It's Salmon Season in the Rainforest

If you're interested in local culture and heritage, there's no better time to visit Vancouver's North Shore - than Salmon Season!

In the same way that lobster is legendary on the east coast, salmon is legendary on the west. Our Northwest Native cultures revered the running of the salmon as it represented not only the cycle of life but sustenance for their people who caught the fish, smoked it, baked it, barbecued it, candied it, carved it into their totems and jewelry, painted it and ultimately told the stories that became legends in this area. You can read about these many legends, see the artwork, feast at a salmon barbecue, try your skill at salmon fishing, attend our local Coho festival, pick up some smoked salmon for home, hike the fish spawning trails and even visit a local hatchery. In fact, there's so much to see and do that you'll want to book a couple of days at one of our many fine local hotels who offer salmon dinner specials and package deals throughout the season.

Go to the Source: Start at Capilano Salmon Hatchery

If you want to see the salmon close up, start at our local Capilano Hatchery. Located just off Capilano Road, minutes from local hotels, you can witness the marvel of the returning salmon for FREE. There is a small interpretive centre where you can see the salmon behind glass and read all about their life and migration. But, don't stop there. Take off into the surrounding rainforest to really catch the action. You don't have to walk very far to small local bridges where you can see the bright red fish jump and fight their way upstream. It's truly exciting for kids and adults alike! Bring a camera, hiking shoes and picnic if you desire. You can spend a couple of hours here.

Hike the Salmon Spawning Trails

If you love to hike and want to travel "the way of the fish", start at Ambleside Park. Here you'll find many a fisherman casting a lure or a fly for Coho right at the mouth of the River. From here you can follow the trails right up the right to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery and The Cleveland Dam. It's a beautiful hike in our native rainforest that will take you from the ocean right up to the spawning grounds.

Learn About Legends & Folklore

If you want to learn about our native culture board a 25-foot ocean going canoe with Takaya Tours. You will paddle in the protected waters of the Burrard Inlet and beautiful Indian Arm while guides from the Coast Salish Nation sing songs, tell legends and point out ancient village sites. The tours have been specifically designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. Salmon barbecues are available at the end of tours for group bookings. www.takayatours.com/tours.html

Go Catch a Fish!

If you want the thrill of catching a salmon Sewell's Marina in Horseshoe Bay offer excellent deep-sea fishing in local waters. Experienced guides will take you to some of Vancouver's North Shore's prime fishing locations. Or if you have your own fishing gear Rice Lake is a popular spot to cast a lure, but be sure to check the BC Fishing regulations.

Prefer to Buy a Salmon?

If you want to buy a local salmon, pay a visit to Lonsdale Quay Market. This is a wonderful destination to buy smoked salmon, fresh salmon and even salmon souvenirs. Spend a morning, having a cappuccino on the dockets, checking out the great local market and head up stairs to buy native art and smoked salmon. The Salmon Shop offers an excellent selection of fresh seafood if you want to cook as does the Dundarave Fish Market on Marine Drive in West Vancouver.

Salmon Barbeque Anyone?

Probably the most famous barbecued salmon on Vancouver's North Shore is served up by the Salmon House restaurant in West Vancouver. Perched high on a hill it not only serves up succulent salmon dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the views of Vancouver and the inlet are awe inspiring on a clear day.

Other Great Places to Eat Salmon

At this time of year everyone seems to be offering up their salmon specialties. From salmon benny in the morning, to salmon salad or pasta in the afternoon to a salmon burger, barbecue or sushi in the evening you must try a few of our local favourites. Here are some suggestions.

• Smoked Salmon Bagel: The Lobby at the Pinnacle Hotel
• Salmon Roll: Screamin' Mimi's, Lonsdale Quay
• Salmon Fish & Chips: Dollarton Crab Shop, North Vancouver
• Ocean-wise Salmon: Fishworks Restaurant 91 Lonsdale, North Vancouver
• Salmon Sushi: Zen Restaurant, Marine Drive, West Vancouver

Salmon Inspired Public Art

North Vancouver is home to over 100 public artworks spread across the North Shore marking gateways, animating streetscapes and integrated into the natural environment. Public art can be found in libraries, along nature trails and public walkways, in parks and shopping plazas. Each piece is an original, one-of-a-kind work that is specifically created to reflect and express North Vancouver's local heritage, culture and environment. The following works are inspired by salmon.

Return of the Spawning Salmon
Artist: Jody Broomfield, Located at: 980 Marine Drive
Neighbourhood: Marine Drive, City of North Vancouver

Salmon House Post
Artist: Jody Broomfield, Located at: 940 Marine Drive
Neighbourhood: Marine Drive, City of North Vancouver

Coho Creek - Mosaic River
Artist: Bruce Walther, Located at: Mahon Avenue & Keith Road
Neighbourhood: City Centre, City of North Vancouver

Salmon Crossing
Artist: Phillip & Kirsty Robbins, Located at: 1331 Main Street, North Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Lynnmour, District of North Vancouver

Pebble Mosaics
Artist: Glen Anderson & local citizens,Located at: 123 East 23rd Avenue
Neighbourhood: City Centre, City of North Vancouver

Our Canyon Friends
Artist: Glen Anderson, Located at: 2901 Fromme Road, North Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Lynn Valley, District of North Vancouver

Stream of Consciousness
Artist: Katherine Kerr, Located at: 150 W. 1st Street, North Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Waterfront, City of North Vancouver

Shop For Authentic Native Salmon Artifacts

Khot-La Cha Art Gallery & Gift shop
Open Monday- Saturday 10-5pm
Authentic North West Native artwork.
270 Whonoak Street North Vancouver
604-987-3339

Coho Festival September 11, 2011- Ambleside Park, West Vancouver

Here’s a chance to really make a day of it! The day kicks off with the famous 14K Coho Run to Ambleside Park. You can watch the runners cross the finish line, then attend a Squamish Nation blessing of the salmon following by great entertainment and a legendary salmon barbecue. There are buskers, entertainment, special exhibits, celebrity chefs serve over 1400 salmon barbecued meals, new environmentatl displays and fun for the whole family. Find out more at www.cohosociety.com.

Where to Stay When You Play

Many hotels offer up Salmon Season packages and specials for couples and families. Be sure to ask when you book if there are any special deals.

• Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier - Salmon Run Package
• Lonsdale Quay Hotel
• Holiday Inn and Suites
• Travelodge Vancouver Lions Gate
• North Vancouver Hotel
• Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites
• Grouse Inn
• The Lynnwood Inn
• Comfort Inn & Suite North Vancouver

Find a North Shore motel and book online