Pacific salmon have been seen returning to rivers and streams on Vancouver Island. Thanks to the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s (PSF) interactive salmon spotting map, you can witness one of nature’s most spectacular migrations and discover unique salmon spotting locations in your area to visit.
You can currently find salmon at Goldstream Provincial Park where they are expecting a big coho run this year.
From late summer to early winter, Pacific salmon return to B.C. creeks, streams, and rivers to spawn. Pacific salmon are born in freshwater rivers. They migrate to the ocean, where they spend several years feeding and growing, before returning to their natal stream to spawn, reproduce, and end their life.
PSF’s salmon spotting map shows the best public spots in the province to see this spectacle. The map includes more than 75 family-friendly locations with clearly marked trails and public viewing areas across the province.
Here is a list of places where you can spot salmon on Vancouver Island:
- Goldstream Provincial Park
- Shawnigan Creek (Mill Bay)
- Qualicum River Hatchery Trails (Qualicum Beach)
- Stamp Falls Fishway (Port Alberni)
- Quinsam River Hatchery (Campbell River)
Mid-October to early November is a great time of year to see returning coho, chum and pink salmon. With the recent rains, water levels are high, observers are asked to exercise extra caution near the water.
“Pacific salmon overcome so many obstacles on their epic migration from ocean to stream,” said Michael Meneer, president of PSF. “Getting out to local creeks and streams to see salmon return home is a chance to celebrate this iconic natural event and be part of protecting one of British Columbia’s keystone species.”
For more information about salmon’s whereabouts, visit psf.ca.
