Where to Buy Fish Roe & Red Caviar in Canada (2026 Guide)
Where can you buy fish roe and red caviar in Canada? Canadians can buy fish roe from seafood retailers, grocery stores, and specialty online retailers — with nationwide refrigerated delivery available.
While fish roe is more widely available than sturgeon caviar, where you find it depends largely on which type of roe you're looking for.
In this guide, we break down every place you can buy fish roe and red caviar in Canada — including pros, cons, a full comparison table, and tips on what to look for when choosing a seller.
In This Guide
What Is Fish Roe? (& How It Differs From Caviar)
"Fish roe" refers to the unfertilized eggs of any fish species, while "caviar" in its strictest definition refers only to roe from sturgeon. Red caviar, salmon roe (ikura), and tobiko are all technically fish roe — not true caviar — though the terms are often used interchangeably in everyday usage. For more information, visit our complete guide on Roe vs Caviar.
Fish Roe vs. Caviar: Key Differences
The table below compares important differences between fish roe and sturgeon caviar.
| Roe vs Caviar | Fish Roe | Sturgeon Caviar |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Species | Salmon, trout ++ | Sturgeon ONLY |
| Colour | Orange, red, yellow, black | Black, grey, brown, green, yellow, white |
| Price Range | $10-$40 CAD | $90-$500+ CAD |
| Availability | Widely available | Specialty only |
| Flavour | Bright, briny, mild | Buttery, complex, oceanic |
| Common Uses | Appetizers, sushi, pasta | Fine dining, service on blinis |
Is Red Caviar Real Caviar?
"Red caviar" is a popular but informal name for salmon roe (ikura), trout roe, masago, and other brightly coloured roe. Real caviar is the unfertilized eggs of sturgeon only.
Types of Fish Roe Available in Canada
Canadians can find an impressive variety of fish roe and red caviars locally and online, including:
- Salmon roe
- Trout roe
- Lumpfish roe
- Flying fish roe (tobiko)
- Capelin roe (masago)
- Whitefish roe
- Grey mullet roe (bottarga)
- Pike roe
- Bowfin roe
- Paddlefish roe
In the next sections, we'll guide you through the best places to find fish roe and what kind of roe you can expect to find in each type of store.
Buying Fish Roe Online in Canada
Online specialty stores are usually the best place to buy fish roe in Canada when considering selection, convenience, and pricing.
You'll also find serving accessories and classic accompaniments such as blinis and crème fraîche.
At CaviarHub, Canadians can buy premium fish roe online with temperature-controlled delivery nationwide.
Our selection includes over 11 varieties such as salmon roe (Ikura), trout roe, red and black lumpfish roe, orange and red masago, and specialty items like bottarga — amongst the largest selections of fish roe available online in Canada.
Pros & Cons of Buying Fish Roe Online
PROS
- Large selection (5-10+ varieties)
- Different formats (50g, 100g)
- Competitive pricing
- Delivery Canada-wide
- Serving accessories
- 24/7 shopping
- Complimentary products
- Fresh products
CONS
- 24 hours+ to receive order
- Cannot receive same day or weekends
- Shipping costs for small orders
Online specialty stores may also offer complementary gourmet products such as sturgeon caviar, oysters, smoked fish, truffles, Japanese wagyu, oils, spices, and more.
The ability to order online is especially great for those living in remote areas or smaller communities where fish roe may be difficult to source.
Important: Beware of non-Canadian online stores
Non-Canadian online sellers cannot legally ship fish roe into Canada due to food safety regulations. If a foreign retailer offers to ship fish roe to Canada, it is likely illegal and may be seized at the border.
Fish Markets & Seafood Shops
Local fish markets and seafood shops are great places to find fish roe locally.
They will typically have a fridge or freezer with 4 or 5 roe options such as salmon, trout, lumpfish, masago, and potentially specialty roe items like bottarga.
We always recommend buying from a shop that carries fresh products whenever possible. While frozen products are fine, the taste and texture won't compare to a fresh product.
A huge advantage of buying from seafood shops is that you can see the product in person and get it the same day.
You can also pick up some of your favourite fish or seafood, other gourmet products, and get some recommendations from the staff.
Pros & Cons of Buying Fish Roe at Fish Markets
PROS
- Available same day & weekends
- 4-5 roe varieties
- Fresh fish & seafood available
- Other gourmet products
CONS
- Products may be frozen
- Pricing may not be competitive
- No delivery option
Overall, buying fish roe from a local fish shop or market is a great and reliable option.
While it is very common for seafood retailers to carry roe, not all do. It may be worth calling your local store before heading there.
Japanese & Asian Grocery Stores
Fish roe is very prominent part of East Asian cuisine so it comes as no surprise that you can find some at Asian grocery stores such as T&T Supermarket and H Mart.
You'll find salmon (ikura) as well as tobiko and masago in several different colours in their frozen section. You can expect very competitive prices, however, in large formats only (250 grams or bigger).
While frozen products in large formats are not ideal, these stores are generally reliable sources of roe used in Japanese and Korean cuisines.
So next time you're looking to make the perfect sushi role, you'll know where to go.
Pros & Cons of Buying at Asian Grocery Stores
PROS
- Available same day & weekends
- Competitive prices
- Fair selection
- Tobiko & Masago in all colours
- Large selection of Asian products
CONS
- Limited selection
- Frozen products
- Large formats only
- No delivery option
- Stores in large cities only
Overall, Asian grocery stores are your best bet for finding Ikura, tobiko, and masago locally at great prices, albeit frozen and in large formats. The major downside is that these stores mainly exist in larger metropolitan areas.
Grocery Chains in Canada
Large grocery chains such as Loblaws, Sobeys, Safeway, etc, are increasingly starting to stock fish roe at their fish and seafood counters.
You'll typically find salmon, lumpfish, and masago.
While it's not a sure bet they will have some, there's a very good chance they will carry at least 1 or 2 roe varieties in either fresh or frozen formats.
Next time you're at the grocery store, pop over to the seafood counter to see if they have any roe in their fridge or freezers.
Pros & Cons of Buying Fish Roe at Grocery Stores
PROS
- Available same day & weekends
- Most popular varieties
- Might offer delivery option
CONS
- Limited or poor selection
- Pricing may not be competitive
- Products may be frozen
Large grocery chains are quickly becoming a reliable source for fish roe in Canada as demand continues to surge.
Although their selection may be limited and expensive, it's a very convenient local option.
Gourmet & Specialty Stores
Gourmet and specialty grocery stores are another place where you may be able to source fish roe.
The availability of such products will vary greatly from store to store, so they are unfortunately not a perfectly reliable source.
However, when these type of stores do carry roe, you'll find specialty products such as grey mullet roe (bottarga), whitefish roe, as well as salmon or trout roe.
If you're in need of fish roe and have this type of shop close by, it's definitely worth calling or popping in. Worst case scenario, you pick up some delicious salami, cheese, and some fresh pasta.
Pros & Cons of Buying Fish Roe at Gourmet & Specialty Stores
PROS
- Available same day & weekends
- Specialty varieties
- Popular varieties
- Other gourmet products
CONS
- Limited or no selection
- Pricing may not be competitive
- No delivery option
Overall, gourmet and specialty stores are not the most reliable place to find fish roe in Canada. However, if your local store does carry some, you'll be able to find specialty roe like bottarga and whitefish, along with popular products like salmon and trout.
Best Place to Buy Fish Roe in Canada
The best overall place to buy fish roe and red caviar in Canada is from an online specialty retailer.
The best local option will be from a seafood shop or Asian supermarket, depending on the type of roe you are look for.
When evaluating the best places to find roe, we primarily consider availability, selection, and pricing.
Where to Buy Fish Roe in Canada: Best Options Compared
The table below compares the most common places to buy fish roe in Canada based on availability, product selection, price, and freshness.
| Where to Buy Roe | Availability | Selection | Price Level | Freshness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Retailer | All varieties | Fresh | ||
| Seafood Retailer | Salmon, trout, lumpfish | Fresh or Frozen | ||
| Asian Grocery | Tobiko, masago, ikura | Fresh or Frozen | ||
| Grocery Chain | Salmon, lumpfish, masago | Fresh or Frozen | ||
| Gourmet Stores | Bottarga, whitefish, salmon | Fresh |
Key Takeaways
- Online specialty retailers typically offer the highest availability and the largest selection of fish roe and red caviar in Canada, often with competitive pricing and consistently fresh inventory.
- Seafood retailers are your best bet locally, with reliable supply, a good selection and fair prices.
- Asian grocery stores are a great source for Japanese focused roe products at great prices, though in frozen and larger formats.
- Large grocery chains are a reliable and convenient option but selection may be limited and the products frozen.
- Gourmet stores are the least reliable option but may carry specialty roes such as bottarga and whitefish.
Looking to buy fish roe and red caviar in Canada?
CaviarHub has one of the largest selections of fresh premium roe in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Fish Roe in Canada
You can buy fish roe online, at seafood retail stores, Asian grocery stores, supermarkets, and gourmet stores.
Yes. You can buy fish roe online in Canada with refrigerated delivery directly to your door. Online stores typically have large selections and competitive pricing.
Yes. Fish roe and red caviar is commonly sold online in Canada by a small number of reputable sellers with good reviews, fast and refrigerated delivery, and high-quality products.
Yes. Grocery stores typically carry 1 or 2 varieties of fish roe in the fresh or frozen seafood section.
Yes, online, at Japanese/Asian grocery stores, and sometimes at grocery stores.
Tobiko is roe from the flying fish, while masago is roe from capelin. For a detailed comparison, visit Tobiko vs. Masago - What's the Difference?
Red caviar is informally used to refer to salmon roe; however, fish roe is technically not caviar unless from the sturgeon fish specifically.
Unopened jars or fish roe can last anywhere from 3 to 12 months refrigerated or frozen. Opened jars should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 5 days.
Sources & References
- • Roe gastronomy – International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science
- • Fish Roe: Biochemistry, Products, and Safety – Alaa El-Din A. Bekhit
- • Carotenoid Pigments in Seafoods and Aquaculture – Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 38(1), 1–67
- • Caviars and Fish Roe Products – Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 43(3), 317–356
- • Mouthfeel - How Texture Makes Taste – Ole Mouritsen and Klavs Styrbæk
