Celebrating Nature’s Resilience: TRCA Adventures of Salmon Event 2023

On Sunday, September 24, 2023 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) celebrated the annual salmon migration with the TRCA Adventures of Salmon event at Morningside Park in Scarborough!

young visitors to the TRCA Adventures of Salmon event explore an interactive educational booth

This event saw visitors of all ages engaging with interactive displays and exploring the natural beauty of Highland Creek while learning about salmon on self-guided tours!

Paul Ainslie, Chair of TRCA’s Board of Directors, commenced the event with a land acknowledgement and introduced Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper Cat Criger, who gave a spiritual blessing.

Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper Cat Criger gives a blessing at the Adventures of Salmon event
Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper Cat Criger (left) gives a blessing as TRCA Chair Paul Ainslie (centre) and TRCA Chief Executive Officer John MacKenzie (right) look on.

Adventures of Salmon attendees enjoyed learning how to cast a fishing rod, taking part in salmon run relay races, exploring techniques of lure making, salmon skin tanning and leathering, trying their hands at button making, and discovering many other learning opportunities.

young visitors enjoy interactive activities at TRCA Adventures of Salmon event
Highland Creek winds through Morningside Park in Scarborough
visitors line up to enjoy interactive activities at TRCA Adventures of Salmon event

Every fall, Toronto Region’s waters witness an incredible spectacle, as the salmon embark on their annual migration, traveling upstream to spawn.

Lake Ontario and its tributaries are home to several fall spawning Salmonid species. TRCA ensures the sustainability of these fascinating fish through research, monitoring of fish communities, and restoration of aquatic habitat.

Despite facing many natural and human-created obstacles, the spirit of salmon prevails in Toronto’s waters, thanks to the collaborative efforts of TRCA, alongside local and provincial organizations and community involvement, promising a positive future for these remarkable aquatic travelers.

Help Keep Our Salmon Safe

Get involved in local salmon conservation by reporting salmon sightings and tracking their movements through TRCA’s salmon reporting tool.

screenshot of TRCA salmon monitoring and reporting tool

TRCA is also hosting educational salmon walks, at which attendees can learn about salmon – and even have a chance to spot salmon in migration.

Event dates and locations:

TRCA Adventures of Salmon event is a unique way to inspire and educate the community on the incredible adventures of salmon during their migration phase, the various species that live in our lakes, and the work TRCA is doing to help them thrive in our waters.

See the fun for yourself!

young visitor enjoys interactive activities at TRCA Adventures of Salmon event
TRCA chair Paul Ainslie and CEO John MacKenzie pose for photograph with Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper Cat Criger
young visitors enjoy interactive activities at TRCA Adventures of Salmon event
family enjoys interactive activities at TRCA Adventures of Salmon event
visitors explore the TRCA Adventures of Salmon event at Morningside Park
visitors enjoy interactive activities at TRCA Adventures of Salmon event
visitors enjoy interactive exhibit at TRCA Adventures of Salmon event
visitors explore the TRCA Adventures of Salmon event at Morningside Park
young visitor enjoys face painting at the TRCA Adventures of Salmon event