Archie MontroseFall is here, and you know what that means? It’s time to break out the pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters and get ready to capture some seriously Instagram-worthy content!
Vancouver transforms into a fiery wonderland this time of year, with trees exploding in red, orange, and yellow shades. But where do you even begin with so many unique spots to choose from?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! This guide will reveal the most stunning locations in Vancouver to capture those epic fall vibes, so keep scrolling to discover your following perfect fall photoshoot location!
- 1. Stanley Park
- 2. Sylvia Hotel
- 3. Coal Harbour Seawall
- 4. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
- 5. Granville Island
- 6. Kits Point
- 7. Queen Elizabeth Park
- 8. VanDusen Botanical Garden
- 9. University of British Columbia
- 10. Nitobe Memorial Garden
- 11. Grouse Mountain
- 12. Trout Lake
- 13. Burnaby Mountain Park
- 14. Deer Lake
- 15. Park and Tilford Gardens
- 16. Westham Island
- 17. Campbell Valley Regional Park
- 18. Cascade Falls Regional Park
- 19. Lost Lagoon
- 20. George Wainborn Park
- 21. Mountain View Cemetery
- 22. Third Beach
1. Stanley Park
Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +16046816728
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Stanley Park transforms into a breathtaking explosion of color fall. As you wander through the park, the crisp autumn air is refreshing, carrying the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
If you want a more secluded experience, venture deeper into the park’s forested trails. Here, sunlight filters through the colorful canopy, dappling the ground in a mosaic of light and shadow.
Pro tip:
For the most vibrant fall colors, aim to visit Stanley Park between mid-October and the first two weeks of November. You can also rent a bike and explore the extensive network of trails that weave through Stanley Park.
2. Sylvia Hotel
Website: https://sylviahotel.com/
Address: 1154 Gilford St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2P6, Canada
Contact details: +18776819321
The Sylvia Hotel’s iconic brick facade is almost entirely covered in Boston ivy, which explodes with fiery orange, red, and yellow hues. But the magic of the Sylvia Hotel in the fall goes beyond the visual.
Fall is shoulder season in Vancouver, meaning fewer crowds and often better room rates. Imagine cozying up by the fireplace in the hotel lobby after a day of exploring, a book in hand, and a glass of local wine beside you.
Pro tip:
Book your room well in advance, especially on weekends, as the Sylvia Hotel is famous for fall staycations. Then, take a complimentary bike from the hotel and explore Stanley Park.
3. Coal Harbour Seawall
Website: http://www.vancouver.ca/
Address: 1199 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6E 4T1, Canada
Coal Harbour Seawall undergoes a vibrant transformation during fall in Vancouver. You’ll see pockets of vibrant maples, towering poplars ablaze with yellow, and pockets of crimson dogwood trees scattered throughout the landscape.
Across the harbor, the North Shore Mountains seem to don a golden crown, their peaks dusted with the first hints of winter snow. Early risers are often rewarded with a breathtaking display of color reflected on the harbor’s calm waters.
Pro tip:
Stroll along the seawall, stopping to admire the fall foliage and take photos. Look for harbor seals basking on the docks or sea otters swimming in the distance.
4. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Website: https://vancouverchinesegarden.com/
Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2, Canada
Contact details: +16046623207
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden offers a more intimate display. Imagine strolling past the jade-green pond, its reflection shimmering with the golden hues of maple leaves overhead.
Bonsai trees are meticulously cared for and don cloaks of crimson and amber, adding pops of color throughout the meticulously landscaped grounds. The vibrant foliage creates a stunning contrast against the calming greys of the traditional architecture.
Pro tip:
Take a moment to savor a Chinese tea cup at the on-site tea house. As you sip your tea, let the vibrant fall colors and the serene atmosphere wash over you, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
5. Granville Island
Website: https://granvilleisland.com/
Address: 1661 Duranleau Street, 2nd Floor Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
Contact details: 604 666-7376
In Granville Island, maple trees become the stars of the show as their leaves ablaze in shades of crimson, amber, and sunshine yellow. These colorful bursts are sprinkled throughout the island between brick buildings and lining the pedestrian walkways.
The southern tip of Granville Island opens up to Ron Basford Park, offering a more open space to soak in the fall vibes. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the colorful trees set against the backdrop of the evergreens and the blue waters of False Creek.
Pro tip:
Weekends during peak fall foliage (usually late September to November) can get crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weekday morning.
6. Kits Point
Address: Kits Point, Vancouver, BC V6J 1B3
Kitsilano, especially Kits Point, transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color during the fall season in Vancouver. Imagine strolling down leafy avenues where maple trees, the stars of the show, put on a fiery display.
Dotting the streets are smaller trees and shrubs that add a touch of crimson, burnt umber, and golden hues. Remember to look up as the vines crawling up houses and fences burst forth in shades of amber and burgundy, creating a storybook feel.
Pro tip:
Head to Hadden Park, a green gem between the Maritime Museum and Kits Beach. Here, you’ll find some of the most magnificent maple trees in the area, boasting truly giant leaves that transform into fiery masterpieces.
7. Queen Elizabeth Park
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
Contact details: +16048737000
Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
At Queen Elizabeth Park, the show’s star is the Quarry Gardens, an underwater oasis boasting diverse trees. Japanese maples take center stage, their leaves ablaze in a spectrum of reds, offering a breathtaking spectacle.
The iconic Bloedel Conservatory provides a welcome escape from the cool fall air. Step inside this glass sanctuary and immerse yourself in a world of exotic plants and vibrant blooms.
Pro tip:
Visit the park on weekdays to avoid crowds and capture the best photo light. Then, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the park for breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver bathed in fall colors.
8. VanDusen Botanical Garden
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/vandusen-botanical-garden.aspx
Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1, Canada
Contact details: +16042578463
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
At the Van Dusen Botanical Garden, the leaves of sugar maples, ginkgo trees, and bald cypresses put on a dazzling show. Stroll down the aptly named “Autumn Stroll,” a path lined with deciduous trees explicitly chosen for their spectacular color display.
Take advantage of the Harvest Days celebration, usually held on weekends in October. The gardens come alive with festive decorations featuring pumpkins, scarecrows, and hay bales.
Pro tip:
Pack a picnic basket and find a secluded spot amongst the vibrant foliage. Savor the delicious autumn treats while basking in the beauty of nature’s changing canvas.
9. University of British Columbia
Website: https://robsonsquare.ubc.ca/contact-directions/
Address: 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B7, Canada
The University of British Columbia (UBC) features a stunning campus with trees bursting in vibrant autumnal colors. One prime location is the Main Mall, where a pedestrian walkway is bordered by trees, creating a tunnel of colorful leaves.
Head to the UBC Botanical Garden for a wider variety of fall colors. The Carolinian Forest Garden, in particular, is a haven for Eastern North American hardwood trees, which put on a spectacular show of color in the fall.
Pro tip:
During your visit to UBC, take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of the many cafes on campus. Sipping on a warm beverage surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage is a perfect way to soak up the season’s beauty.
10. Nitobe Memorial Garden
Website: https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/visit/nitobe-memorial-garden/
Address: 1895 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +16048226038
Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Nitobe Memorial Garden transforms into a tapestry of vibrant hues during fall. A colorful canopy reflects on the still surface of the koi pond, creating a picture-perfect postcard of autumn beauty.
Designed in the authentic Japanese garden tradition, it embodies the concept of “borrowed scenery.” The careful placement of trees and shrubs frames glimpses of the surrounding landscape, creating the illusion of a much larger space.
Pro tip:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the magical play of light on the fall foliage. Sit by the koi pond and simply take in the breathtaking scene.
11. Grouse Mountain
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada
Like ski runs, the open areas in Grouse Mountain come alive with a vibrant tapestry of colors. Grasses morph into a spectrum of golds and browns, while shrubs and smaller trees erupt in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.
You can take the Grouse Grind for a challenging hike or relax on the scenic ride up the Skyride. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the changing landscape, with the colorful slopes contrasting against the evergreens and the city sparkling below.
Pro tip:
Take the Grouse Grind hike for a rewarding challenge. The changing colors along the trail will add another layer of beauty to your ascent, and the summit will present you with breathtaking panoramic views of the fall foliage blanketing the slopes.
12. Trout Lake
Address: Vancouver, BC V5N 4M5, Canada
Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Trout Lake in John Hendry Park in East Vancouver transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors come fall. It reaches its peak beauty in mid-to-late October when stunning reds, oranges, and yellows are reflected in the lake.
Trout Lake offers a stunning display of autumn colors with various deciduous tree species. Whether strolling around the 1.2-km path or relaxing on a park bench, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature’s transformation.
Pro tip:
Pack a picnic basket with hot cocoa, sandwiches, and pumpkin treats. Find a bench with a perfect lake view and enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage.
13. Burnaby Mountain Park
Website: https://www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Explore-Outdoors/Parks/Burnaby-Mountain-Conservation-Area.html
Address: 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby, BC V5A 2X9, Canada
Contact details: +16042947450
The panoramic view from the top of Burnaby Mountain Park in the fall is truly breathtaking. The city sprawled out below is painted in autumnal shades. The colorful landscape melts into the urban jungle, creating a unique scene.
Additionally, the park offers a variety of trails to explore, catering to both experienced hikers seeking a challenge and casual strollers looking for a leisurely walk. Every bend in the trail unveils a new perspective of the colorful foliage, making it a visual treat.
Pro tip:
Head to the area near the Horizons Restaurant for particularly stunning displays of fall colors. The leaves there tend to burst into vibrant hues before other parts of the park.
14. Deer Lake
Website: https://www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/deer-lake-park
Address: 5435 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC V5E 2L8, Canada
Contact details: +16042947450
Deer Lake Park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors during the fall season. Deciduous trees lining the walking trails around the lake erupt in fiery red, orange, and yellow hues.
While the park boasts a beautiful display of fall foliage, Deer Lake’s unique charm lies in its ability to blend nature with culture seamlessly. Among the vibrant trees, you’ll also find the impressive buildings of Burnaby’s cultural center.
Pro tip:
Rent a paddleboat or canoe and explore the lake from a different perspective. Imagine gliding silently through the water, surrounded by the breathtaking fall colors reflected on the surface.
15. Park and Tilford Gardens
Website: http://parkandtilford.com/
Address: 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3S8, Canada
Contact details: +16045138880
Operating hours: 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM
The Japanese Maples at Park and Tilford Gardens steal the spotlight with their dramatic transformation, boasting leaves in shades of red. Even the non-flowering plants add to the fall ambiance, with hydrangeas holding onto their dried blooms.
Purple asters and pink chelones provide pops of color against the changing foliage, while the ornamental grasses, with their dried seed heads, catch the afternoon sunlight.
Pro tip:
Visit on a sunny day. The sunlight will make the colors of the leaves even more vibrant, creating a truly dazzling display.
16. Westham Island
Website: https://www.delta.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/park-and-amenity-search/westham-island-park
Address: 2516 Westham Island Rd, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
Contact details: +16049463293
Westham Island transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color fall, with deciduous trees lining the trails and surrounding the marshlands. This island is also a haven for birdwatchers, as migratory birds flock there.
You’ll also see blackberry bushes with ripe fruit line the paths, offering a sweet treat for the adventurous visitor. Local farmers’ markets are brimming with fresh fall produce, from crisp apples and plump pumpkins to hearty squashes and colorful root vegetables.
Pro tip:
Take a walk or bike ride along the Westham Island Perimeter Trail. This scenic route winds through the island’s heart, offering breathtaking views of the fall foliage, the surrounding marshlands, and the distant mountains.
17. Campbell Valley Regional Park
Website: https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/campbell-valley-regional-park
Address: 20285 8 Ave, Langley Twp, BC V2Z 1W5, Canada
Contact details: +16045304983
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Campbell Valley Regional Park during fall is a breathtaking tapestry of fiery colors.
As you meander along the trails, the crisp autumn air is invigorating, and the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot creates a symphony of sound.
Keep your eyes peeled for squirrels gathering nuts for the winter, a sure sign of the changing season. If you’re lucky, you might spot a bald eagle soaring overhead, its majestic presence adding to the park’s fall grandeur.
Pro tip:
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, so plan your visit accordingly if you want a more peaceful experience to truly appreciate the fall foliage.
18. Cascade Falls Regional Park
Website: http://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/parks-recreation/parks-trails/cascade-falls-regional-park.html
Address: 36421 Ridgeview Rd, Deroche, BC V0M 1G0, Canada
Contact details: +16047025000
Cascade Falls Regional Park is a must-visit destination during the fall season. The towering conifers surrounding the trail are ablaze with fiery orange, red, and yellow hues, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
When you reach the wooden stairs and ascend to the suspension bridge, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you. The cascading water of the falls, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and vibrant foliage, creates a picture-perfect postcard scene.
Pro tip:
Capture the magic of fall at Cascade Falls with your camera. The vibrant foliage, cascading water, and suspension bridge offer endless opportunities for stunning photographs.
19. Lost Lagoon
Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/landmarks-in-stanley-park.aspx
Address: Lost Lagoon Path, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Contact details: +16048737000
Lost Lagoon transforms into a breathtaking scene during Vancouver’s fall season. The trees lining the walking path erupt in fiery orange, golden yellow, and deep crimson, their reflections shimmering on the lagoon’s still water.
This urban oasis becomes a haven for birdwatchers in the fall. You might spot a majestic Trumpeter Swan gliding gracefully across the water or a vibrant Kingfisher perched on a branch.
Pro tip:
Head to Lost Lagoon early in the morning to witness the magical play of light on the fall foliage. As the first rays of the sun peek through the trees, the leaves seem to glow with an almost incandescent light.
20. George Wainborn Park
Address: 450 Beach Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3G1, Canada
Contact details: +16048737000
George Wainborn Park offers a unique perspective of Vancouver’s cityscape adorned in autumnal hues. The surrounding trees, dressed in fiery oranges, deep reds, and burnished yellows, frame the panoramic view of False Creek.
The water reflects the vibrant tapestry of colors, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the city skyline. Vancouver’s iconic glass and steel high-rises become mirrored in the water, their reflections tinged with the warm tones of the season.
Pro tip:
Head to the park around sunset. The setting sun casts a golden glow on the city and foliage, intensifying the vibrant colors and creating a truly unforgettable scene.
21. Mountain View Cemetery
Website: http://vancouver.ca/mountainview
Address: 5455 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z3, Canada
Contact details: +16043252646
Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Mountain View Cemetery transforms into a tapestry of vibrant hues during fall. The variety of mature trees makes Mountain View unique in the fall.
Towering Liquidambar trees put on a dazzling display of crimson and burgundy, while Ginkgo trees boast a unique golden hue. A visit to Mountain View Cemetery in the fall is a chance to commune with nature’s beauty and reflect on the cycle of life.
Pro tip:
Take a moment to pause by the reflecting pool. The still water reflects the colorful canopy above, creating a breathtaking mirrored image.
22. Third Beach
Address: Third Beach, Vancouver, Canada
What makes Third Beach special in fall is the unique combination of coastal beauty and autumn foliage. Unlike other popular spots, Third Beach offers a chance to witness the changing leaves alongside the dramatic setting of the ocean.
Take a stroll on the sandy beach, letting the waves lap at your feet as you admire the fiery foliage lining the walking trails. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and the earthy scent of fallen leaves – a sensory experience unlike any other.
Pro tip:
Head to Third Beach in the late afternoon or early evening to witness the magical interplay of fall colors and the setting sun. You might even be rewarded with a breathtaking sunset reflecting on the water.
