From tasting crisp apple beverages and glamping at local cideries to chasing the changing leaves, fall has almost arrived in the idyllic location of Victoria, British Columbia. Below, please find information for some of the most exciting fall events and happenings in Victoria for your editorial consideration.
Leaf Peeping
With its mild climate perfect for growing flowers, Victoria is known internationally as the City of Gardens, so naturally, come fall, it's also one of the best places for leaf peeping. Take in these idyllic views across the city, from a visit to Goldstream Provincial Park, which offers incredible trails filled with fall foliage (you may even spot a bald eagle!), to venturing twenty minutes from downtown to discover the Gardens at HCP to soak up the effervescent fall hues on the 103-acre location.
For a more curated leaf peeping experience, discover the beauty of fall at the world-renowned Butchart Gardens - a must-see green oasis over 100 years in the making and now a National Historic Site of Canada. In its peak bloom during the fall, the Japanese Garden is the section of choice to catch the marvelous array of acer plants and Japanese maples. In September and October, check out the garden’s 700 dahlias or hop over to the field nursery and greenhouses to see the orange, yellow and bronze chrysanthemums, which bloom through the end of October.
Visitors can truly immerse themselves in fall foliage with Elemental Magick or The Natural Connection for forest bathing and guided hike experiences. Relax with a guided mindfulness-based nature walk through Victoria’s forests and focus on facilitating holistic wellness. Find more leaf peeping spots here.
Salmon Run
Starting in mid- to late October to early December, millions of salmon make their way up the streams, creeks and rivers of the Pacific Northwest working their way back to their home pools, where a new batch of salmon will emerge. Visitors can catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon at Victoria’s Goldstream River, where they can be seen for about nine weeks. For those feeling a bit more active, help support nature education at the Goldstream Nature House by taking part in the Salmon Run 5k on Oct. 17.
Orchard Activities
From tree to tap, take the classic fall activity of apple picking to another level by venturing to Merridale Cidery & Distillery to enjoy their world-class, award-winning ciders and spirits that celebrate the spirit of Cowichan Valley. For a one-of-a-kind experience, book a stay in one of Merridale’s luxury one-bedroom yurts for the ultimate glamping experience, available through mid-October.
Apple-lovers can take their visit up a notch at the Salt Spring Apple Festival on Oct. 2 at the Apple Luscious Organic Orchard. True to Victoria’s sustainability initiatives, Apple Luscious organically grows their apples with natural fertilizers such as seaweed, manures, oyster shell and hay mulch and saves water through non-irrigated farming.
Head to the Saanich Peninsula to experience the gorgeous Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, which features panoramic water views, tours and tastings and focuses on crafting traditionally fermented ciders from organically grown apples. This 10-acre farm is home to more than 1,300 apple trees, made up of more than 50 varieties of heirloom apples.
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