Fall is right around the corner and the Thompson Okanagan will soon be filled with endless forests filled with bold reds, yellows, and orange coloured trees. While you look up in amazement at the trees, remember to look down at the astonishing sights of one of Mother Earth’s great migrations of the salmon in the rivers below. The rivers, like the trees, will begin to turn a deep red as the Salmon continue their journey home from the ocean to their original birthplace in freshwater rivers and streams.

There are a total of five species of Salmon in British Columbia, Pink, Chum, Coho, Chinook, and what is most recognized in the Thompson Okanagan, Sockeye. All salmon begin their lives in freshwater and make their way to the ocean for 1-5 years depending on the species. Driven by instinct, they become ready to spawn and travel back up freshwater streams and rivers enacting one of nature’s most intriguing exhibits to witness. Salmon are semelparous, meaning they only spawn once and die immediately after. These salmon make journeys that cover thousands of kilometers upstream to return to where they were originally hatched to then lay and fertilize their own eggs.

During a salmon’s journey to spawning, they encounter many natural obstacles like strong rapids, predators, and man made obstacles, like barriers that have caused disruption to the salmon population over the years. Some don’t make it, but for those that do, they fill the rivers. Every four years the spectacle of millions of salmon making their way home increases significantly in size, referred to as the dominant year. This year, 2022, is a dominant year and one you don’t want to miss.

The Salmon has a deep significance in Indigenous culture, traditions, and history. Salmon was, and still is, a primary food source for Indigenous Peoples throughout BC, and the fish’s efforts to swim up rivers year after year and provide food to the nations throughout the province is honoured by these communities. In the past, the supply of salmon was a key factor in a communities livelihood and was sometimes even used for negotiating purposes. For many, the fish’s resilience and determination to accomplish their task of returning home is inspiring.

Adams River Salmon Run

Depending on where you are in the Thompson Okanagan will determine when you can expect to see the Sockeye and Chinook salmon run. From the end of September through to the end of October, the Adams River located between Kamloops and Salmon Arm, becomes a sea of red from the millions of Sockeye Salmon fighting to get home. The best place to view this spectacle is at the ​​​​Tsútswecw Provincial Park, 9.4km (5.84 miles) west of Sorrento on Hwy 1, turn left onto Squilax-Anglemont Rd and follow the road approximately 5km (3.11 miles). 

This park allows you to walk along the river on graded and accessible pathways as it weaves through the canyon and also has viewing platforms to offer a better view of the salmon. In 2022, the dominant year, there will be celebrations at the park titled Salute to the Sockeye. Artisans, food, and local Indigenous cultural exhibits will be on-site at the interpretive centre of the park from September 30th to October 23rd from 8:30AM to 4:30PM daily.

The Adams River salmon run has always been an extremely important part of the ​​Secwepemc Peoples food source and provided enough fish to eat fresh and dry and smoke for the long winter months. The run also signified the changing of the season. Although the stocks of salmon have begun to diminish due to increased threats from global warming, damage to riverbanks, overfishing, and climate change, the value of the Secwepemc Peoples of maintaining harmony and balance between themselves and mother earth has allowed for the sustainability of the salmon run still to this day. 

Other Locations to View the Salmon Run

Although the Adams River is one of the most renowned salmon runs in the Thompson Okanagan and British Columbia, there are other viewpoints to see the salmon embarking on their journey.

 In the North Thompson, by Valemount and Clearwater, the Chinook Salmon will have been on their journey for 1,300 km (807.78 miles) upstream and can be viewed throughout the month of August. Due to their size, they are the only Pacific Salmon able to make the journey so far up the Fraser River. 

Some of the best spots to view the run is George Hicks Regional Park, where you can follow a trail right from the Valemount Visitor Centre. There, you will find a viewing platform and information billboards to enjoy. This is the only accessible trail for people of all abilities to view the salmon in Valemount. Another unique spot to view the salmon is at Rearguard Falls, approximately 25 km (15.53 miles) north-east of Valemount. Due to the size of the falls and the fact that this is the last leg of the salmon’s journey, and only the strongest will make it this far, it can be challenging to spot them. Be sure to pay attention to the still pools bordering the falls. The final location to check out is Tete Jaune Spawning Grounds. This is a less visited spot and is only 20 km (12.42 miles) outside of Valemount. Being a less visited area, the chance to see wildlife and eagles fishing for salmon is quite high. 

Loon Creek Hatchery in Cache Creek, found in the Gold Country, is another place where you will find Kokanee. It is located on the paved Loon Lake Road which is 20 km (12.43 miles) north of Cache Creek. To spot the Kokanee returning home, mid September is best, but to see the new Kokanee making their way to the ocean, keep an eye out from January to April.

While in the Okanagan Valley, you can view the salmon as they follow the River channels from Osoyoos Lake up to Scotch Creek and the Adams River. A few key spots to see them is at Hardy Falls Regional Park in Peachland. This park is a local favourite and takes you on a beautiful path and over bridges to then end at a waterfall.

In the centre of Kelowna, explore the beautiful Mission Creek Greenway where you can explore their accessible trails and view the Kokanee salmon. Here, they have an Environmental Education Centre where you can learn more about this type of salmon and the animals found in the park. In Coldstream, just outside of Vernon, the Coldtream Park offers a lovely walking trail that will take you along the river where you will can also find spawning salmon during September and into October.  

Further North in the Thompson Okanagan, on the Shuswap River there is the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre in Enderby. This centre is a hatchery tasked with increasing the wild salmon stocks and an excellent place for you to spend your afternoon watching the salmon in the river.

No matter where you view the salmon run, please remember to give the fish their space and stay clear of the banks. Allowing pets to approach the water, throwing sticks, rocks, or food in the water, or going in yourself, can be very disruptive to the fish and harmful to the fish and river banks, which the fish rely on to lay their eggs. Commit to travelling with care and protecting the region for many years to come by singing the Thompson Okanagan 7 Affirmations Pledge.