capilano salmon hatchery

Rexxx

We went in March so there wasn't much activity, but my boys (8 & 5) loved me reading all the signage. They just had more questions than I could answer. FREE is great - can't beat that price. Wasn't crowded and we loved watching the wood float over the damn.

74adriann

Ok so this isn't the most exciting tourist attraction in Vancouver, but hey; it's free!This is a good way to extend your visit to the Capilano suspension bridge. Best to go during spawning periods but even so, the information on the walls is good but maybe boring for kids.Only a 15-20 minute walk up to the Dam where you can sit and have a picnic with beautiful scenery of Capilano Lake. Unfortunately as this lake supply drinking water to Vancouver you cannot get too near it.Go on a nice day for something free to do in Vancouver.

bl634

This is my number one choice location to take out of towners. This place captures the temperate rainforest experience better than any other. It has great hiking trails in addition to the great display of the spawning salmon. On top of that, it's FREE! Watching the large salmon jump up through the fish ladders is quite amazing. Of course, if there isn't a run of salmon at the time of your visit you might wonder what all the fuss is about.....

JPR1960

We were dropped of at the hatchery to have a look around. It was interesting to see the display. The only problem because it was at the end of winter so there was very little to see in the way of fish. Apart from that the information provided was good to provide some understanding of their lifecycle. Worth a look in the warmer months. Going back to BC in June this year to catch myself a salmon.

jasonwF3844FO

The facility is interesting enough with educational information about salmonoids, with all the tanks showing the various stages of the fish. January- Early February is not a great time to go, with minimal tanks being occupied and without the fish elevator being in use (who doesn't want to see fish climb?) there is only a few things worth looking at.

997dianec

Got dropped offf here for half an hour to view at our own leisure. no-one to explain anything. Read all the info on the walls but unless you are a true fisherman - boring. No salmon in any of the viewing windows. Unless you are an avid fisherman, don't bother going.

X1970ZJmikec

The trip to the hatchery was included as part of an excursion. It was fairly quiet as we went in July ( so before the salmon start trying to get upstream), but it was interesting to find out about the history and workings. Also managed to see a Pacific Blue heron close up, so there must have been some fish in the vicinity.

Gannet44

This is nice day out combining a pleasant walk, picnic and visits to the salmon hatchery and the famous suspension bridge. There is a free return bus shuttle from Canada Place and some hotels to the Capilano bridge park entrance, you can check the details on the capbridge.com web site. On arrival at the entrance you can walk to the salmon hatchery which is entry free, head north uphill for 1. 8 km - about 25 minutes through the regional park along the pipeline trail with good views of the river. As the salmon run is seasonal it is worth checking in advance the vancouversnorthshore.com web site to see when it is best to see the fish. When the salmon are running the glass walled fish pass is excellent for viewing one of natures great wonders. There are toilets and a small picnic site at the hatchery which is ideal for a picnic lunch. After lunch the walk back down to the suspension bridge park entrance is easy. Entrance to the bridge park was $32.95 per adult. Overall the park was very good and worth the entrance fee with the shuttle included, the bridge, cliff walk and aerial tree walk were a great experience, visited 09 Sep14.

StanD372

The scenery between the hatchery and the hike to the dam itself was amazing. However, the hatchery itself was just so-so when I took a group there in October. The exhibits and info seemed a bit dated and there were no salmon moving when we were there. The river and the gorge were amazing and I'm sure if salmon had been migrating upstream at the time, then it would outstanding. But little was going on in terms of salmon activity and the staff didn't interact with us as everyone was behind the scenes. That said, it's free and if you are going to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, I think it is worth a 30-60 minute detour.

pendrell

Wow, could have knocked my socks off. I had no idea how beautiful and how interesting this would be. I have never seen the salmon "jumping" upstream so this was a first for me. I am hooked. What a great place to watch the salmon do their thing. This place is for all ages and its truly fascinating. Super place to pass the time and do something different.

paulowlcourt

One of teh main stops when visiting North Vancouver, BC. Depending upon the time of year there will be lo\ts of salmon making their way upstream. If not in season the staff will share how the hatchery works. Just between the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mtn. Skyride with lots of nature walks to enjoy.

113rl

This place has only small signs that point to the entrance. On the way back from Grouse Mt.. it's on the right side as you go down hill towards Vancouver. The best time to go is when the salmon are running. We happened to be there in June, so there was no activity. However, there were many displays and presentations, some of which were of live animals. These displays gave clear explanations to well made presentations, although many needed maintenance and cleaning. The stop was interesting and educatonal. And free.

cathiew529

Very interesting during spawning season not so much when you can't see the fish. Kudos to fish ladders and the efforts made to make this an educational centre and understanding the effects the dam has had on the spawning cycle. Beautiful spot along the Capilano.

zmorten2002

Viewing windows allow you to watch the salmon up close. Some new display materials and more upgrades to come. Great nature paths n the area, views of the river as well.

ljz54

It is always amazing to find such places of rugged beauty within minutes of the city rush. The hatchery on the Capilano River provides several species of salmon and steelhead stock. In October they return. There is not that much space for viewing but move closer and see these fish of all sizes, many already severely beaten by their struggle to return home jump up the steps of the fish ladders to where they can spawn. The hatchery provides information on salmon life cycles and the role of the hatchery. This place is free and there are a number of trails that take you through parts of the beautiful north shore.