Fall on Vancouver Island is a season of transformation. Our rivers swell with life, forests glow with colour, and wildlife gather to feast. From leaping salmon to soaring eagles, autumn offers travellers a front-row seat to some of nature’s most spectacular shows. Staying at the Beach Club Resort places you in the heart of it all, with unforgettable wildlife experiences just a short drive away.
Photo provided by Kim Parcher - Vancouver Island View
Witness the Salmon Run
One of the most remarkable events each fall is the salmon run. From late September through November, thousands of salmon fight their way upstream to spawn. Nearby hatcheries offer easy viewing opportunities, where salmon churn through rapids and gather in pools. It’s a raw, powerful sight that leaves a lasting impression.
Little Qualicum Hatchery plays a key role in supporting wild salmon populations, particularly Chinook and Coho. Visitors can watch salmon navigate the fish ladders, read educational displays all about the life of the salmon, or walk the beautiful 5km loop along the river.
Big Qualicum Hatchery (Big Q for us locals) is one of the most important salmon enhancement facilities on Vancouver Island. Opened in 1965, it was the first major salmon hatchery built in British Columbia and is still one of the largest in Canada. Visitors can enjoy beautiful trails throughout the property, all of which follow the river and its side channels.
Photo provided by Kim Parcher - Vancouver Island View
Eagles Overhead
Where there are salmon, there are eagles. These magnificent birds of prey gather along riverbanks to take advantage of the feast. Watching bald eagles swoop and soar above the rivers is a highlight of any fall visit to Parksville. Make sure to bring your camera, for the sight of dozens of eagles perched in trees or circling above the water is unforgettable. A zoom lens will most likely be required.
The Chance to See Black Bears
Black bears are another iconic part of the fall season on Vancouver Island. Drawn by the salmon run, they can sometimes be seen fishing along rivers in quieter areas. While sightings are never guaranteed, the possibility adds an exciting edge to fall explorations. Remember to view wildlife safely and respectfully, always maintaining a safe distance.
A Perfect Day Trip: Stamp River Provincial Park
For an even more dramatic fall wildlife experience, head to Stamp River Provincial Park in Port Alberni (about an hour's drive west). Each autumn, thousands of salmon surge upstream, leaping the fish ladders beneath the roar of Stamp Falls. The abundance of salmon draws in bald eagles by the dozens, and black bears are often spotted fishing along the shoreline.
With salmon, bears, eagles, waterfalls and fiery coloured foliage, it’s one of the few places where you can see the magic of fall all in one setting. It’s an unforgettable day trip from the Beach Club Resort, and a true highlight of the season.
Your Fall Getaway at the Beach Club Resort
After a day of watching salmon leap, spotting eagles overhead, or walking riverside trails, there’s nothing better than returning to the Beach Club Resort. Settle into ocean views, enjoy a warm meal at our on-site restaurant, and let the sound of the waves remind you that you’re right where you need to be.
Fall is also one of the best times to visit. With fewer crowds, you’ll have more space to enjoy the island’s wildlife and seasonal beauty at your own pace. Stay close to the action, soak up the season, and experience everything that makes Parksville so special in autumn.
