Capilano River Hatchery

Step into a world where nature's drama unfolds right before your eyes! Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Capilano River Regional Park, the Capilano River Hatchery is a fishy fairytale come to life. Completed in 1971 as a beacon of hope for declining salmon stocks, today it shines as a marvel of conservation, welcoming over 400,000 inquisitive souls each year.

Get ready to be entranced by the great salmon leap! Witness the awe-inspiring journey of these silver heroes as they bravely scale the fish ladders, jumping from pool to mesmerizing pool, all in their relentless quest for their ancestral spawning grounds. It's a spectacle that's not just heart-pounding but also heartwarming, reminding us of nature's indomitable spirit.

And that's not all! Dive deeper into the aquatic wonders with a self-guided tour of the interpretive centre. Peek into the vibrant world of juvenile salmon and trout, discover the salmon life cycle's mystique, and immerse yourself in the dazzling dance of life that's both colorful and captivating. Bring along your little ones and spark their curiosity - it's education and entertainment rolled into one!

But the magic doesn't end there. With the scenic beauty of the park, you're encouraged to extend your day! Lace up your hiking shoes, pack a picnic, and set off on the picturesque trails, or cycle along the serene paths, taking in the pristine beauty. Fancy a bit more adventure? Head up to the Cleveland Dam, or simply stroll down the lush paths to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Your four-legged pals are welcome too (just remember the leash)!

With free admission and set just a stone's throw away from major attractions, the Capilano River Hatchery is more than a visit; it's an experience. For the ultimate thrill, mark your calendars for the second Sunday after Labour Day - the Coho Festival. Here, amidst the golden hues of fall, nature, and adventure meld seamlessly, making memories that last a lifetime.

CP EXPLORER PRO TIP:
Although the hatchery is open year round, there aren't always jumping fish to see. Here are the best times to visit:
Coho Juveniles (All Year)
Steelhead Adults (March-April)
Chinook Juveniles (March-May)
Coho Adults (June -November)
Chinook Adults (October-November).
Hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Popular Points of Interest

Things to see in and around the city
Spinning Chandelier by Rodney Graham
Arts, Culture, & History
Fisherman’s Park
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Rope Runner Aerial Adventure Park
Kid-approved
Tours & Attractions
Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Long Beach
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
MacMillan Provincial Park
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Hatley Castle
Statues & Landmarks
Wild Pacific Trail
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Nanaimo Museum
Tours & Attractions
Ucluelet Aquarium
Tours & Attractions
Kid-approved
Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
Statues & Landmarks
Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Historic O'Keefe Ranch
Arts, Culture, & History
Skaha Lake
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Naramata Bench
Food & Beverage
Keremeos
Food & Beverage
Old Country Market
Food & Beverage
Tours & Attractions
S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Park
Tours & Attractions
Arts, Culture, & History
Musqueam Cultural Centre
Indigenous
Arts, Culture, & History
Harrison Hot Springs
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Kid-approved
Sasquatch Provincial Park
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Tours & Attractions
Indigenous
Arts, Culture, & History
Deadman's Island
Arts, Culture, & History
Statues & Landmarks
The Birds by Myfanwy MacLeod
Statues & Landmarks
Great Marpole Midden
Statues & Landmarks
Indigenous
Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre
Arts, Culture, & History
Britannia Shipyards
Statues & Landmarks
East Van Cross by Ken Lum
Statues & Landmarks
Iona Beach Regional Park
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Richmond Night Market
Food & Beverage
Shopping
Nightlife & Entertainment
Trout Lake
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Pacific National Exhibition
Nightlife & Entertainment
Kid-approved
Dominion Building
Statues & Landmarks
Capilano River Hatchery
Tours & Attractions
Kid-approved
Cleveland Park & Capilano Lake
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Cypress Mountain
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Brockton Point Totem Poles
Indigenous
Statues & Landmarks
Sunset Beach
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Vancouver Lookout
Tours & Attractions
BC Place
Statues & Landmarks
Nightlife & Entertainment
Rogers Arena
Statues & Landmarks
Nightlife & Entertainment
Punjabi Market
Tours & Attractions
Food & Beverage
Little Italy
Tours & Attractions
Food & Beverage
Commercial Drive
Shopping
Food & Beverage
West 4th
Shopping
Food & Beverage
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Tours & Attractions
Thunderbird Stadium
Nightlife & Entertainment
Wreck Beach
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Jericho Beach
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Spanish Banks
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
The Orpheum
Arts, Culture, & History
Chinese Storytelling Centre
Tours & Attractions
Arts, Culture, & History
Chinese Canadian Museum
Tours & Attractions
Arts, Culture, & History
Fort Langley
No items found.
Othello Tunnels
No items found.
Sea to Sky Gondola
No items found.
Britannia Mine Museum
Tours & Attractions
Kid-approved
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Arts, Culture, & History
Tours & Attractions
Indigenous
Davie Village
Arts, Culture, & History
Nightlife & Entertainment
Inukshuk Monument
Statues & Landmarks
Indigenous
Fly Over Canada
No items found.
Sam Kee Building
No items found.
Olympic Cauldron
No items found.
Stanley Park
No items found.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Tours & Attractions
Parks, Gardens & Outdoors
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Arts, Culture, & History
Indigenous
Vancouver Art Gallery
No items found.