Adams River Salmon Run

Yearly Salmon migration and a sight to see

Kamloops, Canada80 contributions

Family

If you have never seen the annual Salmon Run this is the best place to view the best run in the world.

Uplifting and sad at the same time, you know they're breeding but then dying.

Great parking, and a short, great pathway to the viewing decks. You can't go wrong anywhere you happen to be.

We saw wild bears feeding on the fish on the opposite side of the river. You're totally safe as they aren't interested in you only the fish. And they're across a fast moving river.

Dress for light hiking as you're walking on a dirt path. It's not a long walk at all.

Written July 19, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Sue A

Kamloops, Canada563 contributions

A Good Year to see lots of Salmon

Family

I went to the Salute to the Sockeye in 2010 which was a dominant year and the amount of salmon in the river was mind blowing. Now here we are 4 years later and another dominant year is coming up and this is an attraction that will be fantastic but not until in October. Plan a day at Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park in October and you will be met by a reconfigured beautiful park where you will have the opportunity to connect with nature, go for a walk, and see lots of Sockeye Salmon returning to lay their eggs. It's a spectacular sight! During October there will be a small fee for parking but there are also bathroom facilities as well as various artisans and food available to purchase.

Written May 29, 2014

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Annette H

Mission, Canada12 contributions

Autumn 2017 is the big sockeye run!

Family

This truly is a spectacular sight to see. Every four years is the large sockeye run which will occur again in the autumn of 2017. A great place to view this phenomena is at Roderick-Haig Provincial Park. There are various walking trails to view the salmon spawning which also allow you to get close to the water. The signage is informative and and clearly marked. We've gone to see the run a few times and never get tired of how amazing this is to see!

Written August 21, 2017

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Excellent chance to see the reality and wonder of nature

Kamloops, Canada44 contributions

Friends

The Adams river sockeye run is incredible to see. While the run occurs every year the ones to see are the dominant sockeye runs on this river every four years. The next is 2018. For three weeks in October whether watching by boat the bridge over river or from park well worth seeing. The carcasses after the run to see in shuswap best by boat and the amount of feed for animals such as bears, otters, and eagles is incredible and once in a lifetime sight. The food source for many including first nations and locals with animals serves as wide food source after spawning in death . While it happens every year the dominant years are best to see. 2018 next.

Written May 28, 2017

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

papariley

Vernon, Canada7 contributions

Trip to Adams river to see the salmon run.

Couples

5 dollars per motorcycle and you can bring a van load of people for same price.
Went to viewing platform and seen 1 salmon.
Don't blame the salmon lol, but think the workers should have told us they were not running yet, before taking our money.

Written September 29, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Randy41560

Salmon Arm, Canada59 contributions

Adams River Sockeye Run

Family

Though I had heard of the sockeye run in the Adams all my life the first opportunity to visit was during last fall's migration. It was phenomenal with the water running red with the huge amount of spawning fish. There were busloads of people from around the world in attendance and a the Roderick Haig-Brown park where we were at there was a very good viewing platform and you could also walk on the paths along the river and walk to the rivers edge as well.

Written August 23, 2015

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

eahn1978

2 contributions

Absolutely amazing!

Ive only heard of this salmon run and didn't have much expectations.

Wow! Im glad I saw this in person. Just amazing sight to see the whole river covered by the red fish!

Written October 4, 2014

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

PaulG2421

Chase, Canada31 contributions

The return of the sockeye - Adams River Salmon Run

Friends

the sight of millions of salmon having fought their way back upriver from the sea is too amazing for mere words. In the high season run (every four years) the river and creek bottoms are not visible as the sheer number of spawning fish cover them completely. Sockeye Salmon fighting to make
this incredible journey so as to continue the four year cycle of life is inspiring. This spectacle for the fortunate few who have seen it will never be less than uplifting.

Written November 28, 2013

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

KevinR2610

Vancouver, Canada33 contributions

Adams Lake Sockeye Salmon 2018 run

Friends

I am a volunteeer in a local community hatchery in Port Moody. We raise chum, coho and pink salmon. To experience Sockeye salmon in the Adams River is truly the most impressive sight. Saw thousands of spawning salmon who traveled many thousands of miles over 4 year cycle. So amazing. Nature at work so beautiful.

Written October 14, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

smrgeog

Vancouver, Canada2,023 contributions

Lots of Salmon!

Friends

The event only occurs for a few weeks every year in the early Autumn. Admission is $ 5 per vehicle and $ 5 for a brochure detailing the salmon run. In the grand scheme of things, it's quite reasonable.

There are signs to the event once you turn off the highway but they are small and if you drive too fast you could miss them. It is about an easy 10 to 15 minute walk from the parking area to the river. To see the salmon you need to walk along the river's edge and to the calmer streams where it's easier to see the salmon.

The event is well worth seeing if you're passing or doing something else. I am not one that would drive 6 hours from home one way to see it as a stand alone event

Written October 2, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Showing results 1-10 of 91

OnAir140716

Does anybody know of tours leaving from Vancouver BC to see the salmon run?

Kamloops, Canada80 contributions

Yes, there are several. Ageless Adventures Nagel Tours Do a Google search for Vancouver tours for Adams river salmon run

Ray E

Looking to go there tomorrow, September 23, 2018. I'm concerned for a couple of things. Would there be salmon running now? As well, is the park opened at the weekends? I read that this area is only open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 4:00. Sunday should be a lovely sunny day so I am hoping all goes well. Any information would be great.

Kamloops, Canada80 contributions

The park is open on Sunday at 8:00 am. The salmon are running but not at peak volumes.

DianeDiani

Salmon Arm, Canada59 contributions

Although the best time to see the salmon run is September 28 to October 21, are there any salmon at all running mid September?

Kamloops, Canada80 contributions

Each year is different and each type of salmon (coho, spring, pink, etc) can and do run at different times. Mid-September this year has a coho run.

KOSSYDNEY

sydney142 contributions

what time of year can visitors see the salmon run?

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KOSSYDNEY

sydney142 contributions

getting mixed messages re when to see the salmon run? we are from sydney, australia. plan to catch cruise from vancouver august 25 2019. can we see salmon run at kamloops on our way to vancouver ? will be driving.

mandga

Vernon, Canada20 contributions

The best thing you could do is Google Adams River Salmon Run for lots of information and best times. The sockeye run is generally September-October but it all depends on water levels, drought and what Mother Nature decides to do. I really think August is a little early. Adams River is east of Kamloops by about 45 minutes. You take the Celista/Squilax turn off to cross the river/lake. Enjoy yourselves here.

Connie C

Do you know the best dates in 2017 to see the salmon run in the Adams river ? Thank You, Connie & Verne

Kamloops, Canada44 contributions

Between now and mid to late October to see the sockeye run TAK

Kamham

Leeds, UK705 contributions

Hi there and many thanks for your contribution. Please could you advice if the salmon run is something where we could take our kids to experience? Also, we will be near Chase , Adams River about 25th of October. Could this be too late? Many thanks, Hamlet

Kamloops, Canada44 contributions

The Adams river run is great opportunity for kids to see the life cycle of the sockeye salmon and it's life. The best is to contact or Google Adams river salmon run note sockeye. Fisheries has an excellent paper on dates and locations of BC salmon runs and good locations. Sockeye in Adams run in mid october generally but like all things in nature may be affected by numbers or water as rivers low in drought conditions. My recommendation is call Fisheries or contact the Adams river sockeye association . Have fun and great outing for kids along river and in park . Free as well if you enter park and take trails to river. Donations to salmon enhancement to association who helped establish the park welcomed I am sure. There are of course commercial tours but this may be best in family group on your own if some pretty reading and understanding carried out. Have great holiday on Sushwap .

selwyn1077

Alhambra, CA3 contributions

I want to know any 2 day tour available to adams river from VAN

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selwyn1077

Alhambra, CA3 contributions

me and wife will in mid sept. any two days tours to adams

Kamloops, Canada44 contributions

you would have to contact a local tour company for info. If you are driving your own vehicle you can drive down squailax anglemount road to Adams river bridge and park in vehicle park and view salmon on trail along river. Secondly you can continue to Roderick Haig Brown park and salmon viewing center. big parking lot and where tours park to walk trail back to Adams river. Both place end up same places and trails. my recommendation if driving your own vehicle is first as less tour buses and more local use as closer walks. Once viewed drive to salmon center to get history and info at RHB Park. There are commercial tours of trails and river park including two wheel segways and walking but not involved with any or have used any for this tour. have fun. Check to see if salmon running before doing tour.