Beaver Aquatics Snorkel with the Salmon

In the months of August, September, and October the Salmon return from their ocean journey to spawn in their mother stream. The Campbell River has a good return of Pink, Chum, Coho, Steelhead, as well as the magnificent Chinook salmon. The fish begin entering the river in late July, with different species taking their turns going upstream. At times it’s impossible to see the bottom because of the large number of fish!

Don a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, and let yourself be carried down river on an exciting, fun filled adventure. Imagine the thrilling spectacle of seeing thousands of salmon as they relentlessly push forward against the clear waters of the Campbell River!

The Logging Bridge at Detweller and Highway 28 is the preferred entry point. There is easy access to the water from a sandy shoreline. Gear up on the beach above the bridge, adjust your equipment in the shallow water, then float through the center span of the bridge and you’re on your way!

You’ll see more fish if you lay quietly in the water and let the current carry you along. Splashing and diving will scare the salmon and disturb the fly fishermen who are also using the river. You may also see Trout, Crayfish, and sometimes even Seals hunting near the exit point.

As you approach the highway bridges, stay to the right. The left bank is very shallow. There are a few short stretches of water, studded with boulders over which the river rushes. Relax and enjoy the ride. In a wetsuit you will float high in the water and be carried over and around the obstacles.

The best exit point is at the end of Maple Street. (Behind the Quinsam Hotel) Take a look at this spot before you drive up to the logging bridge so you will recognize it from the water. A steep bank of tumbled rocks enters the water at the end of Maple Street. Just down the river from this point is a path that is not quite so steep and makes a much easier spot to climb out. There is also a back eddy here that makes it a lot easier to exit the water. There is plenty of room here to park a vehicle to take you back to the bridge, because one run is never enough!

Fisheries officials have requested that we enter the water below the Quinsam River to avoid disturbing the spawning runs. Please do not swim near salmon spawning (digging) in the shallow water on gravel beds.

The equipment you will need is a suit, boots, mask, snorkel, and fins. A River Running special is available at Beaver Aquatics, which includes all the gear you need for $35.00, and is based on a 4-hour rental.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A NATURAL ADVENTURE. THE ONLY GUARANTEE OF YOUR SAFETY IS TO USE YOUR OWN COMMON SENSE AND GOOD JUDGMENT!