It’s that time of year when the leaves start turning, and that means autumn is right around the corner. Summer may be gone, but there’s no looking back. After all, Vancouver has enough fall activities to keep you busy between your schoolwork with fun-filled days of action-packed events, apple cider, Halloween frights — even chocolate festivals. Check out these must-see fall activities in Vancouver this year and renew your love for autumn.
1. Take a Hike
The colours are changing and the best way to see them and really appreciate them is to get outside and immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re huffing and puffing up Grouse Grind or leisurely strolling through Stanley Park, the crisp air and sweeping views will keep your body active and provide only-in-autumn photo ops. Check out www.outdoorvancouver.ca for hiking trails this fall.
2. Soak up colour at VanDusen Botanical Garden or the UBC Rose Garden
Heathers, Autumn crocus, hydrangeas and more bloom during the fall at VanDusen Botanical Garden, giving visitors the simple pleasure of soaking up picture-perfect fall landscapes. Make sure to visit the Alma VanDusen Meadow Garden and stand before the fiery red Japanese Maples.
3. Get Cultured at the Vancouver Art Gallery
It will get colder in the fall, but that’s exactly what art museums are made for. VAG’s 10,000-piece permanent holdings include works from historical and contemporary Vancouver artists and other contemporary art leaders, making a trip here a welcome cultural change. Plus, the museum boasts one of the city’s top cafes, and chatting with friends over a cappuccino is one fall activity you just have to partake in.
4. Visit your favourite animals
The best time of the year to visit Maplewood Farm is definitely the fall. The leaves are turning, the cider is hot and pumpkins are sprouting like crazy. It’s the perfect season to visit Rosie and Roberto, the farm’s Sicilian miniature donkeys, and Fluffy, one of the farm’s giant New Zealand white rabbits.
5. Go international Travel to more than 80 countries via the silver screen at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Screenings begin October 1 at various venues, which in the past have included Vancity Theatre, Pacific Cinematheque and Empire Granville 7 Cinemas. It’s one of the biggest film festivals in North America and one you don’t want to miss.
6. Become a Thunderbird fan
Did you know there are 27 Varsity teams at UBC! You can attend any and all home games of the season with a Blue Crew pass (for only $15). Go watch a football or rugby game with some friends while it’s still nice out!
8. Catch the start of theatre season
Many of Vancouver’s theatres start their seasons in the fall, making it a great time to catch a show. Arts Club Theatre Company, Firehall Arts Centre, and Touchstone Theatre are all great picks, or stay right here at home and attend a show put on by UBC Theatre.
(Source: Vancouver Tourism)