Coquitlam invites residents of all ages to celebrate the annual return of salmon to Hoy Creek with a fun-filled day of free outdoor activities at the popular Salmon Come Home event.
COQUITLAM, B.C., October 15, 2024 – Coquitlam invites residents of all ages to celebrate the annual return of salmon to Hoy Creek with a fun-filled day of free outdoor activities at the popular Salmon Come Home event. Taking place on Sunday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hoy Creek Hatchery, this family-friendly event highlights the incredible life cycle of salmon while offering hands-on learning experiences for the whole community.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the fish hatchery, learn about salmon fry, and even watch a fascinating salmon dissection up close. From viewing returning salmon species to taking part in interactive exhibits and enjoying the on-site food cart (with vegan options), there’s something for everyone. Attendees can also enjoy:
- Nylon Zoo: A fan-favourite, this inflatable salmon-themed adventure includes a costume parade for children.
- Musical Entertainment: Enjoy live performances from Etienne Siew throughout the day.
- Explore Nature Contest: Participate in this family-friendly contest for a chance to win eco-friendly prizes.
Learn and Explore
In addition to the activities, visitors can engage with a variety of educational displays from community stewardship groups, including the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, City staff from the Environment and Parks divisions and more.
This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the salmon returning to their home creeks and to learn about their extraordinary journey.
Celebrate the Salmon Life Cycle
Co-hosted by the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, the Salmon Come Home event honours the remarkable salmon life cycle. After spending years at sea, salmon return to the creeks where they hatched, spawning and dying to complete their journey.
Chum salmon typically return from early October to mid-November, while Coho arrive from late October to mid-December. The timing can vary based on weather conditions, so Coquitlam residents are encouraged to visit Hoy Creek and other local streams throughout the fall to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder. For self-guided exploration, pick up a scavenger hunt map at coquitlam.ca/SalmonComeHome.
Corporate Partners Lend Their Support to Provide Free Event
Salmon Come Home would not be possible without the generous support of our corporate partners.
About Qualex-Landmark
Qualex-Landmark™, recognized as one of British Columbia’s leading development groups, has been creating boutique living experiences for over 30 years. Known for their distinct designs and attention to detail, Qualex introduces Ironwood and Botanica in West Coquitlam—each offering a unique perspective on functionality, craftsmanship, and care.
About the Coquitlam Corporate Partners Program
The Coquitlam Corporate Partners Program is a marketing partnership program that allows businesses to connect with their target audiences while directly contributing to the community where their customers live, learn, work and play. The revenue generated through the Corporate Partners Program benefits residents and the community-at-large by funding enhanced programs and services. To find a partnership opportunity that might be right for your business, contact CorporatePartners@coquitlam.ca or visit coquitlam.ca/CorporatePartners.
Support Local and Enjoy the Outdoors
While you're out enjoying Coquitlam's natural spaces, take some time to support local businesses for snacks and supplies. Don’t forget to pack out all garbage and wildlife attractants to help keep our parks clean and wildlife-safe.
To discover more parks and trails in Coquitlam, visit coquitlam.ca/ParkFinder or coquitlam.ca/trails for maps and trail information.
Protecting Coquitlam’s Waterways
Help protect local salmon and aquatic life by participating in the City’s Adopt-a-Catch Basin and Storm Drain marking programs. Did you know storm drains empty directly into local streams? By keeping drains clear of debris and preventing harmful substances from entering them, you’re playing a direct role in safeguarding our fish habitats.
For more details, or to get involved, visit coquitlam.ca/AdoptaCatchBasin or contact the City’s Water Conservation Coordinator at waterconservation@coquitlam.ca or 604-927-3636.
Keep Hazardous Waste Out of Streams
Substances like pool chemicals, pesticides, paint, and oil can harm fish and wildlife if disposed of improperly. These materials must be discarded safely. Use Coquitlam’s Waste Wizard tool at coquitlam.ca/recycling to find out where you can safely dispose of hazardous waste.
Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan
Coquitlam finalized an Environmental Sustainability Plan in January 2022 that will guide decisions and ensure the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the community. Collaborating with community organizations to provide environmental education opportunities, like Salmon Come Home, is one of the actions in the plan. Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability Plan at coquitlam.ca/EnviroPlan.
Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Senior Manager Environment
epw@coquitlam.ca
604-927-3500
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.