Top 10 Activities for Fall in Vancouver
Summer is almost over, and fall is finally here. Wondering what to do for the season of rain and colorful leaves? We’ve got you. There are tons of activities to do in the fall in Vancouver; just make sure you account for the rain.
In addition to the extra beauty of normal activities in the fall, Vancouver also offers timed fall events. Whether you’re looking for museums in Vancouver for rainy days or for colors Vancouver in the fall offers, this article can help you plan your next trip to this beautiful city.
So, without further ado, here are the best indoor and outdoor fall activities and seasonal events Vancouver offers.
What to Do in Vancouver in the Fall? (Indoor Activities)
Since the city is well-known for its many rainy days, we’ll first look at the top five indoor activities for fall in Vancouver. .
1. Playland’s Fright Nights
At the top of the list, we have Fright Nights. On certain nights in October, Vancouver’s Playland is transformed into a house of horror. The entire attraction features the Halloween theme, complete with numerous haunted houses.
This event is for people 13+, and there are a few limitations as to what you can bring. For more information about dates and rules, check out Fright Nights website.
2. Flyover Canada
An indoor activity with an outdoor vibe, Flyover Canada is the perfect rainy day activity if you’re craving nature in the fall in Vancouver. This immersive experience makes you feel like you’re literally flying over the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Enjoy delving through the most untouched places in Canada, and the rare beauties of the world, in Vancouver’s own Flyover Canada. To get a better sense of what this activity will be like, check out their trailer.
3. Vancouver International Film Festival
If you’re a film buff, or just looking to sound sophisticated in front of your cinema-loving friends, then VIFF will be perfect for you.
Fall in Vancouver comes with the yearly film festival with hundreds of movies, conferences, and talks. Get to know like-minded people and enjoy your time at this non-profit cultural organization.
4. Go to a Hockey Game
What says fall in Vancouver more than supporting your favorite hocky team in the studio? Fall marks the beginning of hockey season for most Vancouverians. Spend a night watching your favorite sport with your kids, or go on a unique date this fall.
5. Visit the Anthropology Museum
No Vancouver list is ever complete without the city’s Museum of Anthropology. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the city’s diverse background and providing a better understanding of Indigenous life in Vancouver.
Where to See Fall Colors in Vancouver? (Outdoor Activities)
While rain is the prominent feature of the season, there are sunny days in fall in Vancouver as well. The good weather days are too rare to miss out on, so here are the top five activities you can do outdoors in fall.
1. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The main activity of this park is walking across the brilliant suspension bridge and enjoying the spectacular scenery. That’s not all Capilano Park has to offer, though. A Cliffwalk and a rainforest hike are also available at this park.
If that wasn’t tempting enough, Capilano Park also holds a Halloween-themed event called ‘Canyon Frights’. Enjoy the park in a new light from the 11th to the 31st of October.
2. Visit the VanDusen Botanical Garden
Vancouver’s VanDusen Garden is a 4-season location. No matter when you visit this attraction, it’s always fascinating. That being said, fall is especially stunning in this botanical garden.
3. Picnic at Stanley Park
You can never go wrong with Stanley Park on a sunny day. Enjoy the lake, the beach, the picnic spot, and everything else this beautiful park offers. Fall in Stanley Park comes with a stunning spectrum of green and orange.
This public park is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver for free. Regardless of the season, Stanley Park is definitely worth a visit.
4. Visit Grouse Mountain
A day at Grouse Mountain can be many things, but boring is not one of them. You can enjoy the available Skyride, visit the bears, zipline in the sky, or have a run at the Mountain Rope Adventure.
It’s all made better in fall as the weather cools down and the trees get more color. Whether you’re a fan of hiking or enjoying a unique dining experience, Grouse Mountain will have something for you.
5. Pumpkin Picking
Teach your kids about the value of farming and simultaneously put them in a Halloween mood, all by going to a pumpkin patch. Although there are no patches available inside the city, you get many choices with a short drive towards Richmond.
Enjoy a cozy day under the sun and get a pumpkin each to take home. Nothing better to bring the fall spirit than visiting a pumpkin patch.
Fall Events Vancouver
Vancouver loves its seasonal events. To give more color to your everyday life, you can opt for these yearly or one-time events to get more and more in the spirit of fall. Here is some of the fun fall events in Vancouver.
1. Vancouver Fall Food Fest
Vancouver is the city of numerous food options. The city has over 50 Michelin recommended spots to eat. From October 4th to 27th, you can experience themed special goods in these wonderful diners and cafes.
The yearly Vancouver Fall Food Fest brings special drinks, meals, and baked goods for fall lovers. That pumpkin spiced latte you’ve been craving is just around the corner! Full list of participating vendors is available here.
2. Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Planter Workshop
We already mentioned pumpkin picking as a good fall activity in Vancouver, but how would you like to pick pumpkins with experts by your side? In the Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Workshop you can learn about the farming experience as well as spending a beautiful day with your family under the autumn sun.
3. Flavor’s of Fall
Moving away from family fun and towards the adult centred activities, you can go drink tasting this fall. This hour-and-a-half fall event in Vancouver celebrates the flavours of fall in the form of brewed goods.
Beer, spirits, and locally brewed drinks are available in this event. Just remember that all participants must be over the age of 16 as this event is adults only.
4. Fall Handcrafted Expo
Looking to support local businesses? The Fall Handcrafted Expo is the perfect place to start. With an admission fee of $5 only, and free for kids under 12, this fall event in Vancouver is one of the best evenings to spend with your family.
Over 75 vendors selling local artisans and crafts, this expo is a great opportunity to teach your kids the sense of community local support brings. Not to mention the delicious food and beautiful crafts.
5. Vanyoo Fall Market
Another chance to support local small business, the Vanyoo Fall Market has fewer vendors but more goods. Ranging from cheese and dairy to clothes and pet products, you can buy basically anything in this seasonal market.
Honorary Mention: Watching Salmon Spawning
If you’re a Vancouver local, then you surely remember watching salmon spawn as a kid. There are various streams with viewpoints, but we recommend Capilano River Regional Park.
You can mostly see Chinook in the fall, but there’s also Coho and Steelhead in different seasons.
Conclusion
Even though rain feels like a permanent feature of the season, there is still a lot to do in Vancouver in fall. Enjoy the city’s many indoor activities or soak up some sun when possible with the most breathtaking scenery.
FAQs
1. When Does Fall Start in Vancouver?
Typically, September to November has the best fall weather in Vancouver. However, weather can cool down sooner or later than expected, depending on the general climate of the year.
2. What Is Vancouver Like in the Fall?
As with most other seasons, fall in Vancouver is quite mild. The weather ranges from 18˚C to 9˚C, and the only complaint most Vancouverians have is the excessive rain the season brings.
3. When Is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in Vancouver?
Although nature gets an orange hue almost all of the fall in Vancouver, the best time to enjoy the red-brown wheel of color in the city is late October to early November.
