The first day of fall is coming up this weekend, and we can’t help but get excited for those emerging autumn colours as the seasons change. Yes, the rainy weather and shorter days are inevitable as the season progresses, but those gorgeous oranges, reds, and golds are already on their way!

While the end of summer is always bittersweet, we think these quintessential parks, beaches, and scenic spots around Vancouver make the transition all the sweeter.  Here’s where to catch the most vibrant fall colours in and around Vancouver this year.

Stanley Park

Vancouver’s first and largest urban park is a great place to start, if you ask us. Renowned for its iconic seawall and foliage year-round, you better believe that this is a staple for an autumn walk on a sunny day. We suggest starting at Second Beach and making your way to Third Beach for a relaxing, colourful stroll!

Queen Elizabeth Park

Come cherry blossom season and 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: 4600 Cambie Street

Burnaby Mountain Park

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. Not feeling like a climb is on your to-do list this fall? Don’t worry- there’s a parking lot right beside the lookout.

Where: 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby

Nitobe Memorial Garden

fall colours vancouver british columbia
Photo via Nitobe Memorial Garden

While the beautiful leafy campus at UBC is worth visiting as a whole this time of year, Nitobe Memorial Garden deserves a trip all on its own. The Japanese garden setting becomes a sea of autumn colours, and is perfect for when you need to immerse yourself in a quiet part of the city.

Where: 1895 Lower Mall, University Endowment Lands
Cost: $7 for admission

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Another classic spot, VanDusen is a dream to visit in the fall. 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 the bloom calendar. 

Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $12 for admission

Trout Lake

Trout Lake (and by extension John Hendry Park) is a 27-acre urban oasis that offers an amazing lakeside stroll, and the pictures speak for themselves. Mountain views and colourful foliage, all right here in the city – what more could you ask for?!

Where: 3300 Victoria Drive

Grouse Mountain

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.

Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way

Lighthouse Park

For our last pick, we’re opting for West Vancouver’s Lighthouse Park – which doubles as a solid stargazing spot. This stunning lookout sits at the end of a beautiful, 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

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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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