Visiting Vancouver in the Fall: A Local’s Guide
If you’re visiting Vancouver in the fall or you live here and want to soak up the season, then in this post I’m going to share what makes this time of year extra special. Vancouver offers vivid fall foliage, unique wildlife moments like the salmon run, farm harvests, shoulder-season travel perks, and cozy wellness rituals that are even better once the air turns crisp. Here’s what to add to your itinerary this autumn.
1. Witness the Salmon Run
While there are various salmon runs throughout the year, fall is prime time in Vancouver and the Sea to Sky Area. You’ll find coho at the Capilano Fish Hatchery in North Vancouver, which is one of the easiest places to catch the salmon returning to spawn. The best part is that it’s free, and you can combine it with a peaceful stroll through the Capilano River Regional Park.
Another great place to look for salmon is in Squamish at the Mamquam Spawning Channels. You are also more likely here to see a bear fishing for salmon, as this is just along the Mamquam river.
2. Fall Foliage: Where to See the Leaves Change
In September, you’ll start to notice the leaves changing throughout the city from green to yellow to red. I personally love the trees along Georgia heading north into Stanley Park, or the trees along 33rd avenue in Vancouver. For more dedicated fall foliage, head to Van Dusen Botanical Garden or the UBC Nitobe Garden which have gorgeous maples in bloom.
Another fall experience in the area is the changing of the larches, otherwise known as the ‘Larch March’. The closest larches to Vancouver can be found in E.C. Manning Provincial Park on the Frosty Mountain Trail. You can also drive south to Washington to see them, or east to the Canadian Rockies where they are also prominent. They only exist in very specific elevation bands and only change color for a few weeks a year before the needles fall to the ground, usually the last week of September through the first two weeks of October.
3. Harvest Fun: Farms, Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches
Fall is a great time in Vancouver to enjoy the harvest – apples in September, pumpkins in October. There are farms in Richmond, the Delta, Abbotsford, and east through to Chilliwack. In my post about Harrison Hot Springs, I talk a bit about the agricultural tourism you can check out in the area between Chilliwack and Harrison Hot Springs – lots of farm stands!
Some popular farms and pumpkin patches in the area include Taves Family Farm (Abbotsford), Willow View Farms (Abbotsford), Maan Farms (Abbotsford), Richmond Country Farms (Richmond), Aldor Acres (Langley), Laity Pumpkin Patch (Maple Ridge), and Southlands Heritage Farm (Vancouver).
4. Cozy Wellness: Spa, Sauna & Hot-Cold Rituals
As temperatures dip, locals lean into wellness culture. Places like Tality and Finnish Sauna offer hot saunas, cold plunges, and a restorative Scandinavian-style hot-cold hydrotherapy experience which are perfect for fall. For free dips, you’ll catch locals (like myself) just wading into English Bay at high tide for an invigorating experience.
5. Wildlife & Berry Season
In the fall, you are much more likely to run into bears that are putting the finishing touches on their food stores for winter. They will be enjoying the many berries that grow in the forests and mountains that surround Vancouver. This can be an exciting opportunity to see bears in their habitat (from a safe distance). This time of year, please be careful to hike in groups, always carry bear spray somewhere accessible on you (on your hip or shoulder strap, NOT buried in a backpack!) and speak or sing loudly when hiking, especially through bushier areas.
6. Shoulder Season Travel Perks
Fall is one of Vancouver’s best-kept travel secrets. It’s the shoulder season for otherwise expensive destinations like Whistler, meaning you’ll find cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds. Trails are often still snow-free well into October, so it’s a great time for late-season hiking.
This is also when Squamish shines for rock climbing. Locals call September “Sendtember” because the cooler, dry weather is perfect for sending climbing projects. If you climb, this is arguably the best month of the year to visit.
You’ll also find more deals on ferry routes to the Gulf Islands or the Sunshine Coast (for fall hiking, check out Tin Hat). Once kids go back to school in BC (after Labour Day, the first week of September), everything gets much less crowded. Check out my itineraries for Vancouver Island, or specifically for Tofino or Victoria.
7. Fall festivals and markets
Check out Witchilano, a stand up paddle board event in Kitsilano, which usually happens the first Saturday in October (in 2025, October 4th). Alternatively, the UBC Apple Festival, which is October 18 and 19 2025 lets you taste test over 50 varietals, with activities for all ages. Capilano Suspension Bridge runs Canyon Frights October 10-Nov 2, allowing you to enjoy the magical lights of the suspension bridge and canyon walks but with a spooky twist. There’s often a rotating list of seasonal activities, including farmers markets throughout the city every week. Find the closest one to you here.
Related Adventures
FAQ: Visiting Vancouver in the Fall
When is peak fall color in Vancouver?
Fall colors usually peak in early to mid-October, though timing varies by elevation. Gardens and city parks often show color a bit earlier, while mountain trails hold onto greens later.
Is fall a good time to hike near Vancouver?
Yes. Most mountain trails remain snow-free through October, making it a great season for hiking without summer crowds. Just be mindful of shorter daylight hours and pack accordingly.
Is fall a good time to visit Whistler or Squamish?
Absolutely. Fall is shoulder season, so accommodations are more affordable. Hiking trails are open, and in Squamish, September is the prime rock climbing month known as “Sendtember.”
What should I pack for fall in Vancouver?
Bring layers. Temperatures can swing from mild afternoons to chilly evenings. A waterproof jacket is essential—rain is common in October and November.
Final Thoughts: Why Fall in Vancouver Feels Magical
Fall in Vancouver is a time of transition and richness. The city softens. Rivers fill with returning salmon, forests glow in color, farms invite you to pick and taste, and wellness spots offer cozy escape. With hiking, climbing, island trips, and shoulder-season deals in Whistler all still in play, this is one of the best times to explore Vancouver and its surroundings.
