As you arrive in Campbell River, you’ll no doubt notice the signs that read “Salmon Capital of the World”. All five types of salmon are found in our rivers: Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye. At different times of the year, Campbell River’s waterways fill with spawning salmon laying their eggs, then tiny juvenile fish (known as “fry”) that travel out to the Pacific Ocean, which return to our rivers once again as adults to spawn.
Travellers come from all over to fish in the Campbell River, but the arrival of the salmon also sparks a highly unique activity that draws intrigued water and wildlife enthusiasts from all over: the chance to snorkel with salmon in Campbell River.
The Best Time To Snorkel With Salmon in Campbell River
It’s an otherworldly experience to be immersed in the Campbell River surrounded by the flick and splash of hundreds, if not thousands, of salmon. The run of the river allows you to float from the entry point below the logging bridge off Gold River Highway 28 to an exit point down river over the course of 40 minutes.
Snorkelling with salmon season can begin as early as mid-July, as soon as the rivers begin to fill with the returning salmon. But the best time to snorkel with salmon in Campbell River is when there’s a peak in the number of salmon, usually in mid-August until the end of September. The rivers may be quieter, but salmon are still present until late October and even into November. You’ll just want to make sure you’ve got the right gear to keep you warm in the cooler weather.
Getting Guidance
New to snorkelling with salmon? One of the best ways to snorkel with the salmon safely and confidently is with the appropriate gear available in the River Run Rental Package from Campbell River’s Oceanfix.ca Dive Centre.
Oceanfix.ca Dive Centre’s knowledgeable team has been snorkelling with salmon for years and is ready to share all their insights, tips, and tricks so you, your friends, and your family can enjoy an unforgettable water and wildlife adventure. Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera (with a way to keep it securely attached to you)—our waters offer incredible visibility and you’ll want to take a few snaps for the memory bank.
After you’ve enjoyed your spectacular snorkelling experience, take in more of our river ecosystems with a hike along the Canyon View trail or Quinsam River trail. You’ll learn more about the salmon and their lifecycle through interpretive signage along the way or through a visit to the Quinsam River Hatchery.
Sharing Our Waterways
When snorkelling with salmon in Campbell River, it’s important to be mindful that you’ll be sharing the river with avid fishermen. Keep away from casting lines, avoid areas that have a high density of fishermen, and also be aware that wildlife also feast on salmon. Be bear aware when using the trails around the river and accessing the water, and keep an eye out for curious seals as you get closer to the estuary.
Looking for other activities to add on to your visit to snorkel with salmon in Campbell River? Check out more reasons to visit Campbell River in Autumn and our guide to year-round activities in Campbell River.
