A Coho salmon being released as part of last year's Spawning Day Fundraiser at Nanaimo River Hatchery. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Community gathering

Nanaimo Fish Hatchery hosts popular hands-on annual event

Oct 31, 2026 | 10:03 AM

NANAIMO — B.C.’s iconic Pacific salmon species will be on full display at an increasingly popular annual event at Nanaimo River Hatchery.

The hatchery’s popular annual Spawning Day Fundraiser takes place on Sunday, Nov. 1, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 2775 Rugby Rd. off the Trans Canada Hwy.

Potentially over 2,000 people will be on hand at the by-donation event, which hatchery manager Brian Banks said will be a visible spectacle as mature Chum and Coho salmon return to spawning grounds.

“The low water without rain, they’ve been kind of holding off. Now we’re getting a bit of rain here this week, they’re coming back in good numbers this week — they’ll (Chum) be the star of the show, with a few of the early Coho showing up,” Banks told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Event itinerary for Sunday’s Spawning Day Fundraiser. (Image Credit: Nanaimo River Hatchery)

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With Chum salmon in the middle of their return cycle, Banks said there will be plenty of jumping, splashing salmon returning to the river and creek system behind their hatchery.

Spawning demonstrations, steam walks, dissections and the ability to release a young Coho salmon are among the activities available.

“Kids can release fish back into the river, they can name them if they want, we’ve got a barbecue and lots of exhibitors set up. It’s just a great day for the family, especially with the weather looking good.”

Banks said in the range of 40,000 to 60,000 mature Chum salmon return to their system to spawn annually, joined by 10,000 to 20,000 pinks, 6,000 to 8,000 chinook salmon and 4,000 to 6,000 cohos.

Nanaimo River Stewardship Society oversees the hatchery on contract from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Banks said the Spawning Day Fundraiser is a key financial driver to fund a variety of infrastructure and program needs.

“It goes where we need it that’s not covered by our annual contract.”

Banks estimated around 2,000 elementary students tour the hatchery every year.

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by Ian Holmes

Nanaimo Fish Hatchery hosts popular hands-on annual event

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