Catch the Salmon Run on Vancouver Island

There are many places to see the Salmon making their yearly return to spawning sites. This year while living on Vancouver Island I could not pass on the chance to marvel at this amazing sight. I decided to head to Stamp River to catch the run and was not disappointed, in fact it was so amazing I recommend anyone if you ever have the chance to see the Salmon battle their way upriver, I suggest you do it. It really reminds you how wild the wilderness actually is.

Making your way north of Port Alberni follow signs towards Stamp River Provincial Park. The drive is approximately 20 min outside of town. There is a short gravel road once you enter Stamp River Provincial Park that leads down to the parking area. Once there follow signs along a walking path downstream to the fish ladders and waterfalls (200m), there you will find many viewing areas where you can sit and watch the Salmon leaping up the waterfalls. The Salmon run from late summer to around December, your best bet is to go sometime in October to take in the fall foliage, and hopefully miss the rainy season later in the year.

Stamp River has many walking trails and a campground, it is very easy to spend an afternoon here taking in the sights and sounds of Stamp River. If your lucky enough you may even be visited by other wildlife such as, Bears, Herons, Eagles, etc. Nature can truly come together here, if your patient enough.