Canada: What to do in Vancouver this fall

Fall has always been my favorite season. Temperatures are slowly dropping and the leaves are turning beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. It’s also an ideal time to explore new destinations or rediscover your own city. If you’re looking for fun things to do this time of year, here’s a list of our top suggestions for fall fun in Vancouver.

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s largest urban park and one of the city’s most popular attractions. The best time to observe autumn colors is from mid-October to early November. It’s the perfect opportunity for a romantic evening stroll or a family outing. Access to the park is free.

Nicknamed Vancouver’s Peak, Grouse Mountain is just 15 minutes from downtown. At the summit, an impressive panorama of the region awaits you. Many outdoor activities are available such as hiking, mountain biking, zipline, gondola, animal sanctuary, paragliding and more.

Admission to the mountain costs $75 and includes a return trip on the Skyride gondola.

The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to celebrate fall. In October and November, the ginkgo trees in the Japanese garden take on flamboyant hues.

Starting October 7, Harvest Days ($15) are held every Saturday and Sunday. The vegetable gardens and large labyrinth are transformed for family fun. Photo opportunities abound, local musicians set the mood and food trucks arrive to delight the taste buds.

Granville Island is one of Vancouver ‘s most popular year-round destinations, but it takes on a whole new dimension in fall. Public markets abound with fresh seasonal produce, local crafts and culinary specialties. Take advantage of this atmosphere to stroll along the harbor, discover art galleries, or enjoy live entertainment at the Granville Island Stage.

Vancouver’s Seawall is a great place to enjoy the colors while getting some exercise. Rent a bike and ride along this scenic cycle path that runs along the city’s coastline. Take in the magnificent views of the ocean, mountains and city while breathing in the fresh fall air.

The Vancouver Aquarium, located in Stanley Park, is a must-see attraction for marine life enthusiasts. It is home to a wide variety of animals including sea lions, jellyfish and Pacific fish. The center is also dedicated to marine biology research and species conservation. Admission is around $40 per adult.

FlyOver Canada is an immersive experience that lets you virtually fly over Canada’s iconic landscapes. Visitors are suspended in mid-air as if on a rollercoaster, as they pass through some of the country’s most beautiful spots. A fun family activity for less than $30 per person

Did you enjoy painting by number during the pandemic? If so, Paint Nite is an unusual activity to try out with friends or family. Guests can have a drink and a bite to eat, and then get to work creating the same canvas.

For $39, the painting evening includes all necessary materials, step-by-step instructions and expert advice from a Vancouver-based artist. These events are held every week in local restaurants or bars.

Until December 3, 2023, this exhibition at the Museum of Vancouver presents women’s fashion through the centuries, from 1750 to 2000. Hundreds of pieces from the collections of fashion historians are brought together. Tickets are $20 per adult and guided tours are available.

Fall is whale migration season in the waters off Canada’s west coast. Many companies offer boat trips to observe these marine giants. Be sure to book in advance, as these outings are very popular.

Fall is harvest season, which means that local cideries and breweries are in full swing. Take advantage of this period to visit microbreweries and sample a wide variety of artisanal ciders and local beers. Some establishments, like Granville Island Brewing, organize special events to celebrate the season.

BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena host sporting events throughout the fall. Take in a Vancouver Whitecaps soccer match, a British Columbia Lions soccer game or a Vancouver Canucks hockey game.

Vancouver Island is the perfect getaway for a day or a weekend. Take a ferry from Vancouver to the island and explore Victoria or Tofino. The Vancouver-Victoria crossing takes just over an hour and a half, and ticket prices vary widely depending on the schedule (between $50 and $100 for a car and a passenger).

Vancouver offers a multitude of fall activities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a gourmet or simply looking for beautiful views and a warm atmosphere, this city has it all.

If you’re looking for accommodations in Vancouver, find our reviews of the city’s Marriott Bonvoy hotels: