From spirit bear sightings to the province’s best wine, here’s everything you need to experience this fall in British Columbia.
Mount Huber and Opabin Plateau, Yoho National Park, photo: Shutterstock
With so much of B.C. coming alive in the fall, it’s difficult to choose where to go and what to do, particularly if you’re looking to take advantage of the season’s impeccable natural beauty. With that in mind, we’ve partnered with some of the province’s top destinations and experiences to provide you with a short but mighty list of activities to cross off your fall bucket list.
Happy travels!
Experience Vibrant Arts and Culture in Kamloops
Photo: Tourism Kamloops
This fall Kamloops’ arts and culture scene comes alive with theatre, art, music, film and more. Make your way to the Sagebrush Theatre for a high-spirited production from Western Canada Theatre. From November 28 to December 10, catch the family favorite, The Sound of Music. Ignite your passions through the power of music at the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra’s Amor! happening November 15 and 16th.
If you’re a film buff, catch a flick from the Kamloops Film Society at The Paramount Theatre during their Thursday Film Series. The fall lineup includes Judy, the story of Judy Garland: the legend behind the rainbow, and Pain and Glory. Take in the Kamloops Art Gallery’s latest exhibition Hexsa’am: To Be Here Always. Explore downtown Kamloops' murals on a self-guided Back Alley Art Gallery Walking tour or find unique local sculptures on a Public Art Walking Tour. Round out your evening with a beer from Kamloops' newest craft brewery, Bright Eye Brewing, featuring decor by local artists.
Indulge in Wineries, Orchards and Ale Trails in Penticton
Photo: Visit Penticton
The fall harvest in Penticton means sweeping fields coming to life with hops, botanicals, grapes and all the ingredients necessary to make your favourite drink. It makes for a pretty stunning sight, but the resulting libations are even better. Penticton is surrounded by 80 wineries within 20 minutes of the city, each of which offer tours and tastings, featuring the 75 grape varieties grown in the region. That’s just the wine; Penticton is also known for its own Ale Trail, which features six (soon to be seven) breweries, each boasting gorgeous tasting rooms and menus filled with delicious local food pairings.
Of course, orchards aren’t just for grapes or hops. One of the most iconic activities to partake in while visiting Penticton is visiting one of the area’s fruit stands or U-Pick farms. Here you’ll find Okanagan cherries and apricots alongside crisp apples and of course, pumpkins for carving, roasting or making pie.
Travel While Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Photo courtesy Ebus
Ebus is a low-emission bus service that offers daily service to and from Vancouver, Kamloops and Kelowna, with additional stops in Surrey, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, Merritt, West Kelowna, Vernon, Chase, Enderby, Sorrento, Salmon Arm and Armstrong.
Every trip British Columbians take on Ebus’ low-emission buses take the environmental equivalent of 52 cars off the road, making regional travel more sustainable than ever. In an effort to encourage more British Columbians to choose green travel, Ebus has priced each of their 15 routes under $100. If you’re looking for some extra savings, Ebus also offers all customers 5% off just for booking online.
Every trip includes free WIFI as well, so can remain extra connected to the people, places and things you love, no matter where your travels may take you.
Escape to the seaside at Poets Cove Resort on Pender Island
Photo: Poets Cove
Situated within a secluded bay on Pender Island, Poets Cove Resort & Spa is the premier luxury resort in the Southern Gulf Islands.
Part of the uniquely West Coast Gulf Island archipelago, Poets Cove Resort & Spa is the perfect escape. Just a short ferry, boat or seaplane ride away from Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, our small island oasis set in the secluded Bedwell Harbour bay feels a million miles away. Pamper yourself with a specialty treatment at our onsite Susurrus Spa, enjoy outdoor activities on the sparkling water from our private marina, or simply relax in your private cottage, villa or lodge accommodations for a rejuvenating west coast island experience. Remember, it’s never too soon to reserve your place in paradise.
See Spirit Bears in Great Bear Rainforest
Photo: Pacific Wild by Ian McAllister
Arguably the most diverse area in BC, the Great Bear Rainforest encompasses a massive boreal forest and giant stretch of protected coastal rainforest along the spectacular BC central coast. The area is teeming with sea life, black bears, grizzlies, and even wolves that can be seen swimming from island to island! The enchanting forest is also home to both the elusive Kermode (Spirit) bear population and rock carvings dated between 4000-5000 years old that depict ancient stories and lessons of the indigenous people. The Great Bear Rainforest is located in B.C.’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, which offers a ton of awesome road trip destinations for those looking to experience B.C. at its wildest.
Eat the Best Poutine, West of Quebec
Photo: Gold Rush Trail
70 Mile House was established in 1862 as a hostel for Cariboo Waggon Road work crews, the area has now evolved into a thriving guest-ranch, outdoor-recreation hub and gateway to B.C.’s Fishing Highway and Green Lake Provincial Park. When in 70 Mile House, you must stop at the Sugar Shack for an authentic French Canadian poutine (self described as the “best west of Quebec”), or to stock up on maple syrup for your journey ahead. This is just one stopover on B.C.s Gold Rush Trail.
Originally a travel route for those with dreams of finding gold and “striking it rich”, today’s Gold Rush Trail serves as an experiential corridor; a journey of stories, people, activities and places that every British Columbian should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Want to learn more about AWESOME travel destinations in British Columbia? Read our fall travel guide HERE.
