Salmon Come Home

Most years, the City along with the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society celebrate the return of salmon to local creeks in the fall to watch the salmon battle their way back to their spawning grounds. Coquitlam has several salmon-viewing spots, with one of the best being Hoy Creek Linear Park. 

2023 Salmon Come Home Event

Mark your calendars for this year's event:  Sunday October 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details coming soon.

Celebrate the Life Cycle of Salmon 

Co-hosted by the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, Salmon Come Home celebrates the life cycle of salmon, which spend their adult lives at sea and then return to the creeks where they hatched to spawn and die, completing their life cycle (up to 7 years). 

Typically, chum salmon return to local creeks from early October to mid-November, and coho from late October to mid-December. Return dates of salmon fluctuate annually based on weather conditions. Coquitlam residents can keep their eyes open all fall and visit other local creeks as well using the City’s map of salmon-viewing locations.

For those who enjoy self-guided activities, the City is providing instructions for a family-friendly scavenger hunt – seeking items such as a spider web or pinecone, to help you explore nature and have fun.  

While exploring the community, please remember to support our Coquitlam businesses by shopping, enjoying a meal out or picking up takeout. Don't forget to always pack out what you pack in, do not leave garbage. It's unsightly and it serves as an attractant to wild animals, especially bears.

Be Safe Outdoors and Be Bear Smart

While enjoying the outdoors be aware, listen and watch for bears:

  • Look for posted signs about animal activity. If you spot a bear, make a wide detour and leave the area the way that you came.
  • Look for bear signs like tracks, droppings, overturned rocks, rotten trees torn apart, clawed or bitten trees, bear trails, fresh diggings or trampled vegetation. These signs may indicate the bear is still in the area.
  • Make noises by talking to each other, singing or clapping your hands near streams to let a bear know of your presence.
  • Keep dogs on a leash so they cannot chase or antagonize a bear causing it to be aggressive.

If you see a bear:

  • Stop and remain calm. Often, if the bear has found a food source, do not disturb.
  • Give bears their space - stay at least 100 metres away.
  • Don’t scream, yell or run.
  • Talk in a low and calm voice while backing away slowly.
  • Keep away from the bear and warn others to do the same.