Vancouver, BC | Posted: September 13th, 2018
Witnessing the salmon run is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors during the cool and crisp autumn. It is also a family-friendly outing that kids are sure to enjoy. The PNW is abundant with spawning rivers and creeks, but we’ve narrowed down a list in BC and Washington.
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Located off of Vancouver Island’s Highway 1, 17km outside of Victoria is Goldstream Park. This beautiful 388-hectare park is a fantastic place for families and visitors to enjoy an afternoon. The park boasts an informational visitor centre which is full of opportunities to learn about the park’s wildlife, including the salmon. This is a must-see for anyone visiting Vancouver Island during the salmon run.
Where: See Map
When: Mid-October for roughly 9 weeks
Types of Salmon: Most commonly Chum Salmon, with some spottings of Coho and Chinook Salmon.
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Starting Sep 1 and running until October 7th or until the salmon are finished spawning, Park Interpreters will be sharing information and stories about the Kokanee Salmon at Mission Creek in Kelowna, BC. This park is located just outside of the city and offers beautiful creekside trails to observe the salmon.
Where: See Map
When: September to October
Types of Salmon: Kokanee Salmon
The Adams River Salmon Run is one of the most abundant runs in BC. It is well known and offers some the largest numbers of Sockeye Salmon. Every 4 years, the river will see what is called a “dominant” run, and lucky for you, 2018 is a dominant run!
Where: See Map
When: Late September to end of October
Types of Salmon: Sockeye Salmon
The Capilano River Hatchery is a fantastic spot to look for various types of salmon, and offers exhibits that outline tons of information. At the beginning of the spawning season, you can watch the salmon as they leap up the water staircase. The event is something really special, and the location is absolutely breathtaking.
Where: See Map
When: September to October
Types of Salmon: Chinook and Coho Salmon
As the salmon make their way back to their spawning grounds at Bear Creek, visitors can often witness the salmon as they make their way there. The Sammamish River Trail is beautiful to explore and offers visitors a chance to observe the salmon from observation areas.
Where: See Map
When: September and October
Types of Salmon: Coho, Chinook, and Sockeye Salmon
This creek is on the smaller side but is a wonderful place to be able to observe both Coho and Chum salmon as they return to their birth sites to spawn. The walk is an easy walk with observation points to be able to see the salmon as they complete their circle of life!
Where: See Map
When: October to December.
Types of Salmon: Coho (October to December), Chum (November)
A few things to keep in mind when you are setting off to watch a salmon run:
Where is your favourite place to watch the salmon run? Let us know!
Sarah is a travel writer, citizen of the world and lover of the Pacific Northwest and tacos. When not writing she can be found searching for her next travel destination or exploring with her dog, Otto. Read about her adventures on her blog Sarah Seize the World and follow her on Instagram @sarahseizetheworld.