Etienne Brûlé Park — Old Mill Dam (Humber River)
Arguably the most dramatic viewing in the city. Watch salmon attempt the weir and fish ladder just north of the Old Mill bridge.
Where & When to Watch the Salmon Run in Toronto & North York (2026 Guide)
Each fall, Chinook and Coho salmon surge up Toronto's rivers to spawn. Here's exactly when to go, where to watch in North York and across the city, and how to make it a safe, family-friendly outing.
When is the Salmon Run in Toronto in 2026?
The run typically starts in mid-September, peaks through early–mid October, and can continue into early November depending on temperature and rainfall. According to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Chinook salmon — the largest Pacific salmon species and the one most commonly seen in Toronto's rivers — push upstream from Lake Ontario mainly in the fall, with Coho salmon following in smaller numbers. The day after rain, when river flows rise, is consistently the best window for watching the most activity.
2026 dates worth knowing
- Run window: mid-September through early November 2026; peak activity falls in the first two weeks of October.
- TRCA Adventures of Salmon: Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10am–3pm at Morningside Park, 390 Morningside Ave (Scarborough) — free, family-friendly, with guided creek walks roughly every 30 minutes. Register on Eventbrite →
- Best time of day: cool mornings or late afternoons.
- Weather: the day after rainfall often brings the strongest movement.
- Safety: banks get slippery; keep kids a safe distance from the water's edge.
Prefer a spot closer to North York proper? Charles Sauriol Conservation Area on the East Don is your best bet — see the map section below for exact access points.
Chinook vs. Coho: what you'll actually see
| Species | Toronto run window | Size & look |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon | Mid-Sept – late Oct; the run you're most likely to see | Largest Pacific salmon in Ontario waters; dark backs, powerful leaps at weirs |
| Coho salmon | Late Oct – Nov; smaller, later numbers | Similar shape to Chinook but noticeably smaller; less common in regional streams |
Best Places to See the Salmon Run (Don & Humber Rivers)
These locations are known for reliable viewing and accessible spots, covering both the main rivers running through and near North York. Charles Sauriol Conservation Area is the only one of the five on this list actually inside North York's boundaries — everywhere else is a short subway or bus ride away.
Charles Sauriol Conservation Area (East Don River)
Bridges and boardwalks provide safe vantage points for families along the East Don Trail, making it a great North York option.
Photo by Denley Photography on Unsplash
Evergreen Brick Works & Don Valley Trails (Lower Don)
Easy access, plus a weekend market. Walk north along the Bayview Multi-Use Trail for spotting fish heading upstream.
Raymore Park Fish Ladder (Humber River)
Quiet alternative upriver from Old Mill; a fish ladder offers close—but safe—views of salmon navigating the climb.
Photo by Jack Charles on Unsplash
Morningside Park — Highland Creek (Scarborough)
Home to TRCA's free "Adventures of Salmon" event on Sunday, October 4, 2026 (10am–3pm) — self-guided creek walks with interpretive signage plus guided walks roughly every 30 minutes. A bit of a haul from North York, but worth it if you want the full educational program.
Please stay on marked trails, respect closures, and avoid disturbing fish—look, don't touch.
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Getting There: TTC & Parking Info
🚇 TTC Transit
- Etienne Brûlé Park: Old Mill Station (Line 2), 5-minute walk south
- Charles Sauriol: Lawrence East Station + 54 Lawrence East bus to Leslie
- Brick Works: Castle Frank Station + 65 Parliament bus, or Broadview Station + 504 King streetcar
- Raymore Park: Jane Station + 35 Jane bus to Raymore Drive
- Morningside Park: Kennedy Station + 116 Morningside bus (for the Oct 4 TRCA event)
🅿️ Parking
- Etienne Brûlé: Free parking on Old Mill Road (limited spaces)
- Charles Sauriol: Free parking at conservation area entrance
- Brick Works: Paid parking on weekends ($5), free weekdays
- Raymore Park: Free street parking on Raymore Drive
- Morningside Park: Free on-site lot at 390 Morningside Ave
Family-Friendly Tips
- Arrive early to secure bridge/rail viewpoints; bring light binoculars for kids.
- Wear grippy shoes; muddy banks and wet boardwalks can be slick.
- Pack layers—valley trails run cooler than nearby streets.
- Consider transit + short walk for Old Mill and Brick Works on busy weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the salmon run in Toronto 2026?
- The run runs mid-September through early November 2026, peaking in the first two weeks of October — often right after rainfall that raises river flows. TRCA's free "Adventures of Salmon" event lands Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Morningside Park.
- Can I see the salmon run in North York?
- Yes — the East Don River (e.g., Charles Sauriol Conservation Area) offers convenient viewing from bridges and boardwalks located directly in North York.
- Which river is better: Don or Humber?
- Both see runs. The Humber (Old Mill, Raymore Park) offers dramatic leaps at weirs; the Don has multiple bridges and easier access, especially for families.
- Where can I see the salmon run near me in North York?
- If you're searching "salmon run near me" from North York, Charles Sauriol Conservation Area on the East Don River is the closest option — you can watch from bridges and boardwalks without leaving the borough. Etienne Brûlé Park (Old Mill Dam) on the Humber is a short subway ride further west.
- Do I need to pay to see the salmon run?
- No — all viewing locations are free public spaces, and TRCA's Adventures of Salmon event at Morningside Park is also free (registration required on Eventbrite). Parking or TTC fares may apply depending on how you get there.
- What time of day is best to watch?
- Cool mornings and late afternoons are usually most active. Bring binoculars for kids and dress for cooler valley temperatures.
- Is the salmon run family-friendly?
- Yes, especially at spots with boardwalks and bridges like Charles Sauriol and Evergreen Brick Works. Just be cautious of slippery banks near the river edge. For more family outdoor activities, see our recreation guides and upcoming fall hikes in North York.
- When is the salmon run in Ontario?
- In southern Ontario, Chinook salmon typically run from mid-September through late October, while Coho salmon follow from late October into November. The Toronto-area rivers (Don and Humber) see peak activity in early to mid-October, especially after heavy rainfall.
- Where can I see the salmon run in Ontario?
- Top spots in the Greater Toronto Area include Etienne Brûlé Park and Raymore Park on the Humber River, Charles Sauriol Conservation Area on the East Don, and Evergreen Brick Works. Further afield, Port Hope's Ganaraska River is one of Ontario's most famous salmon viewing sites.
- When does the salmon run peak in Ontario?
- Peak viewing is typically the first two weeks of October for Chinook salmon. The best days are 24–48 hours after a significant rainfall, when rising water levels trigger the fish to push upstream. Coho salmon peak slightly later, around late October.