Where to See the Salmon Run in Ontario
The first time I witnessed the incredible spectacle of the salmon run in Ontario, I was left in absolute awe. Watching these resilient fish navigate upstream, leaping over obstacles with sheer determination, was a sight I’ll never forget. It was such a captivating experience that I knew I had to seek out more places across the province to witness this natural phenomenon.
There are numerous spots to watch the salmon migration in Ontario every fall, each offering a unique perspective on this awe-inspiring journey. Port Hope, with its charming downtown and the Ganaraska River teeming with salmon, is a popular choice. Meanwhile, the Credit River in Mississauga provides a wonderful urban backdrop.
Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just curious to see what all the fuss is about, add one of the following salmon run locations to your fall bucket list. It’s an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike!
What time of year do the salmon run in Ontario?
The salmon run begins at the end of summer and goes into fall. It typically starts near the end of August and continues through the end of October.
6 Best Places to see the Salmon Run in Ontario
Port Hope
The first place I ever witnessed the salmon run was in Port Hope. During a fall visit, I arrived at the Port Hope fish ladder at Corbett’s Dam and was immediately in awe! Swimming up the Ganaraska River were countless fish. They were huge; like small sharks as their dorsal fin peeked out of the water.
The fish ladder is one of the best places to visit in Port Hope, especially in the fall. As the fish approach the dam, they start to jump at the opening of the fish ladder. It’s astounding to watch these fish propel themselves out of the water and up into the air, sometimes 4 or 5 feet, to get in the opening. As I stood watching with the small crowd that gathered, it was like we all cheered when one got in and up the ladder.
I think Port Hope is the best place to see the salmon run in Ontario! The town thinks so too, as they host an annual festival called the Salmon Run.
Mississauga
For those looking for places to see the salmon run near Toronto, plan a visit to Mississauga. The Credit River runs up from Lake Ontario through the city. It passes through a number of parks in Mississauga to see the salmon migration.
One of the best places to see the salmon run in Mississauga is the Riverwood Conservancy. In the park you can hike along the Culham Trail, which follows the Credit River. The trail offers a number of great views of the river to spot the salmon.
Other parks in Mississauga along the Credit River to see the salmon run include: Erindale Park and Meadowvale Conservation Area. I love the bridges in Meadowvale Conservation Area that cross the river for great views!
Owen Sound
A great day trip option to experience the Ontario salmon migration is to Owen Sound. Best known for the many waterfalls in the city, there’s a number of unique things to do in Owen Sound. One is to visit the Mill dam & Fish Ladder.
The Mill Dam & Fish Ladder in Owen Sound is located along the Sydenham River. It offers a great spot to watch the salmon migrate in the fall. Another place to see the salmon is right on the Sydenham River. Grab your canoe or kayak, or rent one from The Launch in town, and paddle alongside fish for a unique perspective.
Fun Fact: Chinook salmon eat their body weight in food every day in preparation for spawning.
Sault Ste. Marie
Along with being one of the best stops between Toronto and Thunder Bay on a Northern Ontario road trip, Sault Ste. Marie is popular for salmon fishing. The St. Marys River is considered one of the best places for fishing. Flowing right through downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the river is home to Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon as early as July.
So, whether you’re looking for unique places to see them or take part in some world class fishing, add Sault Ste. Marie to your list.
Thornbury
Best known for one of the top fall activities, the Apple Pie Trail, Thornbury is also a great place to see the salmon run. Right downtown, is the Thornbury Fishway. Located near Georgian Bay, the fishway offers a place for the salmon to swim up the Beaver River to spawn.
Operated for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the fishway is off of Bridge Street, between Mill and Hester Streets. I recommend the east side of the river to take in the Chinook Salmon as they wholeheartedly jump to make their way upstream.
Just south of downtown Thornbury is another place to visit in the fall for the salmon migration, the Clendenan Conservation Area. The park covers nearly 120 acres, with the Beaver River running right through it. It’s also home to a trail, the Beaver River Trail that offers peeks at the river where the salmon migrate through. There’s also another dam with a fish ladder.
Manitoulin
For one of the coolest places to see the salmon migration in Ontario plan a trip to Manitoulin Island. At one of the top attractions on Manitoulin Island, Bridal Veil Falls, you’ll see the salmon spawning in the pool at the base of the falls.
I recommend starting your journey in town and hike along the Kagawong River Trail. The scenic trail follows the Kagawong River, which feeds Bridal Veil Falls. And you can see the Chinook salmon swimming along the river, on their way to the waterfall.
More Places to See the Fall Salmon Migration in Ontario
Toronto
If you’re looking for where to see the salmon run in Toronto, the Humber River offers a great opportunity. The Humber River is one of the major rivers in Toronto and is considered tributary of Lake Ontario. Stretching 100 km, there are a number of places in Toronto to see the salmon migration in the fall.
One of the best parks in Toronto to see the salmon migration is Etienne Brule Park. The park allows you to get up close to the Humber River to spot the salmon. There’s even a little waterfall that offers a cool spot to watch the fish jump.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Another place near Toronto to see the salmon run is Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville. In addition to the park’s various fall activities, it’s a great spot to see salmon in the fall. Take the Half Moon Valley Trail, which gets you access to the water. At the water’s edge you can see Steelhead and Chinook Salmon. Plus, you can also fish from here, with a valid permit.
Goderich
One of the prettiest small towns in Ontario is also another destination where you can see the salmon migration. Goderich is known for its beautiful beaches and pretty downtown. But 15 mins southeast of downtown Goderich, is a place that should be on your radar this fall.
Falls Reserve Conservation Area is a scenic park close Goderich and has the Maitland River flowing through it. The river through the park is wide and shallow and features a number of small waterfalls. It’s also a great place to see the salmon run!
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If you’re looking for something unique to do this fall, experiencing the salmon migration in Ontario is a must! It also offers a great excuse to take a fall day trip to visit new places across the province, in addition to seeing this incredible natural wonder.
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