Salmon returns on the Capilano River
49°22′ N 123°07′ WSeasonMar to Apr and Jun to NovSeasonal
Adult salmon return up the Capilano River in North Vancouver from June to November, and chinook join the coho in October and November. The run suits walkers on the river trails of Capilano River Regional Park, and the Capilano River Hatchery is closed to visitors from 1 October 2026 for construction.
Closed
The Capilano River Hatchery has closed to visitors
Fisheries and Oceans Canada closed the Capilano River Hatchery to the public on 1 October 2026 while crews renovate and modernize it. The department gives no date for visitors to come back.
Checked 2026-10-17 · pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Trail closure
Bridge building blocks the Capilano Pacific Trail and the way in from Rabbit Lane
Metro Vancouver is building a bridge on the Capilano Pacific Trail in Capilano River Regional Park, and the trail can't be passed through the work zone. The job also cuts off the way in from Rabbit Lane. Follow the posted safety signs and plan another route. The viewpoint platform on the same trail is closed for now as well.
Checked 2026-10-17 · metrovancouver.org
Trail closure
The Brothers Creek Bridge stays closed after a tree fell on it
A big tree came down on the Brothers Creek Bridge in Capilano River Regional Park and damaged its structure. Metro Vancouver asks everyone to keep off the bridge and use another route. It hasn't said when the bridge will reopen.
Checked 2026-10-17 · metrovancouver.org
Trail closure
Work on a new Cable Pool platform slows the Coho Loop
Metro Vancouver is building a new viewing platform at the Cable Pool in Capilano River Regional Park. Expect short delays on the Coho Loop Trail while crews work, and now and then a temporary closure. Follow the posted signs and the crews' directions. Metro Vancouver expects the work to carry on through the fall of 2026.
Checked 2026-10-17 · metrovancouver.org
Photo SqueakyMarmot · Flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0
Fisheries and Oceans Canada gives adult coho from June to November and adult chinook from October to November. Steelhead come back in March and April. The hatchery at 4500 Capilano Park Road sits inside Capilano River Regional Park, and DFO says it is closed to visitors until further notice while it goes through major renovations. Metro Vancouver dates the closure from 1 October 2026.
Several trails in the park are closed or detoured this autumn. Bridge construction blocks the Capilano Pacific Trail and Rabbit Lane, and Brothers Creek Bridge is shut after a falling tree damaged it. Expect delays on the Coho Loop Trail while Metro Vancouver replaces the Cable Pool platform, and read the park's notices before you set out.
Quick answers about Salmon returns on the Capilano River
When can you see salmon in the Capilano River?
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says adult coho return to the Capilano River from June to November and chinook in October and November. Steelhead follow in March and April.
Is the Capilano River Hatchery open to visitors?
No. The Capilano River Hatchery is closed to the public for construction from 1 October 2026, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada says it stays closed until further notice.
When is Salmon returns on the Capilano River?
Salmon returns on the Capilano River takes place chinook in October and November, coho from June to November and steelhead in March and April.
In the journal
