Category Archives: Uncategorized

Salmon Sunday at Cariboo Dam

One of the great things about the return of the traditional fall weather – cooler temperatures and rain – is the return of spawning salmon. Join the BLPA and our friends to celebrate their return!

DATE: Sunday, October 27
TIME: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
MEET: Cariboo Dam

Cariboo Dam, located at the east end of Burnaby Lake, is a great spot to view one of the great miracles of the natural world as salmon return from the ocean to their natal stream to spawn and complete their life cycle.

Visit our display to learn about salmon, the history of Cariboo Dam, the birds and wildlife you will see around the park during this time of year, the history of the BLPA, our activities and how to get involved!

We will be joined by our friends from Eagle Creek Streamkeepers and the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society, who run the fish hatchery and collaborate with Department of Fisheries and Oceans to operate the camera and fish counter at Cariboo Dam.

Pick up a Waterways of Burnaby poster so you can find the streams in your neighbourhood.

We are also offering 2 guided nature walks

You can also share your salmon sightings with the Watershed Watch Salmon Society‘s annual Salmon Spawn Watch. With climate change and other pressures, the number of salmon returning to each stream every year is changing. You can help them better understand what is happening with salmon around the province with just your phone and a social media account. Learn how to take part here and be eligible for prizes!

Cariboo Dam overlooks the Brunette River to the East where the salmon have made their way from the Fraser. They will spawn in the Brunette or make their way up any of the tributaries such as Stoney Creek or Eagle Creek. Some of them will rest and continue up the beautiful fishway into Burnaby Lake.

The start of the salmon spawning season at Cariboo Dam on October 17, 2024. The Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society operate the hatchery in east Burnaby and will be joining us on the 27th. – Photo: D. Nadalin

Salmon come back to their natal stream where they were ‘born’ because they ‘know’ it is a good place to spawn; they won’t waste time looking for a stream with good habitat and other salmon. Scientists believe that salmon navigate by using the earth’s magnetic field like a compass.When they find the river they came from, they start using smell to find their way back to their home stream. They build their ‘smell memory-bank’ when they start migrating to the ocean as young fish.1

Cariboo Dam is located on Cariboo Road between Government Road and Avalon Avenue in Burnaby, BC. You can park at the lot at 9157 Avalon Avenue or look here for directions.

1 US Geological Survey

February Stewardship Opportunities

Feb. Weebusters.jpg

We’re switching up work party locations this month and heading west to Phillips Point at the north west part of Burnaby Lake Regional Park. However, we will meet up at the Burnaby Lake Nature House located at 4519 Piper Avenue. Please see note below about the Winston Street Sewer project which may affect travel times.

We are removing invasive Himalayan Blackberry, English Ivy and Holly plants. As you can see from the photos above, these grow like weeds in this location!

Sign up links:

While the current forecast looks good, weather can change quickly. Check the forecast and dress for the conditions. Once you are registered, our coordinator will contact you if there are any changes.

* SPRING 2022 – late 2024:  Please note that the Metro Vancouver Winston Street Sewer Project may have  temporary lane closures and detours along Winston Street and Lougheed Highway as the project progresses. Bike detours and parking restrictions will be in effect near the work zones. Residents and businesses will be notified in advance about specific traffic impacts as the project progresses.  Motorists and cyclists are advised to use alternate routes and follow the direction of signage and traffic control personnel.

Tentative March dates:

  • Saturday, March 2
  • Sunday, March 10
  • Sunday, March 17
  • Saturday, March 23

January Stewardship Opportunities

Are any of these activities on your goals for the new year?

  • Get outside
  • Meet new people
  • Get exercise
  • Volunteer
  • Learn about the nature around you
  • Actively take part in environmental stewardship
  • Give back to your community

We have some opportunities coming up that can tick these things off your list!

With the milder winter and no snow on the ground so far – we’re jumping right into our Weedbusters invasive species removal program at the Burnaby Lake Nature House. You will be able to meet other people who care and actively take care of the environment and contirbute to the ongoing stewardship of Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

No experience necessary – training and snacks provided!

These work parties will take place from 11 am to 2 pm.

For detailed information and to register (no drop ins allowed), sign up at the links above.

* Please note, work parties will take place as long as weather conditions allow. Our Coordinator will contact you if any there are changes.  

See you in the park! 🌿