Coho Festival Launches in Ambleside Park for 45th Year Today

URGENT UPDATE: The highly anticipated Coho Festival is set to make a splash today, September 7, 2023, at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. This annual event celebrates the return of salmon to North Shore rivers while raising funds for vital environmental preservation efforts.

The festival kicks off at 9 a.m. with the thrilling Coho Swim, where dozens of participants in wetsuits will swim from the iconic Welcome Figure totem pole to the Capilano watershed at Ambleside Beach. The open-water swim features 1.5-kilometre and 3-kilometre distances, reflecting the migratory patterns of coho salmon, according to the Coho Society, the volunteer organization organizing the event.

After the swim, attendees can enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast, with medals awarded to top swimmers. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival will host a variety of activities, including a coho salmon barbecue featuring local community leaders as chefs. A dedicated Coho Garden will offer local craft beers, cider, and wine.

At approximately 1 p.m., the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Canoe Family will conduct a traditional “blessing of the salmon” ceremony, showcasing cultural heritage. A stunning war canoe from the Squamish Nation will also be on display, alongside crafts and activities for children.

The stewardship zone will feature educational exhibits from organizations like Seymour Fish Hatchery, North Shore Streamkeepers, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Notably, the Canadian Coast Guard will present a hovercraft, allowing visitors to board and explore the vessel.

Although the annual 14-kilometre Coho Run from Kitsilano Beach to Ambleside has been canceled this year due to construction and logistical challenges, board member Tony Wachmann confirmed plans to bring the run back next year.

Celebrating its 45th year, the Coho Festival is expected to draw thousands from the North Shore and Metro Vancouver. Over the years, the festival has raised nearly $1 million for local environmental initiatives.

Wachmann emphasized the importance of conservation, stating, “It’s a nice, fun time for everybody, but the message is still the same: everything we do is about salmon, salmon habitat, and keeping them happy where they are and growing.”

Don’t miss out on this exciting event that not only celebrates nature but also fosters community spirit and environmental awareness. Join the celebration at Ambleside Park today!