An Autumn Visit to Victoria: 7 Things to Do This October

There is no better time than now to plan your fall getaway to Victoria. The leaves are turning, and the harvest is upon us. After a heated summer, the cool, crisp nights will be a welcome reprieve.

Victoria is just the place to enjoy sweater weather. In enchanting gardens and on scenic trails, you can see the fall colours at their finest, and while indoors, you can wander through museums and rich historical sites. Come and enjoy the season with these seven things to do in Victoria this October.

1. Soak in Fall Colours at The Butchart Gardens

This stop is first on the list and most likely the first thing that comes to mind when envisioning things to do in Victoria in the fall. Butchart Gardens is an exquisite sight to behold with raging red, russet, and golden maples. Tour the many gardens that are home to diverse species and designs and feel like you’ve stepped out of Victoria and into another world.
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

Prices for admissions vary, so check here for more information.

Seasonal Hours:

• September 1 to September 15 from 8:45 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• September 16 to September 30 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• October 1 to October 31from 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• November 1 to November 30 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

2. Royal BC Museum

As one of Canada's leading museums and research centres, the Royal BC Museum is a collection of British Columbia's natural and human history over the last 550 million years. You can grab something to eat and drink or catch an IMAX movie on the largest screen in BC.
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

Prices vary by guest age and museum activity, so check here for more information.

Seasonal Hours - May 17, 2019 to October 12, 2019:

• Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

3. Visit Victoria's Historic Sites

Helmcken House

Located next to the Royal BC Museum, Helmcken House is a one-story log cabin. It was formerly home to Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, the first speaker of an elected assembly in British Columbia and first president of the Canadian Medical Association, among other accolades.

Hatley Castle

Located on the Royal Roads University campus is this stunning, 40-room castle. It was once the home of the wealthy Dunsmuir family and is now a popular tourist destination and filming location. You may have noticed it in such films as the X-Men series and Deadpool.
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

It's rumoured to be haunted by family ghosts. So, while you explore the lavish interior, you may see the pale figure of a late Dunsmuir passing from room to room.

The chance of a ghost encounter is plenty exciting, so take to the outdoors and wander peacefully through the Japanese Gardens created by Isaburo Kishida.

Hours, prices, and tour options vary, so check here.

Craigdarroch Castle

An example of a "bonanza castle," this is a massive hilltop house overlooking Victoria. It was also owned by Robert Dunsmuir and built between 1887 and 1890. This legendary four-story mansion with 39 rooms is now open for the public. With lavish furnishings and legendary stained glass work, it is worth the 30-minute trek from Victoria's Inner Harbour, especially when you see the view from the tower.
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

Self-guided tour translations are available in:

• Simplified and Traditional Chinese
• Japanese
• Korean
• German
• French
• Italian
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Polish
• Turkish

Prices vary, check here for more information.

Open daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

June 15 to September 6, open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Emily Carr House

Located outside Beacon Hill Park, and featuring 19th-century architecture, this warm yellow house was home to one of Canada’s most renowned artists, Emily Carr. Here, you will learn about her life as you take in the beauty the place she was born.

Prices vary, so check here for more information.

Open May through September, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

4. The Galloping Goose Trail

You can bike, hike, rollerblade, or ride a horse on the 40-mile long Galloping Goose Trail. It runs from the streets of Victoria to the countryside of Sooke, which means you can catch amazing scenery and a complete tour of the region.

5. Ghost Tour

Victoria is known to be one of Canada's most haunted cities. Its historic and landmark buildings have been home to some intriguing characters, and you can book a guided tour to see haunted locations like:

• Ross Bay Cemetery
• St. Ann's Academy
• Bastion Square

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

6. Pendray's Corn Maze

Nothing says fall like a good corn maze! Get lost and find your way out of over 14 acres of corn. At the very centre of the maze is a climbable tower where you can take some unforgettable photos.

Prices vary, check here for more information.

The farm and maze are open from September 22 to October 29 on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

7. Taste of the Season

Taste the season with harvest-inspired menus at most local restaurants.

Blue Crab Seafood House

Blue Crab’s “Chalk-it-Up” promotion will continue through the fall where the chefs get creative with local catches and fresh fish varieties. If drink specials are your game, check out Happy Hour from 3-5pm Sunday - Thursday and enjoy $5 pints and highballs and $7 glasses of BC House wine!

Celebrate Cider Season

October is definitely cider season and a perfect time to indulge in crisp, sparkling ciders made from local fruits and berries.

Check out Merridale Cidery & Distillery or Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse for the top tastes of the season.
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

Where to Stay

Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA

Located conveniently between Fisherman's Wharf and the picturesque Inner Harbour, Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina is a great spot to enjoy Victoria in the fall. This Coast Hotel in Victoria rests in a fantastic oceanfront location with some of the best views in the area. You can take it all in right from your hotel!

Situated along the lively outer harbour and featuring a full-service 52-slip marina, you can enjoy first-class amenities, an award-winning restaurant, and gorgeous event spaces. You can even take advantage of complimentary shuttle service within the downtown core. Enjoy the same fantastic in-room comforts that can be found in other APA hotels such as:

• Electric Bidet Seat (TOTO® Washlet)
• 55" flat-screen TV
• Traditional welcoming origami cranes as a symbol of hospitality

Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina by APA is pet-friendly and offers other amenities, such as:

• Victoria's only indoor/outdoor pool overlooking the harbour
• Free Wi-Fi
• Sauna
• Whirlpool
• Fitness centre

If you are hungry, you can visit the award-winning Blue Crab Seafood House or order in from the expansive room service menu.

Visit our website to book your stay today.