Salmon Run
Each autumn, various types of Pacific salmon make the impressive journey upstream British Columbia to spawn a new generation of salmon, then die. Visit Goldstream Provincial Park during late-October/early November to witness this natural phenomenon in Greater Victoria, as millions of Pacific salmon forge their way upstream.
This journey typically lasts for approximately nine weeks and attracts a frenzy of bald eagles, river otters, and racoons wishing to catch an easy snack. Black bears have also been known to show up to the party, albeit more infrequently.

Responsible Traveller Guidelines:
- Keep dogs on-leash away from the river, or consider leaving your pup at home at this time.
- Avoid wearing reds, purples, and pinks - the salmon are sensitive to these colours.
- Avoid moving quickly, and approach the riverbank quietly.
Eagle Extravaganza
The salmon run attracts local wildlife who feast in this nutrient-rich water. Most notably are the bald eagles, who come in such large numbers at the end of the salmon run that it’s often referred to as the “eagle extravaganza”! The Goldstream Estuary is closed at this time to allow the eagles to feast uninterrupted, while visitors can observe them from a safe distance.
If you're visiting outside of the Salmon Run which occurs late October/early November, you can still bet your chances on seeing many eagles at Killarney Lake, which is near the larger Prospect Lake. Prepare yourself for a short hike in, and remember to peer between the trees into the lake - the eagles like to hang out on a fallen log in the centre of the lake. Consider packing your bathing suit - Killarney is a lovely watering hole for humans, too!

Top Goldstream Eagle Watching Tips:
- Start your visit at Goldstream's Nature House, where Naturalists offer free interpretive programs about the Eagle Extravaganza, hot pastries, beverages and nature books.
- Bring your binoculars, as the Estuary is closed during the Salmon Run.
- Consider coming on a weekday during the Salmon Run, when the park is much less busy.
Bears
While encountering the odd black bear on a coastal trail isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility (see our tips below to increase your bear aware-ness!), it is our responsibility to respect the bear and its home.
For a guided bear-viewing tour, look no further than Maple Leaf Adventures, who offers a number of boutique wildlife expeditions up to northern British Columbia and Alaska. Check out their Great Bear Rainforest itineraries, which will allow you to safely encounter grizzly bears, spirit bears, and and black bears in their natural, thriving habitat with the help of an experienced guide.

Tips on being Bear Aware:
- Pack bear spray if heading out on our remote trails, and learn how to use it.
- Check the park's webpage for any specific notices about bears in the area.
- While on the trail, make lots of noise, and hike in groups.
The best way to protect both yourself and the bears is to avoid them. An adult black bear can run 50 kilometrs per hour... you can not. We encourage you to visit BC Parks' website for many more Bear Country safety tips.