The days are slowly but surely shortening, and the crisp morning air signals that fall is on its way. Autumn in Victoria hints at a noticeable change in the atmosphere after the energy of the summer months. If you’re decidedly undecided on whether to spend your days curled up indoors or wandering through fall foliage on a forest trail, embrace the impending change of seasons and experience the best of both with a visit to Victoria this fall.

Please note that all businesses mentioned have taken the necessary steps to adapt their business to safely serve you during this time. Please check directly with the business you wish to visit for their COVID-19 safety protocols. 

DAY 1

Morning | Brunch above the clouds

Take a short, scenic drive up the Island Highway to savour breakfast and morning coffee above the clouds in Villa Eyrie’s Alpina Restaurant. Enjoy 180-degree views of the Saanich Inlet and take in the changing colours from above at this hidden gem. We highly recommend indulging in the lemon ricotta pancakes. When you’ve had your fill of incredible cuisine, indulge in a blissful treatment at the Tuscan Spa to rejuvenate your soul.

Afternoon | Cowichan Valley

Continue over the Malahat to the Cowichan Valley and enjoy the fall foliage at Merridale Cidery & Distillery’s beautiful orchard. Sip on the rewards of a fall harvest with a wood-fired pizza, and then make your way down the road to Blue Grouse Winery to marvel at their gorgeous vineyard.

Wild West Coast

On your return to Victoria, stop at Goldstream Provincial Park, which transforms from a lush green forest to a paradise bursting with colour in the fall. Discover the “West Coast’s Niagara Falls” and marvel at mother nature during the salmon run and subsequent eagle extravaganza.

Image by @damien_surprenant

Evening | Cozy Places & Spaces

Finish off day one in the heart of Victoria at Bard & Banker on Government Street. Enjoy a cozy space with great cuisine, lively service and inventive cocktails.

Image by @ecyyz

DAY 2

Morning | Experience The Greater Victoria Flavour Trails

Work up an appetite with a short drive to the Saanich Peninsula, a rural treasure home to a bounty of fresh and local fare. Grab a morning pick me up from Country Bee Honey Farm and then mosey on over to Mosi Bakery Cafe & Gelateria for a breakfast bite before embarking on an adventure of the senses as you explore the Greater Victoria Flavour Trails.

Image by Matt Shannon Photography

Rejuvenating Forest Bathing

Make your way to Mount Work and let your breakfast digest as you enjoy a beautiful walk in a sea of fall colours. Don’t forget your camera for this one!

Insider Tip: Take a forest bathing tour with Elemental Magick or The Natural Connection to really immerse yourself in nature.

Image by @freshairphotographybyjanism

Afternoon | The Butchart Gardens

Make your way to The Butchart Gardens to see their fall blooms and foliage. Fall is one of the best times to visit the gardens, offering fantastic mild weather and autumn blooms. Set aside extra time to wander through the Japanese garden. When you’re ready for lunch, opt for their famous afternoon tea overlooking the Italian Garden.

Image by Adam Frederick

The Roost Farm Bakery & Vineyard Bistro

Head across the Saanich Peninsula to The Roost and enjoy a tour of their dynamic property before relaxing over a glass of local wine. After you’ve sipped the flavours of the Island, get comfortable in the secret garden or take a seat on the porch with a decadent pastry from the bakery.

Image by @theroostfarm

Evening | Dinner and a Sunset in Sidney

Continue on to downtown Sidney, B.C. and learn why they’re known as Canada’s Booktown. When you’ve had your fill of books, peek beneath the Pacific at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea and discover the cultural and ecological significance of the Salish Sea Bioregion. Follow your visit to the aquarium with a sunset stroll along the boardwalk to experience one of Sidney’s sensational sunsets. Following your day of exploring the Flavour Trails, take time to sample the local land and sea at 10 Acres at The Pier. 

Image by @j_gibzzphoto

Explore the Inner Harbour after Dark

Head back to downtown Victoria and end your evening with a nightcap at The Palms in the Rialto Hotel downtown. Stroll past the Parliament Buildings and see it lit up after dark with over 4,200 (high-efficiency) bulbs.

Image by @sergei.turner

Day 3

Morning | West Coast Soul Food

Start your day off at Boom + Batten, a gorgeous waterfront eatery with gorgeous design and beautiful vistas. From delectable breakfast pizzas to morning gnocchi to the best avocado toast in the city, this the ideal way to start your day on the west coast.

Insider tip: Rent a kayak after brunch from Ocean River Adventures and paddle underneath the restaurant…yes, underneath! 

Image via @boombatten

Shop LoJo

When you’ve filled your stomach at Boom + Batten (what is sweater weather for anyway), stroll along Lower Johnson Street – referred to as LoJo by locals – and check out the unique local boutiques that help make up Victoria’s downtown shopping scene. Find more local boutiques and shops here. 

Image by @sarahseizetheworld

Afternoon | Be Transported

Stop by the Royal BC Museum and see what all the buzz is about at their newest exhibit, Emily Carr: Fresh Seeing – French Modernism and the West Coast. While you’re there, set aside some time to peruse the Living Languages exhibit, a project to preserve the culture of Indigenous Peoples of the Island.

Insider tip: Purchase your timed ticket to the museum here. 

Emily Carr, T’anuu ‘Llnagaay, Haida Gwaii

West Coast Inspired Bites

You’ll probably work up a bit of an appetite absorbing all the history and culture at the Royal BC Museum, so refuel down the street at Hotel Grand Pacific on their beautiful veranda. Sample west coast flavours weaved into their reimagined afternoon tea and indulge in one of their delicious cocktails while overlooking the Inner Harbour.

Image by @hotelgrandpacific

Bike Tour

About ready to get your heart pumping? Take a bike tour with The Pedaler and discover Victoria’s quaint neighbourhoods, by bike! Pedal past Parliament, discover the wishing tree in Fernwood and uncover the herald history of Craigdarroch Castle. Continue on to Government House to take in the fall foliage, then cruise along Dallas Road and embrace the fresh sea breeze.

Evening | Zambri’s

Toast to your adventures at Zambri’s and indulge in traditional Italian soul food like perfectly crafted pizza with a sophisticated twist.

Image by @zambrisrestaurant

Fall in love with B.C.’s capital city during this magical time of year. Whether you cozy up in bookstores and coffee shops or take a walk or pedal through incredible foliage, there’s a freshness in the air and an excitement at the stirring of change waiting for you this autumn in Victoria. All good adventures begin with a good night’s sleep at one of Victoria’s beautiful hotels. Check out our Stay page for your specific accommodation needs.

Packing List:

•    Camera
•    Cozy sweater
•    Rain Jacket and/or umbrella (weather dependent)
•    Comfortable and versatile shoes