Fall in Love with Victoria This Autumn
byThe beautiful gardens and groves that make Victoria a multi-coloured paradise of blossoms in the springtime also help turn it into an autumnal paradise in October and November.
Cool ocean breezes, blankets of crunchy leaves underfoot in Beacon Hill Park, a fire burning in your B&B’s wood stove or cozy hotel lobby, a pint of local cider or piping hot Empress tea, and pulling on your gumboots for a spooky walking tour. In case you need any more inspiration to book a trip to Victoria this autumn, here are some special events, attractions, and activities to pique your interest:
Autumn Events in Victoria
Art of the Cocktail
October 13, 2018
Art of The Cocktail is the biggest cocktail party on the island! With over 900 attendees, 40 exhibitors & over 60 spirits being served, AoC brings the party to the heart of Victoria for an unforgettable festival of tasting, masterclasses and fun.
Stein and Dine
October 20, 2018
Victoria‘s own Oktoberfest! Hosted by the Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop in the Victoria Public Market, enjoy live entertainment, games, accordion music, Oktoberfest dancers, lederhosen contest, beard and braid contest, beer pong, giant Jenga, prize wheel and more. Stein & Dine is also a community oriented event, they give 10% of the ticket sales back to MOVE Adapted Fitness and Rehabilitation Society of BC.
Autumn Themed Activities
Pendray Farms Corn Maze
Until October 29, 2018
You can wander over 10km of trails through 14 acres of corn at the largest maze on Vancouver Island! Trek through the small or large maze – or both – then enjoy kettle corn at the concession. Don’t miss Pendray’s corn pit and Pendray’s barrel-train ride.
Ghostly Walk Tours
I do this tour every time I’m in Victoria! It combines local history with an informative walking tour, and of course spooky, spine-tingling tales. Visit the site of historic events, admire the architecture of Government Street, and see city landmarks in a whole new light. From the ramparts of the Fairmont Empress to Rogers Chocolates, the city’s best storytellers will share spirited accounts.
Whale Watching
Located on the rugged southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is an ideal launching point for your whale watching adventure in the Salish Sea. Book with Eagle Wing, Prince of Whales, Orca Spirit, Spring Tide, or Five Star and choose your wildlife adventure tour.
Watching the Salmon Run at Goldstream Provincial Park
Ranked as one of the most Instagrammable places in Greater Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park is even more stunning when its leafy canopy changes colour. It’s at this time of year that you can watch the salmon run and see salmon spawning – a wonderful feat of nature just 16km from Downtown Victoria.
For Foodies in Victoria
Tour Local Craft Brewers/Wineries
Victoria is the Craft Beer Capital of BC and home to Canada’s first brewpub, Spinnakers. The city’s variety of unique producers are famous for locally made beers, ciders, wines and spirits.
High Tea at the Empress
Enjoy the royal treatment by partaking in England’s most beloved ritual at the legendary Fairmont Empress. I have enjoyed tea after shopping with a girlfriend by the fire in the grand Empress Room, and have ordered the Princess Tea for my niece during a family sightseeing getaway.
Whatever the occasion, there’s always scones, pastries, clotted creams and strawberry preserves with fresh lavender from the rooftop herb garden served to your table on a three tier tray. Let’s not forget about the tea! 21 loose leafs teas are on offer, and whenever I’m in town I pick up a box of my mother’s favourite, the Empress Blend tea, from the hotel’s gift shop.
Stay a While
Do something extraordinary this autumn, and book you trip to Victoria including a stay at one of the city’s lovely accommodations. From B&Bs and historic hotels, to boutique or resort offerings just steps from the capitol.
Follow Destination Greater Victoria on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #ExploreVictoria to plan your next adventure.
