Every fall, salmon return to their natal streams in British Columbia to spawn, with some travelling over 4,000 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean to their original hatching grounds. Against all odds, they swim upstream, enduring physical changes and the threat of grizzly bears and eagles—all before they can lay and fertilize eggs, then die. Next year, it will happen all over again.
This powerful cycle of life is a remarkable feat to witness. Discover where to see salmon spawning on the Sunshine Coast, the best viewing times, and fish hatcheries to visit where you can learn more about these incredible species.
Salmon Spawning on the Sunshine Coast
British Columbia is one of the only places in North America where all five species of wild salmon thrive, making them a keystone species that sustains our ecosystems and communities. Salmon are vital to the health of our forests, feeding orcas, bears, eagles, and people, while their nutrient-rich bodies fertilize the soil, keeping our coast green and lush. For millennia, they have provided life-sustaining food for the Coast Salish peoples, including the shíshálh, Skwxwú7mesh, Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Xwémalhkw Nations on whose territories the Sunshine Coast sits.
Beyond their ecological significance, salmon hold deep cultural importance, reflected in Indigenous art, stories, and ceremonies. They inspire not only traditions but also modern expressions in visual art, culinary experiences, and recreational fishing, connecting us to this remarkable species in ways both ancient and new.
While different species of salmon spawn at different times of the year, fall is one of the best and most accessible times to take in the salmon run. From early September to late November, mature salmon make their way home to rivers and streams across the Sunshine Coast.
Grab a camera and head to one of these locations to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon. (Note: these are just a few spots—there are other creeks, estuaries, and streams on the Sunshine Coast where you may also spot salmon, depending on that year’s run.)
- Chapman Creek, Sechelt: There are two places where you can spot salmon on Chapman Creek. The first is from Mission Point Park, a waterfront park in Davis Bay where the creek drains into the Pacific. In fall, you can watch salmon funnel their way into the creek on their uphill battle to natal spawning grounds higher up. The second place to see salmon on the creek is at the Chapman Creek Hatchery, where a self-guided nature trail will lead you along the creek and to a salmon viewing platform.
- Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, Halfmoon Bay: There's a new fish ladder with a wheelchair-friendly viewing platform in Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, thanks to a project led by the Sargeant Bay Society. It provides spawning salmon with access to Colvin Lake and Colvin Creek. The final phase of the fish ladder install will take place at the end of September, and include a park closure on the 24th & 25th.
- Anderson Creek, Madeira Park: One of the most productive salmon creeks on the Sunshine Coast, this small stream cuts through ḵelx̱aminkwu (John Daly Park) in Madeira Park. The park features a grassy meadow next to a salmon wintering pond. Here, you can have a fall picnic before heading out on the trail, which hugs Anderson Creek, to look for salmon. The park is also home to giant maple trees and moss-covered rocky bluffs.
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Willingdon Creek/McGuffie Creek, Powell River: The Powell River Salmon Society releases salmon fry into Willingdon Creek each year, which cuts through Willingdon Beach Campsite. It's considered an ideal release spot because of its proximity to the ocean—meaning that fry have a higher probability of making their way to the Salish Sea.
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Lang Creek, Powell River: Home to the Powell River Salmon Society and the Alex Dobler Salmon Centre, this creek is a vital part of the Haslam Lake/Lang Creek watershed. Haslam Lake feeds into Lang Creek, a natural salmon stream that is supplemented by the work of the hatchery. The salmon centre has created several viewing areas along the banks of the stream where you take in the annual run.
Fish Hatcheries on the Sunshine Coast
Fish hatcheries play an important part in the conservation and ecology of salmon. They were first introduced on the West Coast to bolster salmon runs and diminishing stocks, and have since evolved to become centres of learning and education.
The Chapman Creek Hatchery is located on Chapman Creek in the neighbourhood of ts’uk̲w’um (Wilson Creek), just 10 minutes south of downtown Sechelt. Run by the Sunshine Coast Salmonid Enhancement Society, this non-profit organization works to supplement the natural production of Chapman Creek salmon stocks. They release four species of Pacific salmon—pink, coho, Chinook, and chum; and both fry and smolts—into this naturally salmon-bearing stream. They also count adult salmon returns every year. The hatchery welcomes visitors to take part in a self-guided tour of the grounds. A short nature trail provides well-marked signs where you can learn about the life cycles and habitat of Pacific salmon, as well as the work of the hatchery. It will take you to the edge of Chapman Creek, where you can either head left to check out the viewing platform that overlooks the creek, or right, which will take you to the creek’s small rapids. You'll also find a few picnic tables where you can stop for lunch.
In Powell River, the Powell River Salmon Society has been working to restore sustainable salmon stocks in the Salish Sea. They focus on Lang Creek, a vital watershed where—after already re-establishing a self-sustaining run of pink salmon—they’re working to now enhance Chinook, coho, and chum salmon stocks. The society operates a handful of hatchery locations, including the Duck Lake Hatchery and the Mill Hatchery, but their public-facing location is the Alex Dobler Salmon Centre, located just above the estuary on Lang Creek. This education centre has been designed as an immersive salmon park. It features a spawning channel with multiple areas to see salmon during the fall run, the hatchery building, native plant display, and an outdoor classroom space. Open to visitors, the centre is a great place to learn about the important work of the hatchery, take in the fall foliage, and watch the salmon run in action.
The Tla'amin Nation also operates a salmon hatchery on the Tla’amin River north of Powell River. Though it's not open to the public, work is being done to enhance, rebuild, and protect the existing salmon stocks of chum, coho, pink, and Chinook salmon in the Tla’amin, Theodosia, and Okeover Rivers.
Tips for Spotting Salmon this Fall
Salmon spawning season is an exciting time. But remember, these creatures are a vital part of our ecosystem. Please allow them space to continue their journey. Here are a few tips for safely and respectfully viewing salmon:
1. Do not disturb salmon, streams, or stream beds.
Streambeds often contain redds (nests of salmon eggs). Walking in shallow water will disturb fish and can kill their eggs. Did you know salmon that can see you? Approach streams quietly and cautiously, and keep a healthy distance.
Tip: Avoid wearing bright colours, which can cause undue stress to salmon.
2. Practice wildlife safety.
You're not the only one looking for salmon. Bears are a common sight in fall, and come to rivers and streams to fatten up on essential nutrients before they hibernate for winter. Always be prepared to go outdoors. Learn how you can minimize wildlife conflicts through WildSafeBC.
3. Dress accordingly.
Fall weather is unpredictable. Keep ahead of the forecast, dress appropriately for local conditions, and wear proper footwear.
Tip: Polarized sunglasses can make it easier to see fish. For tips and recommendations on how to be prepared in the outdoors, check out AdventureSmart.
4. Keep pets on a leash.
Redds are small and easily disturbed. Keep pets on a leash at all times and out of any waterways.
Learn more about fall activities on the Sunshine Coast.
