There’s something about fall in Victoria that feels almost like a movie.
The morning fog rolls in from the ocean and wraps around the rooftops of historic buildings downtown. Maple leaves crunch underfoot in neighborhoods like Fernwood and Oak Bay.
The air is filled with that unmistakable mix of wood smoke and saltwater.
Cafés are busy with people holding warm mugs. Cyclists glide through fields bathed in golden light. The city’s gardens trade summer flowers for deep reds and bright oranges.
It’s the time of year when salmon return to the rivers. Sunsets shine a bit brighter. Cozy afternoons with friends or loved ones feel more inviting than ever.
Whether you want to explore the outdoors, take in local culture, or just enjoy the slower pace of shorter days, autumn in BC’s capital is a season to enjoy.
Here are some of our favorite ways to experience it:
1. Visit Goldstream Park
Changing leaves, drifting mist, picturesque waterfalls — and of course, streams of salmon.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Goldstream. Spawning salmon usually appear in mid-October and can be seen for about nine weeks, though timing varies from year to year.
Stop by the visitor centre, grab a warm beverage, and sit by the fire as you learn about the incredible natural world right on our doorstep.
2. Sip something warm at your favourite coffee shop
The days are cooler, and iced latte season is officially over. Hot tea and coffee taste better in the fall.
Victoria has many cozy cafés, so take a break, order something warm, catch up with a friend, or just watch the world go by from a window seat shrouded in fog.
3. Cycle the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails
Head toward the Saanich Peninsula or ride west to Sooke.
This multi-use trail network covers over 80 kilometres. In the fall, it feels like cycling through a beautiful painting.
Foggy fields, golden trees, and seaside views line the path, making each stretch an adventure.
4. Snuggle up and catch the sunset
Summer sunsets can be beautiful, but autumn skies often outshine them.
Whether you drive up Mt. Tolmie for a stunning view of the city or walk along the Ogden Point breakwater with someone special, be sure to watch at least one breathtaking fall sunset.
5. Stroll through a garden
Summer blooms may be gone, but many of Victoria’s parks and gardens shine with vibrant autumn colors and have fewer crowds.
We particularly enjoy the Japanese gardens at Gorge Park in Esquimalt, Hatley Gardens, and Butchart Gardens.
6. Take a haunted walk or fall tour
Fall reveals a spookier side of Victoria. You can join a ghost walk through Old Town’s cobblestone streets, explore historic cemeteries, or visit one of the city’s Halloween-themed events.
If spooky isn’t your thing, check out fall harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and cider tastings in the region. These are all great ways to celebrate the season.
Whether you’re sipping cider, cycling through falling leaves, or watching a sunset over the Salish Sea, Victoria in the fall offers experiences that stay with you long after the season ends.
With files from Jitka Z
