Annual event invites residents to explore the life cycle of salmon at Hoy Creek
Coquitlam is set to celebrate the return of salmon to Hoy Creek with a day of complimentary outdoor activities for all ages at the Salmon Come Home event. Scheduled for Sunday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event takes place at the Hoy Creek Hatchery, offering educational experiences about the life cycle of salmon.
Participants can tour the fish hatchery, observe salmon fry, and watch a salmon dissection. The event also includes opportunities to view returning salmon, partake in interactive exhibits, and enjoy food with vegan options on-site.
Other attractions include the Nylon Zoo, a salmon-themed adventure with a costume parade for children, and live music by Etienne Siew. A family-friendly Explore Nature Contest offers attendees a chance to win eco-friendly prizes.
Educational exhibits presented by community stewardship groups like the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be available, adding to the learning experiences.
The event offers a chance to witness salmon returning to their home streams, highlighting their journey and life cycle. Co-hosting with the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, the event honors the salmon’s remarkable life cycle from sea to spawning site.
Chum salmon are expected to return between early October and mid-November, while Coho salmon arrive from late October to mid-December. Weather conditions can influence timings, encouraging residents to visit local streams throughout the fall.
Thanks to corporate partners like presenting partner Qualex-Landmark™ and supporting partner Fortis BC, the event remains free for the public.
Qualex-Landmark™, a leading development group in British Columbia, is known for offering boutique living experiences, including the Ironwood and Botanica projects in West Coquitlam.
The Coquitlam Corporate Partners Program supports local businesses’ connections with target audiences and community contributions, funding enhanced programs and services.
Community members are encouraged to support local businesses while exploring nature and are reminded to maintain cleanliness by packing out garbage during visits.
Coquitlam residents can help protect local waterways by participating in the Adopt-a-Catch Basin and Storm Drain marking programs and safely disposing of hazardous waste using Coquitlam’s Waste Wizard tool.
Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan, finalized in January 2022, continues to steer the city’s environmental education efforts, including initiatives like Salmon Come Home.
For more information about the event or to get involved with local conservation efforts, contact Caresse Selk, Senior Manager Environment at epw@coquitlam.ca or 604-927-3500. The city acknowledges its land’s heritage, named after the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word for ‘Red Fish Up the River.’