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Big Qualicum Hatchery

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About us

The Big Qualicum Hatchery deploys a number of natural and artificial enhancement techniques to increase populations of Pacific salmon. It was the first of the modern enhancement projects to be undertaken in this province and has provided a model for other developments. Research and assessment at this facility have increased the scientific data available on salmonid behaviour, life cycle and habitat requirements. The hatchery is a resource for recreational fishers in the area and an employer for members of the Qualicum First Nations and the local community. The hatchery also provides an important source of fish for native food fisheries and countless hours of enjoyment for local recreational fishers. Big Qualicum is the hub facility for the Little Qualicum and Rosewall facilities.

Our hatchery and interpretive centre includes a display room containing a topographical model of the Big Qualicum project, public washrooms, viewing area which allows you to watch the fish eye-to-eye, a picnic site and nature trails. You can take a self-guided tour of the hatchery, which is open from 7 am to 3 pm daily, or tour the nearby walking trails at any time.

Visiting the hatchery

Address and contact information

215 Fisheries Rd
Qualicum Beach BC  V9K 1Z5

Telephone: 250-757-8412
Fax: 250-757-8741
Hatchery manager: Aaron Burgoyne
Email: Aaron.Burgoyne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Hours

8 am to 3 pm daily
Please telephone to confirm holiday hours.

Directions

From the Inland Island Hwy (19), take the Horne Lake exit (75). Follow Horne Lake Road until you pass the railroad tracks and take the next left (continuing onto Horne Lake Road). On your immediate left (you will see a Big Qualicum Hatchery sign), turn onto the gravel road (River Road). Follow that down to the hatchery parking lot.

From the Island Hwy (19A), take the exit on Horne Lake Road. Take the first right onto a gravel road (River Road) and continue until you reach the hatchery parking lot.

Key activities

Local fishing and community involvement

When can I see salmon?

Fall (mid-September to mid-November) is usually the best time, when the chinook and pink salmon return and the hatchery does eggs takes and sorting.

Horne Lake

Date Lake Level (ft) Surface Temperature (°C) River Flow (cfs)
March 30, 2023 385.7 4.6 120
March 23, 2023 385.6 4.3 120
March 8, 2023 385.5 3.5 189
March 3, 2023 385.9 3.7 190
February 24, 2023 386.2 3.5 192
February 16, 2023 386.7 3.9 255
February 2, 2023 386.7 3.8 352
January 26, 2023 387.4 4.4 265.0
January 19, 2023 388.6 5 524
January 12, 2023 386.4 4.3 376
January 5, 2023 384.7 4.3 123
December 28, 2022 382.5 4.1 125
December 22, 2022 376.7 4.8 117
December 15, 2022 377.0 5.6 117
December 8, 2022 377.4 6.4 118
December 1, 2022 377.4 7.3 132
November 24, 2022 377.7 9.0 134
November 17, 2022 378.0 9.0 106
November 10, 2022 378.3 10.0 106
November 3, 2022 378.5 12.6 153
October 27, 2022 378.4 14.2 153
October 21, 2022 378.89 16.2 147
October 13, 2022 379.8 17.1 147
October 5, 2022 380.7 17.5 148
September 29, 2022 381.5 17.5 168
September 15, 2022 383.4 19.9 179
September 8, 2022 384.5 20.9 183
September 1, 2022 385.2 20.8 107
August 25, 2022 385.8 18.0 108
August 18, 2022 386.2 17.9 109
August 11, 2022 386.8 14.7 109
August 4, 2022 387.2 15.7 110
July 29, 2022 387.6 16.1 110
July 20, 2022 388.1 13.1 110
July 14, 2022 388.5 15.6 112
July 7, 2022 388.8 12.6 113
June 30, 2022 388.9 11.8 116
June 23, 2022 389.2 10.2 159
June 16, 2022 389.4 10.4 163
June 9, 2022 389.4 9.7 301
June 2, 2022 390.2 9.0 371
May 26, 2022 390.3 9.7 237
May 19, 2022 391.5 8.6 364
May 12, 2022 390.5 7.3 215
May 5, 2022 390.5 7.2 213
April 28, 2022 390.3 6.4 134
April 21, 2022 389.7 5.7 143
April 7, 2022 391.7 6.2 683
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