Fall is officially here! Along with shorter days and colder weather, the season brings a whole host of new activities and experiences for the people of Vancouver. From changes in nature to world-famous festivals, here are five things you can do in Vancouver this season.
Enjoy the Beautiful Colours of Fall
Photo by Mike Benna, Unsplash
One of the most colourful seasons in Canada, Fall is the best time to witness the vibrance of mother nature. If you are taking a walk through Stanley Park, stop by the seawall near the rowing club for a great viewing location. You can also dine, bike, or get in a horse-drawn carriage to experience everything the season has to offer in the park. Another unique place to see the Fall colours is at the Sylvia Hotel on Beach Avenue in the West End. This 109-year-old building is covered in creepers that turn various shades of green, amber, gold, and crimson and is truly a sight to see!
Want a little culture with your Fall exploration? Then visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, located in historical Chinatown. It is an amazing option to see nature’s colour changes while learning about Chinese culture. The garden has guided tours, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and educational programming. So immerse yourself in the culture of one of the biggest ethnic groups in Vancouver.
Delicious Fall Food
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash
With any change in season, we are always on the lookout for tasty food! It’s the season for pumpkins and apple dishes. Some Fall classics include pumpkin spice latte and apple cider for the cold weather, apple pies with vanilla ice cream for a satisfying end to a meal, and the classic Turkey on Thanksgiving day.
Planning to make Fall dishes? Why not take a trip to Granville Island’s year-round Farmers Market to get all your seasonal ingredients. Transformed from an industrial wasteland to a popular artistic location in the 1970s, this little island is packed with art and culture. There’s so much to see that you might need a few trips. Plan your day using their trip planner quiz. Moreover, if you are looking for seasonal or handmade gifts, or are on the lookout for a new indie artist, this is a great place to explore.
Apple Picking and Exploring Corn Mazes
Photo by Ryan Arnst, Unsplash
One of the common things people in Vancouver like to do in the Fall is pick fresh apples and pumpkins. So take your adventure outside the city and head to Taves Family Farm where you can explore apple farms, pumpkin patches, drink apple cider, and even pet some animals. This family-run farm makes for a fun trip with friends if you have a car (or can rent one). If you prefer something closer to home, then check out the Richmond Country Farms. You can explore their pumpkin patch, visit their sunflower garden, or grab a bottle of wine from their winery.
For something a little more exciting, check out the Maan Farms’ Haunted Corn Maze. Like Taves, it’s family-run and is located in Abbotsford. This famous maze is known to be the scariest corn maze in Canada. Tickets can be booked online and are available for group purchases only. They also have a regular corn maze, pumpkin patches and seasonal treats.
Vancouver International Film Festival
Photo by Jakob Owens, Unsplash
One of the largest film festivals in North America is back! Starting October 1 to October 11, the 40th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) will be open for all movie lovers. This year, there are over 110 featured films, 75+ shorts, and various talks for you to choose from. You can either enjoy the festival in-person or view selected films from the comfort of your own home. This is a great event if you love storytelling and seeing films and documentaries made from people of diverse cultures and communities.
BC Culture Days in Vancouver
Photo by Pavan Gupta, Unsplash
Vancouver is an incredibly diverse city and we love celebrating what makes us unique. One great way to get to know the diversity of this city is through BC Culture Days. This famous event runs from September 24 to October 24 and has hundreds of free interactive events celebrating the arts, culture, and heritage of BC. This year’s festival is a mix of in-person and online events with the theme “RE:IMAGINE” as a way to imagine a post-COVID future. Since its beginning in 2010, BC Culture Days has become one of the highlights of the season bringing people, arts, and culture together.
Get Planning Today, Explore the Fall in Vancouver
To sum it all up, the weather may be colder, but that doesn’t stop many of us from enjoying the beauty that the Fall season has to offer. With so many unique seasonal things to do, from exploring nature, to discovering unique Fall foods, and learning about Canada’s diverse culture, you are sure to be busy with fun activities all season long.
Are you a current VGC student? Be sure to also follow the VGC Activities page for our seasonal activities this fall!
Posted on September 28, 2021, by Cassandra Leong