Start Planning for Your Perfect Fall Trip in Victoria
As British Columbia’s capital, Victoria has many traits in common with your innermost travelling desires. It's a place of adventure, thrill, and personality, all of which you and your loved ones are seeking during your trip. Named after Queen Victoria, this historic city has several crowning achievements you'll be able to brag about once you visit. As the weather tones down, make Victoria your journey of choice this fall.
The Colours
If you’re someone who appreciates gorgeous fall foliage and spectacle, Butchart Gardens is a good start. These renowned gardens have over 900 plant varieties and 55 acres of gardens, including the rose garden, Japanese garden, and Italian garden. You can also check out Star Pond and Ross Fountain if you love a gorgeous water view, or take a ride on the carousel for fun with the kids.
There’s also Beacon Hill Park. This spot is tailor-made if you're a sports lover as a baseball diamond, tennis court and two sports fields occupy this 200-acre haven. You can also visit the Japanese Garden at Hatley Castle, including various elements that make you feel as if you’re in the heart of Yokohama or Tokyo. The crisp air and beautiful fall colours of reds, yellows and oranges will definitely “leaf” you breathless.
Whale Watching
September and October are your ideal months to go watching whales. During peak season, sighting success rates for viewing resident Orca (or killer whale) pods range from 95-98%.
You’re in luck if you’re staying at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA because Orca Spirit Adventures is located just at the hotel’s marina level. Take advantage of the Whale Watching Adventure Package which includes accommodation, a hearty breakfast and an action-packed three-hour whale watching tour.
Festivals and Events - What’s Happening
There are a few festivals and events we’re stoked about in September. For a good drink with your friends, The Great Canadian Beer Festival will ignite the beer lover in you. Over 65 breweries and cideries, food trucks and vendors are there for your choosing, plus live entertainment. This festival is happening on September 7 from 4 pm to 9 pm and September 8 from 12 pm to 5 pm. No drunk dancing now!
For the love of apples! If you have time to visit Salt Spring Island, we recommend checking out the Salt Spring Island Apple Festival taking place on September 30 from 10am to 5pm. Salt Spring Island grows over 450 varieties of apples organically, with an apple history dating back to 1860! Immerse yourself in this community event bringing together apple lovers while ringing in cider season. Children are more than welcome to enjoy this event, too.
Ghostly Walks
A ghost-hunter’s paradise, Victoria is steeped in ghostly tales to get you psyched up for Halloween or if you just want to hear stories about the past. Join a 90 minute Ghostly Walk tour to visit the capital’s spookiest alleyways while being exposed to its scariest secrets. Make sure you don’t stray too far away!
Downtown
Downtown Victoria is an easy place to walk through, and bits of history surround every part of it. The British Columbia Parliament Buildings also dominate the scenery in downtown and are Victoria’s most well-known landmark. The Royal British Columbia Museum and Helmcken House are both on the same block, bringing a blend of old realms of B.C. culture with new age reflection. There is also St. Ann's Academy, a national historic site, which has an enduring legacy of Women's and Francophone History in the city. If you’re looking to spice up your Instagram feed, this is definitely one of the best Instagram-worthy spots.
Food and Drink
Blue Crab Seafood House is the finest hub for seafood in Victoria. The kitchen offers you the freshest seafood, seasonal culinary creations and mouth-watering menus. With Harvest approaching, you can also celebrate the bounty of fall throughout October with ingredients from local purveyors. Throughout the year, there are seasonal promotions showcasing the best seafood available in the area.
Coast Hotel Victoria & Marina by APA is situated on the lively outer harbour. Aside from astonishing views, the hotel offers an indoor/outdoor pool, slip rentals, free Wi-Fi, and APA Hotel amenities, including Electric Bidet Seats, 55” flat screen TVs, slippers, and traditional welcoming origami cranes. With gorgeous event spaces, a water taxi stop, an award-winning Blue Crab Seafood House, and much more, you get a complete hotel experience full of fun and relaxation. Book today to ensure your fall vacation blooms in the Garden City.