Salmon play an integral role for coastal livelihoods, cultures, and ecosystems in Clayoquot Sound. And they lead incredible lives, starting in freshwater then migrating to the ocean. Salmon stay at sea for years before their homing instincts guide them back, to the freshwater systems they were conceived in, to reproduce. Celebrating this magnificent species that provides that backbone of this coast is what inspires Friends of Clayoquot Sound to organize the annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival and this marks the 12th Annual!

From September 4-7th there will be a variety of events, with something for everyone around Tofino. The Clayoquot Salmon Festival is timed to coincide with the return of the salmon for spawning on the west coast. Anyone who has witnessed salmon hurling themselves upriver and over obstacles during the spawn knows their tenacious and inspiring drive to give life to the next generation. The Festival always prioritizes celebrating the salmon return together as a community with creative spirit. For the 12th Annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival, we have an awesome lineup of performance and music including Tla-o-qui-aht Cultural Group, Hasaatuk, Wil & Co, Kiju, Nesto, and definitely a couple surprises.

Indigenous Nations continue to lead society in upholding a vibrant, life-sustaining relationship with salmon. In 2024, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation introduced conservancies, nearly doubling the protected forest area of Clayoquot Sound to over 60%. The ancient salmon-forest ecosystems of Clayoquot Sound and across the west coast need to be protected. On September 4th, at Voices for Salmon, Tla-o-qui-aht Cultural Group will share songs, stories, and dances about salmon, their interconnected role in a healthy ecosystem, and important perspectives on salmon protection and solidarity. This is not to be missed!

Clayoquot Salmon Festival aims to offer residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect upon, and build an active appreciation for, the irreplaceable value of salmon in Clayoquot Sound. Salmon are essential to protecting a way of life rooted in the Pacific northwest environment, which is why salmon protection is a central theme for the Festival. Join us on the Tonquin Trail to learn about the salmon forest ecosystems September 6th.

Salmon are also under significant stress in the environment from climate change and water pollutants from industry. As a coastal community, it’s critical for us to protect salmon by keeping the ocean and local beaches clean. At the Beach Day and Sand Castle Building Competition hosted by Tuff City Radio, you can help build a big salmon and participate in our beach clean. Shoutout to all the local businesses providing prizes for the best sand creations, as well as the most marine debris collected.

At least 137 different species depend on the marine-rich nutrients that wild salmon provide. As a keystone species, salmon support coastal life including orcas, bears, wolves, and eagles while providing nutrients to the ancient rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. The remaining intact salmon watersheds are composed of free-flowing rivers and dense forests that shelter clean drinking water for Tofino and absorb global carbon emissions, helping to guard against the most severe impacts of climate change to us humans, salmon, and all life. How can music be used to educate about real issues like protecting salmon or climate change? Join the Voices for Salmon Workshop with Hasaakuk to explore how music helps to shed light upon the interconnectedness that is maintained through ancestral, Indigenous roots to the lands and waters and she maintains a lifestyle that keeps her connected to her traditional Nuu-chah-nulth territories.

Thanks to the District of Tofino, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Tourism Tofino, contributing organizations, and all the sponsoring businesses. To stay up to date about events and location specifics, please check the Festival website www.focs.ca/salmonfestival or Clayoquot Salmon Festival on Facebook. And to volunteer for the Clayoquot Salmon Festival contact the organizers at salmonfestival@focs.ca or (250)725-4218.

Date / Time

September 4th, 2026 12:00 AM - September 7th, 2026 11:59 PM

Venue

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