Fall in Love with Vancouver
As the days get shorter and the air grows crisp, Vancouver is the perfect destination for a fall getaway. The mild climate lends itself to long walks to take in the fall colours, with the first of the season’s snowfall capping the local peaks. But this is a city where culture and nature happily coexist, you’ll want to make time to immerse yourself in Vancouver’s arts scene: from music festivals to original theatre productions, curated gallery exhibitions to craft sales. And don’t forget the dining! From foraged mushrooms to fresh British Columbian seafood, autumn is the time to find seasonal specialties on your plate.
Don't forget your camera if you're heading to Gastown in autumn. With the orange and red leaves and brick buildings, it makes for a perfect scenic autumn stroll. Grab a coffee from one of the local cafes and explore the boutique shops in Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood.
In the evenings, you can explore this neighbourhood on Forbidden Vancouver’s “The Lost Souls of Gastown” walking tour. Through spirited storytelling, you will learn about Vancouver’s edgy early days and most gruesome history. You’ll step inside a world of murder, revenge, and true grit in a dramatic retelling of Victorian Gastown’s earliest stories. After your tour, delve into the “new Gastown” with dinner at one of the areas coolest restaurants.
Each autumn, Vancouver’s tree-lined streets explode into yellows, golds, and reds. Why not enjoy it by bike? There are plenty of great fall photo ops as you cruise along quiet bike paths. If the weather gets too chilly, stop for a pumpkin spice latte break.
Before you go cycling, make sure you get geared up. Under British Columbia law, you have to wear a helmet when you ride. Biking after dark? You need lights too. If you don’t have one, it’s easy to rent a bike. For fall’s colder riding weather wear gloves and bundle up in layers.
A fall bike ride along the False Creek Seawall provides lots of colouful photo opportunities. Be sure to slow down to enjoy the changing leaves at David Lam Park, along Marinaside Crescent in Yaletown, and on Granville Island.
The paths along Coal Harbour are speckled with pockets of trees that transform each autumn. Key photo spots include Devonian Harbour Park, Marina Square, Cardero Park, and Harbour Green Park. Head up to Jack Pool Plaza for great shots of the trees from above.
For a great fall ride, follow the Seaside Bike route for 7 kilometres from Vanier Park to Spanish Banks. There are lots of great fall photo ops along the way. Favourite stops include the north end of Kits Beach and Jericho Beach Park. Be sure to take a few detours onto the surrounding side streets. Many of them have amazing colours too.
The Stanley Park seawall is Vancouver’s most iconic bike route. In the fall, sections of the 10-kilometre loop light up with changing leaves. Key spots to stop include near the rowing club and along Lost Lagoon. Venture just outside the park to grab a photo of the vine-covered exterior of the Sylvia Hotel on Beach Avenue.
If you’re looking for a guided experience, join Cycle City Tours for “The Stanley” tour, exploring Vancouver’s legendary Stanley Park on two wheels. As you cycle through the park’s dedicated bike trails and the seawall, your guide will share information about the biodiversity of the temperate rainforest, importance to First Nations groups, as well as secrets from the park’s 125 year history. After your tour, remain in the park to stroll on the seawall and take some great pictures of the city skyline.
Fall is a great time for a photo walk around the seawall. Enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and the explosion of colours overhead.
Plan some time at Granville Island, Vancouver’s most artistic neighbourhood and the second most visited attraction in Canada. Filled with artisan studios, craftspeople and galleries, you will enjoy the street performers and colourful atmosphere. Grab a casual lunch from one of the vendors at the Granville Island Public Market and enjoy the city and water views like the locals do.
From Granville Island you can take the Aquabus, a small passenger ferry that connects various points withing the False Creek area. From there you can visit Vanier Park where attractions like the Vancouver Museum, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and the Vancouver Maritime Museum are located. Or head in the other direction towards neighbourhoods like Yaletown and Olympic Village or visit Science World, one of the city’s top attractions focused on all things science related with interactive galleries.
Fall can also be a great time to get out on the water and take in the spectacular scenery surrounding Vancouver. Join guides from the Coast Salish tribe, with Takaya Tours, on a unique and relaxing 2-hour ocean-going canoe adventure beginning in beautiful Deep Cove. Gently paddle a 13-meter, cedar canoe as First Nation guides sing traditional songs, tell stories, and point out ancient village sites. For eternal moments you will touch a world that transcends time.
Fall can be an especially lovely time to visit Vancouver’s attractions. Rise high above the city at the Vancouver Lookout to get your bearings. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is also a great rainy-day option (yes, a garden in the rain!) as it’s designed to be enjoyed throughout all 12 months. Capilano Suspension Bridge will give you a glimpse into our temperate rainforest – while there, thrill seekers should check out the attraction’s Cliffwalk feature!
Be sure to visit the acclaimed Vancouver Art Gallery right on Robson Street or head to North Vancouver for the stunning new Polygon Gallery, with its collection of photography and media art. Delve into the region’s First Nations culture with a visit to the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art or the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
Downtown shopping is centred around Robson Street, with Pacific Centre mall (home to both Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom department stores) anchoring one end. Stroll nearby neighbourhoods like Yaletown and Gastown for independent boutiques and shops, or hit McArthurGlen Designer Outlet (just two train stops from the airport) to fill your suitcase with deals.
For more adventure in the temperate rainforest, book a Rainforest River Canyons & Salmon Adventure tour with Rockwood Adventures where you can experience the Pacific Salmon story as well as a storied walk through the Capilano Canyon rainforest with 1000 year old growth trees. Your personal Urban & Eco-Guide will provide interpretive commentary on a series of mini-walking tours and scenic drives to such sights as the West-End of the downtown core, the Stanley Park Totem Pole Garden and the seawall cityscape. You will then venture across the Lions Gate Bridge to the mountains of the ‘North Shore’ rainforest where you will have a brief drive to the incredible Capilano River Canyon where you will walk amongst incredible giant Cedars and towering Douglas Firs, learn the Pacific Salmon story and marvel at the amazing Cleveland Dam.