Écloserie de la Riviere Puntledge - Courtenay, British Columbia

Bruce M.

Amazing hatchery. There is a viewing area where you can see all the fry before they are released into the river. Informed that over 4 million fish are released and that less than 1% survive long enough to return to breed.

Duncan M.

Great way to see salmon! The whole place is wheelchair accessible, including the underground viewing room, where you can see the salmon swimming through glass windows. Went with my kids' grade 1-3 class and everyone had a blast. The staff was super friendly, and more than willing to answer questions, and show demonstrations of milt/egg harvesting. Great view of the river, too.

Zack C.

Amazing experience on chinook salmon egg take day! Our kids got a special hands on experience with the egg removal process. They got to assist in blocking the sun, as to not allow the eggs to spoil. The workers explained the whole process, the importance and everything as they worked. The kids left in awe, and talked for the rest of the day about the experience. Very educational, learning process for them. My daughter is now inspired by them and is now interested in working with the fish.

Big thank you to the workers at the Fish Hatchery, especially the lady doing the egg removal (we never got your name!) You've made a couple of kids very happy, and taught them lessons they will never forget.

Emma B.

We love checking out the salmon every year!! Very clean and well kept. My kids and I have such a deep appreciation for the salmon and their incredible (and tough) life cycle!! 🐟🐟 (Bonus when they have educators there to do live demonstration’s etc)

Jolene W.

What a cool spot to check out.
Very informative. Not only did I learn about salmon and how they are introduced back to the river, I got to see them in the tanks, and the person working was happy to answer questions.

Lokesh T.

The reason to go here is for the tubing. What a blast. Enter at the fish hatchery (nothing exciting here). Once in the water, the ride is divided in three parts. Part 1 is pretty fast and loads of fun, ends at Puntledge Park where the beach is (on the right). Part 2 is a bit tamer and people who are scared could enter here for a somewhat softer ride. Part 2 ends at Condensory Road (look for an overhead bridge where kids may be jumping). Part 3 is from here to Lewis Park where you exit just before the bridge. This part is painfully slow and may be boring for some. Exit the water on your left before you get to the bridge. If you want to skip this part, just get off at Condensory Road on your right. Have fun!

Wade F.

Took out grandaughter for her first trip and fun was had by all!

Sorin M.

We absolutely loved viewing the fish! As an experienced aquaculture Tech who raised salmon at sea a few years back, it was so nice to share these amazing creatures with my children up close