Nottawa – Salmon Run, Nature and Community Life

Nottawa offers several distinct reasons to visit: the annual Chinook salmon run on the Pretty River, the See the Salmon Run nature program, the Nottawa Memorial Community Center, McKean Memorial Park, and the Ed Christie Memorial Bridge, which connects to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) snowmobile trail. If you’re looking for a hotel in Nottawa, you can start by deciding what your trip will focus on: nature watching, a possible event date, or the seasonal snowmobile trail each involve different planning considerations.

Salmon Run and Event Program

See the Salmon Run is a celebration of the Chinook salmon’s return to their spawning grounds. Chinook salmon swim up the Pretty River in Nottawa every year; viewing conditions vary by season. This gives the nature theme a clear connection to an annual event in the river, while the event program is tied to specific dates. Program details may change in future editions. Check the dates for the relevant edition before your trip if you plan to attend See the Salmon Run.

The program includes a 20-minute self-guided nature walk through the woods along the Pretty River, as well as a 25 km tour along a combination of roads and trails. The tour offers a chance to observe the salmon run at other nearby rivers and creeks. The walk and tour therefore differ in scope and location: the walk goes through the woods along the Pretty River, while the tour takes in other rivers and creeks in the area. The 20 minutes refer to the duration of the walk, and the 25 km to the length of the tour—both details relate to different parts of your planning.

Community Center and Park

For more than 60 years, the Nottawa Memorial Community Center has served as a gathering place for the community and surrounding residents. It also hosts concerts and fundraising events; individual programs may change. These are two distinct roles to consider when planning your trip: the center is a longstanding community gathering place and also a venue for specific events. If a concert or fundraising event is the reason for your trip, check the relevant date.

McKean Memorial Park has new playground equipment and swings, as well as open green spaces. These features set the park apart from the community center, whose role centers on gatherings and events. Park amenities may change with future upgrades. If specific playground equipment is important for your visit, check its current status in advance.

Seasonal Snowmobile Trail

The Ed Christie Memorial Bridge in Nottawa connects to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs snowmobile trail. Seasonal trail use may vary. So if you’re planning your trip around a snowmobile ride, check trail access for your intended dates. Unlike planning around a specific event date, snowmobile trips depend on seasonal trail use.

Discover more destinations: Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Wymbolwood Beach, Oro, Borden, Penetanguishene, Washago, Duntroon

For the broader travel overview: Simcoe County.