If you’re from Vancouver, chances are you have an affinity for salmon…
Whether you like catching them, eating them, or simply enjoyed learning about salmon runs in elementary school, there’s almost nothing more closely associated with Vancouverites than this very special fish.
On September 9, the 39th Annual Coho Festival will celebrate the return of the Coho Salmon to the North Shore with environmental displays, live entertainment and of course, their famous Salmon BBQ.
It’s a genuinely cool collection of events, including a few unique ways to deepen your appreciation of the iconic salmon. Here’s what we’re most excited about.
SWIMMING LIKE A SALMON
Set along the shores of Traditional Coast Salish Territory the annual Coho Festival open water swim offers the opportunity to swim through the mythical waters described in Pauline Johnson’s Vancouver Legends. This open water swim forms a loop mimicking the migratory patterns Coho and other species of indigenous salmon have performed for millennia and centers on Ambleside Beach Park, part of the ecosystem that forms habitat for Coho salmon on the North Shore.
The swim will offer 1.5 and 3 kms options starting and finishing close to the iconic welcoming Totem pole that marks the entrance to the Capilano watershed. It’s once in a lifetime opportunity to swim this route and have a personal connection with so deeply a part of Vancouver’s history.
INDULGING IN SOME BBQ
What would a salmon festival be without a little salmon dinner?. What better way to enjoy an afternoon than with a beverage, live music and heaping plate of BBQ salmon. This year’s salmon was graciously donated by the four North Shore Save On Foods stores.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Salmon may be the mean event, but there’s plenty to see and do at the Coho Festival. There will be a live tribute to the Beatles by the Fab Fourever, in addition to live street entertainers, a kids park, environmental tent talks and a kids park, not to mention the sights and sounds of Ambleside Beach.
GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL ON FOOT
This one of a kind ‘beach to bridge to beach to bridge to beach’ is do-not-miss event for those who enjoy a little physical activity.
This incredible point to point 14 km journey starts from Kitsilano Beach, takes you past the Maritime Museum and the Pacific Space Centre along the seawall, then over the Burrard Street Bridge along the English Bay seawall to Second Beach in Stanley Park, and finally, over the Lion’s Gate Bridge and into Ambleside Beach Park to the birthplace of the North Shore Coho salmon.
LEARNING ABOUT PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION
The Coho Festival’s unique Stewardship Zone has over 30 exhibitors who are all involved in rejuvenating, maintaining and improving our streams, rivers, oceans, parks and forests for now and generations to come. Guests of all ages will learn more about the environment and how to be better stewards of what we have.
SQUAMISH NATION VILLAGE BLESSINGS
Following Festival tradition the Squamish Nation Canoe Family will give their “Blessing of the Salmon” at the Opening Ceremonies on the main stage at 1:00pm. Nation Ambassadors will share stories as kids are invited to make paddle necklaces and fish hats.
In addition to these ceremonies, there will also be nature walks like by Rebecca Duncan – tsitsayxemaat.
These are just a few of the events taking place at this year’s festival. For more info, visit cohofestival.com
COHO FESTIVAL
When: September 9, 2018 from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Where: Ambleside Beach Park in West Vancouver
