Kootenay Trout Hatchery
If you are looking for a great family field trip while you are visiting the Columbia Valley, the Kootenay Trout Hatchery at Fort Steele offers an experience that is not only fun but educational too – and for all ages.
Since 1965, the Kootenay Trout Hatchery has been annually stocking up to 150 lakes in the east and west Kootenay Rockies regions, with 2.5 million trout fingerlings as well as rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout, eastern brook trout, Kokanee salmon and the endangered Kootenay River white sturgeon, which is BC’s largest freshwater fish. Since 1998, it has been a key component in white sturgeon recovery initiatives for the trans-boundary Kootenay River fish population and since 2001, in the Columbia sturgeon programs.
Located an easy drive from Cranbrook at Fort Steele, the Kootenay Trout Hatchery contains an extensive interpretive area with aquariums, educational models and displays.
Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour and in season, there are guided tours, educational programs for school classes and you can even arrange a surprise birthday party for your child.
Stop to see the western painted turtles in the turtle pond, take a nature walk with a tour guide to learn about native plants, birds and animals of the region, or help the kids to catch-and-release a fish in the children’s fishing pond. There is also a learn to fish program 7 days a week throughout the summer.
Hours of operation are from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Tours are available during spring and summer months from 10:15am to 3:30pm. The facility is mostly accessible by wheelchair.
