Capilano River Hatchery
On this page
- About us
- Visiting the hatchery
- Key activities
- Local fishing and community involvement
- When can I see salmon?
About us
Completed in 1971, the Capilano River Hatchery was built to strengthen declining Capilano salmon stocks that were affected by the construction of the Cleveland Dam. Today, the hatchery receives almost 250,000 visitors annually and is widely recognized for its contribution of coho and chinook to the recreational fishery in Burrard Inlet.
In the fall, salmon returning to the Capilano River provide an important food, social and ceremonial fishery for the Squamish First Nation.
The Capilano River Hatchery interpretive centre is open for public viewing daily, giving locals and visitors from around the world a chance to learn more about the salmon life cycle.
Visiting the hatchery
Address and contact information
4500 Capilano Park Rd
North Vancouver BC V7R 4L3
Telephone: 604-666-1790 (8 am to 4 pm)
Fax: 604-666-1949
Hatchery Manager: Hamid Seshadri
Email: DFO.CapilanoHatchery-Ecloseriedecapilano.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Hours
- November to March: 8 am to 4 pm
- April: 8 am to 6 pm
- May: 8 am to 7 pm
- June to August: 8 am to 8 pm
- September: 8 am to 7 pm
- October: 8 am to 6 pm
Directions
Heading north on Capilano Road (Capilano Road exit from Highway 1 or North Vancouver exit off Lions Gate Bridge, then left up Capilano Road) about half a kilometre past the Suspension Bridge, turn left on to Capilano Park Road (Look for the Capilano River Regional Park sign) and proceed one kilometre to end of the road.
Capilano River Hatchery is located in Capilano River Regional Park, which is operated by Metro Vancouver. See more information on the park.
The canyon can be a very dangerous place for people of all ages because of its steep and slippery banks. Some areas of the canyon are marked with signs and fenced off. Remember that it is possible for the river level to become dangerously high within a short period of time. Be aware, it is not possible to safeguard the entire park. Do not leave valuables in parked cars or buses.
Key activities
- Fish production to support sustainable fisheries
- Stewardship and education
- Coded wire tagging
- External partnerships
- Indigenous partnerships
- Lake productivity monitoring
Local fishing and community involvement
- Freshwater: Region 2 - Lower Mainland
- Tidal Waters: Area 28 (Lower Mainland/Sunshine Coast)
- Community Projects: Burrard Inlet, Indian Arm, Vancouver
When can I see salmon?
| Species | Dates |
|---|---|
| Chinook adults | October to November |
| Coho adults | June to November |
| Steelhead adults | March to April |
| Coho juveniles | all year |
| Chinook juveniles | March to May |
- Date modified: