Capilano River Hatchery


Just 2km north of Capilano Suspension Bridge, this government-run fish farm works to protect coho, chinook and steelhead salmon stocks. Visit from July to November and you'll likely catch adult salmon swimming through fish ladders past the rapids in a heroic effort to reach their spawning grounds upstream, after which they promptly die in a scripted life cycle possibly penned by Samuel Beckett.

Eye-level tanks display the creatures while enlightening exhibits help explain the entire mysterious process. If you're driving here (rather than swimming with the salmon) head north along Capilano Rd, then turn left onto Capilano Park Rd and continue for 1km.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

0.78 MILES

As you inch gingerly across one of the world's longest (140m) and highest (70m) pedestrian suspension bridges, swaying gently over roiling Capilano Canyon…

2. Grouse Mountain

2.42 MILES

The self-proclaimed 'Peak of Vancouver,' this mountain-top playground, accessed via Skyride gondola (included with admission), offers spectacular views of…

3. Ferry Building Art Gallery

2.7 MILES

Housed in a cute wooden heritage building, which was once a ferry terminal when transit boats plied the waters between West Van and Vancouver, this…

4. Polygon Gallery

3.32 MILES

North Van's former Presentation House Gallery renamed itself and relocated to this dramatic, sawtooth-roofed waterfront landmark in 2017, providing…

5. West Vancouver Seawall

3.39 MILES

Take bus 250 from downtown Vancouver and hop off on Marine Dr at the intersection with 24th St. Peruse the stores and coffee shops in Dundarave Village,…

6. Waterpark

3.63 MILES

One of Stanley Park's biggest lures for kids, this free-use summer-long attraction is the perfect way to cool down on hot days. Jets and pools keep the…

7. Lumberman's Arch

3.65 MILES

A chunky wooden structure erected here in 1952 to recognize BC's logging industry; the nearby grassy swathe is an ideal spot for picnics.

8. Vancouver Aquarium

3.79 MILES

Stanley Park's biggest draw is home to 9000 critters – including sharks, wolf eels and a somewhat shy octopus. There's also a small, walk-through…