Capilano Salmon Hatchery
Capilano Salmon Hatchery
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Unsuspecting salmon lay their eggs here before they die.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Czar EmmanuelManila, Philippines6,268 contributionsGreat for watching salmons spawnI haven't seen salmons actually swim up against river current and leap to reach their favorite spawning location (except in documentaries), so I was really happy when my friend brought me to this hatchery and see the whole thing unfold. Indeed, Vancouver is very rich in natural beauty and a favorite ground for salmons of various kinds. The visit is very informative. Highly recommended!Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 August 2023
- Stewarts Vacation1,035 contributionsEducational salmon hatcheryIt is free to enter and wander through this facility. It was interesting to see the fish ladder, both outside next to the river and from the underground viewing area. There were plenty of posters providing information about the hatchery and different salmon species. A great place to learn about Canada's native salmon, their life cycle and to observe them up close. There were toilets available. We walked up to the hatchery from the Suspension Bridge park, 20 minutes, accurately predicted by Google!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 November 2023
- HolkinBoston, Massachusetts68 contributionsHighly recommended!What a fantastic place and FREE! The setting is in a beautiful forest, with the river running next to it and lots of hikes around. The hatchery itself is very interesting, informative and a great learning experience for all the family. Glass pools let visitors see the fish actually jumping up the water stairs. Not a very long visit, but definitely worth the detour.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
356 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
136
Average
55
Poor
15
Terrible
4
Holkin
Boston, MA68 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
What a fantastic place and FREE! The setting is in a beautiful forest, with the river running next to it and lots of hikes around. The hatchery itself is very interesting, informative and a great learning experience for all the family. Glass pools let visitors see the fish actually jumping up the water stairs. Not a very long visit, but definitely worth the detour.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewarts Vacation
1,035 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
It is free to enter and wander through this facility. It was interesting to see the fish ladder, both outside next to the river and from the underground viewing area. There were plenty of posters providing information about the hatchery and different salmon species. A great place to learn about Canada's native salmon, their life cycle and to observe them up close. There were toilets available. We walked up to the hatchery from the Suspension Bridge park, 20 minutes, accurately predicted by Google!
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil N
Cootamundra, Australia280 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
A short visit to the Salmon Hatchery was a real eye opener - have seen other fish hatcheries but none where the naturally lifecycle of the fish (salmon) is relied on to release and then have the breeding stock return exactly as happens in the wild rivers of Canada.
All in all a truly amazing facility.
All in all a truly amazing facility.
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shoshana & Mich... W
8 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This is a fascinating and successful effort to increase the salmon population in the region. The signage was pretty good but it would be great to have staff or volunteers on hand to answer questions.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy C
Atlanta, GA883 contributions
Aug 2023
Really interesting stop for nature lovers - you can see the fingerling salmon in the hatchery, and the larger salmon in the next-door stream and pond. Exhibits also provide details on salmon and the hatchery process. Also make sure to walk on the trails, especially the bridges over the stream, where you can watch the mature salmon leaping out of the water.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines6,268 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I haven't seen salmons actually swim up against river current and leap to reach their favorite spawning location (except in documentaries), so I was really happy when my friend brought me to this hatchery and see the whole thing unfold. Indeed, Vancouver is very rich in natural beauty and a favorite ground for salmons of various kinds. The visit is very informative. Highly recommended!
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
darjen_smallman
Victoria, Australia 9 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
A very nice drive into the hatchery. It is a very informative insight about salmon & their migration. Great to see a set up & how the salmon travel upstream
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra T
Murrieta, CA1,916 contributions
Aug 2022
We were hoping to see lots of salmon on the fish ladder. But it was nearing the end of the season and the ones we saw were very tired. The place is set up well for visitors.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mridula-A
Somerset, NJ310 contributions
Aug 2022
Took a quick look at the Hatchery on our day trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is a small facility but easy to spend 30 minutes or so touring the rooms and watching the spawning ponds. The river nearby offers some good views as well.
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon F
North Vancouver, Canada21 contributions
Sept 2019 • Family
If you are looking for an activity that brings you close to nature, but don’t want it to be to strenuous, this is a great choice. You can learn about salmon lifecycles, at certain times of the year you can watch salmon jump up the fish ladder, and there are nice views of the Capilano River. You can access walking trails nearby and there is lots of parking. Nearby attractions include Cleveland Dam, also free, and paid attractions such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penny A
Greater Perth, Australia114 contributions
Can you visit the hatchery in December or is it closed
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,350 contributions
Their website says:
Open to the public:
November - March: 8:00am - 4:00pm
April: 8:00am - 6:00pm
May: 8:00am - 7:00pm
June - August: 8:00am - 8:00pm
September: 8:00am - 7:00pm
October: 8:00am - 6:00pm
The only fish you'll most likely see in the hatchery are juvenile coho
Alex K
Vancouver, Canada7 contributions
Can I go by public transportation?
And there's a ticket for the entrance?
Skwiki
Burnaby, Canada1,671 contributions
You can take transit. I am not familiar with the routes, but whatever bus goes up Capilano towards Grouse Mt . Just looking at the map you can get off the bus and walk in along the access road, which is quite far, or there are trails from Cleveland Dam area which look closer.
You don't require a ticket for entry, it is free. I'm not sure if there are guided tours of the facility. The trails beside the river are wonderful.
Is it possible to do a tour without going through a group? I plan on doing the Capilano Bridge but I don’t know the proximity to the hatchery. Is it close?
Cindy W
North Vancouver, Canada24 contributions
It can be done in a day but you would need transportation like a car to enter the hatchery. It is not really an "walk in" from the main road. It winds down a hill to the water level in the canyon.
ladytraveller
Swindon, UK258 contributions
Hi is end of July a good time so see salmon jumping at capilano salmon hatchery?
Diana27613
Wilson, NC62 contributions
One thing we learned was that different species return to lay eggs at different times during the spring/ summer. When we were there in late June, salmon were in the river and also in the area at the top of the ladder but we did not see them “running” up the ladder.
Fransiska
Jakarta, Indonesia
Hi...I'm planning coming here on early June. Can I see lots of salmon jump? Is it already season of salmon harvest? What time is sunset in June ? Is it posible to go here after doing some trail in Lynn canyon park ? Start journey around 10am. Thx
Timoteo M
23 contributions
Sorry, but you will not be able to see the salmon jump.
patpetetravel
Rocky River, OH95 contributions
We won't have a car while visiting Vancouver. Looks like we could take the ferry to North Vancouver and then a bus to Clements Road, near the hatchery. Hard to tell if there is a path from Clements Road to the fish hatchery. Looks like there is a service road, but I am worried about high fences or ravines that would prevent us from reach the hatchery.
Any advise?
PensantALaMer
72 contributions
I took the bus from Lonsdale Quay. I got off at the top of the park, near the reservoir, walked down to the hatchery, kept walking downhill back to the main road and caught the bus back to the quay. No fences or ravines, it was all paved road or trails (the trails weren't difficult at all). I don't think it was more than a mile or two. Have fun!
Diane C
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia43 contributions
Hi,
do you do the Vancouver and Brutchart tours now? the pamphlet says it is only for March to November. do you get to see the gardens lit up at might with their Cjristmas Light?
My husband, daughter and me are Iinterested in doing this tours one of the days this week.
You help would be really appreciated.
Regards,
Diane Carlson
can't put my email account in as your server does not recognise the .
My husbands phone number is 0437789240
Otherwise we are staying at the landis Apartments.
June Q
Vancouver, Canada312 contributions
Hello Diane, I am not sure about Butchard Gardens but I would believe they would be all up and running for this week. Call Van Dusen Gardens and check their times. Local hotels will have brochures for them. Their christmas lights are outstanding. Also, St. Pauls Hospital on Granville Street very close to where you are are a must. They are stunning. Check with a hotel near to you and they will be able to help. I hope you enjoy our beautiful city. June
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Claim your listingCapilano Salmon Hatchery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Capilano Salmon Hatchery
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Capilano Salmon Hatchery:
- Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (From AU$267.82)
- Best of Vancouver Highlights /Suspension Bridge/ Free Pizza Party Tour Private (From AU$742.33)
- Vancouver City Finest plus North Shore Adventure (Private Tour Full day) (From AU$642.25)
- Vancouver, Capilano Suspension & Grouse Mountain Private Tour (From AU$799.51)
- Vancouver,Victoria,Whistler Best Price Guranteed 4 Days Tour Private (From AU$4,745.63)
- Hotels near Capilano Salmon Hatchery:
- (1.35 km) ThistleDown House
- (4.30 km) Crystal's View Vancouver Bed and Breakfast
- (7.68 km) Loden Hotel
- (8.29 km) Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
- (8.44 km) L'Hermitage Hotel
- Restaurants near Capilano Salmon Hatchery:
- (0.30 km) Barrio Coffee
- (0.32 km) CC's Chinese Restaurant
- (5.65 km) Seaside Provisions
- (7.87 km) Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean
- (7.92 km) Alouette Bistro