Every September, the Comox Valley Salmon Festival surges to life in Comox, British Columbia, inviting outdoor enthusiasts and families alike to engage with one of the region’s most vital natural phenomena—the return of the salmon. The festival centers on the sacred cycle when salmon swim upstream, defying currents and obstacles, to spawn and renew the ecosystem. This celebration merges cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and active outdoor fun into a weekend that honors the fierce vitality of both the salmon and their watery journey.

The festival grounds span local parks and riverbanks where visitors feel the pulse of the tide and the shimmer of rushing waters. Trails along the Courtenay River and Puntledge River offer immersive walks amid dense Douglas fir and western red cedar, branches whispering overhead while the rivers dare you to listen to their relentless flow. Trails vary from easy, approachable paths for families to more rigorous hikes that reward with unexpected viewpoints of the waterways alive with salmon activity.

Visitors can watch educational demonstrations clarifying how salmon shape the valley’s landscape and support local wildlife, from eagles wheeling above to bears lurking in shaded river bends. Practical experiences include guided hikes to spotting platforms, river clean-up activities, and interactive workshops on salmon-friendly gardening and conservation techniques.

Timing your visit is crucial: peak salmon runs and festival events typically fall between early to mid-September, when the air cools and the river currents grow stronger. Be ready for damp terrain and variable weather—layered clothing and waterproof footwear are musts. Hydrate and pack a light day bag with snacks to maintain energy for walks that can range from 3 to 8 kilometers.

For those who want to extend the experience, nearby trails such as Seal Bay Park provide scenic coastal views and forested sections that echo the festival’s spirit beyond the river’s edge. Comox town itself offers quaint accommodations and vibrant local eateries where fresh, salmon-inspired dishes turn the day’s experience into a culinary adventure.

Whether your interest lies in active nature walks, photography, cultural learning, or community participation, the Comox Valley Salmon Festival offers a chance to meet a landscape and wildlife that are fiercely themselves—unchanged by time, relentless in their return, and inviting us to witness and protect their journey.