We might not be on the East Coast, but British Columbia is home to some truly spectacular fall scenery this time of year. And we talked to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and BC Parks to uncover just where to find the most striking autumn colours!

From the rugged coastlines at Rathtrevor Beach Park to the seas of golden larches lining Goldstream and E.C. Manning Parks, there are tons of must-visit spots to check out.

And BC Parks has many year-round destinations to explore, whether you’re looking for a scenic fall hike or a weekend of camping or glamping.

So pack your bags and warm layers, and get ready to take it all in!

Popular fall destinations

According to BC Parks, these are consistently the most visited provincial parks during the autumn season (between 2019 and 2024):

  1. Cypress Park 
  2. E.C. Manning Park 
  3. Rathtrevor Beach Park 
  4. Goldstream Park 
  5. Golden Ears Park 
  6. Mount Seymour Park 
  7. Porteau Cove Park 
  8. Shannon Falls Park 
  9. Stawamus Chief Park 
  10. Juan de Fuca Park 

Lesser-known parks

best fall provincial parks british columbia
Photo via Shutterstock

Prefer to take the road less travelled? You’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking fall scenery at these hidden gems, which BC Parks says are known for their vibrant colours.

Maybe you’ve heard of some of these, or maybe they’re entirely new to you – no matter, these lesser-known parks are worth the journey this season:

Fall camping

For campers craving an overnight adventure, there are a handful of campgrounds operating this fall and year-round to make note of.

If you’re looking to stay cozy, the Cultus Lake Maple Bay Cabins are a great option, reservable until November 30th, according to BC Parks.

Bikers and hikers have their pick of many stunning walk-in sites this season, including popular campgrounds at Miracle Beach, Porteau Cove, Cold Creek at Golden Ears, Alice Lake, and Okanagan Lake South Park.

Looking for even more options? Head to BC Parks’ camping reservation site and use the “walk-in” filter to reveal even more spots.

So there you have it, BC! Whether you want to beat the crowds or join them, it’s worth checking out as many of these spots as you fancy.

Remember to check each individual park’s website for the most up-to-date visitor and accessibility info, and stay safe! 

Happy fall!

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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