Surf Side Fungus Farm

From Hobby to Hustle

Matt came to mushroom growing the way many growers do -- as a hobby that got out of hand. A born and raised British Columbian with an engineering background, he started experimenting with cultivation techniques and found himself unable to stop. What began as a curiosity about fungi turned into a full-blown obsession, and eventually a business. His partner Shannon, who grew up in rural Ontario before falling in love with the West Coast and its ocean, brought a complementary skill set to the operation.

The engineering mindset shows up everywhere at Surf Side. Matt designs and builds custom equipment on-site, applying process control thinking to the inherently biological work of mushroom cultivation. Temperature, humidity, airflow -- the variables that separate good mushrooms from great ones -- are managed with a precision that most small farms simply cannot match. It is the kind of approach that produces consistently excellent results, flush after flush.

What They Grow

Surf Side Fungus Farm produces a range of gourmet varieties that thrive in the Vancouver Island climate, including pink oyster and lion's mane mushrooms. These are species that demand careful attention to environmental conditions, and the farm's tech-forward approach pays dividends in both quality and yield. The pink oysters in particular are a showstopper -- vibrant, delicate, and with a shelf life that tells you everything about how well they were grown.

The Campbell River Advantage

Campbell River sits about halfway up Vancouver Island's east coast, a city of roughly 35,000 people known primarily for fishing and forestry. It is not the first place most people would expect to find a cutting-edge mushroom farm, but that is part of what makes Surf Side work. The area's mild coastal climate provides a natural baseline that reduces the energy costs of maintaining growing conditions, and the local food scene has been increasingly receptive to high-quality, locally grown produce.

The farm's location on the South Island Highway also puts them within reach of the broader Vancouver Island market. Restaurants and retailers from Courtenay to Nanaimo can access fresh product that was harvested the same day, a logistical advantage that imported mushrooms simply cannot compete with.

Community Roots

Matt and Shannon have built something that Campbell River can point to with pride -- a farm that takes the island's natural advantages and amplifies them with thoughtful engineering. For anyone on Vancouver Island looking for gourmet mushrooms grown with real expertise and care, Surf Side Fungus Farm is a name worth knowing.

You'll find Surf Side Fungus Farm at 4136 S Island Hwy in Campbell River, British Columbia.

Before you order or visit

Check Surf Side Fungus Farm’s listed website for contact information and current offerings. Confirm available mushroom varieties, prices and pickup or delivery options directly with the business.

A directory address does not necessarily mean there is a shop open to visitors. Confirm visiting hours and whether an appointment is needed before travelling.

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Interested in growing mushrooms yourself? Nature Lion supplies grain spawn, grow kits, and liquid cultures to growers across Canada. Start with our beginner's guide or use our farm profit calculator to plan your operation.