Fish Hatchery

See Where Fish Stocking Begins

Since opening in 1973, the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery has served as a nursery to over 50 million trout! The trout are raised from egg to fry and stocked into over 200 lakes and ponds across the province as a part of the Alberta Fish Stocking Program.

As one of four provincially-operated fish culture facilities, the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery plays a key role in Alberta’s fish stocking efforts.

Public Access

view of the Fish Hatchery at Bow Habitat Station.

Fish Hatchery Admission

Head inside the Fish Hatchery – where over a million trout are raised each year – and experience what it’s like to feed thousands of trout all at once!

What to Expect:

  • One serving of fish food per admission
  • Visitors must clean their hands (hand sanitizer or soap) and walk across a disinfectant mat to enter
  • Follow one-way flow to the largest ponds in the hatchery

When: Fridays & Saturdays year-round, starting at 10:00AM. Last admission at 3:00PM.

Tickets available for purchase at the site.

Summer of Discovery

Starting July 1 and running through September 2, 2023, Fish Hatchery admission to feed the fish will be available Tuesdays through Saturdays starting at 10:00AM and ending at 3:00PM.

Fee: $2.00 +tax per person (children 3 & under free with a paid adult). Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult.

Guided Fish Hatchery Tour

view of the Fish Hatchery at Bow Habitat Station.

Embark on 30-minute guided-tour through the lifecycle of a trout in the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery – one of the largest indoor fish hatcheries in North America.

This tour will take you on a journey to discover what it takes to raise over a million trout each year, and uncover the role fish stocking plays in keeping fish apart of Alberta's future. The tour wraps up with everyone's favourite activity - feeding thousands of rainbow trout a snack.

What to Expect:

  • Tickets subject to capacity; pre-booking is recommended. Tickets available for purchase at the site or can be pre-booked online at the link below.
  • Visitors must clean their hands (hand sanitizer or soap) and walk across a disinfectant mat to enter
  • Late admittance is not permitted; plan to arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of tour start time

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays at 2:30PM. Spaces limited, arrive early or pre-book to reserve a spot.

Summer of Discovery

Starting July 1 and running through September 2, 2023, Guided Fish Hatchery Tours will be available Tuesdays through Saturdays at 2:30PM.

Who: Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Fee: $5.00 +tax per person. Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult/senior.

Purchase Tour Tickets Online

Groups of 10+

Learn more about special pricing for a private Fish Feeding activity or Fish Hatchery Tour.

Dive Deeper

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Updated: Apr 27, 2023