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7 Things to Do in British Columbia in Autumn
Written by Emily Jacobs
The leaves and temperature might be falling, but in autumn, British Columbia comes alive with culture, colour, and countless activities.
As autumn (or fall) blankets Canada’s British Columbia, the province transforms into a vibrant tapestry of fiery red, golden yellow and deep amber hues. The season beckons travellers to explore the region’s finest offerings, from incredible hospitality to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the urban pulse of Vancouver or the stunning alpine beauty of Whistler, fall in love with British Columbia with our top autumn activity recommendations.
Discover more about British Columbia on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
Take in the blazing colours of autumn in Vancouver
Soak up the scenic colours of Vancouver with a walk or bike ride along Seaside Greenway, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, stretching 28 kilometres. On the way, take time to explore ocean-facing Stanley Park, the city’s largest urban space, spanning 400 hectares. Marvel at centuries-old trees, including western red cedar, bigleaf maple and Douglas fir, and be sure to check out Siwash Rock, a 32-million-year-old sea stack.
Inland, at the VanDusen Botanical Garden, find your way through the Elizabethan hedge maze, made up of 3000 pyramidal cedars, or unwind among 7,500 plant species in their seasonal glory. As you stroll, keep an eye out for black-capped chickadees, blue herons and American robins. If you’re still on the hunt for shades of red, yellow and orange, head for Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in Vancouver. Offering stunning views of the surrounding parklands, city and mountains, the 52-hectare park is home to a quarry garden, arboretum, sculptures and so much more.
See Vancouver’s most recognisable sights
The days might be shorter, but Vancouver’s list of must-see sights only grows come autumn. Mild temperatures call for long walks through Gastown and Yaletown neighbourhoods, where you’ll uncover hidden gems, buzzy restaurants, trendy cafes, cobblestone pathways and curated galleries. Plan a visit in late September to attend the Vancouver International Film Festival, catching not only some of the best cinema but a whole host of unique events that celebrate the art of film.
Base yourself at the five-star Shangri-La Vancouver to stay in the middle of the action, with easy access to landmarks like the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the culinary haven of Granville Island. Whether you drive or catch the aquabus to Granville Island – not technically an island but rather a peninsula – be sure to explore the Granville Island Public Market, a haven for local produce and artisan goods, and spend an afternoon at Granville Island Brewing, known for its seasonal selection of beers.
Discover culture and craftsmanship in Whistler
Whistler boasts a rich cultural and artistic legacy, best discovered at the Audain Art Museum and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). At the Audain Art Museum, explore British Columbian art from the 18th century to the present, while at the SLCC, immerse yourself in the traditions, stories and art of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. A stay at the five-star Four Season Resort Whistler puts you within walking distance of both, perfect for multi-day explorations.
See Whistler away from the ski runs
Whistler isn’t just about ski runs – from spring to fall, there are opportunities aplenty for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Savvy adventurers can follow the challenging Skywalk Trailhead or moderate Lost Lake Trail by foot, or hit the slopes on two wheels, with biking options ranging from challenging mountain trails to a paved network that stretches through the Whistler Valley.
Fancy the view without the work? Board the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, the highest and longest lift of its kind in the world, to gaze out over Whistler Village and the surrounding mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. If that’s not enough of a heart raiser, try your hand at bungee jumping over the glacial-fed Cheakamus River, rock climbing at Via Ferrata (a route with a ladder drilled into the cliff) or gliding along the Sasquatch, the longest zipline in Canada and United States, spanning more than two kilometres.
Take a trip to Vancouver Island
Sitting on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver Island offers a treasure trove of new experiences, from exploring the capital of Victoria to witnessing the secluded beaches of Cape Scott Provincial Park. Indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea experience in one of the capital’s tea rooms, or sip on a seasonal beer in one of 16 breweries around the city. Get back to nature at the 120-year-old Butchart Gardens, flush in autumnal shades, or explore the Galloping Goose Trail by bike, a former railway line that stretches from Victoria to southern Sooke.
Taste the best of autumn and visit wineries in Okanagan Valley
With the heat of the summer receding, it’s time to harvest in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia’s largest wine region. Home to more than 250 wineries across 11 sub-regions, expect to find everything from family-run boutiques to large operations, growing and producing merlot, pinot gris, pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and more. Visit in October to celebrate crush time at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, complete with grape-stomping parties, winemakers’ dinners, barrel blending and tasting workshops. Paired with the chance to pick your own from orchards and pumpkin patches, it’s a fantastic celebration of incredible local produce.
Spot grizzly and black bears in British Columbia
Embrace your inner Goldilocks with a breakfast with the bears experience on Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain. Visit in September to watch resident grizzlies Grinder and Coola enjoy their morning meal, while an expert guide shares fun facts about their species and the importance of conservation. You won’t be going hungry either – the experience concludes with a buffet breakfast at The Grizzly Lookout.
Join a small group tour to say hello to Whistler Olympic Park’s resident black bears and their cubs, who have adapted to feeding, mating and hibernating within ski area habitats. With the largest concentration of mother bears in the region, you have every chance to witness the majestic animals as they go about their day.
Between August and October, grizzly bears descend on the river near the five-star Sonora Resort to feast on sprawling salmon. Book a multi-day stay for your chance to see this phenomenon up close with a Homalco First Nation guide. Embark on a small boat up the Arran Rapids and travel by vehicle through moss-covered rainforest to take your place on various bear-viewing towers along the riverbank.
Discover British Columbia
This article was produced in collaboration with Destination Canada.
Discover more about British Columbia on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
This season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays is brought to you by Citi Credit Cards. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
