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Awesome Places To Experience Magical Fall in Vancouver

Experience Fall Changing Colours of Vancouver Parks, and Venture Out On Spectacular Out-of-Town Fall Hike Adventures With The Whole Family!

Fall in Vancouver is truly magical! Although Vancouver's forests are dominated by evergreen trees, there are still plenty of incredible places to enjoy the changing colours of fall foliage in the fall months of September, October and November. In this post, we share with you our own list of awesome places to experience all shades of gold, ochre, ruby and lime greens mixed with the unique aroma of autumn foliage and ocean air. Although some of the best places to enjoy the fall colours outdoors include city parks, we specifically focus on less urban, less known Vancouver hikes and out of town locations so you’d be able to avoid crowds. 

***This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
All recommendations and feedback is ours and based on personal experience.
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1. VanDusen Botanical Garden

Located in the heart of Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden is our absolute TOP winner when it comes to magical fall changing colours experience. Enjoy fall hiking in Vancouver without actually leaving the city, and you’ll be able to find the whole palette from ochre to gold to ruby to lime greens!

VanDusen charges an admission fee, but it is well worth the visit!

It is absolutely safe to visit with kids and family of all ages – most park trails are fully accessible. There are both food amenities and bathroom facilities for visitors. 

Check out VanDusen Botanical Garden website HERE for schedule and directions. 

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2. UBC Botanical Garden

UBC’s botanical garden is much smaller than VanDusen, but no less charming. Best seen on a sunny October day, this Vancouver park is full of greenery that is now changing colours to gold, ochre and ruby.

There is a small fee to enter. You’ll find washrooms on-site, and it is possible to even buy snacks, but not much else. 

Check out UBC Botanical Garden website HERE to find out opening times and directions. 

After your visit to the botanical gardens, check out the University itself too! In addition to the University boasting with fall colours, it is home to some of the unique Vancouver outdoor art pieces.

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3. Stanley Park

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One of the perks of living in Vancouver is access to one of the most beautiful megapolis central parks.

The most amazing part of Stanley Park to enjoy all shades of gold is the trail around Lost Lagoon.

Stanley Park is one of those amazing Vancouver fall hikes that's almost entirely accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. There are bathroom facilities and food locations all around. There is no fee to visit, other than parking. 

QUICK TIP: when paying for parking (and you SHOULD pay as the fine is about $90) the parking pass works all around the park. So you can stop at one parking lot for a while, and then drive to the next spot and you do not have to pay twice!

HERE is the directions link for your visit!

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4. Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Quarry Gardens are absolutely stunning all year round. You can find cherry blossoms and tulips in the spring, a floral extravaganza in the summer, and one of the most beautiful Vancouver colour displays in the fall. 

Queen Elizabeth Park is well equipped for your family visit: accessible pathways, bathroom facilities, and even a gourmet restaurant Seasons in The Park that offers outdoor seating all year round (warmed-up with fireplaces)

The GPS / Google Maps anchor point for your convenience is HERE.

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5. George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Located in Delta, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a protected area that is home to over 250 species of birds. What is interesting, the Sanctuary is designated a Site of Hemispheric Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

There is a small admission cost to enter; both bathroom and snack food is available on-site. Park trails are accessible with stroller/wheelchair. There are some observation decks scattered through the territory, from which you can see the “ocean of grass”. Super cool unusual place off the beaten path, and amazing to check out with kids.

QUICK TIP: at the entrance to the park you can purchase seeds to feed birds. If visiting with kids: get plenty! The Sanctuary territory is huge and the birds are many 🙂

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary website LINK

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6. Burnaby Mountain

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Burnaby Mountain is absolutely spectacular in the fall. Best time to visit are sunset hours. Best location to watch the sunset is Kushiro Park with its Kamui Mintara or Playground of The Gods. Be prepared to be blown away by the views of distant Vancouver and supernatural energy around Kamui Mintara. You can almost feel the warmth of fall’s touch while watching shimmering leaves playing with the golden sunlight of the setting sun over Vancouver.

Check out our recent blog post on the visit to this phenomenal Vancouver hike – Playground of The Gods: Burnaby Mountain Must See Secret Treasure: Playground of The Gods

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7. Deer Lake

Deer Lake is located in Burnaby, right in the Deer Lake Park. Accessible by public transit, the lake and the park are both absolutely wonderful places to experience fall in Vancouver.

The trail around Deer Lake is an easy hiking path for a warm fall day. You’ll pass by a beach, a viewing tower, a pier, a concert ground – all surrounded by beautiful fall scenery. You can even get a catamaran, kayak or a canoe and enjoy a refreshing water adventure. Lake waters are typically very calm, and the trees reflecting on the water provide for fantastic landscape photos!

HERE are the Deer Lake location directions

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8. Port Moody Shoreline Trail

Shoreline Trail is an easy accessible kids-friendly hiking trail that starts at Rocky Point Park and weaves its way along the ocean shore to Old Mill Site Park and further to Old Orchard Park. What makes this Vancouver hike so unique – at the time of high tide you can sometimes see seals swimming right to the shore!

Tall trees surrounding you all the way have already turned ochre, copper red, ruby and gold, and with each wind blow, you’ll find yourself in the middle of magical rainfall of leaves. 

The trail is not a loop – it is one direction and back. 2.5km one way. The only bathroom and food facilities are in Rocky Point Park. Same as the best ice cream in British Columbia – Rocky Point Ice Cream. 

VISIT TIP: Parking around Rocky Point Park is very tight as it is a popular location. Your best bet is to either park near The Boathouse Restaurant. Or even better: start on the other end – at Old Orchard Park.

BONUS VISIT TIP: Rocky Point Ice Cream sells delicious HOT spiced apple cider! Get a cut to go, and your exceptional fall experience enjoyment is guaranteed! …to tell the truth, any Vancouver hike is better with a cup of hot cider!

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9. Belcarra’s Woodhaven Swamp

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Belcarra Regional Park is located in Anmore and just across Indian Arm from the famous Deep Cove. It has many scenic locations along its ocean shores. But little it is known that there are some awesome internal hikes that are much less popular with visitors and provide for true serenity experience enjoying fall colours and fall foliage aromas. Woodhaven Swam is one such amazing easy kids-friendly well-defined and stroller-accessible trail. 

GPS / Google Maps anchor point to access Woodhaven Swamp is HERE. You’ll see a small parking lot on the left side of the road – park there. Note: there are basic bio bathrooms next to it, but not much else.

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10. Lafarge Lake

Lafarge Lake is our special spot, as we live right next to it in Coquitlam. This small cute park if full of wonders, including a water fountain right in the middle of the lake! The colours have already started turning into a beautiful colourful palette.

Easily accessible park trail is kid-friendly and dog-friendly. There are multiple parking spots, public washrooms located right in the middle, and many nice little cafes in condo buildings surrounding the park. 

VISIT TIP: Did you know, Lafarge Lake has at least two beavers living it?! Keep your eyes and ears open!

HERE is the Lafarge Lake location. Living in Vancouver and are looking at how to get to Lafarge Lake to experience its fall colours? Take Skytrain – the Millennial line's last stop will take you right to the park!

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11. Coquitlam River

Coquitlam River Park's fall scenery is absolutely phenomenal. There are many wild trails crisscrossing the park all the way to Ozada Park and Westwood Park. Most of the trails are stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible. There are few bridges that can take you across the river, and from which (VISIT TIP) you can even see Salmon run in the fall! Each fall we are also finding many little creeks and small ponds full of large salmon. 

TIP/WARNING: Try to avoid visiting the park alone in the early morning, and at dusk – Coquitlam River Park is popular with black bears and coyotes. 

HERE is how to get to Coquitlam River Park

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12. Gates Park

Not too far away from Coquitlam River, you’ll find another beautiful park to enjoy all shades of gold fall foliage – the magnificent Gates Park of Port Coquitlam. Excellent for all sorts of family and kids activities in the summer, Gates Park is as comfortable to enjoy a calm autumn day. 

VISIT TIP: grab a warm apple cider from one of the many nearby PoCo cafes before you venture out on your fall hike to add a delightful treat to a beautiful stroll. 

HERE is how to get to Gates Park

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13. Minnekhada

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Fall in Vancouver comes in many colours and shapes. If you are looking for an easy kids-friendly few hours wilderness fall hike near Vancouver, Minnekhada IS the place! The park is beautiful and accessible all year round. There are few well-defined hiking trails you could enjoy in Minnekhada. No matter the time of year, or which direction you’d start, stunning serene scenery is guaranteed!

Check out our dedicated post: Minnekhada – All Year Round Kids-Friendly True Serenity Hiking Trail to get directions, trail maps, visit tips, and beautiful photos! Note: if you plan to hike Low Knoll or High Knoll loops, make sure to bring proper hiking shoes for kids and adults alike.

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14. Derby Reach Regional Park

Here comes another one of our favourite places to enjoy fall in Pacific Northwest: Derby Reach Regional Park.

Best about fall in Vancouver is that you do not have to stop being adventurous! Derby Reach's Edge Farm trail and famous Fort to Fort trail you can easily bike with your kids, do a fall hike with a stroller, or roll-in your grandma in a wheelchair for an afternoon fresh air enjoyment. No crowds (literally no people), tall trees turning to all shades of ruby, ochre, and gold, fresh air, spectacular views of Fraser River – it doesn’t feel you are next to a large megalopolis at all!

Need directions or want to see more photos of Derby Reach? Here is a recent dedicated post for you: Fort To Fort – Fun & Easy Bike Trail Near Langley Even A Toddler Can Do! 

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15. Campbell Valley Regional Park

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What’s interesting about Campbell River Park that it was formed from six historical farm plots. Beautifully maintained by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks board, the park has an extensive network of trails. In addition to it being an excellent place to enjoy the fall scenery, the park has a unique historic feature: a racetrack! 

According to Tourism Langley: “The historic Langley Speedway was once an active race track from the 1960s to early 1980s. It was one of only a few sites in BC to host Nascar events.”

See Campbell River Park’s dedicated website for directions, hours, accessibility info and other tips. 

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16. Applebarn Pumpkin Farm

How about some awesome activity this fall in Vancouver?! Are you in the mood to have your sleeves rolled and boots dirty, and to participate in some hands-on family fun?! If you have kids (ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS), plan a visit to Applebarn Pumpkin Farm. U-pick apples, u-pick pumpkins, petting farm, pony rides, corn maze, corm karting, hayrides, train rides, hot & delicious butter corn, kids jumping pods and slides, and many more fun activities will be enough to fill up a whole day! 

Check out our recent visit report for details: Applebarn Pumpkin Farm by Taves Family: Ultimate Farm Experience near Vancouver

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17. Great Heron Nature Reserve

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Would you like to combine your fall adventure with a unique bird-watching opportunity? We know is just the right place! Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary located near Chilliwack, Beautiful British Columbia. The Nature Reserve is home and nesting grounds to one of the most distinctive North American birds – Pacific Great Blue Heron. There is much more to the wildlife here, however. While on our adventure we’ve seen many other birds, frogs, little fishes, few bunnies and even an awesome large raccoon!

But birds aside, the bird sanctuary itself is simply stunning and awards you with breathtaking views of all shades of ruby, gold and ochre reflected in the serene waters of its lakes and pools. 

We’ve written about one of our visits not so long ago, check it out, Bird-Lover Heaven! Dazzling Home Of Pacific Great Blue Heron  – scroll down to the post’s gallery to see spectacular photos!

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18. Othello Tunnels

True, Othello Tunnels are quite a bit of a distance from Vancouver – located near Hope, BC. Yet still, I am including them on my list with a strong recommendation to take the time and visit this EPIC location. 

Othello Tunnels are a series of old train tunnels and bridges that cut through the solid rocks and run along the Coquihalla River. This place provides for one of the best fall hikes we've ever been to.

The forest around Othello Tunnels is all tall & bushy ancient maple trees. In beginning to mid-October, you’ll find yourself in the magical ocean of crisp sparkling maple leaves all around you. At times when the wind is blowing through the treetops, you are all of a sudden standing in the middle of golden rain. The feeling is out of this world. Strongly recommend.

Check out our dedicated post about our past experience on this epic fall hike: Othello Tunnels & Hope-Nicola Valley Loop: Rocks & Railway Adventure

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19. Killarney Lake – Bowen Island

Another unique fall hike near Vancouver awaits you just across the sound! To enjoy the season in the calm serenity of nature, to see the magnificent fall changing colours and breath in fresh ocean air – you'll need to jump on a ferry to Bowen Island.

While on the island, there are many fall hiking trails you can check out, but one that should be on your must-do list. The main or “Killarney” trail will take you to and around Killarney Lake. The fall changing colours manifest here in full force! The experience is out of a fairy tale!

What we personally love about spending a day on Bowen Island is the Air. Somehow the aromas of the fall mixed with salty ocean scent make you feel out of this world.

Most of the island is stroller accessible, so if travelling with small babies you can comfortably leave your car on the other side of the Horseshoe bay. The island has few really cosy cafes and restaurants with delicious food too.

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Places to Enjoy Fall in Vancouver – all on the Map

For your convenience, we’ve put together an interactive map of all the listed places mentioned in this post. Hopefully, you’ll be able to check out and enjoy some or all of them! 

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As always, a reminder to:

• stay safe when adventuring outdoors: Hiking With Kids: 12 Simple Safety Rules Every Parent Should Follow.
• follow Leave No Trace principles when out and about: Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics – Zero Impact Family Adventures

Looking for Winter hikes? Read this: Gorgeous & Easy Winter Hikes Near Vancouver To Absolutely Enjoy

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Are you an outdoor enthusiast who knows beautiful fall hike adventures in Vancouver? Would you like to recommend other adventures and things to do in Vancouver in the fall months of September, October and November? Send us a message or share in comments!

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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