Where to spot salmon: Tri-Cities
Fall in the Tri-Cities signals the start of salmon spawning season for coho and chum, as well as pinks in odd numbered years like 2023. Here are some of our favourite public spots to view spawning salmon in Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam! We’ve included family-friendly locations with clearly marked trails and viewing areas. If you have a favourite spot to share, email us!
Hoy Creek Hatchery, Coquitlam
Species: Coho, chum
Best Times: Adult chum October-November; coho November
You can find spawning Coho and Chum salmon in Coquitlam at Hoy Creek Hatchery. Outside of Covid, the hatchery holds a Salmon Come Home event each October to celebrate the return of the spawning salmon. The City of Coquitlam has information and a handy map that shows you the best locations to view salmon in Hoy Creek Linear Park and nearby Scott Creek. If you park behind the Douglas College Coquitlam Campus (1250 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) you can access Hoy Creek Linear Park AND visit the new “Salmon Women Welcomes Salmon Home” carving that was installed in 2021 to celebrate Douglas College’s 50th Anniversary and in recognition of their place on traditional Coast Salish territories – in particular the Kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation.
Hockaday Park, Coquitlam, BC
Species: Coho, chum, sockeye
Best Times: Adult chum October-November; coho November; sockeye September
Hockaday Park is a small neighbourhood park located at the end of McTavish Court in Coquitlam. There is a family-friendly viewing area and a small beach area in the park to view the Coquitlam River. The park also has a climbing structure and swings to enjoy. The rough walking trail to the left of the park provides access along the Coquitlam River to Galette Park about 1 km away.
Oxbow Side Channel, Port Coquitlam
Species: coho, chum, pink salmon (in odd years)
Best Times: Adult chum October-November; coho November
This side channel of the Coquitlam River really is a secret gem in Port Coquitlam. You can visit the side channel in the fall to see coho and chum as well as other species of fish throughout the year. You access the Oxbow Side Channel through Coquitlam River Park at Shaughnessy St. and Lincoln Avenue. You can also walk along an extensive trail network to access viewing points along the Coquitlam River.
Hyde Creek Hatchery, Port Coquitlam
Species: Coho, chum
Best Times: Adult chum October-November; coho November
Chum and Coho salmon return to their spawning grounds at Hyde Creek each October and November. The best place to see salmon is to park at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre and take the trail behind the rec centre along Hyde Creek towards the Hatchery. There are several lookout spots and a foot bridge to view returning salmon. Hyde Creek Recreation Centre,1379 Laurier Avenue, and Hyde Creek Education Centre & Hatchery, 3636 Coast Meridian Road, Port Coquitlam.
Inlet Park & Noons Creek Hatchery, PortMoody
Species: Coho, chum, pink
Best Times: Adult chum October-November; coho November; pink in odd years
Noons Creek Hatchery is located to the right of the Port Moody Recreation Centre in Inlet Park, Port Moody. The area has many family-friendly walking trails along the creek and to the boardwalk at the end of the Port Moody inlet. The best place to view salmon is to walk past the hatchery building and along the trail that goes under the train trestle to the Inlet. There is a small boardwalk that crosses the creek with a great view of the inlet and returning salmon. The Hatchery also sets up a self-guided Halloween Walk for visitors to learn creepy and fun facts about nature! Port Moody Rec Centre (300 Ioco Road, Port Moody)
Patricia Avenue Foot Bridge (Coquitlam River)
Species: Coho, chum,
Best Times: Adult chum October-November; coho November
This footbridge spans the Coquitlam River and is a great place to see spawning salmon in the fall. You can find parking on Patricia Avenue near Graham Street in Coquitlam OR on Shaunessy Street in Port Coquitlam. It’s a short walk to the footbridge. There are other viewing spots along the Coquitlam River and many good parks connected by trails and bike paths. (Footbridge is at Shaunessy Street and Patricia Avenue in Port Coquitlam)
