Capilano River Hatchery
Contact
604-666-1790 (8:00 am to 4:00 pm)
Fax: 604-666-1949
Hamid Seshadri
4500 Capilano Park Road
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7R 4L3
Key Activities
- Fish production to support sustainable fisheries
- Stewardship and education
- Coded wire tagging
- External partnerships
- First Nations partnerships
- Lake productivity monitoring
Local Fishing and Community Involvement
- Freshwater: Region 2 - Lower Mainland
- Tidal Water: Area 28 (Lower Mainland/Sunshine Coast)
- Community Projects: Burrard Inlet, Indian Arm, Vancouver
Notice
We want to assure Canadians of our commitment to maintaining essential services and delivering on our project requirements while advancing measures to minimize transmission of COVID-19.
For the safety of our staff and visitors, this location will be closed to the public until further notice.
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 238,000 visitors annually and is widely recognized for its contribution of coho and steelhead to the sport fishery in Burrard Inlet. The hatchery’s work has also introduced chinook to the system in an attempt to establish a self-sustaining run in the Capilano River fishery and in the Vancouver Harbour tidal sport fishery. 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.
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.
Visiting the Hatchery
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.
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: