An amazing natural phenomenon is about to take over Toronto’s waterways, and you can witness the whole thing right from the city’s urban parks.
Every autumn, thousands of massive Chinook and Coho salmon embark on a heroic journey, swimming upstream from Lake Ontario to spawn in local rivers. It’s one of Toronto’s most incredible seasonal spectacles, and completely free to watch.
If you’re searching for the best places in the city to catch the salmon migration, these parks are your best bet:
Étienne Brûlé Park (Humber River)
Arguably the top spot in the city to catch the action, Étienne Brûlé Park offers front-row seats to salmon leaping over the famous Old Mill Dam. Here, you can watch as these powerful fish propel themselves up to a metre and a half into the air, fighting the heavy current to continue their journey upstream.
Located just a short five-minute walk from Old Mill Subway Station, it’s exceptionally easy to reach via public transit.
Raymore Park (Humber River)
If you prefer a quieter viewpoint slightly further upriver, Raymore Park in Etobicoke is a incredible alternative. Here, you’ll find a specially designed fish ladder built by conservation authorities that allows migrating salmon to navigate past a major weir. The elevated footbridge gives visitors a fantastic vantage point directly above the water.
Morningside Park (Highland Creek)
Tucked away in Scarborough’s lush urban forest, Morningside Park transforms into a haven for salmon watchers every fall. The shallow, winding waters of Highland Creek offer remarkably close views of the salmon resting and pushing through the rapids.
You can follow the scenic trail connecting down to Colonel Danforth Park to trace the migration through colourful fall foliage.
Charles Sauriol Conservation Area (East Don River)
For those in the north end of the city, the East Don Trail within Charles Sauriol Conservation Area provides safe boardwalks and bridges perched right over the river. Located near the Forks of the Don, it’s a peaceful spot to watch salmon work their way upstream while taking in peak autumn colours.
Evergreen Brick Works (Lower Don River)
Combine an autumn hike with local eats by heading to Evergreen Brick Works. A stroll north along the Bayview Multi-Use Trail connects you directly to active viewing areas along the Lower Don River, making it an ideal weekend outing.
Keep in mind, the peak of the salmon run typically occurs from mid-September through October. The absolute best time to spot them jumping is 24 to 48 hours after a good rainfall, when rising river levels trigger heavy movement upstream.
