Last Updated on February 14, 2023
Nothing beats a sunny but cold and crisp Fall day with family out exploring around Vancouver when the leaves start turning, accenting the evergreens with orange, yellow and red. Temperatures are mild, but we love the pleasant nip to the morning air. It may not be the summer temperatures we live for, but it is still a great time to get outdoors and explore.
These are some of our favourite things to do around Vancouver in the Fall months:
Explore Stanley Park and The Seawall
The Seawall is one of our favourite places to escape the busy city. In 2014, Stanley Park was named “top park in the entire world” by Trip Advisor and once you have been there, it is not hard to see why. Unlike other large urban parks, Stanley Park is not the creation of a landscape architect, but rather is the evolution of a forest and urban space over many years. Vancouver Seawall can draw thousands of people year-round. Stanley Park also features forest trails, beaches, lakes, several playgrounds and the Vancouver Aquarium. Stanley Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and its urban forest is definitely the city’s cherished green heart.
Running Through Sunflower Fields
One of our favourite ways to kick off Fall is to go to a Sunflower Festival. We love the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival and this year they really upped their game even more; it was fantastic! Sunflowers have become one of my favourite flowers since they are so “sunny and bright”. It feels amazing to be surrounded by such beauty.


Spend Time At The Beach and Lake
Even though it is nice to be able to go for a swim in the summer, there is plenty of exploring to do at the beach or lake in the Fall. With so few people around compared to summer, it is a lot more quiet and peaceful and the kids really have the space to run around and enjoy themselves.
Watch The Canucks Play On Home Ice
Darcy is a huge hockey fan and loves being in the arena for hockey games as much as he can. The energy within Rogers Arena is electric. Alternatively, you could also catch a BC Lions Football game. The kids really just like to go for the treats at this point, but it is a lot of fun for the whole family.
Pumpkin Patch
It doesn’t feel like Fall without a visit to the Pumpkin Patch. Our favourite is Aldor Acres, with all the animals you can see and play with, as well as the Hayride and other festive treats. Prepare for the most fall-themed photos of your life.
Get Lost In A Corn Maze
It is so much fun to wander around a corn maze and try to find your way out. The kids love it and though I would personally be too creeped out to try it in the dark, I love a good day-time dose of fun with my horrible sense of direction (haha)! We have such a good laugh trying to navigate through a corn maze.
Apple Picking
Families come from all over the region to visit Taves Family Farm farm in Abbotsford where Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp apples (to name a few) are able to be picked. Taves Family Farm also features a petting barn, a huge bouncing pillow (a kid favourite!), and playground. The Apple Barn Country Store has so many goodies for you to take home: homemade pies, preserves, fresh-pressed cider. We always take home a treat. The farm also has a pumpkin patch, hayride and pony rides. So much to do!

Hike and Kayak
Vancouver is an outdoor lovers paradise. With so many hiking and kayaking options, we love to take advantage of outdoor activities as much as we can. There are several hikes that are great in the Fall months. We especially love Lynn Canyon Park (a great free alternative to the Capilano Suspension bridge, with many hiking trails to choose from), Lighthouse Park and Quarry Rock. Also, taking a kayak out in Fase Creek is amazing.
Granville Island Market
The Granville Island Public Market is the jewel in the Island’s crown. It is a fantastic indoor market featuring colourful food and produce stores, handcrafted products and unique gifts. Don’t forget to try one of Lee’s Donuts. The Kids Market is a favourite for every child; you might never get your children to leave. It is full of so many toys and endless fun.
Maplewood Farm
Maplewood Farm is just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Maplewood Farm opened in 1975 and has become a well-loved and visited attraction on Vancouver’s North Shore. There are so many animals to admire and feed. The kids love wandering around the grounds; playing with the Goats is a real favourite.
What are some of your favourite activities to do around Vancouver in the Fall?
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