5 Overnight Fall Getaways From Vancouver

Celebrate the return of autumn with a short road trip close to home, where you can explore an old favourite or discover a new gem. From scenic coastal escapes to cozy mountain hideaways, here are five fall getaways that offer great food and drink, fun activities, and outdoor adventure—all within a short drive of Vancouver.

Sip your way through craft breweries, distilleries and cideries, including Sunday Cider in Gibsons and Bruinwood Estate Distillery in Roberts Creek. The area is also home to a colourful mix of restaurants bursting with global flavours and West Coast fare including the newly opened Mad Hen in Gibsons. For a lovely sit down meal and fabulous views, don’t miss the Drift Cafe & Bistro. Take in wild coastal views at Inlets Restaurant in the West Coast Wilderness Lodge, savour fusion cuisine at El Segundo, or enjoy diner favourites at the famed Molly’s Reach in Gibsons.

The Sunshine Coast is also home to a large creative community, including a number of renowned artists. The marquee annual arts event, Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, takes place in the third week of October and offers gallery tours, art demonstrations, workshops, and exhibits. If you’re visiting outside of the event, book an exclusive art tour with Sunshine Coast Art Tours to go behind the scenes with some of the Sunshine Coast’s top creative talent.

The Painted Boat Resort Spa and Marina in Madeira Park is the Sunshine Coast’s luxurious year round resort, featuring 31 spacious waterfront villas. Relax with a cool drink while embracing beautiful waterfront views at the resort’s own Lagoon Restaurant. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating Canadian Aromatherapy massage at the spa.

​​Celebrate the fall harvest with a carefully crafted seasonal menu and wine pairings at Alta Bistro. Try Basalt Wine and Salumeria in the heart of Whistler Village for Mediterranean cuisine and an impressive wine list or stroll to the Upper Village, where you can sample craft beers and seductive artisan cocktails at Braidwood Tavern in the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler (the margaritas are a hit). Craft beverage enthusiasts will want to explore the Ale Trail with a visit to Function Junction, home to two breweries and a distillery. If you plan to visit in November, Whistler Cornucopia—a celebration of gastronomic proportions—returns with culinary seminars, winemakers’ dinners, and more.

There are plenty of amazing Whistler hotel deals on offer this fall—take your pick. Book a luxury escape in the Upper Village in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler or stay in the heart of Whistler Village at the Westin Resort and Spa. For a quieter getaway backed by fall foliage and lakeside views, call it a night at Nita Lake Lodge in Creekside.

While in town, hike to the Hope Lookout for commanding views of the valley and visit the Japanese Friendship Garden in Hope Memorial Park. You can also take a self-guided tour of Hope’s impressive selection of 80-plus chainsaw carvings, including a Rambo statue (inspired by the town’s starring role in the action film First Blood 40 years ago). About 10 minutes west of town, you’ll find the Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park, where nature walks and mountain biking await. Extend your trip and spend a day in the mountains of Manning Park Provincial Park, located 45-minutes east, where you can venture out for a fall hike accented by an auburn rainbow of fall foliage.

Soak up the friendly atmosphere and live music at the new Mountainview Brewing Co., which offers a rotating selection of innovative seasonal beers and savoury bites (the pretzels are a local favourite). If you’re feeling peckish, visit the quirky Owl Street Cafe or try fresh-baked goodies at Rolling Pin Bakery. Evergreen Bed and Breakfast, located in town, is a charming, family-owned accommodation with modern furnishings—the perfect home base for exploring town.

Drive north along Highway 1 through the scenic Fraser Canyon to explore Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park, an old crossing for the Cariboo Wagon Road.

While in Harrison Hot Springs, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Hiking trails range in difficulty from a leisurely stroll along the Spirit Trail to a strenuous, but rewarding trek up the Campbell Lake Trail (a.k.a. The Harrison Grind), with panoramic views of the lake and valley below. Through mid-October, Harrison Eco Tours offers a thrilling (and heated) jet boat tour up Harrison River (call ahead to reserve their accessible boat).

After a day of exploring, pop by Muddy Waters Cafe or Harrison Corner Cafe for a farm-fresh bite and craft beer from the area. You may also notice a mysterious presence—this is home to the Sasquatch, after all. According to the Sts’ailes people, who have called this area home for thousands of years, the sa:sq’ets (a spirit being) co-exists with humans and protects the land. Learn more at the Visitor Centre and Sasquatch Museum and take a self-guided tour along the Sasquatch Trail, with a stop at Qwólts Park to see the striking sa:sq’ets mural. You can also visit Kilby Historic Site near Harrison Mills to get a glimpse into rural life through costumed interpreters, farm animals, and interactive stories (open Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. through the fall).   

After a day of activity, head for a soothing soak—after all, the name says it all. The healing mineral pools at Harrison Hot Springs Resort are open to guests only (all the more reason to stay the night!) If you’re looking for a secluded getaway and a round of golf, stay in a luxury cottage at Rowena’s Inn on the River, located 20 minutes away in Harrison Mills. Their Clubhouse Restaurant serves up a farm-fresh menu with a solid BC VQA wine list.

Given that Victoria has the most restaurants per capita in Canada, the city’s exciting culinary scene never disappoints—indulging in afternoon tea is a quintessential experience. Reserve a tea service at Hotel Grand Pacific, White Heather Tea Room, or Abkhazi Gardens for a new take on this old tradition. Sample fare from the farms, forests, and oceans around Vancouver Island at Olo Restaurant; continue exploring local producers with a visit to Cowichan Valley’s wine region, dubbed the “Napa of the North.” Cap off your tour-de-tastebuds by hitting a few of Victoria’s Ale Trail stops (West Coast lifestyle-inspired Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in downtown’s Market Square is a fun one). Tip: Book a tasting tour to get the inside scoop on Victoria’s culinary gems.

With so much to do in Victoria’s downtown core, why not stay in the heart of the city? Parkside Hotel and Spa—offering e-scooter rentals, ready-made gourmet meals, and grazing boxes—is a solid choice. Or, try the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort for a modern, upscale hotel experience with views of the waterfront. In addition to daily BC Ferries sailings (reservations recommended), there are also flights into Victoria from YVR Airport and Downtown Vancouver.

If you plan to venture out for an outdoor activity, remember that weather can change quickly at this time of year. Be AdventureSmart and remember to practice the Three T’s: Trip Planning, Training, and Taking the Essentials.