Toronto’s fall colours aren’t the only natural spectacle worth heading outdoors for this month. Right now, huge salmon are making their way through rivers and creeks across the city, and at some spots, you can even watch them launch themselves out of the water.
It’s all part of the annual fall salmon run, a migration that takes place as colder autumn waters signal salmon in Lake Ontario to begin travelling upstream through local rivers and creeks toward their spawning grounds. And these are some super powerful swimmers: according to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), salmon can jump three metres or more while making their way upstream!
In Toronto, the spectacle is very pretty along the Humber River, where Chinook salmon typically push upstream from late September through mid-October (although the exact number of fish you’ll see depends on the water levels and timing).
Here are some of the best places around the city to catch the salmon run for yourself.
Étienne Brûlé Park at the Old Mill Dam
The Humber River is one of the best places in the GTA to watch the fall salmon run, and the Old Mill Dam gives the most dramatic show. Chinook salmon making their way upstream have to clear a weir measuring about 1.5 metres high, so visitors can watch the fish repeatedly leap right out of the river!
The viewing area is at 10 Catherine St., and it’s easy to reach without a car (about a 10-minute walk from Old Mill subway station). You can also have an expert explain what you’re seeing: the TRCA is hosting guided Salmon Adventure walks at Étienne Brûlé Park on Oct. 17, with walks focused on the salmon life cycle, migration and conservation efforts (bonus: walks are free!).
Raymore Park in Etobicoke
Follow the Humber River farther upstream and you’ll find another good salmon-watching location at Raymore Park. A TRCA-built fish ladder at the park helps salmon negotiate a second barrier in the river (so the fish won’t be forced to make another massive leap!). Once they make it upstream, you may be able to spot them splashing through the shallower stretches of the Humber. 93 Raymore Dr.
Morningside Park Along Highland Creek Trail
Start at Morningside Park and follow the Highland Creek Trail through a string of green spaces, including Colonel Danforth Park and Lower Highland Creek Park. Chinook salmon can be spotted resting in pools and pushing through the shallow rapids as they make their way upstream! 390 Morningside Ave.
Rouge National Urban Park
A little farther east, you can look for migrating salmon amid the forests and fall colours of Rouge National Urban Park. Both the Rouge River and Little Rouge Creek provide routes for migratory fish, including Chinook salmon travelling upstream from Lake Ontario to spawn. Start at the Glen Rouge Day Use Area at 7450 Kingston Rd. and then head down the Mast Trail toward the river valley.
Charles Sauriol Conservation Area
Charles Sauriol Conservation Area is much to the Don Valley, near the forks of the Don River. The East Don typically sees some of its strongest salmon activity in early to mid-October. The conservation area is located at 1191 Lawrence Ave. E., with trails running alongside the river and through the surrounding ravine.
The TRCA is also holding free Salmon Adventure walks here on Oct. 18 (morning and afternoon sessions) where guides will search for migrating salmon while explaining their life cycle and the restoration work along Toronto waterways.
Oh, and if you happen to spot salmon, the TRCA wants to know about it! The conservation authority has an online salmon-monitoring program where Torontonians can report their sightings and help researchers track migrating fish across the region.
If the Toronto spots aren’t enough for you, click here for more salmon run spots across the province.