Photo via Isabelle Vauclair / Curiocity
We don’t know about you, but our weekend plans have consisted nearly entirely of strolling the streets of Vancouver in search of vibrant fall colours, and it hasn’t been hard to do.
We love an aimless walk as much as the next fall lover, but it’s often helpful to know where your next cup of coffee or bite to eat is coming from when you’re already out of the house. So we’ve done a bit of the heavy lifting for you and came up with this list of some quintessential spots for fall foliage, along with some food and cafe options nearby.
You’re guaranteed a scenic fall walk practically anywhere in Stanley Park, but the stretch between Third and Second Beach definitely has a special place in our hearts. The tree-lined path is scenic, the leaves are huge, and there are plenty of grassy nooks and benches along the way. And just five minutes north of Third Beach is the iconic Siwash Rock, situated in an area with a great vantage point for migrating whales passing through.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
Jericho is just as beautiful in the fall as it is during the peak summer months, complete with colourful foliage, willow trees, and expanses of grass and sand that make it feel straight out of a storybook. While the beach itself is always a treat, don’t forget to wander through the forested trails that meander behind Jericho Pond and the marshy area; the sights, sounds, and smells perfectly encapsulate the season.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
John Hendry Park is a stunner any time of year, but its fall colours are currently at their peak, and these sunnier days really make the foliage and Trout Lake pop. For a great fall picnic spot, look no further than this 27-acre urban oasis.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
As the air chills and the leaves continue to turn, Choklit Park somehow becomes more and more beautiful. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for with views; it’s the perfect stopover point on your next walk in Fairview. Situated on the Fairview Slopes on West 7th Avenue and Spruce Street, the tiny City park was once the site of Purdys’ first chocolate factory.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
This one kills two birds with one stone. The walk from Spanish Banks West to Locarno is a stunning one, and both beaches offer incredible views of the snow-capped mountains of West Vancouver and the downtown skyline. Start at Point Laurence and make your way to Locarno Beach, or even Jericho Beach Park and the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum if you have some time to spend!
Where to grab a bite nearby:
Whether cherry blossom season or fall foliage, Queen Elizabeth Park always delivers when it comes to sweeping views. Take in the changing colours as you roam the beautiful gardens, and make sure to capture a moment outside of Bloedel Conservatory for postcard-worthy views of the city and mountains.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
Burnaby Mountain Park has the best of both worlds for the fall. You can experience all the foliage while you’re walking around, then you’ll be treated to one of the best vistas once you reach the top. And for those who don’t feel like climbing all the way to the top, not to worry, there’s a parking lot right beside the lookout point.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
UBC campus should definitely be on every fall lover’s list of must-visit spots. Stroll down Main Mall and romanticize the student life while taking in breathtaking colours and massive leaves, grab a coffee from a student-run cafe, and consider dipping into Nitobe Memorial Garden for a special Japanese garden experience.
Note that admission here is $7 per person.
Oh, and don’t sleep on the trees lining Chancellor Boulevard! They’re absolutely massive and full of colour right now, and the walk from campus to Acadia Beach is the perfect excuse to peruse the area at your leisure.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
Harvest Days might be over, but fall colours are at their peak at VanDusen right now. This time of year, visitors can check out Eastern North American and Ginkgo trees, Autumn Crocus, Fatsia, Rudbeckia, Asters, and Hydrangeas, according to the bloom calendar.
Note that admission here is $14.86 per person during October, and $10.23 thereafter.
Where to grab a bite nearby:
This out-and-back waterfront trail is popular for a reason. The 1.7-kilometre route starts at the bottom of 18th Street and extends to Dundarave Park, offering views of the Burrard Inlet, the Coast Mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, and the Vancouver skyline. So grab a coffee from a nearby cafe and roam the path, which can easily be extended to the scenic Ambleside Park if you’re tempted!
Where to grab a bite nearby:
At the end of the day, even a stroll through a couple of random neighbourhood streets provides you with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the fall foliage. And with the forecast being as sunny as it currently is, there’s no better time than now to make the most of it!
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