Salmon Season on Vancouver’s North Shore

September is Salmon Season on Vancouver’s North Shore! From mountain rivers to the ocean, North Shore waters are teeming with opportunities to learn like a local and truly appreciate the salmon’s contribution to the history, culture and lush ecosystem of the North Shore. For an added tasteof what we’re talking about, North Shore chefs are creating unforgettable salmon dishes complemented by other cherished local ingredients. Take the pledge to North Shore like a Localand join us in celebrating salmon in September!

Capilano River Hatchery

To get a sense of the importance of salmon to the North Shore, go right to the source! The Capilano River Hatchery offers a unique opportunity to observe salmon in their natural habitat as they make their journey upstream to spawn. While you’re at it, don’t miss the Seymour River Hatchery’s annual Open House on Sunday, September 15th, where you can tour the facility, enjoy live music, and learn about local conservation efforts. Take in the forested beauty of Capilano Regional Park as you explore educational displays and exhibits on the life cycle of salmon.

Coho Festival 2024

The 45th running of this beloved local event goes September 8th and continues to highlight vital salmon conservation efforts on Vancouver’s North Shore. Past highlights around Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver include staged talks, information tents, a kids play area, live music and a salmon barbeque lunch. Brave souls will take part in the annual Coho Swim, an open ocean swim in a loop that mimics the migratory patterns that Coho and other species of indigenous salmon have performed for millennia.

Salmon Fishing

Get in on the action with a salmon fishing charter from Sewell’s Marina. Take a stunning tour of Howe Sound in the waters off Horseshoe Bay where experienced guides will bring you to the many spots where up to five different species of salmon can be found. The Sewell family has been guiding on these waters for 90 years so you can trust they provide an exciting day on the water!

Salmon Spotting

Each September, Pacific salmon return to North Shore rivers and streams to spawn. A great place to get a glimpse of this natural phenomenon is at Seymour River Heritage Park. Find the sandy beach next to Maplewood Farm to observe salmon in the wild, right there at your feet. Follow the path from the parking lot, behind the townhomes, to access the beach. Another chance flows beside the aptly named Coho Loop hike in Capilano River Park. Two bridges cross low over the river where you just might catch salmon on the move.

Salmon Dishes

Salmon has been sustenance for the people of the North Shore since time immemorial. To this day, chefs have been playing with its unique, rich yet delicate flavour. Fishworks restaurant in Lower Lonsdale has been consistently named one of BC’s best seafood restaurants each of its 13 years. Try the Salmon Tartare with hoisin aioli or the Salmon Wellington with pistachio pesto. The Salmon House on the Hill is Vancouver’s original seafood grill, serving up classics like their trio of salmon grilled over alder wood. For more casual fare, check out Trolls Restaurant for their take on traditional fish n’ chips featuring local salmon.

Photo courtesy of @fishworkslonsdale

For more information on these and other events throughout Salmon Season visit vancouversnorhhsore.com. And before you visit, please take the North Shore Like a Local pledge and commit to treating this land like the home it is for all of us.