Every September, the trees prepare to shed their leaves for another season. This annual phenomenon marks one of the most beautiful times of the year to experience Vancouver Island, pairing perfectly with cozy cabin and savoury foods. No matter where you decide to visit on the island in the Fall, you can experience the transformative powers of nature first-hand from the comforts of a forested getaway or by embarking on an outdoor adventure.
Transformative Trees
Trees indigenous to Vancouver Island that change colors with the seasons include:
Alders – mottled yellows
Arbutus – sheds its bark and shifts between red and black
Broadleaf Maple – yellows and oranges
Conifers – in spring become bright green with new growth, and in fall darken to deep
green in preparation for the colder weather
Dogwood – red
Larch – bright yellow (the only tree to drop its needles each year)
Oak – yellows and browns
Poplars – yellow
Best Places To Experience The Colours Of Fall:
Fort Rodd Hill
Located near the Esquimalt Lagoon, Fort Rodd Hill is a historic military site, moderately forested with coniferous and deciduous trees amidst gardens.
Beacon Hill Park
Victoria’s premier 200-acre urban park transforms in the fall, bursting with colour alongside the ocean. Explore the landscaped gardens, visit the peacocks, and walk along the waterfront for a great afternoon activity.
Cowichan River Lodge
Set in a picturesque valley near Lake Cowichan, the Cowichan River Lodge is a beautiful escape for small groups of anglers and couples alike.
Tigh Na Mara
Sneak away from the hustle and bustle of life in one of Tigh Na Mara’s charming lodge cabins. Private, cozy, and forested: everything you need for the perfect fall escape.
Merridale Cidery
The Cowichan Valley is considered to be home to some of the island’s most productive farmlands. This fall, take a trip to Merridale Cidery & Distillery’s 20-acre orchard in Cobble Hill to sample their many homegrown ciders, spirits, and outstanding dishes.
Butchart Gardens
Autumn at Butchart Gardens is the perfect time to check out the Japanese Gardens before winter sets in. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the 26 greenhouses that house the plants for each seasonal display.
Provincial Parks
From tip to tip and coast to coast, Vancouver Island is home to dozens of beautiful provincial parks. If you’re in the area, be sure to include a stop at one of these parks along your travels:
- Goldstream Provincial Park – South Island
- East Sooke Park – South Island
- Englishman River Provincial Park – Central Island
- Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park – Central Island
- Stamp River Provincial Park – Pacific Rim
- Elk Falls Provincial Park – North Central Island
Other Trails
- The Abyss in Nanaimo
- Morell Bird Sanctuary – Nanaimo
- Maple Mountain – Maple Bay
