As the Fish Get Moving, We Get Moving Too!

Date: April 11, 2026 10am – Noon  Location: Nelson Lakeside Park

Registration Starts 9:30am

Aligned with the emergence of Kokanee Fry in the spring, The Great Kokanee Escape is a family-friendly 2 km, 4 km or 6 km run/walk that brings the community together to learn about and support shore-spawning Kokanee salmon in Kootenay Lake. Participants move through fun, interactive “challenge stations” that mirror the real obstacles Kokanee fry face after hatching — from fluctuating lake levels to predators and climate stressors.

We’re excited for this event to become an annual fundraiser supporting Friends of Kootenay Lake and the stewardship work we do.

Participants can form fundraising teams, spark a little friendly competition, and invite friends or colleagues to contribute—even just the cost of a coffee makes a difference. Top fundraisers will receive prizes, including limited-edition Kokanee Escape 2026 baseball caps designed locally by Shamara at The Boonies Magazine.

Start your own profile to fundraise below! The first 25 fundraisers to reach $150 will receive a special edition Baseball Cap! Funds raised support FoKLSS and our local Kootenay Lake conservation, education, and shoreline stewardship initiatives.

If you’re interested in volunteering: sign up here 

Route Details

The adventure begins at the Rotary Shelter, where participants will check in and register.

1. From the Rotary Shelter, turn left and follow the waterfront trolley path south toward the Rose Garden Café. At the Rose Garden, turn left again and head north toward the beach, where you’ll find the first activity station.
2. After completing the activity, continue along the lakeside path heading south toward the mall. The second activity station will be at the outdoor gym area along the path.
3. Keep following the path as it loops around the soccer fields, where the third activity station will be located at the south end of the soccer fields.
4. As you make your way back toward the Rotary Shelter, stop by the fourth activity station, located between the public washrooms and the softball fields.

The route finishes back at the Rotary Shelter, where food will be served and you can connect with community environmental education booths, which will also be set up at each activity station along the route.

Fundraising Prizes!

Thank you to Shamara of Boonies Magazine for the exclusive logo.

The first 50 fundraisers to reach $25 will receive a special edition Kokanee Escape 2026 Sticker

The first 25 fundraisers to reach $150 will receive a special edition Baseball Cap

Please Fill Out Our Waiver in Advance