Fall is a beautiful time of year to travel to Victoria, BC! Cozy up inside at one of Victoria's brunch places (eggs benedict are a must!), or immerse yourself in Victoria's historic culture with several indoor experiences. We also recommend bundling up and enjoying the fall elements and foliage outside at The Butchart Gardens, or at one of Victoria's many hiking trails or beaches.
PLUS, save on Victoria hotel + ferry deals from $99 USD pp/do... It's the best rate of the year!
Read below for our curated list of fantastic activities to do during fall in Victoria, BC.
Fall at The Butchart Gardens.
1. Soak in the Fall Colors at The Butchart Gardens
Fall is the perfect time to do a trip to The Butchart Gardens. Not only is it usually quieter, it's also the perfect time to soak in the fall colors... One of our favorite areas to visit during the fall is the Japanese Gardens. While you are there, enjoy traditional winter tea in The Gardens Dining Room, or sweet treat and warm drink from the Coffee Shop.
Buy The Butchart Gardens Tickets
Goldstream Provincial Park.
2. Watch the Salmon Run at Goldstream Park
Watch the miracle of nature happening right before your eyes! Every year, Chum, Coho, and Chinook salmon storm the Goldstream river to spawn, coming back to the place where many moons prior they had spawned themselves. The salmon run typically lasts from mid-October to early-December and is a great way to educate your kiddos on the importance of natural ecosystems! Visit Goldstream Park's website for more information.
Ghostly walk with Discover the Past Walking Tours. Credit: Discover the Past Walking Tours.
2. Take a Ghostly Walk or Haunted Tour
Listen to chilling ghost stories in Canada's most haunted city. Experience spine-chilling spooks as you learn about the haunted history of Victoria. For those who are a little less ghost-inclined, there are also non-haunted history tours.
Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse Room. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
4. Taste the Season's Best Ciders
Visit some of the island's best cideries and score yourself a taste of what this harvest season has to offer! You can do tastings at many cideries throughout Vancouver Island, including some of our favorites, Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, Junction Orchard and Cider, and Victoria Cider Co. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping on a delicious beverage!
Pumpkin patch. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
5. Get Spooked at Galey Farms
From Pumpkin Fest to CarnEvil, Galey Farms has something for everyone in the family. Visit during the day and take a ride out to the pumpkin patch for family pumpkin picking! Or, arrive at night for the Festival of Fear which includes the corn maze of horror, crazy train and a haunted house! For the scare-seekers, we recommend CarnEvil, a 5,000 square foot haunted house!
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress.
6. Relax at a Spa
There’s no better way to cozy up in the fall than treating yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience. Victoria boasts a variety of world-class spas, each with its own unique charm and offerings. Some of our top picks include the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress, Free Spirit Botanicals, and Sapphire Day Spa.
Interactivity Board Game Cafe.
7. Get Competitive at Interactivity Board Game Cafe
The Interactivity Board Game Cafe is a delightful establishment that blends the joy of playing board games with the cozy ambience of a cafe. This unique venue offers over 1000 board games in store to play, try, or buy. Snacks, sandwiches, candy, drinks and more are available for your enjoyment while you take part in the timeless joy of tabletop games.
Sunset at Dallas Road.
8. Find Your Peace by the Ocean at a Victoria Beach
Victoria is home to more beautiful beaches than one can imagine, and they remain breathtaking year-round. If you can brave the fall weather, you will be sure enjoy a serene experience in the quiet season. Check out a range of beaches, including Gonzales, Willows, Cattle Point, Witty's Lagoon, or meander along the beaches of Dallas road nearby our terminal.
Burger and Fries. Credit: Burger Crush.
9. Eat like a Local in Downtown Victoria
Lunch Recommendations
•Bao: A cozy place specializing in Asian street food such as bao buns plus cocktails and beers.
•10 Acres Commons: Patio views of bustling Government Street & Inner Harbour.
•Tacofino: Tacos, burritos and nachos... All to die for!
•Burger Crush: Streamlined eatery doling out burgers, shakes & hand-cut fries, plus vegan fare & coconut ice cream.
•Foo Asian Street Food: Easygoing place serving varied Asian street food, beer & cider in a contemporary space with a patio.
•Chimac Korean Pub & Fried Chicken: Fried chicken, soups & other traditional Korean dishes round out the menu at this casual outpost.
Dinner Recommendations
•Il Covo: An Italian hidden gem in the historic James Bay neighborhood.
•Heron Rock Bistro: French cuisine made with local ingredients.
•Tapa Bar: Spanish-inspired tapas.
•Be Love: Local, organic, sustainable vegetarian offerings.
•10 Acres Bistro: A farm-table experience.
•Cafe Brio: Unpretentious choice for salumi, wine & Italian-leaning meals, made from local ingredients.
•Gozen Sushi Bar Izakaya: Japanese small & shared plates & extensive sushi menu with a full bar in a relaxed, modern setting.
Aisles of Books at Russell's. Credit: Russell Books.
10. Turn the Pages at Russell Books
Nothing says fall like curling up with a good book. Luckily, Downtown Victoria is home to Russell Books, a family-owned company that has been a staple of downtown Victoria since 1991. If you're looking for a great book as part of your cozy getaway, Russell Books has something for you.
Horse-drawn carriage tour.
11. Tour Victoria on a Cozy Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Enjoy historical tales on Victoria's past, present and future on a guided tour of downtown Victoria. Book a private carriage tour and take a unique journey through downtown Victoria and the surrounding areas. Since 1978, Victoria Carriage Tours has been dedicated to providing quality horse-drawn tours.
Buy Victoria Carriage Tour Tickets
Brunch at Heron Rock Bistro.
12. Do Brunch in the Brunch Capital of Canada
Breakfast (or brunch) in Canada's brunch capital; a must-do. Our favorite brunch places include Jam Cafe, Blue Fox Cafe, Heron Rock Bistro, Nourish Cafe or The Ruby on Johnson. Most brunch places do not take reservations, so get an early start to the day to avoid the lines!
