In September and October, many communities around Ontario gather to celebrate the salmon run. The fall activity is a time of learning and fun, and an opportunity to watch the salmon swim upstream to spawn.
Even in the Toronto area, there are plenty of places to spot a salmon run.
Blue Mountain Watershed, The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountain Watershed north of Toronto will be hosting a celebration of the salmon run on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event revolves around Silver Creek and the return of the chinook salmon to spawning grounds. Visitors can take a 20-minute self-guided nature hike along the creek and watch for salmon swimming upstream. Conservation experts will be in the area offering more information about fish spawning and the habitat. Kids who attend will receive fish passports, which can be stamped at different locations in the area. People who prefer to cycle can pick up a map and explore a 25-kilometre tour that includes roads and trails, including streams where salmon can be found.TRCA Adventures of Salmon, Scarborough
A free family event celebrating the salmon run is scheduled for Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Morningside Park in Scarborough. The event is hosted by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Visitors can enjoy educational and interactive booths that look at the life of salmon including the migration phase, species, and how the TRCA is helping the fish thrive. People are invited to take a self-guided tour along Highland Creek Trail and look out for salmon heading upstream to spawn.TRCA is also hosting salmon run events in Etobicoke Creek on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., on Sept. 29 at Duffins Creek in Ajax from 10 a.m. until noon, and on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Toronto’s Raymore Park. A salmon run event is also planned for Oct. 19 at Morningside Park from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
