1. Visit Ocean View Estates Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
@oceanviewEstatesyyj
Embrace the quintessential fall experience at this family-run farm. Open in October, it offers U-pick fields, a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch perfect for autumn photos.
2. Celebrate Apple Day at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
On September 24, join 30 local vendors for a festive celebration of all things apple. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and local cider in the crisp autumn air.
3. Attend a Natural Pigment Workshop at Bilston Creek Farm
@blistoncreekfarm
Immerse yourself in nature-inspired art at this lavender farm. Led by visiting Italian artists, learn to extract pigments from local plants and create your own natural paints.
4. Explore the Flavour Trails of Saanich Peninsula
Taste the bounty of Canada’s mildest climate. From fireweed honey to fresh basil, discover the rich flavors of the Saanich Peninsula and Southern Gulf Islands.
5. Enjoy Bubbles & Bites at Fathom
@fathom.victoria
On September 24, experience a winemaker’s event featuring a welcome cocktail on a heated harborview pergola, followed by a gourmet meal crafted by Executive Chef Peter Kim.
6. Take a Harbour Sunset Tour
Through the end of October, hop aboard Victoria Harbour Ferry for a 45- or 75-minute tour of the inner harbor and Gorge, led by friendly skippers.
7. Cozy up in a Local Bookstore
As autumn chill sets in, warm up in downtown’s trio of bookstores: Russell Books, Munro’s Books (celebrating its 60th anniversary on September 16), and Bastion Books.
8. Indulge in High Tea
Embrace the cozy season with a traditional high tea, sipping carefully curated blends in elegant surroundings.
9. Attend the Victoria Symphony’s “Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery”
Enjoy excerpts from Vivaldi’s most popular works performed by the Classical Kids orchestra, woven into a narrative about the composer’s life.
10. Savor Harvest Season at Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Explore Victoria’s renowned culinary scene at farm-to-table establishments like 10 Acres Bistro, Little Jumbo, End Dive, The Courtney Room, and Nourish Kitchen & Café.
11. Rock Out at the Rifflandia Music Festival
@rifflandia
Victoria’s largest music and arts fest spans 4 days in September across downtown, featuring a diverse lineup of musicians and vendors.
12. Feast at Brewery and the Beast
@brewerythebeast
This culinary fest at Phillips Brewing Company showcases premium local meats and dishes, with local chefs promoting conscientious consumption.
13. Sip and Learn at Art of the Cocktail
On October 19, 2024, enjoy bartending competitions and a Grand Tasting event featuring Victoria’s best mixologists and chefs at Crystal Garden.
14. Visit the Salt Spring Island Apple Festival
On September 29, explore Salt Spring Island’s 450 organic apple varieties. Tour orchards, learn about apple growing, and taste apple-themed dishes.
15. Get Lost in the Vancouver Island Corn Maze
At Pendray Farms in North Saanich, navigate over 10 km of trails in 14 acres of corn. Choose daytime or nighttime adventures, with additional activities on-site.
16. Attend the Victoria International Wine Festival
On October 4-5, 2024, sample over 350 wines from 113 wineries across 18 countries, with a spotlight on Rioja wines.
17. Explore Local Art at the Annual Nanaimo Artwalk
On November 23-24, 2024, take a self-guided tour through Nanaimo’s downtown, viewing paintings, ceramics, photography, and crafts by local artists.
18. See “This Much I Know” at the Belfry Theatre
@belfrytheatre
From November 26 to December 16, 2024, watch this multi-layered play exploring self-acceptance through interconnected stories.
19. Visit the Victoria Camera Club’s 80th Anniversary Exhibition
From September 5-29, 2024, view over 100 prints and a special “Day in the Life of Victoria” series at the Bay Centre’s lower level.
20. Experience the Spooky “Frankenstein” Ballet
On October 4-5, 2024, watch this original zombie ballet blending elements of “Frankenstein” and “Giselle”, set to classic compositions.
21. Take a Ghost Tour or Self-Guided Spooky Audio Tour
Embrace Victoria’s eerie side with a guided ghost tour through the city’s most haunted locations or try a self-guided audio tour using scarystorynearme.
22. Tour Gabriola Island’s Thanksgiving Studio Tour
From October 12-14, 2024, visit over 56 Gabriola artists in their studios, finding unique treasures before Thanksgiving celebrations.
23. Walk the Treetops at Malahat SkyWalk
@malahatskywalk
Experience breathtaking views of the Cowichan Valley and Finlayson Arm from a 600 m high elevated walkway and 10-storey spiral tower.
24. Witness the Salmon Run at Goldstream Provincial Park
From mid-October to early December, watch the annual salmon run and observe the ecosystem in action, including bald eagles hunting.
25. Bike the Galloping Goose Trail Amidst Fall Foliage
Enjoy the crisp autumn air on this 55-kilometer trail, taking in beautiful island scenery on a day trip or weekend ride.