Where to see salmon spawning
October 4, 2023
By: Meghan Rooney
Salmon spawning season provides an opportunity to witness one of the world’s greatest animal migrations. We’ve compiled this list of some places to view salmon spawning in B.C. We encourage you to get out and witness salmon returns. Our 2024 Salmon Spawn Watch Contest will run from Sept 22 and November 22! Click the banner below to learn more and find out how you can win some great prizes.
Get involved!
You can help us build a better picture of how the salmon returns are faring across the province. If you head out to see salmon spawning in your area, use your phone to take photos or make a short video and post on social media with the date and location in the text of your post and the hashtag #salmonspawnwatch. Include any observations you make while you are there. If there are no salmon returning, and you expect them to, that is an important observation too!
As always, please feel free to suggest viewing spots that have not yet been added to this list!
Victoria and surrounds
Goldstream Provincial Park, Victoria
Goldstream is a beautiful park any time of the year, but especially when the chum, coho, and Chinook salmon are running in October and early November. There are plenty of walking trails, picnic areas with fire pits and an engaging nature house.
Ayum Creek Regional Park, Sooke
Visit Ayum Creek in the fall to observe spawning coho and chum salmon.
Vancouver Island
Stamp River Provincial Park, Port Alberni
Salmon runs begin in late August in Stamp River Provincial Park, running all the way into December. Full of walking trails and beautiful views, you can watch sockeye; coho, and Chinook circle the pool below Stamp Falls before climbing fish ladders to get to their spawning beds.
Campbell River, Campbell River
Campbell River calls itself the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is a great spot, not just for fishing, but for seeing spawning salmon. There are a lot of spots to see them running in the fall, pinks in September, and Chinook and coho in October and November.
Big Qualicum River, Qualicum Beach
A 10-kilometre trail runs along the river from the Big Qualicum Hatchery providing plenty of viewing opportunities.
Englishman River Regional Park, Parksville
Salmon typically begin to return to the Englishman River in September.
Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast
Chapman Creek, Sechelt
A 1.5- to 2-hour nature trail, for biking or walking, takes you to Chapman Creek, a spawning channel for chum and coho.
Capilano River Hatchery, North Vancouver
North Vancouver’s Capilano River Hatchery draws more than 225,000 visitors a year. Right up the road from the entrance to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, an information centre educates visitors on the spawning cycle and offers various viewing areas to see the fish. There are also trails to hike which give a fantastic view of the salmon spawning. You can see Chinook travelling upstream in October and November and other salmon species throughout the year.
Lower Mainland
Chehalis River, Agassiz
Spawning salmon can be observed between mid-October and November.
Great Blue Heron Reserve, Chilliwack
Witness the return of pink, chum and coho salmon from October through mid-December.
Inch Creek, Dewdney
Observe coho and chum salmon in November.
Harrison River, Weaver Creek Spawning Channel, Harrison Mills
Harrison River has all five species of salmon, with spawning times between late summer to mid-October. In the same area, you can also visit Weaver Creek Spawning Channel, a 3 km man-made spawning channel created in 1965. Chum, sockeye and pink all spawn there, with sockeye spawning in early to late October.
Thacker Regional Park, Hope
Visit Thacker Regional Park in October for a chance to see spawning coho, pink and chum salmon. The hike to a good viewing point is approximately 1 kilometre.
Williams Park, Langley
Mid-October to late November/December is a great time and place to watch coho, chum, and Chinook.
Kanaka Creek, Maple Ridge
Visit the Kanaka Creek fish fence to see returning chum and coho salmon from mid-October through mid-November.
KEEPS and the Bell-Irving Hatchery put on two major events during the run; Return of the Salmon on Sunday, October 22 from 11 AM-2 PM and Let the EGGcitement Begin on Sunday, November 5 from 11 AM-2 PM at the Bell-Irving Hatchery.
Hyde Creek, Port Coquitlam
Chum and coho can be seen in Hyde Creek between mid-October and November. Visit Hyde Creek Nature Reserve and walk along the creekside trail for many opportunities to see salmon. A great spot to watch from is a streamside platform located behind the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Hyde Creek Watershed Society runs a volunteer-run salmon hatchery here and hosts an annual salmon festival in the fall.
Mamquam Spawning Channel, Squamish
In the Mamquam River, you can see coho, chum and pink salmon spawning between August and November. Walk along the main trail head toward the river and you’ll find an interpretive sign and spawning channels. Keep walking to where the Mamquam meets the Squamish River for the best viewing.
Tynehead Park, Surrey
You can see steelhead, coho, chum and Chinook in the Serpentine River that runs through Tynehead Park. Take a walk on the Salmon Habitat loop or get a good view of spawning salmon from late August to November from one of the many bridges. The Serpentine Enhancement Society runs a volunteer-based hatchery here.
Interior
Tsútswecw Provincial Park (Roderick Haig-Brown), Salmon Arm
N.B. Tsútswecw Provincial Park is temporarily closed due to recent wildfires.
With one of the largest sockeye runs in North America, the Adams River between late September and late October is a great place to see spawning salmon. In Tsútswecw Provincial Park, trails lead to riverside viewing platforms with interpretive signage describing the salmon run and spawning process. 2026 will be the next dominant year, which means there will be larger runs for viewing. For information about the Salute to the Sockeye festival, and about guided tours, visit the Adams River Salmon Society website.
Fulton River, Granisle
Witness sockeye salmon returning between late August and mid-October.
Some more sites suggested by our supporters include:
Stoney Creek, Burnaby
Stoney Creek, Abbotsford
Sooke Potholes Park, Sooke
Charters Creek Hatchery, Sooke
Coquihalla River, Hope
Morrison Creek, Comox Valley
Puntledge River, Comox Valley
Tsolum River, Comox Valley
Hoy Creek Hatchery, Coquitlam
Tenderfoot Creek, Squamish
Seton Creek Spawning Channels, Lillooet
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Where to see salmon spawning
October 4, 2023
By: Meghan Rooney
Salmon spawning season provides an opportunity to witness one of the world’s greatest animal migrations. We’ve compiled this list of some places to view salmon spawning in B.C. We encourage you to get out and witness salmon returns. Our 2024 Salmon Spawn Watch Contest will run from Sept 22 and November 22! Click the banner below to learn more and find out how you can win some great prizes.
Get involved!
You can help us build a better picture of how the salmon returns are faring across the province. If you head out to see salmon spawning in your area, use your phone to take photos or make a short video and post on social media with the date and location in the text of your post and the hashtag #salmonspawnwatch. Include any observations you make while you are there. If there are no salmon returning, and you expect them to, that is an important observation too!
As always, please feel free to suggest viewing spots that have not yet been added to this list!
Victoria and surrounds
Goldstream Provincial Park, Victoria
Goldstream is a beautiful park any time of the year, but especially when the chum, coho, and Chinook salmon are running in October and early November. There are plenty of walking trails, picnic areas with fire pits and an engaging nature house.
Ayum Creek Regional Park, Sooke
Visit Ayum Creek in the fall to observe spawning coho and chum salmon.
Vancouver Island
Stamp River Provincial Park, Port Alberni
Salmon runs begin in late August in Stamp River Provincial Park, running all the way into December. Full of walking trails and beautiful views, you can watch sockeye; coho, and Chinook circle the pool below Stamp Falls before climbing fish ladders to get to their spawning beds.
Campbell River, Campbell River
Campbell River calls itself the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is a great spot, not just for fishing, but for seeing spawning salmon. There are a lot of spots to see them running in the fall, pinks in September, and Chinook and coho in October and November.
Big Qualicum River, Qualicum Beach
A 10-kilometre trail runs along the river from the Big Qualicum Hatchery providing plenty of viewing opportunities.
Englishman River Regional Park, Parksville
Salmon typically begin to return to the Englishman River in September.
Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast
Chapman Creek, Sechelt
A 1.5- to 2-hour nature trail, for biking or walking, takes you to Chapman Creek, a spawning channel for chum and coho.
Capilano River Hatchery, North Vancouver
North Vancouver’s Capilano River Hatchery draws more than 225,000 visitors a year. Right up the road from the entrance to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, an information centre educates visitors on the spawning cycle and offers various viewing areas to see the fish. There are also trails to hike which give a fantastic view of the salmon spawning. You can see Chinook travelling upstream in October and November and other salmon species throughout the year.
Lower Mainland
Chehalis River, Agassiz
Spawning salmon can be observed between mid-October and November.
Great Blue Heron Reserve, Chilliwack
Witness the return of pink, chum and coho salmon from October through mid-December.
Inch Creek, Dewdney
Observe coho and chum salmon in November.
Harrison River, Weaver Creek Spawning Channel, Harrison Mills
Harrison River has all five species of salmon, with spawning times between late summer to mid-October. In the same area, you can also visit Weaver Creek Spawning Channel, a 3 km man-made spawning channel created in 1965. Chum, sockeye and pink all spawn there, with sockeye spawning in early to late October.
Thacker Regional Park, Hope
Visit Thacker Regional Park in October for a chance to see spawning coho, pink and chum salmon. The hike to a good viewing point is approximately 1 kilometre.
Williams Park, Langley
Mid-October to late November/December is a great time and place to watch coho, chum, and Chinook.
Kanaka Creek, Maple Ridge
Visit the Kanaka Creek fish fence to see returning chum and coho salmon from mid-October through mid-November.
KEEPS and the Bell-Irving Hatchery put on two major events during the run; Return of the Salmon on Sunday, October 22 from 11 AM-2 PM and Let the EGGcitement Begin on Sunday, November 5 from 11 AM-2 PM at the Bell-Irving Hatchery.
Hyde Creek, Port Coquitlam
Chum and coho can be seen in Hyde Creek between mid-October and November. Visit Hyde Creek Nature Reserve and walk along the creekside trail for many opportunities to see salmon. A great spot to watch from is a streamside platform located behind the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Hyde Creek Watershed Society runs a volunteer-run salmon hatchery here and hosts an annual salmon festival in the fall.
Mamquam Spawning Channel, Squamish
In the Mamquam River, you can see coho, chum and pink salmon spawning between August and November. Walk along the main trail head toward the river and you’ll find an interpretive sign and spawning channels. Keep walking to where the Mamquam meets the Squamish River for the best viewing.
Tynehead Park, Surrey
You can see steelhead, coho, chum and Chinook in the Serpentine River that runs through Tynehead Park. Take a walk on the Salmon Habitat loop or get a good view of spawning salmon from late August to November from one of the many bridges. The Serpentine Enhancement Society runs a volunteer-based hatchery here.
Interior
Tsútswecw Provincial Park (Roderick Haig-Brown), Salmon Arm
N.B. Tsútswecw Provincial Park is temporarily closed due to recent wildfires.
With one of the largest sockeye runs in North America, the Adams River between late September and late October is a great place to see spawning salmon. In Tsútswecw Provincial Park, trails lead to riverside viewing platforms with interpretive signage describing the salmon run and spawning process. 2026 will be the next dominant year, which means there will be larger runs for viewing. For information about the Salute to the Sockeye festival, and about guided tours, visit the Adams River Salmon Society website.
Fulton River, Granisle
Witness sockeye salmon returning between late August and mid-October.
Some more sites suggested by our supporters include:
Stoney Creek, Burnaby
Stoney Creek, Abbotsford
Sooke Potholes Park, Sooke
Charters Creek Hatchery, Sooke
Coquihalla River, Hope
Morrison Creek, Comox Valley
Puntledge River, Comox Valley
Tsolum River, Comox Valley
Hoy Creek Hatchery, Coquitlam
Tenderfoot Creek, Squamish
Seton Creek Spawning Channels, Lillooet
Kanaka Creek fish fence Kanaka Way and 240th Street Maple Ridge
no sites on North coast or Haida Gwaii???? We actually have beautiful clear salmon spawning streams here I have been observing annually for over 50 years…
Despite heavy urbanization on Burke Mountain, Port Coquitlam is fortunate to have numerous Salmon bearing creeks including Maple Creek and Hyde Creek. A great place to see spawners is behind Hyde Creek Regreation Centre at 1379 Laurier Ave. There is a wonderful walking and biking trail that parallels the creek and makes for a nice stroll along the Poco Trail.
Anderson Creek near Pender Harbour has spawning areas for chum salmon. A good viewing point is John Daly Park on Garden Bay Road.
PS liked the item on Tynehead Park/Serpentine River – in late 1950s used to see the spawners there when I was delivering papers
on my bike
I tweeted out a video of chum spawners at Anderson Creek from October 2016 and retweeted it today – see @cdlevings
The Brunette River at Cariboo Dam is good spot. You can see splashing in the Brunette where the salmon are actively spawning. There is a beautiful fishway to watch the salmon make their way up past the dam and into Burnaby Lake. They usually start appearing around Thanksgiving. We’re working on sharing the story of this waterway, and the hard work done over thirty years to bring this river back to life and the salmon to return.
No more spawns like that.
Not even at the Nitinaht river, where once river escapement was 300k.Hoping they get the Nitinaht Hatchery producing again. Funding has been cut back so much. Runs mostly are only 2/3,ds that
The Horsefly River about an hour east of Williams Lake
Hoy Creek Hatchery, Coquitlam, BC. In Hoy Creek Linear Park.
See for maps and more info: http://hoyscottcreeks.org/
Tentative date for modified Salmon Come Home event is October 24th, 2021
Link updated to:
https://www.hoyscottcreeks.org/salmon-come-home
The Lower Stave river near Mission is an incredible spot to view large numbers of spawning chum and coho.
Also great for eagle viewing.
Ample parking and river access is in the Ruskin recreation area, just below the Ruskin dam on Hayward street.
More public awareness is needed to protect this incredible estuary from development.
I’m up in the Bulkley Valley so home waters are the Bulkley, Morice Rivers. Allot of spawning tribs to cover over a long distance. Closest spawning creek would be Toboggan Creek which supports a Coho hatchery and Steelhead natal waters come Mar/April.
Dave
lots of salmon in sooke river, and goldstream river right now!
Come to the Kanaka Creek Fish Fence (at 23960 Kanaka Creek Rd, Maple Ridge) to see the returning Chum and Coho salmon from mid-October through mid-November.
KEEPS and the Bell-Irving Hatchery put on two major events during the run; Return of the Salmon (https://keeps.org/return-of-the-salmon-2023) Sunday, Oct 22nd from 11AM-2PM, and will have interpretive staff at the fence on Oct 29th and Nov 4th. Of course, Bell-Irving staff are onsite once or twice a day during the runs removing fish from the fish trap to take to the hatchery for spawning, and will always offer viewing and education!
The second event is “Let the EGGcitement Begin” (https://keeps.org/let-the-eggcitement-begin/), Sunday, Nov 5th 11AM-2PM at the Bell-Irving Hatchery (11485 256th St., Maple Ridge). We will be doing a number of chum egg takes throughout the day, and offering explanations of the whole process! See where we keep the adult spawners, how we harvest, measure, and fertilize the eggs, and what happens (and why) to all of the bodies! We will also have presentations and displays in the George Ross building.
Quinsam River Hatchery on Quinsam River Hatcher Road
Cariboo Dam,
Cariboo Road, Burnaby, BC
Located at the east end of Burnaby Lake, Cariboo Dam overlooks the Brunette River to the East where the salmon have made their way from the Fraser. They will spawn in the Brunette or make their way up any of the tributaries such as Stoney Creek or Eagle Creek. Some of them will rest and continue up the beautiful fishway into Burnaby Lake.
Located on Cariboo Road between Government Road and Avalon Avenue in Burnaby, BC. You can park at the lot at 9157 Avalon Avenue or look here for directions:
https://burnabylakepark.ca/directions/
I’ve observed salmon returning and gather spawning in Partington Creek near Minnekhada Regional Park here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/49%C2%B017'34.5%22N+122%C2%B043'10.8%22W/@49.292909,-122.7209395,228m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d49.292909!4d-122.719652?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Lots of recent developments in the area as Coquitlam/people take up more nature.
Bit shocking/sad to see on your map so few spots to see salmon spawning. Guess it shows just how limited their access is to waterways that have either been lost or blocked (e.g., dykes/pump stations, hanging or long culverts) in Metro Vancouver (e.g., south delta, richmond, surrey) and gather elsewhere. So much potential…
On the Sunshine Coast please add Roberts Creek BC You can view on both Roberts Creek bridge (beside mandala/pier) and Lower Road bridge near ROBERTS CREEK legion. There are pinks, chum and coho during the spawning season..