From delicious autumn treats to cozy fall favourites and wicked Halloween outings. Here are 40 things to do in Vancouver this fall!
FOOD AND DRINK
1. Eat Some Pumpkin Pie!
Nothing says fall like a slice of apple or pumpkin pie. Head to Vancouver’s best pie shops for a slice of heaven or pick up a pie to take home. Chinatown: The Pie Shoppe, Yaletown: Lime & Moon Pie Company, West Vancouver: Savary Island Pie Company, Kitsilano: Aphrodite’s Café and Pie Shop. Main Street: The Last Crumb Bakery and Café.
The Pie Shoppe: 1875 Powell St, Vancouver
Lime & Moon Pie Company: 1066 Mainland St, Vancouver
Savary Island Pie Company: 1533 Marine Dr, West Vancouver
Aphrodite’s Café and Pie Shop: 3605 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
The Last Crumb Bakery and Café: 3080 Main St, Vancouver
2. Slurp at Granville Island Market
As the cold weather draws in find warmth in a comforting bowl of soup. Head to Granville Market’s The Stock Market for the best handmade soup in the city.
The Stock Market Vancouver
Granville Island (1689 Johnston St, Vancouver)
3. Mario's Gelati
While the rest of the Canada prepares for snow, lick up Vancouver’s sunny fall days with the fall flavours at Mario's Gelati & Amato Gelato Cafe. Their seasonal flavours include pumpkin pie (pictured), chai spice and spicy poached pear with mascarpone. You can win a $50 gift card from Amato Gelato Cafe HERE.
Amato Gelato Cafe & Mario's Gelati
78 & 88 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC
4. Fall for Seasonal Doughnuts
Vancouver is home to two famed handmade doughnut shops, Lucky’s Doughnuts and Cartems Donuterie. While the debate rages on for whose are the best, these local doughnuts are simply a must eat. Special for fall Lucky’s Doughnuts showcases Pumpkin Cheesecake and the Apple Tarte Tatin. Cartems fall features include the Honey Crisp and for the month of the October, the “Canuck Place” a specially created doughnut with blackberry glaze and organic confetti candy with $1.00 donated to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Lucky’s Doughnuts: 2902 Main St or 2198 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Cartems Donuterie: 2190 Main St or 534 W Pender St, Vancouver
5. Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Queen Elizabeth Plaza
Prost! Time to dust of your lederhosen and partake in this wondrous celebration of Bavarian culture! Expect live music, European beer and the best German delicacies.
Harvest Haus 2016
September 29th to October 9th
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza (650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver)
12:00pm - 4:30pm or 6:00pm-10:30pm
Tickets: starting at $25.00
6. Sip Some Tea
Afternoon tea is the perfect fall indulgence. Catch up on all the summer gossip and make a reservation. Downtown: Ladurée Vancouver, Faubourg Paris, Soirette Macarons & Tea, Bacchus Restaurant at Wedgewood Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver South Granville: Soffee Café, Kerrisdale: Secret Garden Tea Company, Butter Baked Goods Kitsilano: Neverland Tea Salon Yaletown: Patisserie Fur Elise
Ladurée Vancouver: 1141 Robson St, Vancouver,
Faubourg Paris: 2156 W 41st Ave and 769 Hornby St, Vancouver
Soirette Macarons & Tea: 1433 W Pender St, Vancouver
Bacchus Restaurant at Wedgwood Hotel: 845 Hornby St, Vancouver
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver: 1128 W Georgia St, Vancouver
Soffee Café: 1426 W 8th Ave, Vancouver
Secret Garden Tea Company: 2138 W 40th Ave, Vancouver
Butter Baked Goods: 4907 MacKenzie St, Vancouver
Neverland Tea Salon: 3066 W Broadway, Vancouver
Patisserie Fur Elise: 847 Hamilton St, Vancouver
7. BC Beer Awards
The BC Beer Awards & Festival will celebrate the very best craft beer brewed in British Columbia. Make sure to seek out some seasonal autumn flavors from one of Vancouver’s many local microbreweries. Admission includes 4 drink tokens and 4oz taster glass.
BC Beer Awards
Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver)
October 15th from 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Visit the BC Beer Awards website for more information.
8. Vancouver Tea Festival
The 3rd annual Tea Festival takes place at the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Admission includes access to the gardens, presentations, workshops, tea tastings, tea-leaf readings, discussions led by tea experts, and vendors’ booths.
Vancouver Tea Festival
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC)
November 5th from 10:00am – 6:00pm
Tickets are $18.95, plus tax and $15.95, plus tax for garden members. Children ages 5 and under are free.
9. Indulge at EAT! Vancouver
Now, in its 14th year EAT! Vancouver’s offers you to enjoy food from the world’s best chefs. This year’s Festival events will be for charity and in support of the Vancouver Food Bank. The festival runs from October 4th to the 7th.
For more festival information, visit their website HERE.
10. Downtown Farmers Market
Shop fresh weekly with all the same great farms and producers you know and love from original Yaletown farmers market. Serving up the finest quality fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, baked goods, artisan food and craft, fresh fish, and local craft beer, wine and spirits.
Downtown Farmers Market
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza (650 Hamilton St)
Every Thursday from 2:00pm – 6:00pm until October 27th.
11. Wine Tasting at Black Rock Resort
Thanksgiving can be stressful, so when it's all said and done, why not head to the island for some rest and relaxation? Later this month, Black Rock Resort will be hosting a wine tasting with Summerhill Winery. Sample five wines with delicious seasonal appetizers and of course, a stunning ocean view.
Black Rock Resort
596 Marine Dr, Ucluelet
35 per person, 19+ only
Visit the Black Rock Resort website for details.
12. Go Vegetarian
Everything but the bird! Mount Pleasant's famed high-end vegetarian spot, The Acorn will be offering a multi-course Thanksgiving meal this October. We all know the the stuffing is the best part anyway! Visit their website for more details.
The Acorn
3995 Main St, Vancouver, BC
13. RIPE 2016
RIPE harvest celebration showcases the best local ingredients from BC farmers and producers paired with some of the city’s most exciting chefs. This year, RIPE participants include Clement Chan of Torafuku, Meeru Dhalwala of Vij’s Rangoli, Ned Bell of Chefs for Oceans, Quang Dang of West Restaurant, Deniz Tarakcioglu of Cafe Medina, Karen McAthy of Blue Heron Creamery, Ryan Reed of Nomad, and Shelome Bouvette of Chicha.
RIPE 2016
Exhibition Hall, Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver)
October 16 at 5:30pm
Tickets are $85.
ART AND CULTURE
1. Vancouver International Film Festival
An astonishing convergence of film, art, live music and technology. Now in it’s 35th year, the Vancouver Film Festival (VIFF), brings together the best in experimental, foreign, local and internationally acclaimed filmmaking. With unique events happening daily, including the new @VIFF Hub late night series, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your inner art-house critic.
Vancouver International Film Festival
September 29th to October 14th
VIFF Single Tickets, Passes + Ticket Packs on sale at viff.org.
2. Heart of the City Festival
The DTES Heart of the City Festival is all about promoting artists, presenting art forms and facilitating the development of culture from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. With 100 events happening at over 40 locations throughout the area, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Heart of the City Festival
October 26th to November 6th
Visit heartofthecityfestival.com for ticket information.
3. New Forms Festival 16
New Forms is an electronic and experimental music festival that explores the ever changing and evolving world of art. The Society’s goal is to make new media art, music, film, technology-based installation and performance accessible to a wider audience.
New Forms Festival 16
Satellite Gallery (560 Seymour)
October 7th and 8th
Buy your festival tickets and passes HERE.
4. Laugh Until it Hurts at the Vancouver International Improv Festival
Almost an entire week filled with world-class improvisation ready to entertain and delight you! With amazing local, national, and international performers, you will absolutely get one of those laugh-induced stomachaches. There are also workshops making for the largest VIIF yet!
Vancouver International Improv Festival
October 4th to 8th
Visit their website for more information HERE.
5. Eastside Culture Crawl
The four-day visual arts, design and crafts festival receives more than 25,000 visitors each year. Explore 475+ artists in their studios across 78 buildings in the area bounded by Columbia Street, 1st Avenue, Victoria Drive and the waterfront in Vancouver, Canada.
Eastside Culture Crawl
November 17th to 20th
Visit their website HERE for festival hours and information.
6. All Together Now: Vancouver Collectors and Their Worlds
Taking place at the Museum of Vancouver, All Together Now features 19 beautiful, rare, and unconventional collections, with something for everyone including corsets, prosthetics, pinball machines, taxidermy, toys, and much more. In this exhibition both collector and collected are objects of study, interaction, and delight.
All Together Now: Vancouver Collectors and Their Worlds
Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut St)
Ongoing until January 8th
Visit the MOV online for information on more exhibitions and admission.
7. The Music of Bowie at the VSO
The genius of David Bowie's innovative range of musical styles influenced multiple generations of groundbreaking music. Now, hear his iconic music performed as never before, live on the Orpheum stage with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, featuring guest conductor Brent Havens and a full rock band. You'll be taken on a symphonic odyssey that pays tribute to the legendary musician and epic storyteller, David Bowie.
The Music of David Bowie
Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe St)
October 5th at 8:00pm.
Purchase tickets from the VSO website HERE.
8. Halloween Monster Match
Join the Vancouver Theatre Sports League on October 29th for the Halloween Monster Match! Watch as costumed performers go head to headless in two SPOOKtacular competitions. In addition to the two onstage shows, there will be dancing, specials on potions and poisons in the bar, a costume contest and plenty of ghoulish delights.
Halloween Monster Match
October 29th at 7:30pm.
The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver, BC)
Tickets are $33 for adults and $25 for students.
9. See Europe at a Fraction of the Cost
The Cinematheque proudly presents the 19th Annual European Union Film Festival. This year, experience culture from 23 European countries all from the comfort of The Cinematheque's new seats. Swap airline food for real-butter popcorn as you experience a lively, provocative, stimulating, and entertaining state-of-the-Union celebration.
European Union Film Festival
1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC
November 18 – December 1
Visit the Cinematheque website for details.
10. Say Happy Birthday to the VAG
This October, the Vancouver Art Gallery will be turning 85 years young! Come wish the gallery well and check out one of their current exhibitions, which includes works from Emily Carr, Stephen Waddell, Harry Callahan, and Bharti Kher.
Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
OUTDOORS
1. Apple Festival at the UBC Botanical Garden
Nothing says autumn like apples! Enjoy over 70 varieties of apples from more than 20 local growers. This year the Apple Festival promises to be exceptional, with great colour and sweetness due to the summer’s cool start to the summer. Special varieties will be on sale, including a limited supply of Glockenapfel, aromatic, honey-scented Cox’s Orange Pippin and the tangy, newly named BC apple Salish, which is fantastic in pies, crumbles, and galettes.
Apple Festival 2016
October 15th and 16th
UBC Botanical Garden (6804 Marine Dr SW)
11:00am – 4:30pm
Admission is $5.00 (cash only) for adults. Children 12 and under free.
2. Adore Fall Colours All Over the City
Fall in Vancouver means you can find brilliant shades red, brown and yellow leaves scattered all over the city. While you can find this beautiful colour palette pretty much anywhere in town, some choice locations include Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Van Dusen Gardens and Grouse Mountain.
3. Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Did you know there are over 16 pumpkin farms located across the Lower Mainland? This year there will even be an urban pumpkin patch at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market. Whether they’re for carving, roasting or decorating, finding the right pumpkin is an essential part of the season. For a complete guide Vancouver’s pumpkin patches, go HERE.
HALLOWEEN
1. Fright Nights at the PNE
Whether you like it or not, autumn is really all about Halloween. Scary movies, spooky costumes and Fright Night at the PNE are all essential parts of the season. With 7 haunted houses, 15 rides and 2 thrilling live shows, you’ll definitely fill your scare quota for the year.
Fright Nights at the PNE
PNE (2901 E Hastings St)
October 7th to October 31st
Visit the Fright Nights website for more information on passes.
2. Stanley Park Ghost Train
A family favourite located right in Stanley Park. This year’s Day of the Dead train will take its riders on a journey through a mystical and magical world. There’s even a special live performance train. The entire site is wheelchair accessible. Be sure to dress warmly!
Stanley Park Ghost Train
October 8th to October 31st
For more information on hours and admission, go HERE.
3. Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo
The annual Vancouver Halloween parade features hundreds of cosplayers in costumes from film, comics, anime, and video games. The parade is family friendly so no need to worry about the kids seeing too much fake blood.
Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo
Downtown Vancouver
October 13th to 16th
Visit their website HERE for more information.
4. The Lost Souls of Gastown
Forbidden Vancouver’s The Lost Souls of Gastown is both a walking tour and a theatre piece. Based on documented Vancouver History – The plot weaves through backstreets and alleyways to a dramatic finale in the heart of Gastown’s Maple Tree Square. Expect dramatic reenactments of the life of Gassy Jack, the gruesome murder of John Bray and “Klondike Kate” Rockwell.
The Lost Souls of Gastown
Ongoing until November 30th
Tickets are $25.00 for Adults and $22.00 for seniors.
5. Discover Rays at the Vancouver Aquarium
Not spooky, but definitely scary! Roll up your sleeve and come have a unique, hands-on encounter at the Discover Rays touch pool at the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch as these gentle fishes “fly” beneath the water’s surface, delighting and surprising guests with their curiosity.
Discover Rays
Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)
Visit the Vancouver Aquarium HERE for more information.
6. Science World After Dark
It’s time for Science World’s annual murder mystery night. A professor has been murdered, and all of the faculty are suspects! Watch the live scenes played out, gather clues, interrogate the suspects, enjoy some drinks and participate in mind-blowing interactive science demos before solving the crime. Costumes are encouraged (of course).
Science World
1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC
October 28th at 7:00pm
Tickets are $40.
7. Burnaby Haunted Village
Come waning moon or silver wet cloud, wear your costumes to explore the Village in the dark of the night. Witches, ghosts and all sorts of storybook and fairy tale characters come to life at this year’s Haunted Village. It’ll be a spooktacular time!
Burnaby Haunted Village
October 27th - October 30th
Tickets available at the door.
8. Psycho! An Alfred Hitchcock Film, with the VSO
There couldn’t be a better way to enjoy this Hitchcock classic. Join the VSO for a special screening of Psycho, as they score the film live in its entirety.
Psycho! An Alfred Hitchcock Film, with the VSO
Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe Street, Vancouver)
October 12 at 7:30pm
Tickets start at $29.
9. Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween Weekend at Britannia Mine Museum
It's the witching hour at Britannia Mine Museum this Halloween! This family friendly event includes an inset emporium, witch’s house, a strange science show and spooky underground train ride.
Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween Weekend
Britannia Mine Museum (1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach, BC)
October 29 and 30
Tickets are $15.
10. Haunted Circus at The Beaumont Studios Gallery
Prepare to get spooked at Vancouver’s newest haunted house, Haunted Circus, taking over the Beaumont Studios gallery space, from October 14th to October 31st in support of BC Women's Hospital. Live freaky clowns and ghouls are waiting to terrorize you within the corridors of a 2500 ft venue.
Haunted Circus
Beaumont Studios (316 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver)
October 14th - 31st (Sun - Wed 3:00pm to 10:00pm; Thurs - Sat 3:00pm to 2:00am)
Tickets are $10 for Adults (over 12), $5 for Youth (under 12)
Tickets available online in advance or at the door at no extra cost. Guardians must accompany children under 12 years old after 6:00pm for their own safety.
MISCELLANEOUS FALL FUN
1. Portobello West
Get a jumpstart on your holiday gift buying! Specializing in locally made artisan goods, clothing and food, Portobello West is the perfect place to get all of your holiday shopping done in one go.
Portobello West Holiday Market
1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC
November 26 - 27 (11:00am - 5:00pm)
Visit the Portobello West website for more details.
2. Play Pinball
The Museum of Vancouver presents Happy Hour: TILT! Public Pinball Tournament. Square off against amateur opponents in a triple elimination tournament. Play up to 8 coveted machines from the pinball stratosphere including Funhouse (1988), Cyclone (1988) and Jack-Bot (1995). Scores will be updated live on the Internet for players to follow as they anticipate their next game. Prizes, drink bar and enthusiasts abound. A fun environment for casual pinball players and those who have dreamed of becoming a wizard
Museum of Vancouver
1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC
October 13th at 6:00pm
Tickets are $15 for adults.
3. Vancouver International Puppet Festival
You have until October 16th to find all of the magical puppets that are populating the windows of 14 storefronts on Granville Island. There will also be performances and workshops galore! Visit the Vancouver International Puppet Festival website for more info.
4. Volunteer at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Help families in need enjoy the Holidays. The current stock at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is at an all-time low, so consider donating some food, funds or simply going down to lend a helping hand this season.
5. Eastside Flea
Shop thrift, vintage and locally made goods at this East Vancouver shopping staple. Drinks, food and live music just sweeten the deal.
Eastside Flea
Ellis Building (1024 Main St, Vancouver)
October 7 – October 9
Tickets: $3 for the day, $5 for a weekend pass.
