Summary

• The first phase of infrastructure repairs is finished in Tsútswecw Park after it was heavily damaged by the 2023 Bush Creek East wildfire

• The main plaza area has been restored, including multiple sections of fencing, so people can access and enjoy the Viewing Platform Trail, Island Loop Trail and Plaque Channel Trail
• The second phase of repairs will begin in late 2026 with a focus on addressing hazardous trees along the Wade Road Trail and Flume Trails

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The first phase of infrastructure repairs is finished in Tsútswecw Park, marking a significant step in restoring areas that were heavily damaged by the Bush Creek East wildfire.

The main plaza area has been restored so people can access and enjoy the Viewing Platform Trail, Island Loop Trail and Plaque Channel Trail. The area is also used for the popular Salute to the Sockeye festival, which will be held at the park in October. 

Restoration work happening in phases

In August 2023, the Bush Creek East wildfire burned through most of Tsútswecw Park, causing significant damage to bridges, boardwalks, benches and other infrastructure. Damage in the park is being repaired in phases and the first phase included:

• replacing two small pedestrian bridges and repairing a large pedestrian bridge along the Island Loop Trail
• replacing multiple sections of fencing in the main plaza area
• repairing sections of the trail that were damaged by erosion associated with the fire

The second phase will begin in late 2026 with a focus on identifying and removing unstable trees along the Wade Road Trail and Flume Trails. Some areas of the park remain closed due to ongoing hazards, such as unstable slopes and trees burned by the fire. Ecological recovery efforts have also been ongoing since the wildfire, with a focus on restoring native ecosystems and protecting cultural heritage values.

The estimated total cost of the project is $2.1 million and is largely supported by the Government of Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program.

Salute to the Sockeye Festival returns in fall 2026

Tsútswecw Park was established in 1977 to conserve and protect spawning beds used by sockeye, chinook, coho and pink salmon. Every four years is a dominant run for sockeye salmon, with millions of fish returning to the Adams River, which has one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in North America.

Organized by the Adams River Salmon Society, the Salute to the Sockeye festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world to witness the salmon run in Tsútswecw Park. The best place to see the salmon is the viewing platform located approximately 300 metres west of the parking lot.

Learn More:

• For more information about Tsútswecw Park, visit: https://bcparks.ca/tsutswecw-park/
• For more details about the Salute to the Sockeye festival, visit: https://salmonsociety.com/
• To learn more about BC Parks, visit: https://bcparks.ca/