Last updated on April 13th, 2024 at 10:25 pm
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This blog post contains what I, a local, consider to be the absolute best things to do on Vancouver Island in the fall.
Fall is a lovely time to visit Vancouver Island. I have lived on Vancouver Island for many years, and I absolutely love this time of year here! Vancouver Island has milder weather than the rest of Canada. So although there may be some rain, it likely won’t be too cold yet if you visit Vancouver Island in autumn.
It is the perfect weather for walks in the forest, admiring the ocean from somewhere warm, and exploring spooky destinations. And, with summer over, there are far fewer tourists crowding the main attractions. Read on to see my list of the absolute best things to do on Vancouver Island in the fall!
1. See the salmon run at Goldstream Provincial Park
Vancouver Island is a great place to see a salmon run- an annual migration event where thousands of salmon swim upstream to spawn. It is an amazing and unique autumn experience! Head to Goldstream Provinical Park, located about a 20 minute drive from Victoria, in late October/early November to see it.
2. Go on a grizzly bear viewing tour in Campbell River
A grizzly bear tour is a truly bucket list worthy West coast experience. Homalco Tours in Campbell Rivers offers a tour led by an indigenous guide that will take you across to Bute Inlet in a boat to see wild grizzly bears (from a safe distance) while they feast on salmon. It is pricey, but absolutely worth it if you are willing to splurge.
3. Go to a fall fair
Vancouver Island has a few fall fairs. My favourite is the Luxton fall fair, near Victoria. Enjoy carnival rides, delicious food, art, and farm animals!
4. Storm watching
Storm watching is a great pastime on Vancouver Island. Windy fall weather creates bigger waves on the ocean, making for an exciting viewing experience. Find somewhere cozy with a view and watch the waves while you stay warm. My absolute favourite place to do this is Point no Point, near Sooke. It is a bit pricey, but you can rent a cabin with a private hot tub, that has a view of the ocean on the rugged west coast. Tofino also has a few resorts that are perfect for storm watching.
5. Go fruit picking
Fall is a great time for fruit picking on Vancouver Island. Apples and blackberries are in season this time of year, and there are many U-pick farms on the island to take advantage of.
6. Visit Craigdarroch Castle
This castle is considered one of Victoria’s most haunted buildings. Although it’s neat to visit any time of year, I like going in the fall to really get in the spirit of spooky season.
7. Warm up at HAVN Saunas in Victoria
HAVN is a new addition to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This floating spa offers a variety of saunas and outdoor hot and cold pools. In my opinion, the fall is a perfect time to visit. The crisp cool air will make the warm pools and saunas all the more satisfying.
8. Visit Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens, located just north of Victoria, is a great place to visit any time of the year. I especially love visiting in the fall to see the fall colours. Make sure to check out the Japanese Garden to see the beautiful fall foliage.
9. Hike in the forest and enjoy the fall scenery
While not known for having bright red and yellow fall foliage like the East coast, Vancouver Island’s forests still get some beautiful colours in the fall. The temperate rain forest has its own kind of charm, especially on a misty autumn day- you will feel like you have been transported into a Twilight movie! If you are in Victoria, head to Mount Douglas or Goldstream Provinicial Park. Other great spots on the island to enjoy the forest are Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, MacMillan Provinicial Park, and any of the many parks near Sooke.
10. Visit a cidery
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy some apple cider! There are a few cideries on Vancouver Island. I would recommend visiting Sea Cider or Merridale Cidery. Both are located within an hour drive from Victoria.
11. Cozy up in a cafe in Victoria
Victoria has many locally owned cafes that you need to check out. My favourites are Hey Happy and Discovery Coffee.
12. Go on a ghost tour in downtown Victoria
This is one of my favourite fall activities to do in Victoria. Discover the Past offers ghostly walks year round, but they have a special Halloween tour in October. Such a great way to get in the Halloween spirit while also learning more about Victoria’s history.
13. Visit Galey Farm in Victoria
Galey is a great to place to visit to check multiple fall activities off your fall bucket list. Get lost in a corn maze, go for a hay ride, pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, or visit the haunted house!
14. Go on a cemetery tour in Victoria
The Old Cemetery Society of Victoria offers weekly guided cemetery walking tours. The Sunday before Halloween is the annual ghost tour. Such a great way to get in the Halloween spirit! Even if you can’t make the Halloween tour, cemetery tours are still a great way to learn about the history of Victoria, and the people who have lived there.
I hope this list helps you plan your trip to Vancouver Island! It is such a beautiful place, and autumn is such a nice time to visit. Explore the outdoors, eat some amazing food, and make the most of your time there!
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