TICKETS

Spa Overture

April 16th | 2 PM

BUY TICKETS

Hood Canal oyster being grilled over an open flame, showcasing the vibrant orange sauce and charred grill marks

Complimentary Oysters

Tuesday 5 PM - 6 PM | Fried Oysters in the Drinkery
Wednesday 5 PM - 6 PM | Oyster Shooters in the Drinkery
Thursday 4 PM - 5 PM | Oyster Grill on the Patio

Art station activity with rock painting at Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Oyster Shell Painting

Saturday 1 PM
Union City Market

Oyster farmer shucking oyster with a knife at Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Oysters & Champagne Reception

Friday's 5 PM - 6 PM
Lobby

Father and daughter playing with sand on the beach near Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Beach Safari

Saturdays
April 4th | 2 PM - 3 PM
April 11th | 4 PM - 5 PM
April 18th | 2 PM - 3 PM
April 25th | 4 PM - 5 PM

underwater scene featuring a jellyfish and sea anemone. The jellyfish has a translucent body

Hands On Children's Museum Activity

Join us while we create and learn with the Hands On Children's Museum!
April 15th | 3 PM - 5 PM | Lobby

5 Mar

Forest Meditation

Nature Trails, SEE DETAILS FOR TIMES

19 Mar

New Moon Floating Sound Bath

Still your mind and reset your focus with the new moon!

1 Apr

Oyster Month!

Check out what the month of April is all about - OYSTERS!

See all of our Oyster Month activities and events here.

11 Apr

Pearls on the Canal Cruise

Indulge this April on a cruise filled with all your favorite Oyster Month delicacies!

15 Apr

Canal Cookout

Watch the sunset behind the Olympic Mountains while chatting with the chef and the team as they prepare locally sourced, seasonally inspired delights.

16 Apr

Spa Overture

Embark on a wellness adventure across our property with friends and all our favorite self-care products!

9 May

Spring Scenic Cruise

Starting May 9th, come explore Hood Canal in spring on our Lady Alderbrook!

Will be sailing every Saturday in May & June.

18 Jun

Gathering Grove Dinner

A perfectly curated event space nestled in our nature trails, that revolves around food, family and friends! We are now offering ticketed dining events for those interested in taking their palates to places they've never been before.

3 Jul

Thunder on the Canal

Your quintessential Independence Day party! There will be grilling, sailing, dancing, and FIREWORKS.