Qualicum River Hatchery Trails

It's officially Fall, and the perfect time to explore the Big and Little Qualicum River hatchery trails.

From mid-September until mid-November, Chinook and Pink salmon return to the hatchery and spawn. Consequently, the rivers and channels are full of active (and dying) fish, which attract all types of birds and wildlife.

The trails are also surrounded by beautiful maples, which make for a very colourful walk when timed right!

This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you happen to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Big Q Quick Trail Facts

• Trail Features: Spawning salmon (during the fall); Hatchery; River views; Footbridges; Wildlife
• Length: 10 km (one way), level gravel trail; or, take the side trails.
• Hazards: Black bears frequent the area, especially during the salmon run. Due to the abundance of wildlife, especially large raptors, it's best to keep little dogs nearby.
• Difficulty: Easy flat trail that runs along the river
• Suitability: Everyone!
• Bike Trails: The flat trail is great for leisure family bike rides

Big Qualicum River Hatchery Trails

The trail starts at the Big Qualicum Hatchery and follows the 10-kilometre-long gravel hatchery service road the length of the river. The level path makes for a great cycling route, even for little ones.

Many side shoots meander off the main service road, helping make the route even more beautiful as you walk under the canopy of trees. My favourite is the Steelhead trail, as it has several log bridges and follows the side channels more than the main river.

While there are many dog walkers on the trails, it's especially important during the fall to keep your pooch on a leash so as not to disturb the sensitive river shoreline.

The fall season brings plenty of raptors and other birds looking for an easy meal. This is also the time of year when black bears frequent the area. So please be bear-aware.

Fishing the Big Qualicum River

Especially during the fall, expect to see people fishing along the banks of the river. Personally, Anglers fish for year-round cutthroat, brown trout, chinook, coho, and sometimes pink, chum, and sockeye. Regulations on steelhead in this river are very strict, so please check for updates before fishing here.

The Hatchery

The Big Qualicum Hatchery has several natural and artificial enhancement techniques to help increase the population of Pacific salmon. It was the first hatchery to use modern enhancement projects in BC and has since provided a model for others.

You can book a guided tour of the facility or even take a self-guided tour.

Adult salmon can be viewed from late July through to December, but prime viewing is the first few weeks of October.

Getting There

From the Inland Island Hwy (19), take the Horne Lake exit (75) (but head away from Horne Lake). Follow Horne Lake Road until you pass the railroad tracks and take the next left (continuing onto Horne Lake Road). On your immediate left (you will see a Big Qualicum Hatchery sign), turn onto the gravel road (River Road). Follow that down to the hatchery parking lot.

From the Island Hwy (19A), take the exit on Horne Lake Road. Take the first right onto a gravel road (River Road) and continue until you reach the hatchery parking lot.

The official address is 215 Fisheries Road, Qualicum Beach.

Little Qualicum River Hatchery Trails

The Little Qualicum River hatchery trail provides a beautiful and interesting loop of approximately 4 kms.

Once parked, follow the gravel service road, putting the water channel on your right-hand side. Before you start out, however, you'll want to walk through the underground viewing room to hopefully see some salmon up close.

As you walk down the service road, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the glassy stream and tree canopy. You may even see salmon jumping!

At around the 2 km mark, the gravel road passes through a locked gate. Follow the road to the right, where you'll pass by the area where they control the water entering the channels.

Continue the loop by following the smaller dirt road access back to the hatchery. Take advantage of the few benches to stop and admire the view. Or for a great vantage point and photo op, head across the metal bridge (if open).

It's also worth exploring some of the grassy peninsulas and pebble shorelines along the channels and river.

The Hatchery

Built in 1963, the Little Qualicum hatchery is part of the Canadian Salmon Enhancement Program. This program includes 18 government facilities in B.C. dedicated to improving the freshwater survival of salmon and trout. Seven of these facilities are located on Vancouver Island!

Little Qualicum hatchery is one of only two water flow-control facilities in the province.

Guided tours are unavailable at this hatchery; however, the public can walk around the site during working hours.

Getting There

From the Old Island Highway (Hwy 19A) intersection and Laburnum Road, drive south to Claymore Road and turn right. Follow Claymore Road to the entrance of the Little Qualicum River Fish Hatchery.

If you expect to leave later than 4:00 pm, you'll need to park outside the gate.

The official address is 1391 Claymore Road, Qualicum Beach

---

More Trails to Explore

For more great trails in the area, check out the following posts:

• Little Qualicum Falls
• Easy Oceanside Trails

Have you been? What time of year do you enjoy visiting the Qualicum River hatchery trails? Let us know in the comment section below.

Save this article for future use by pinning this image on Pinterest.