Things to do in Vancouver this fall

Just because summer’s winding down doesn’t mean the fun is over. Vancouver in the fall has its own kind of magic—crisp air, fiery leaves, and just the right amount of cozy-meets-spooky. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, pumpkin patches, or simply the best spots to soak up the season, there’s no shortage of things to do in and around the city.

Spooky Adventures

Photo courtesy of Capilano Suspension Bridge
Photo courtesy of Capilano Suspension Bridge

Vancouver has plenty of lore, and fall is the perfect time to lean into it. Join Forbidden Vancouver for a guided Gastown ghost tour, where a Victorian-era guide leads you through cobblestone streets, back alleys, and haunted corners while unraveling the darker side of the city’s past. It’s eerie, atmospheric, and the perfect way to kick off spooky season.

Prefer something a little less chilling? Hop on the free shuttle outside the convention centre and in minutes you’ll be at the Capilano Suspension Bridge for Canyon Frights (October 10–November 2). The bridge and surrounding park transform into a Halloween wonderland—glowing lights, eerie décor, and just the right dose of haunting fun for all ages.

Directions to Forbidden Vancouver meeting spot from Level Vancouver

Directions to Capilano Suspension bridge from Level

Fall Foliage

Stanley Park
Stanley Park

If you’re not ready to give up outdoor adventures, fall in Vancouver is prime time to get outside. Take a bike ride through Stanley Park, where the seawall and forest paths explode with colour. Rent a bike from a local shop like spokes, cruise under golden maples, stop for lunch at a café nearby, and maybe even detour into the Vancouver Aquarium for a full day out. Bonus points: fewer summer crowds mean you’ll have more space to enjoy it all.

Directions to Spokes from Level

Directions to Vancouver Aquarium from Level

Cozy Markets & Local Finds

Granville island public market - like a local guide
Photo Courtesy of Like a Local Guide

Granville Island Public Market is a year-round favourite but fall gives it a whole new vibe. Warm up with a coffee in hand, stock up on seasonal produce, browse stalls piled high with fresh-baked goods, and wander through the artisan shops. Between the local artists, live performers, and tucked-away cafés, it’s an easy way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Directions to Granville Island from Level

Pumpkin Season

pumpkins
Pumpkins

When it comes to pumpkins, Southlands Heritage Farm has you covered. Tucked away on West 51st, it’s the only working farm within Vancouver’s city limits—and their fall festival is as wholesome as it gets. Expect food trucks, live music, farm animals, pony rides, and of course, pumpkins! It’s a little slice of country life without ever leaving the city.

Directions to Southlands Heritage Farm from Level

Fall From Above

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Photo courtesy of Harbour Air

Want the ultimate view of Vancouver in the fall? Hop on a Harbour Air seaplane tour and see the city from a whole new perspective. From takeoff on the water to soaring over the skyline, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains, and the bright autumn colours blanketing the city. It’s a quick escape that feels like an adventure—whether you’re a local seeing your hometown from a new angle or a visitor wanting the best Instagram shot of the season.

Directions to Harbour Air from Level

Bonus: Rainy Day Wins

Because let’s be real—fall in Vancouver means rain, so let’s lean into it. Catch a film at the Vancouver International Film Festival (late September–early October), explore one of the city’s many galleries, or duck into a cozy neighbourhood café for the ultimate rainy-day ritual.