Adams River Salmon Run, Kamloops, British Columbia

This year is known as a subdominate year in the Salmon Run cycle, one year after the dominate run in 2010 that surprised experts with its 10-million strong return, the largest in recorded history. 

While Sockeye are just starting to enter the system and show up at Dams River in small numbers, biologists expect as many as 400,000 - 500,000 spawning salmon this year. 

These adult sockeye will battled the Fraser River and the Thompson River to reach the Adams River. The 12- kilometre long Adams River will be the final stop for as many as two million of these salmon.

While the sockeye return every year, the migration that occurs every fourth year (2010, 2014, 2018...) dwarfs the others. Over three million sockeye made the journey in 2002. 

Make Kamloops a part of your travel plans this fall and to see this world famous Sockeye Salmon Run, where over 2 million Sockeye Salmon are once again estimated to return home to the Adams River. The Adams River is located between the Adams Lake and Shuswap Lakes, about a 40 minute drive from Kamloops. The crimson salmon are easily seen in the river at the Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park where viewing platforms and walking paths have been established for many visitors to enjoy this natural attraction.

2011 Adams River Sockeye Salmon Run in Kamloops - Sample Itineraries

Make Kamloops your home base while exploring the Sockeye Salmon Run.  Check out some sample itineraries to help you plan your weekend getaway!

Back to Nature Salmon Run Itinerary

Family Salmon Run Itinerary