Events: Return of the Salmon

In British Columbia, Canada anadromous (freshwater -> ocean -> freshwater) sockeye salmon (Onchorhyncus nerka) are returning to their natal streams, traveling hundreds of kilometres to partake in the rituals of courtship and a triumphant release of milt and spawn before ultimately perishing.

Their exhausted bodies contribute to the nutrient cycle, feeding scavenging critters and fertilizing trees, while the fertilized fish eggs overwinter in their freshwater gravel beds and become fry and fingerling juveniles that make their own journey out to sea the following year.

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The Adams River Salmon Society provides one of the best opportunities to see the spectacular salmon spawning cycle, on the Adams River near Chase British Columbia.

From early September through December, you can see Chinook, Sockeye, Pink and Coho salmon that have migrated up the Fraser River watershed. During the dominant year of the 4-year-cycle, the Society hosts the ‘Salute to the Sockeye Festival’. Mark your calendars for the next festival in October of 2022!

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In the Pacific Northwest, migratory bald eagles from Alaska, the Yukon, and British Columbia travel as much as 2,500 km to southern wintering grounds, following salmon on their fall migration to spawning areas.

From October through February eagles feast on the remains of decaying salmon in British Columbia's Fraser River watershed.

Take part in the 24th Annual Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival November 16 - 17 2019 to enjoy spectacular eagle viewing, tours, and exhibits, and see one of the world's largest concentrations of wintering eagles!

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