The crowds are still gathering along the banks of the Ganaraska River, watching one of nature’s most remarkable annual spectacles unfold.
For weeks, people have travelled to Port Hope to witness the salmon battling their way upstream from Lake Ontario.
But on Saturday, October 3, 2026, it appeared the annual migration was entering its final chapter.
By the afternoon, much of the salmon had made their way upstream toward Corbett’s Dam, where hundreds of people gathered to watch the determined fish continue their journey.
At times, the crowd erupted in cheers as salmon successfully made their way through the channel at the dam, allowing them to continue farther up the Ganaraska River.
For those standing along the riverbanks, each successful fish seemed to be worth celebrating.
The spectacle has become an annual fall tradition in Port Hope, attracting visitors who line the river to watch the salmon overcome rocks, rapids and strong currents in their attempt to reach the upper reaches of the Ganaraska.
But while the salmon were the stars of the show upstream, another river resident captured the attention of visitors farther downstream.
Just south of Walton Street in downtown Port Hope, a Great Blue Heron stood patiently along the riverbank.
The large bird appeared to be searching for a meal, carefully watching the water and waiting for an opportunity.
It wasn’t having much luck.
The heron remained focused on the river for much of the afternoon, but seemed to leave visitors wondering whether its patience would eventually pay off.
Meanwhile, the salmon continued their journey.
A Traffic Problem That Can’t Be Ignored
While the salmon run provides a spectacular attraction for Port Hope, the annual crowds also create another issue that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Cavan Street near Corbett’s Dam can become extremely difficult to navigate when large numbers of vehicles are parked along the roadway.
A particular concern is vehicles being parked facing the wrong direction, creating additional confusion and making the already narrow roadway even more difficult for motorists to negotiate.
At the same time, pedestrians are frequently walking in the middle of the road as they make their way toward the river and the dam.
With vehicles parked along the street and people walking in the roadway, drivers can be left with very little room to safely get through the area.
It would be nice to see a visible enforcement presence from either police or municipal bylaw officers during the busiest periods of the salmon run.
This isn’t about preventing people from coming to see the salmon. Quite the opposite.
The salmon run has become an important annual attraction for Port Hope and brings visitors into the community.
But with hundreds of people and vehicles converging around Corbett’s Dam, keeping traffic moving and pedestrians safe should also be part of the equation.
A little enforcement — particularly during the busiest days — could go a long way toward making the experience safer for everyone.
Meanwhile, the salmon continued their journey.
With many of the fish now having moved farther upstream, the crowds may soon begin to thin along the Ganaraska.
The annual salmon run appears to be nearing its end.
But for those who stood along the river Saturday, the sight of hundreds of salmon fighting their way upstream — and a Great Blue Heron patiently waiting for its own opportunity — provided another memorable autumn afternoon in Port Hope.
The salmon may be moving on, but for another year, the Ganaraska River has once again brought people together to witness nature up close.
And perhaps next year, along with watching the salmon make their way upstream, a little more attention can be paid to keeping the roads around Corbett’s Dam safe for the people who come to see them.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
