The salmon run in Canada is one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena in the world. Every four years, millions of sockeye salmon migrate from the ocean to the rivers of British Columbia to spawn, making this a must-see experience for any traveller on holiday in Canada.
The journey of the sockeye salmon is nothing short of remarkable. These fish cross hundreds of kilometres from the ocean to the rivers of British Columbia, swimming against the current for over 400 km. Once they reach their destination, they burrow out a hole to lay their eggs, which will be later fertilized by males at their birthplace. Then, the salmon die in the ultimate sacrifice. Many don’t survive the gruelling journey, yet they can’t resist this call of nature.
Dominant years, which occur once every four years, see the largest schools of millions of sockeyes. The last dominant year was in 2018, and the next one is expected this year. Sockeye is the second-largest fish to spawn in the river. These fish become bright red with green heads and prefer to spawn in medium-depth, swifter water during the month of October.
The salmon run typically lasts for just one month, making it a unique and time-sensitive experience for travellers on holiday in Canada. The new generation will also follow a four-year life cycle. They spend around one year in freshwater before continuing to the ocean. In their fourth year of life, those who survived predators, fishing nets, and other hazards set off on a spawning journey back to their spawning waters.
The salmon eggs will stay in the gravel at the bottom of the river for 90 to 150 days, and the salmon actually hatch in mid-winter. The alevin, or larval salmon, stays in the gravel for several more weeks before emerging into the stream as fry in April or May.
A private tour to view the salmon run in Canada is a unique and unforgettable experience. Depending on your preferences and sense of adventure, the tour can range from a day trip to an in-depth experience that involves assisting a team in documenting the spawning cycle and taking photos.
The salmon run in Canada is a must-see experience for any traveller on holiday in Canada. This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon showcases the resilience and determination of the sockeye salmon as they make their journey back to their birthplace to spawn. Book a private tour with us to witness this remarkable wildlife spectacle and gain a newfound appreciation for the wonders of nature.
