10 BC experiences not to miss this fall

10 quintessential BC experiences that are sure to quicken the pulse, fire the imagination, and inspire you to try something new.

Fall in British Columbia is a season of abundance, but it’s also so much more. It’s a time that’s ripe for curiosity—an invitation to bask in a city skyline, marvel at iconic landmarks, or find a connection to local culture. It pulls you to travel new roads, to explore mountain landscapes, or raise a glass of BC’s best after a day’s play.

No matter what you choose this fall, let your curiosity lead the way. Because when you’re open to more, you’re bound to discover something extraordinary.

1.    Discover quirky city experiences in Victoria, Kelowna, and Metro Vancouver

With temperatures dropping and the leaves beginning to fall, there’s no better time to shake things loose with a quick and quirky city getaway. Because no matter how well you think you know BC, there’s still so much to be surprised by in these thriving urban centres. And who couldn’t use a dose of curiosity and wonder these days?

Discover hidden cocktail lounges inside heritage buildings, overnights in tucked-away boutique hotels, new vantage points on flightseeing excursions, harbour tours, and more.

2.   Find adventure in the mountains of British Columbia

With 10 major ranges cleaving the province, from the Canadian Rockies in the east to the Coast Mountains in the west, you’re never far from a mountain community in BC. More than just base camps for adventure, these towns are alive with their own unique culture, plus chefs that turn local ingredients into memorable meals, and makers that craft beer and blend wine.

The best time to head for these hills is arguably in the autumn, when colourful foliage and an ethereal quality of light, add up to photogenic mountainscapes as you wind over scenic roads en route to hikes, mountain bike rides, or tasting flights at a local brewery.

3.    Road trip your way to a fall getaway

Celebrate the arrival of autumn with a short road trip near Vancouver—you can explore your favourite destination in a new way or discover somewhere you’ve never been before.

The journey is just as thrilling as the destination, so take the scenic route and stop to explore local haunts, outdoor activities, cultural highlights, and farm-fresh delights along the way. You’ll be rewarded with great food and drink, immersion in the natural world, and a renewed sense of wonder at every bend in the road.

4.    Connect with Indigenous cultures

Find connections to the land, the people, and to something bigger than yourself as you explore ancient coastal villages with an Indigenous guide, learn about traditional plant medicines and healing techniques in nature, and more.

This fall, experience Indigenous cultures and explore our interconnectedness. Visit museums and cultural centres, enjoy authentic cuisine, book a guided tour, and spend the night in an Indigenous-owned accommodation. Listen to the stories, close your eyes and feel the music, open your heart and mind to thousands of years of knowledge and wisdom, and you will see that everything truly is connected.

Travellers are advised to speak directly with tourism operators before visiting Indigenous communities to ensure they are travelling responsibly. Learn more about how best to plan your next Indigenous travel experience in BC.

5.    Wake up in nature

Drift in and out of dreamland in the great outdoors and let the serenity of nature lull you to sleep, be it tucked fireside at a cabin, snuggled warm in a lodge, or under a blanket of stars. When you think about sleeping under the stars, camping is often the first thing to come to mind. And BC is, indeed, synonymous with camping. But this year, try something new.

Kick it up a notch with a glamping experience, complete with a warm, comfy bed. Help protect the natural world with a stay at an eco resort. Or reserve a spot at a wilderness resort and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Animal lovers can also find contentment at a guest ranch or a farm stay.

6.    Get to know BC wildlife

Nothing beats the thrill of seeing wild and winged creatures in their natural habitats, and in BC we are blessed to be able to see wildlife all around us. To make a deeper connection, book a tour with one of the province’s many knowledgeable and experienced guides. Guides know the prime viewing spots and going with a professional ensures your safety and the safety of the animals. You also get the advantage of their expertise and insight.

Hiring a local guide offers you the best chance of spotting orcas breaching the watery surface, birds taking flight from forested nests, and grizzly bears roaming in a grassy sanctuary. Wherever you travel in BC, there are wildlife encounters to be had. So explore a new part of the province and learn about its residents, both human and animal.

7.    Toast a new season at your favourite BC winery

From traditional to reimagined, you can find a BC tasting room experience to suit your style. Even the most well-travelled wine lover can find a delightful surprise or two—a red or white somewhere that you haven’t yet sipped—and you’ll be spoilt for choice with unique ways to sample, from pretty picnics and dog-friendly patios to gourmet food and drink pairings at winery restaurants.

British Columbians have it good when it comes to noteworthy vintages and a wide variety of places to enjoy them. There has never been a better time to explore a new BC wine region, or new wineries in a region you love.

8.    Find your flavour along an ale trail

Toast the season in farm settings, on scenic patios, and everywhere in between. Thanks to a booming brewery scene in BC—threaded together by 20 ale trails through beer-loving, neighbouring communities—there’s even more incentive to discover a new favourite.

Whether you’re looking for an urban experience where you can walk from brewery to brewery or a destination experience where you can spend a leisurely afternoon; whether you enjoy a dark, creamy porter or a hoppy IPA, new experiences are brewing nearby.

9.    Cast a line in BC’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters of BC

Wilderness and wildlife combine for the ultimate angling in the great outdoors. Hook up with a guide and savour this serene pastime while still feeling a quickening pulse with every nibble.

Never tried angling before? Fishing guides are notoriously passionate and knowledgeable people, and they know the best places to drop a line. And there’s nothing quite like a quiet, contemplative day on the water to help you connect with Mother Nature.

10.    Golf with ocean, mountain, forest, or desert vistas

British Columbia is home to more than 300 golf courses, from city-based beauties and wave-lashed gems on Vancouver Island to Okanagan desert greens and mountain-high tees in the Kootenay Rockies. Equally appealing? An après lineup that boasts fishing, biking, wine touring, and more.

Consider booking a mid-week tee time and extending your stay to take advantage of the myriad activities and experiences that showcase the unsurpassed beauty and diverse offerings of British Columbia.