Top BC Towns to Visit in Fall

Nelson

Be charmed by Nelson where mountains of fall foliage embrace 350 heritage buildings along the shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenays. Grab a cup of freshly roasted coffee at Oso Negro, a local institution and one of Nelson’s many excellent eating establishments (the town claims to have more restaurants per capita than Manhattan!)

Pick up seasonal supplies from Kootenay Co-Op or Cottonwood Community Market and join locals on a short, steep hike up Pulpit Rock for fall leaf peeping and views of golden larch trees.

There’s fun to be had in all directions. Head northwest for a day trip through the Slocan Valley. Head east on a free ferry across Kootenay Lake, then drive south to the Creston Valley (an up-and-coming wine area). Head northeast to visit the historic town of Kaslo and enjoy a stroll along the Kaslo River Trail.

• Nelson is a stop along the Mountains and Vineyards Circle Route.

Vernon

Vernon’s proximity to both Canada’s largest salmon run in the Shuswap and the Okanagan harvest makes fall one of the best times to explore this North Okanagan community.

Ride or hike the Okanagan Rail Trail, which connects Vernon to Kelowna along a lakeside route, or simply discover downtown’s vibrant murals.

Nature brings a splash of colour with fall foliage and the largest salmon run in BC in nearby Tsútswecw Provincial Park, home of the Adams River.

• Vernon is a stop along the Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route.

Smithers

Northern BC’s picturesque Smithers is a favourite fall fishing destination, located in the Bulkley Valley at the base of Hudson Bay Mountain.

Smithers’ spectacular location is matched by its Bavarian-style buildings, which are home to coffee shops, breweries, and several German-style sausage shops. Wander down alpine-inspired Main Street and ask friendly locals (Smithereens) for their favourite places to eat.

Breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in fantastic fall foliage on a hike along the Bulkley River on the Perimeter Trail (be sure to make a stop at Bulkley Valley Farmers Market for supplies).

Cozy up in a rustic lodge and take a few days to experience the rich Indigenous culture and history in the region, including ‘Ksan Historical Village in Hazelton, the ancient Gitxsan village of Gitanmaax at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley rivers.

• Smithers is a stop along the Finding Nature in Northern British Columbia road trip.

Fernie

Experience the Canadian Rockies without the crowds. Fall brings the first dusting of snow to historic Fernie, making this scenic mountain town even more magical. Enjoy late-season hikes, go river fishing, or take it easy with a tipple from Fernie Brewing Co, one of the stops on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

For a day trip, journey through the Rocky Mountain Trench and relax in the region’s hot springs, or experience yesteryear at Fort Steele Heritage Town near Cranbrook.

• Fernie is a stop along the Exploring the Rocky Mountain Trench road trip.