Celebrate the Salmon Run What to Expect at Tofino’s Salmon Fest
Every fall, Tofino locals and visitors come together to celebrate something truly iconic: the wild salmon run. It’s not just a natural event, it’s a deep part of life on the West Coast. And Salmon Fest is our way of honouring that tradition with delicious food, music, learning, and connection.
If you’re planning a September getaway, this is the perfect time to experience Tofino’s community spirit and coastal culture in action. And Tofino Hostel Whaler’s Guesthouse puts you right at the centre of it all.
Salmon Fest is Tofino’s tribute to the annual salmon run, when thousands of wild salmon return to nearby rivers and streams to spawn. This incredible journey is vital to the health of the entire coastal ecosystem, and it’s been honoured for generations by the local Indigenous communities, including the Tla-o-qui-aht people of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation.
The festival began as a grassroots effort to celebrate the salmon’s importance in West Coast life, from ecology to culture to cuisine. Today, it’s a lively and meaningful event that brings together locals, visitors, chefs, fishers, and families for a weekend of fun, education, and seriously good food. This year the festival begins on August 29th to September 1st, 2025.
Salmon Fest is part celebration, part education, and a great excuse to spend a few extra days in town before the end of summer. Events take place throughout Tofino and are designed to be family-friendly, community-driven, and often free to attend.
Friends of Clayoquot Sound and Tuff City Radio present Caleb Hart’s new band Sonic Alley, along with DJ sets by Cabin Fever and Sangria to kickoff the Festival with a night of celebration and dancing outside.
Continuing the fun night of music featuring Nesto and Parab Poet, 2 upbeat DJs whose raw energy will keep you moving and grooving co-presented by Friends of Clayoquot Sound and Tofino Tea Party.
Join Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks and Friends of Clayoquot Sound to build and restore the iconic Big Tree Trail on Meares Island and learn about the local ancient salmon forest ecosystem. There is limited space for this special excursion so registration is required. Send a message on FB to RSVP and reserve your spot.
Tuff City Radio is organizing a fun day on the beach building sand castles. You can celebrate Clayoquot Salmon Festival by helping us build a big salmon or cleaning the beach with a silent disco headset. There’ll be food vendors, music, and prizes for the best sand castles and most marine debris collected.
Friends of Clayoquot Sound team up with The Maq and local legends Tofino Tea Party to bring you a fun evening of the most funky selections. And for your get down, it’s all free!
Come learn from Tla-o-qui-aht artist Ivy Cargill-Martin 1pm-4pm to design, carve, print your very own salmon. Create a print or card for the love of salmon. Supplies are provided and this workshop is for all levels of experience. Space is limited so registration is required. Send a message on FB to RSVP or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Witness the Tla-o-qui-aht Cultural Group sharing songs, stories, and dances about salmon, their interconnected role in a healthy ecosystem, and important perspectives on salmon protection and solidarity.
When you stay at Tofino Hostel Whaler’s Guesthouse, you’re just steps away from the heart of Tofino, no car required. Walk to Salmon Fest events, pick up a fresh-baked treat from the farmers market, or stroll to the waterfront to catch golden hour over Clayoquot Sound.
Whaler’s is perfect for travelers looking for:
Whether you’re in town for the festival or simply soaking up the fall energy, we’ll help you feel at home on the coast.
Support the salmon run and the communities that depend on it by choosing local, wild-caught seafood when you dine in Tofino. Bring your own reusable containers to reduce waste, and take a few minutes to learn about the efforts being made to protect salmon populations for future generations. Your small choices as a traveler really do make a difference.
Whether you’re a nature lover, festival fan, or simply looking to squeeze in one more summer adventure, Tofino’s Salmon Fest is a can’t-miss experience. Celebrate one of the coast’s most iconic species, meet passionate locals, and experience the best of Tofino’s community spirit.
Book your stay at Tofino Hostel and be part of the celebration.
