Capilano Salmon Hatchery

This is my favorite North Shore [1] attraction—and not only because it’s free. If you’ve always wanted to know more about the life cycle of salmon, or if you just want some facts to back up your fish stories, visit the Capilano Salmon Hatchery (Capilano Rd., 604/666-1790, daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m. in summer, until dusk the rest of the year) on the Capilano River, upstream from the suspension bridge.

Beside the rushing Capilano River and ensconced in cool rainforest, salmon are diverted through a channel and into man-made spawning grounds. The channel is topped by a metal grate in one section and lined with glass windows in another. This allows up-close viewing of the salmon as they fight the current through their July to October run. In addition to the life cycle displays, an exhibit on fly-fishing holds some interesting old tackle.