Barrie 
The fall migration season in southwestern Ontario is busy. For us, these mass fall migrations can create epic sights and viewing/photography opportunities. The salmon migration, or run, is one such sight, and one of the easily accessible places in Ontario to see is the Georgian Bay town of Owen Sound.
Credit: RichardBH/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Owen Sound sits where the Bay empties into the Potawatomi and Sydenham Rivers. The latter of the two, which runs north to south through Owen Sound, is home to an incredible fall salmon run. The annual salmon run experience in Owen Sound is centred around getting visitors the best views of this incredible migration.
As the Chinook salmon travel in their large runs (or groups), they jump out of the river waters in these groups. When you combine the views of masses of fish with the pretty river scenery and waterfalls around Owen Sound, this becomes a tour not to be missed for any fall visitors! Even when the salmon aren’t as active jumping, it is wild to see them in the shallower areas in their large groups.
- Ganaraska River Salmon Run: A Short Guide For a Fall Day Trip to Port Hope
Ways to Experience the Salmon Tour
There are various ways to take a fall salmon tour around Owen Sound this September or October. No matter how you choose to take the Salmon Tour, begin your adventure at Kaslo Beach and Owen Sound Harbour. Along each of these routes are the four waterfalls that are part of Owen Sound’s waterfall tour.
- The suggested hiking/foot route is just over 10km there and back but can easily be cut shorter. The route follows the waterfront and river all the way to the Inglis Falls Conservation Area.
Salmon Tour – Hike Map/City of Owen Sound
- The Salmon Tour cycling route is a 6km loop which makes a turn back at Harrison Park. A second route is also available to follow the path to Inglis Falls.
- For those who may not have time to take the entire bike or foot tours, there are parking areas at a few key viewing areas for a quick stop. Some of Owen Sound’s best viewing areas include the local Visitor Information Centre, Tom Thompson Art Gallery and River District, the Mill Dam and Fish Ladder, Harrison Park, and the Inglis Falls Conservation Area.
More Fall Events & Tours around Owen Sound
Below are more ways to get to know Owen Sound or celebrate the fall season. This includes more tours of town, but from artistic or historical perspectives.
- The Meaford Scarecrow Invasion takes over the town (east of Owen Sound) for September and October. The Invasion also features a Parade and Festival on October 2nd. (Things to Do in Meaford)
- Enjoy a unique look into Owen Sound’s history from Corkscrew City Tours, and enjoy A Journey Through Prohibition in Owen Sound in October.
- Tour around Owen Sound and more with the Autumn Leaves Studio Tours that will take you through Grey and Bruce Counties (October 2 to 4).
- The River District will host a Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail for families during the Halloween season.
Take in the Fall Colours Around Owen Sound
The Salmon Tour follows the Sydenham River from Georgian Bay and south through Owen Sound.
For more great river views, hikers and nature lovers can also follow the Pottawatomi River, which runs west from Owen Sound. From these waters, hikers are also granted a fall waterfall tour around Owen Sound, the views of which are beautifully enhanced by fall foliage (or hopping salmon!).
- The complete waterfall tour through Owen Sound (and the best places for fall colour views) will include Inglis Falls, Weavers Creek Falls, Jones Falls, and Indian Falls.
- The Tom Thompson Trail follows the waterfront on the east side of Owen Sound and eventually leads out of town. The trail connects Owen Sound with Meaford.
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Planning your Trip – Owen Sound Salmon Tour
What: A festival surrounding the fall salmon run/migration through Owen Sound. Visitors can tour around town to see the salmon jumping over or travelling through the Sydenham River in large numbers.
When: mid-September to mid-October, weather permitting
In 2026, representatives from the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) will be on-site at the Mill Dam to share their knowledge of the annual salmon migration from Saturday, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Owen Sound’s Sydenham River
- Harrison Park, 75 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound
- Mill Dam & Fish Ladders, east side of 2nd Avenue West between 4th Street West and 7th Street West. – 601 2nd Ave W, Owen Sound
Owen Sound is part of Grey County, located approximately 2.7 hours’ drive from Toronto and 6.5 hours from Ottawa.
How much: free
For more information:
