Now that it’s officially fall, we can’t help but get stoked for those emerging reds, oranges, and golds that mark the turn of the seasons. Earlier sunsets and rainy days are on the way, but so are the scenic, colourful strolls that make autumn such a memorable time of year in Vancouver.
If you’re looking for an idyllic spot to watch the seasons turn, bookmark this list and get ready to hit all the quintessential urban parks and lookout spots. Here are some of the best places to witness the changing fall colours in and around Vancouver.
Vancouver’s first and largest urban park is a great place to start your autumn journey. Renowned for its iconic seawall, vibrant rose gardens, and year-round foliage, you better believe that this is a staple for a reason.
Where: V6G 1Z4, Vancouver
While the beautiful leafy UBC campus is worth visiting any time of year, it really transforms into another world every fall. But Nitobe Memorial Garden deserves a trip all on its own. The Japanese garden gets a colourful makeover while still providing a serene, quiet place to reflect, ponder, and yearn.
Where: 1895 Lower Mall, University Endowment Lands
VanDusen is another quintessential pick for a beautiful stroll. There’s the weekend Harvest Days to look forward to, and a broader range of plants to admire year-round. During the fall months, visitors are immersed in autumn colours, and can check out Eastern North American and Gingko trees, Autumn Crocus, Fatsia, Rudbeckia, Asters, and Hydrangeas, according to its bloom calendar.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
No season is complete without a visit to John Hendry Park, East Van’s 27-acre urban oasis. Mountain views, bright autumn foliage, and an easy walking path lining Trout Lake. What more could you ask for in an afternoon stroll?!
Where: 3300 Victoria Dr.
Whether it’s the first picnic of spring or the last outdoor hangout of the year, Queen Elizabeth Park always delivers when it comes to sweeping views and unique foliage. Cherry blossom season may get all the praise, but make no mistake, fall is a stunning time to roam the beautiful gardens as well. Make sure to capture a moment outside of Bloedel Conservatory for postcard-worthy views of the city and mountains.
Where: 4600 Cambie St.
You don’t have to reach the top of Burnaby Mountain to enjoy stunning autumn foliage, because there are spectacular trees with changing colours dispersed throughout Burnaby Mountain Park. But if you do want to see a killer city view in addition to autumn colours, it’s well worth the walk (or drive) up to the lookout.
Where: 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby
Grouse Mountain offers the quintessential view of Vancouver from above. Sure, it might be a “grind” to get up there, but you’ll be rewarded with the iconic vista of Vancouver, the ocean, and the rest of the Lower Mainland. And of course, all of the stunning autumn colours in between.
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
For our last pick, we’re opting for West Vancouver’s Lighthouse Park, which doubles as a solid stargazing spot. This scenic lookout sits at the end of a lush forest trail that offers some wonderful fall colours. For this pick, we say pack a picnic and enjoy a late lunch as you take it all in.
Where: 4902 Beacon Lane, West Vancouver
It’s time to embrace all things fall, Vancouver!
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