As a local, I honestly had no idea that the Summerland Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre existed. Then I found out that it had begun as an eyeing station in 1918 and a permanent Provincial hatchery in 1947.
Needless to say, we were excited to stop in for a visit to learn about the trout, enjoy some of the crafts available and take part of a guided tour of the facility.
Location
The Summerland Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre is located at 13405 Lakeshore Drive South in Summerland. From Highway 97, you will turn off onto Lakeshore Drive South and follow it North along the lake.
The Hatchery is located past the Summerland Waterfront Resort on the right-hand side if you are driving from the south. If you go too far, you will pass the Gordon Beggs Rotary Beach.
Parking & Visitor Information
There are 3 parking stalls located right out front of the building. You will find more parking before or after the Visitor Centre.
Although the name of the location is the Summerland Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre, they do not provide visitor information for things to do around Summerland.
The Summerland Visitor Centre can help you with this and they are located at 15600 Highway 97.
Visitor Hours
Please check Freshwaters Fisheries Society of BC Website, for their updated hours of operation.
Trout Hatchery Visitor Centre
We were pleasantly surprised when we walked into the Visitor Centre. A table full of colours, paints, crafts, and more was available for the kids to enjoy.
A large magnetic board ‘Life at the Lake’ featured magnetic objects and animals that you could move around. In addition, they had an informative television on the wall and a train set on a table below.
We cannot forget about the fish! Of course, a fish tank was set up with Rainbow Trout and Brook Char for the kids to view. One of the staff fed the fish so our girls could watch them eat and swim around.
Other information is also available throughout the centre on the walls and tables. In addition, they offer a ‘Fish Facts’ worksheet where the kids can fill in the blanks to learn more about the hatchery.
Guided Tour
Guided tours are available during the spring and summer months, depending on the availability of staff and hours of operation.
Our guide gave us a tour of the inside and outside of the facility. It gave the girls a chance to see the different types of trout in different stages of their life cycle.
Outside the hatchery, we viewed different tanks holding the trout.
Photo Opportunities
There are a few spots to get some great photos of the kids. Outside on your tour, there is a cutout picture they can pop their faces in for a photo.
Inside the Visitor Centre there is a large fish statue when you first come in the door.
Tips & Tricks
- Admission to the Trout Hatchery is by donation
- It is a self-guided visitor centre. Guided tours are available based on the time of year and staff availability
- Check the hours of operation ahead of time to ensure they are open to walk-in guests
- If you are looking to book a group, please contact them directly at 250-494-0491 or by email visit.summerland@gofishbc.com
- Washrooms are available inside the building
- With a fishing license, you can borrow a rod and tackle from them for free
Summerland Trout Hatchery & Visitor Centre
Address: 13405 Lakeshore Drive South, Summerland
Phone: (250) 494-0491
Website: gofishbc.com
Hours: Please check Freshwaters Fisheries Society of BC Website for their updated hours of operation.
