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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- Stewarts Vacation1,543 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 9, 2023
- HolkinBoston, Massachusetts104 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 12, 2023
- Princess279East Brunswick, New Jersey1,130 contributionsVery informativeThis was a stop on our tour, and it didn't disappoint... despite the fact that nothing was happening at the hatchery at the time of our visit. Just like the rest of the rain forest around Vancouver, the whimsy of this place will feed your sense of wonder and keep you close to nature. Take it in!Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
358 reviews
Excellent
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4
Holkin
Boston, MA104 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 November 12, 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
1,543 contributions
Sep 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 November 9, 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.
Princess279
East Brunswick, NJ1,130 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
This was a stop on our tour, and it didn't disappoint... despite the fact that nothing was happening at the hatchery at the time of our visit. Just like the rest of the rain forest around Vancouver, the whimsy of this place will feed your sense of wonder and keep you close to nature. Take it in!
Written July 4, 2024
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.
Lost_Tourists
Vancouver2 contributions
I had out of town visitors this past weekend so my job was the unofficial tour guide. We visited the "classic" Vancouver sights & then a nice person at the Suspension Bridge suggested that we visit the Salmon Hatchery. The adult salmon have just begun to arrive. They have the fish ladder glassed in so you can see them jump. It is incredible!!! We did have to wait to see a salmon jump because there were so few, but it was worth it. I can't wait to see what it looks like when there are thousands coming home in the summer and the fall. There are also rearing ponds that you can see the baby fish, and small aquariums that you can get a close look at the different types of fish in the river. The Sculpins are so ugly that they are cute! The kids loved it! There is a free self guided tour map available to print off at:
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Another wonderful thing is that this is a free attraction. NO PARKING OR ENTRY FEES!!!
This is a hidden jewel between Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain where you have to pay hefty entrance fees plus pay for parking. It does add up with a family.
Be sure to visit the gift shop if you have any questions or want to purchase any souvenirs. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. We also found that their prices were a lot less and they have a great variety of things that you don't see at other places. The gift shop is run by a non-profit organization and the profits go back into salmon enhancement programs. Ask to see the "Dead fish in the bottle".
The Hatchery is a bit awkward to find. It is located at 4500 Capilano Park Road, which is the first road on the left up Capilano Road past Capilano Suspension Bridge. There is a big green and yellow sign that says Capilano River Regional Park. Turn left and keep going until you hit the parking lot.
There are also many walks and hiking trails in the area. We didn't have time to explore but we will be back.
(---)
Another wonderful thing is that this is a free attraction. NO PARKING OR ENTRY FEES!!!
This is a hidden jewel between Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain where you have to pay hefty entrance fees plus pay for parking. It does add up with a family.
Be sure to visit the gift shop if you have any questions or want to purchase any souvenirs. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. We also found that their prices were a lot less and they have a great variety of things that you don't see at other places. The gift shop is run by a non-profit organization and the profits go back into salmon enhancement programs. Ask to see the "Dead fish in the bottle".
The Hatchery is a bit awkward to find. It is located at 4500 Capilano Park Road, which is the first road on the left up Capilano Road past Capilano Suspension Bridge. There is a big green and yellow sign that says Capilano River Regional Park. Turn left and keep going until you hit the parking lot.
There are also many walks and hiking trails in the area. We didn't have time to explore but we will be back.
Written May 24, 2006
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.
ariesgal
Los Angeles, CA373 contributions
Visited the fish hatchery today and I echoed both the comments from the previous inputs. Unfortunately, I didn't spot any returning salmon today since summer is the time they return. Best to visit in summer, with kids, and the scenary around the hatchery is just unbelievable - in a canyon next to a giant roaring river. Saw someone playing kiyaking and it's definitely a long long river and a challenging one too.
To continue with the previous reviewer's comment of it being hard to find, yes, it is, kind of. Lucky I read her/his review before I went and so, I know to look out for the green-and-yellow sign on the right which points to the left. Going north on Capilano Road, pass the suspension bridge, keep left and the sign points you down a steep road which looks like it's too narrow for 2-way traffic (but is it) and looks like a private road going into a forest. Yup. That's the one. And it'll lead you ALL THE WAY till the end which you will find a parking lot. That building you see is the hatchery but the signage doesn't say so>!
To continue with the previous reviewer's comment of it being hard to find, yes, it is, kind of. Lucky I read her/his review before I went and so, I know to look out for the green-and-yellow sign on the right which points to the left. Going north on Capilano Road, pass the suspension bridge, keep left and the sign points you down a steep road which looks like it's too narrow for 2-way traffic (but is it) and looks like a private road going into a forest. Yup. That's the one. And it'll lead you ALL THE WAY till the end which you will find a parking lot. That building you see is the hatchery but the signage doesn't say so>!
Written May 26, 2007
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.
clglove
Houston, TX16 contributions
Mar 2011
Free! Spend as much or as little time as you want learning/watching salmon. Surrounded by forest which kept our 3 kids busy for hours. Waterfall @ dam neat. Free parking & restrooms. Great place for a picnic. Lots of great photo ops! Low-key, fun outdoor day!
Written April 5, 2011
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.
Timoteo M
11 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
If you are thinking about going to the Capilano suspension bridge, do not! First, the lines are ridiculously long, and second you can get a more stunning view here. Go here and ask how to get to the waterfall viewing platform and the will direct you. Better yet, there are no crowds and it is absolutely free! Go here! It is the best view in Vancouver!
Written January 2, 2018
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.
Carrie B
Washington DC, DC4 contributions
This is a great getaway from the city for anyone who wants to see something unique to the Pacific Northwest. The hatchery has a rather unassuming little visitor center, and a nice gift shop. But the best part is a wall of glass windows along the salmon run, where you can see the salmon swimming underwater, and then leaping up to the next step. The kids I saw there would shriek with delight each time the fish jumped. There is also a gorgeous system of hiking trails through the rainforest valley in the surrounding park-- a destination in its own right.
I almost rented a car to get here, but I am glad I didn't because I think I would have gotten lost! Instead, I took the city bus that goes from Lonsdale Quay (the sea bus stop) towards Grouse mountain. I got off the bus at Cleveland dam, and hiked down through the forest to the hatchery. It was probably about a mile, but I think you could do a shorter route if you wanted to. Before you go, sure to print out the trail map at the Capilano Regional Park website. That map also shows the bus stops.
I almost rented a car to get here, but I am glad I didn't because I think I would have gotten lost! Instead, I took the city bus that goes from Lonsdale Quay (the sea bus stop) towards Grouse mountain. I got off the bus at Cleveland dam, and hiked down through the forest to the hatchery. It was probably about a mile, but I think you could do a shorter route if you wanted to. Before you go, sure to print out the trail map at the Capilano Regional Park website. That map also shows the bus stops.
Written October 14, 2008
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.
Nancy E L
Toronto, Canada66 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Went to the suspension bridge and someone said to walk up the street to the hatchery. It was a 25 min walk. It teaches you about the hatching process and different types of salmon. The is a spillway for the salmon to go upstream, but didn't really see any.
There is a hatchery and growing tanks, but behind"closed off"areas. Other than the spillway, it was a bunch of information board s.
My overall impression was a nice place to visit for 45 minutes, not a lot of action. It looked a bit run down and disappointed that you could not see the hatchery or holding tanks.
But it was Free and in addition, lots of forested walking trails around the area.
Tip. We were staying downtown, took free shuttle to bridge, walked to hatchery, walk back to bridge and spent another hour there, took shuttle back down town. That was a full day
There is a hatchery and growing tanks, but behind"closed off"areas. Other than the spillway, it was a bunch of information board s.
My overall impression was a nice place to visit for 45 minutes, not a lot of action. It looked a bit run down and disappointed that you could not see the hatchery or holding tanks.
But it was Free and in addition, lots of forested walking trails around the area.
Tip. We were staying downtown, took free shuttle to bridge, walked to hatchery, walk back to bridge and spent another hour there, took shuttle back down town. That was a full day
Written November 19, 2019
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.
jdvanvalin
Saint Paul, MN38 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
We did not go to the salmon hatchery, but simply hiked along the beautiful trails here after learning that the Capilano suspension bridge cost some unreasonable amount ($32 per person or something). This is a lush evergreen forest of the kind you see only in the Pacific Northwest. You can take trails (sometimes steep) down to the whitewater river. There is also a small bridge that crosses the river. I couldn't believe we were only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver! Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. To get there, take the Seabus from Waterfront station and then hop on the 236 bus, which goes to the Capilano suspension bridge. Walk up from there about a quarter of a mile to get to the fish hatchery trails. You can also take a free Capilano shuttle bus from some of the hotels downtown. I recommend hiking boots - this is a bit more rugged than a stroll in Stanley Park.
Written July 27, 2012
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.
Can you visit the hatchery in December or is it closed
Written October 20, 2019
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
Written October 20, 2019
Can I go by public transportation?
And there's a ticket for the entrance?
Written September 20, 2019
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.
Written September 21, 2019
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?
Written June 9, 2019
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.
Written June 25, 2019
Hi is end of July a good time so see salmon jumping at capilano salmon hatchery?
Written July 20, 2018
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.
Written July 20, 2018
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
Written May 9, 2018
Sorry, but you will not be able to see the salmon jump.
Written September 18, 2018
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?
Written July 24, 2016
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!
Written July 25, 2016
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.
Written January 3, 2015
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
Written January 4, 2015
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