The Coho Salmon Are Returning to Vancouver’s North Shore!
Our North Shore waterways are home to some of the most abundant ecosystems in BC, and none more important than when local salmon return during spawning season. From Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, to Chum, for eons, their return has been feeding the animals and people of the region and providing invaluable nutrients to the water.
Now, with that serious introduction to the occasion out of the way, salmon season is also one of the most fun ways to learn about West Coast nature! Whether you’re casting a line yourself, learning about swimming habits at the local hatchery, or digging into the renowned BC bounty, courtesy of area chefs, the North Shore has all kinds of ways to mark the annual tradition.
Just remember when you’re exploring: the waters that the salmon thrive in can be incredibly sensitive. You don’t want to disrupt any point of the spawning process, so always be sure to North Shore Like a Local, every step of the way. Being environmentally responsible on the North Shore is a sure way to keep the salmon healthy and returning as they’ve done since time immemorial.
Put on by the Coho Society, which has championed the preservation of local waterways and ecosystems going on 5 decades now, this yearly celebration of local salmon is put on as a means of cherishing one of our most precious and nourishing resources. The festival seeks to bring together the local community and share the importance of protecting salmon habitat, revealing the underlying environmental threats that might disrupt their survival, while also showing the different ways that salmon feed the area. Plus, the salmon BBQ is one of the best around!
Looking to get a better sense of where our food comes from? Start by catching it yourself! When you book a charter fishing trip during salmon season with an experienced salmon fisher, you’ll feel the true accomplishment of rolling up your sleeves and landing your next meal that you simply don’t get in the frozen seafood aisle. Plus, it will make for a story that you’ll surely be retelling for years (just try not to exaggerate).
Get an up-close look at nature that you won’t find anywhere else! A fascinating way to learn about how salmon develop is to watch as they grow from tiny eggs into their adolescent stage, where they’re then released into the river. In addition to the free, self-guided tour you can take while exploring the hatchery, the nearby hiking paths and picnic area are a bonus if you’re looking to spend some extra time outdoors. Keep this spot in mind throughout the year too, as during different seasons you’ll be able to see the salmon at different stages. From hatching to sailing out of the water above the rapids.
We can’t talk about the fishing and harvesting of North Shore waters without mentioning how the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples have done it for countless generations before. To learn more about local Indigenous communities that serve as this area’s stewards and Knowledge Keepers, we encourage you to visit these resources.
Now that you’re acquainted with local salmon and the annual journey they take, you’re ready to earn your North Shore Like a Local Badge! Start by taking the North Shore Like a Local Pledge, and show your friends that your next adventure has been formally certified.
Stay a little bit longer
Why not spend the night? Plan your visit between a couple of days off and make the absolute most of your time here! Vancouver’s North Shore has an incredible selection of hotels with waterfront views, mountain air, and warm Northern hospitality. These extended stay packages are an excellent place to start planning and will allow you to experience all that salmon season has to offer.
