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Each year, between February and March, the Strait of Georgia becomes the stage of one of Canada's most extraordinary wildlife gatherings: the Pacific Herring Spawn. The herring migration along Vancouver Island's shores attracts rich wildlife, including humpback whales, killer whales, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, and more.
This guide has been meticulously crafted based on personal experience and contains info & recommendations
- Published January 25, 2025
- Updated 14 hours ago
In its simplest form, the herring spawn is a breathtaking natural event where thousands of Pacific herring gather to lay their eggs, transforming coastal waters into a vibrant hub of life.
This extraordinary event is a spectacle of nature’s precision and power, where each movement is tuned to the rhythms of survival and renewal.
Female herrings make their way to the shoreline, ready to deposit their roe among the protective kelp forests and marine grasses, creating a nursery rich with potential.
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As the males follow, they release milt, painting the waters a unique milky turquoise—a phenomenon that enchants both the eyes and the spirit. This shimmering transformation not only signals the start of new life but also draws a multitude of marine creatures that rely on this annual feast. Whales, sea lions, and a diverse array of birds congregate to partake in this bountiful opportunity, highlighting the essential role herring play in the broader ecosystem.
The herring spawn offers a window into the intricate dynamics of British Columbia’s marine environment. Observing this event allows us to appreciate the delicate balance of an ecosystem in which each species plays a critical role. The herring, often overlooked in favor of larger, more charismatic wildlife, emerges as a vital player, underscoring the interconnectedness of life along the Pacific coast.
Experiencing the Herring Run is a privilege, yet its fleeting nature adds an element of excitement and urgency. The event spans just a few days, making it a rare and precious occurrence. Without a fixed schedule, anticipation builds as nature reveals its timing and location almost as a surprise gift. Today, with community networks and resources, we can better anticipate this annual phenomenon, transforming the uncertainty into an exhilarating adventure.
Here Are The Ways You Can Experience The Spawning
The herring spawn offers an incredible opportunity to dive into one of nature’s most captivating events. Whether you’re drawn to the serene beauty of the coastline or the thrill of being out on the water, there’s a perfect way for you to engage with this natural phenomenon. Explore the various approaches to witnessing this spectacle and choose the adventure that resonates with you.
From the Shore
Viewing the herring spawn from the shore is a convenient and accessible option for many. Coastal areas along Vancouver Island offer numerous vantage points where you can watch the waters transform and the wildlife gather. The shoreline provides an intimate setting to observe the herring’s behavior and the frenzy of activity it stimulates among predators like eagles, sea lions, and even whales spotted from a distance. Bring along binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the details of this bustling natural scene.
Best Locations around Nanaimo
- Blueback Beach
- Huddleston Beach
- Neck Point Park
Best Locations around Nanoose Bay
- Brickyard Community Park
- Dolphin Beach
- Dorcas Point
- Moorecroft Regional Park
- Beachcombers Regional Park
Best Locations around Parksville-Qualicum Beach
- French Creek
- Qualicum Beach
- Qualicum Bay
- Moss Park
- Parksville Beach
Best Locations around Deep Bay
- Deep Bay Beach
- Hornby Island
- Denman Island
Best Locations around Comox
- Goose Spit Park
- Point Holmes
- Cape Lazo
- Kye Bay
- Air Force Beach
On The Water
For those looking to get closer to the action, boat tours offer an immersive experience. These tours provide a front-row seat to the herring spawning and the marine life it attracts. Being on the water allows you to witness sea lions diving for fish and whales swimming nearby, making the event all the more thrilling.
Tour Options:
- Herring Spawn Specific Boat Tours
- Reasonably priced
- Close To The Action
- Private Charter
- More flexibility
- Can focus on specific areas of interest
- Fishing Charter
- Kayaking Adventures
Aerial Views
For a truly unique perspective, consider viewing the herring spawn from above. Aerial tours by plane or helicopter provide a stunning overview of the spawning grounds, showcasing the expansive turquoise waters and the dramatic landscape of the coast. This bird’s-eye view highlights the scale and beauty of the event, offering a different and breathtaking vantage point.
Flight Tours:
- Charter Flights: These personalized tours can be arranged with local aviation companies to provide an unforgettable aerial experience. Gather a group of friends or family to share in the wonder of the herring run from the sky.
Digital Experiences
The truth is, even with the rise in awareness of this natural event, there will always be a small amount of people who get to experience the spawning first hand.
Lucky for you, I’ll continue capturing and sharing a my herring spawn experiences with the help from our local community.
The transformation of the coastal waters into a milky turquoise canvas is just the beginning of the wonders you’ll experience during the herring run. This time of year is unparalleled for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a front-row seat to nature’s grand performance. The beaches and skies come alive with flocks of seagulls, creating a bustling symphony of calls and movements. Herons stand elegantly along the water’s edge, while bald eagles soar majestically above, their sharp eyes keenly watching for their next meal.
The bustling marine life is equally captivating. Steller and California sea lions gather in numbers, their playful antics and spirited presence adding energy to the shoreline. After indulging in the herring bounty, these sea lions often float lazily with fins pointed skyward, giving a humorous twist to the term “food coma.” With a bit of patience and luck, this time of year also offers rare glimpses of humpback, gray, and the elusive Bigg’s killer whales. Observing these orcas, known for their prowess in hunting larger mammals, is both thrilling and educational, underscoring the raw power and adaptability of nature’s creatures.
The Pacific Herring Spawning is more than just a visual treat; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the dynamic ebb and flow of life along the coast. Every visit offers something new and fascinating, ensuring that no two experiences are ever the same.
As it is difficult to predict the exact timing and locations of the herring run, it’s important to note that these little silver fish have their routines and often return to the same spots year after year. As they age, they also travel with older herring schools, leading them to new locations. The herring run of 2024 was particularly impressive, with many areas that hadn’t seen herring spawning in years coming alive again, including around Victoria! Hornby Island is renowned as a prime spot for Pacific herring spawning in the Georgia Strait. Each March, the island even hosts the Pacific Festival. They are passenger-only ferries to Hornby Island. Once on the island, you can explore the numerous beaches that are perfect for seeing the herring spawning.
Several local photographers and tour operators offer trips by sea or air to witness the herring run in all its glory. If you prefer to observe from the shore, the numerous beach access points around Deep Bay provide excellent views, as they are directly across from Hornby Island. Another great area to witness the herring run is the stretch of large beaches between Qualicum Bay and Qualicum Beach, where you will likely see a fleet of fishing boats. Qualicum Beach is also a convenient location to launch a kayak or small vessel and get even closer to the action.
If you can only visit one location but want to ensure that you see something, Comox is your best option. Although it is the farthest from Nanaimo, it offers the highest likelihood of sightings. There, you can explore spots like Goose Spit, Point Holmes, and Kye Bay, where you can enjoy not only the milky water but also a good deal of wildlife—especially Steller and California sea lions, as well as flocks of thousands of seagulls, herons, and many bald eagles.
Parksville Beach
Nanoose Bay offers several potential viewing spots, including Brickyard Community Park, Dolphin Beach, Moorecroft Regional Park, and Beachcombers Regional Park. If you’d like to stay closer to Nanaimo, consider visiting Blueback Beach, Huddleston Beach, or possibly Neck Point Park. However, remember that Nanaimo is the least likely of these locations to have spawning activity, and heading further north will typically improve your chances.
Best Locations around Nanaimo
- Blueback Beach
- Huddleston Beach
- Neck Point Park
- Best Locations around Nanoose Bay (Potential Spawning)
- Brickyard Community Park
- Dolphin Beach
- Dorcas Point
- Moorecroft Regional Park
- Beachcombers Regional Park
Best Locations around Parksville-Qualicum Beach
- French Creek
- Qualicum Beach
- Qualicum Bay
- Moss Park
Best Locations around Deep Bay
- Deep Bay Beach access
- Hornby Island
- Denman Island
Best Locations around Comox
- Goose Spit Park
- Point Holmes
- Cape Lazo
- Kye Bay
- Air Force Beach
As you prepare for the thrilling experience of the herring run, packing the right gear is essential to maximize your comfort and enjoyment:
Clothing: The herring run occurs when winter still clings to the air, from late February to mid-March. The weather can be chilly and winds brisk, so dressing in layers is key. This adaptability will serve you well as you wander the beaches, taking in the sights. A windbreaker jacket and comfortable, weatherproof shoes are must-haves, especially if you’re keen on getting up close to the water’s edge where kelp beds cradle the herring eggs. Don’t forget gloves to keep your hands warm and nimble!
Snacks: Wildlife operates on its own schedule, often requiring patience as you await the next big sighting, such as the appearance of whales or orcas. A well-stocked supply of snacks can make the wait more pleasant. Consider bringing energy bars, granola mixes, and a thermos filled with tea or coffee—ideal companions for a few hours spent on the beach during the late winter chill.
Accessories: If you own binoculars, they will be invaluable for wildlife spotting, offering a closer view of the action. Foldable chairs can also enhance your experience, providing a comfortable seat for extended viewing sessions. While many people make use of logs for seating, a chair offers superior comfort, allowing you to relax fully as you absorb the natural beauty around you.
Photography: The milky turquoise waters present unique photographic opportunities, even with just a smartphone. However, bringing a camera with zoom capabilities allows you to capture more distant scenes, crucial for snapping shots of sea lions or potential whale action. Advanced photographers may want to use a telephoto lens (70-200mm or 100-400mm) for closer wildlife shots. Given the weight of these lenses, consider packing a monopod or tripod for longer shooting sessions. Combining a tripod with a chair, thermos of coffee, and snacks makes for a perfect day out among the stunning wildlife of the Herring Run.
Photo Tip: Don’t forget a circular polarizer (CPL) to reduce glare on water surfaces and enrich the colors of your photos, capturing the full beauty of the scene.
The bulk of the Herring Run typically occurs over just a few days between the end of February and the middle of March. Being a natural phenomenon, it is challenging to determine the exact time and locations of the spawn. However, some public resources, such as Facebook pages, are accessible to the public and provide valuable insights on when and where to go.
The Parksville Qualicum Beach Facebook page frequently updates its followers on sightings during the herring run. Another helpful resource is the Pacific Herring Spawn Reporting—IMAWG page. Research crews make regular flights to monitor spawning activities and then share real-time updates with their audience.
The Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings page gathers reports from the community, spanning from Campbell River to Victoria and even along the West Coast. Members regularly share locations where they have witnessed spawning activity.
Finally, the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website also provides some broader resources about the Pacific Herring Spawn.
Resources
Don’t Be Fooled With False Spawns
False spawns are natural phenomena that mimic the appearance of a herring spawn but lack the characteristic signs of life that typically accompany such events. These occurrences often involve the accumulation of organic matter, such as algae or plant debris, in shallow coastal waters, creating a milky or frothy appearance similar to that of herring eggs.
However, unlike true herring spawns, false spawns are devoid of the distinctive fishy smell and fail to attract the usual flurry of wildlife, such as gulls, seals, and other marine predators, that gather to feed on the eggs. The absence of these sensory and ecological cues can help differentiate a false spawn from a genuine one, which is a vital consideration for researchers and fishers monitoring marine ecosystems.
Hopefully this insight helps prepare you for an incredible experience witnessing the herring run from the shore.
But in all honestly the best way to truly experience how remarkable this natural event is happens on the water.
The immersive perspective of watching the marine wildlife from a boat changes the entire experience.
We’ve partnered with Parksville Qualicum Beach and Ocean EcoVentures to not only bring you this guide, but to share some of the incredible experiences during the Pacific Herring Spawn.
Herring Spawn Specific Tours
Regional Tours
Other Available Tours
(Call to confirm for Herring Spawn)
7. KEEP LEARNING
Throughout this expanded guide, we’ve touched on how Pacific herring are a cornerstone of Vancouver Island’s delicate ecosystem. Since the disruptions of World War II, these critical fish have faced significant population declines, primarily due to overfishing—a situation closely monitored by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Department. Understanding the importance of their conservation is crucial, as it affects not just marine life but the overall health of coastal ecosystems. For those interested in diving deeper into these efforts, resources like Pacific Wild and Fisheries and Oceans Canada offer comprehensive insights into ongoing conservation initiatives and the broader ecological significance of the Pacific herring.
- Pacific Wild: A resource for understanding the ecological role and conservation of wildlife in the Pacific region.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Official updates and information on fisheries management and conservation policies.
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