Springtime on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island brings forth a breathtaking natural spectacle every year – the annual herring spawn. The event is a vital contribution to the ecosystem, enriching the coastal waters and sustaining numerous species. If you’re eager to witness the phenomenon firsthand, read on to find out when and where to see herring spawn around Vancouver Island.
The Herring Journey
Every spring, millions of mature herring embark on a journey from offshore waters to shallow coastlines around Vancouver Island for spawning. Herring spawn multiple times over the course of their lifespan, often 5-7 times and each female herring can produce upwards of 140,000 eggs in her lifetime.
The Herring Spawn
As the herring release their eggs and milt, it transforms the water into a breathtaking milky turquoise hue, marking the beginning of the Herring Spawn. The sticky herring eggs, settling on kelp, eelgrass, and rocks, serve as a crucial food source for various marine life. This abundance attracts a flurry of activity, with bald eagles, gulls, seals, sea lions, and even whales joining the feast.
When and Where to Witness
The herring spawn typically occurs between February and April, though the exact timing can vary each year. Along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, you can witness this spectacle unfold over a span of 2-4 weeks, with individual spawning sites active for 2-4 days. Keep an eye on local announcements and community updates to catch this awe-inspiring event at its peak.
Ready to catch this natural spectacle in action? Here’s where you can see it for yourself:
Comox Valley:
- Kitty Coleman Beach
- Seal Bay
- Kye Bay
- Singing Sands Beach
- Goose Spit
- Point Holmes
Baynes Sound:
- Any of the beaches along Highway 19A
Parksville / Qualicum Beach:
- Qualicum Beach East Beach
- Qualicum Beach West Beach
- Yambury Beach
- Doehle Beach
- Parksville Beach
- Rathtrevor Beach
Nanoose Bay
- Madrona Beach
- Cottam Point / Beachcomber Park
- Dolphin Beach
Denman Island & Hornby Island
- Morning Beach
- Fillongley Provincial Park
- Bill Mee Park
- Fossil Beach
- Galleon Beach
- Sandpiper Beach
- Sand Dollar Beach
- St. John’s Point in Helliwell Provincial Park
