Where to see the salmon spawn in the Comox Valley
Salmon and wildlife
Fall is one of the most vibrant times of year for the Comox Valley’s river ecosystems. A time when the intrigue of the salmon spawn and the wildlife that feasts on it draws a crowd to the trails and beaches of the Puntledge River.
It’s an unforgettable sight for first-time viewers and locals alike as the water swirls and splashes with the swarm of hundreds of salmon swimming upriver as the adult salmon return to their home river after a few years at sea to spawn. The salmon are crucial for the biodiversity of flora and fauna found along the river’s banks, feeding bears, eagles, and other wildlife, while their carcasses disperse nutrients into the soil to feed our lush forests. Make sure to view wildlife from a minimum of 30m away, and bears from 100m, so as not to disturb them. And don’t forget your camera!
The History of the Puntledge River
The abundance of the Puntledge River has been a vital site of sustenance for local First Nations for millenia. It runs from Comox Lake west of the Inland Highway downstream to connect with the Tsolum River, where the two then form the Courtenay River which flows out through the estuary to the sea. The K’omoks First Nation whose lands you’ll be travelling on when you visit us today incorporates the K’omoks and Pentlatch peoples. The Pentlach people originally had their own distinct language. “Pentlatch” is where the name “Puntledge” first came from—a Vancouver Island Exploring Expedition gave it this name in 1854.
The Indigenous peoples along our coastline referred to the area which today encompasses the Comox Valley as The Land of Plenty. The Puntledge River was part of this plentifulness, having historically boasted vast numbers of chinook salmon, other types of salmon like Coho, pink, and chum, and steelhead trout.
Learn more about the K'omoks First Nation culture & history.
Family-friendly learning at the Puntledge River Hatchery
Today, the success of the salmon run is supported by the Puntledge River Hatchery which has helped bring a rapidly decreasing number of salmon in the river back to healthy levels. Why not head out on a family-friendly, self-guided tour of the hatchery to learn more about the hatchery itself and the life cycle of the salmon? Interpretive displays, signs, and even an underwater viewing area make it a fantastic place to blend education and awe. The hatchery is open from 8AM-3:30PM daily and adult salmon can be viewed from mid-September to December 1.
The best trails for fall wildlife viewing
Once you’ve stocked up on your salmon knowledge, check the weather, throw on your cap or raincoat, and head out into our extensive trail system to explore the river’s winding route.
To the west of the highway, near Comox Lake, the Puntledge River Recreational Trails can be accessed from Lake Trail Road. These trails are rated easy to moderate depending on which you choose and are perfect for bikers and hikers, along with several that are suitable for sports wheelchairs and strollers. On the other side of the river, Nymph Falls is particularly popular for those travelling with their four-legged friends as it’s specifically signposted as being dogs-off-leash-friendly.
In Courtenay, access to the river can be found at the Ruth Masters Greenway near the Puntledge River Hatchery with its mix of gravel pathways, river viewing spots, bridges, and more rooty sections. As you follow the river downstream, easier access can be found at the quieter Bear James Park, and the popular Puntledge Park with its gently sloping gravelly riverside beach that is popular with swimmers and families. The shallow gravel edges of the Puntledge River in this area are also popular with fly fishers hoping to catch a taste of the salmon spawn.
Allow the river to take you to where it joins the Tsolum River to become the Courtenay River and then the Courtenay Estuary where you might also spot seals and wading birds. Trails along this section can be found at Lewis Park which is dog-friendly, Simms Millenium Park, the Courtenay Riverway walkway, and Courtenay Airport Lagoon Salt Marsh.
As you journey along our spectacular river system and appreciate its incredible biodiversity, we hope you feel inspired to protect the places you get to explore. We encourage visitors to learn about Leave No Trace principles and be wildlife aware so as not to disturb feeding behaviours or create habituation. Let’s protect these green spaces together and ensure the joy of spotting jumping salmon and a thriving river ecosystem can be enjoyed for generations to come.
