by Tara Henley
Autumn is the ideal time for adventure. With its brightly-coloured leaves, cool, crisp weather, harvest-inspired cuisine and fantastic fall events, there’s never been a better time to hit the road. Take advantage of these awesome destinations that are driving distance from Vancouver. [Photo courtesy of Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe]
Located just an hour’s drive north of Vancouver on the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway, the picturesque town of Squamish has exploded in population in recent years, with a wave of new residents opening mouthwatering eateries, trendy craft breweries and charming B&Bs. Take advantage of Squamish’s famed reputation for outdoor adventure with a trip up the spectacular Sea to Sky Gondola (there’s a Trick or Treat extravaganza on the mountain planned for Saturday October 28th) or hit the pumpkin patch at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
Head to the scenic seaside West Vancouver town of Horseshoe Bay and take a 40-minute ferry ride northwest of Vancouver to The Sunshine Coast, a West Coast gem that stretches 180 kilometres from Gibsons to Lund. Enjoy a fall hike in Cliff Gilker Park, cycle from Gibsons to Roberts Creek for seasonal sandwiches at The Gumboot Café (we recommend the veggie muffaletta), hit Pender Harbour for its annual Halloween Howl dance and costume party on October 28th or partake in the annual Powell River Craft Beer Festival on November 4th.
For a festive fall experience, there’s no better place than Victoria. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, B.C.’s capital city boasts a number of ways to celebrate the season, including the spectacular autumnal display at the famed Butchart Gardens and the fun-filled Vancouver Island Corn Maze. Don’t miss sampling all the fall teas on offer at Murchie’s – it’ll warm you up after roaming Victoria’s wind-swept harbour.
Only a 20-minute boat ride away through the picturesque Howe Sound, you can escape hectic city living for some R&R on Bowen Island. Wind your way through the forest on the Killarney Lake trail, tuck into some homemade apple crumble at Doc Morgan’s or sip on something special at the Fourth Annual Bowen Island International Wine Festival on November 2nd.
Coastal beaches, spectacular temperate rainforests and storm-watching galore are all at your disposal in secluded Tofino on Vancouver Island. Brave the wind and wet with some cold water surfing, warm up over a fireside hot chocolate at The Wikaninnish Inn or shuck some choice shells at the 20th annual Clayoquot Sound Oyster Festival the third week of November.
Located in the Strait of Georgia, the Gulf Islands are a scenic archipelago of more than 200 islands, each with its own distinct charm. National Geographic Traveller named the region one of the world’s best coastal destinations and The New York Times included the Southern Gulf Islands on its list of 52 places to visit in 2016. Fall is arguably the best time to make the trip, beating the summer crowds and getting the chance to soak up the Islands’ notoriously relaxed vibe. Take a historic walking tour (with a ghastly twist!) on Salt Spring Island or hop on over to Galiano for a murder mystery version of its popular literary series, Galiano Reads.
