Words by Heather Hansler
There is nothing better than experiencing fall in Western Canada. The skies are clear, the temperatures still warm, the fall colours are spectacular, and summer insects have largely disappeared for the year.
#1 Canmore, Alberta
Vermillion Lakes, Alberta.
You should definitely put Canmore on your fall travel list if you're looking for breathtaking alpine scenery, outdoor adventures, and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.
Nothing compares to a cool, crisp fall day for an outdoor adventure. Explore the Bow River Pathway by mountain bike, where you can admire this region’s spectacular fall colours set against the brilliant turquoise blue of the Bow River.
Johnston Canyon - Photo by SGC
If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, extend your trip to Johnston Canyon, one of the must-see natural wonders in Banff National Park. Explore the catwalks that follow the creek to the lower falls while surrounded by deep limestone cliffs, or venture to the upper falls through the forest.
#2 Golden, B.C.
Wapta Falls, B.C.
Golden is a wonderful fall destination for those looking for pristine scenery and rugged mountain views.
Experience the stunning beauty of Kicking Horse River, fed by the glacial waters of Wapta Lake. Recognized as a Canadian Heritage River, it flows wild and free through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you'll ever see.
Spend an afternoon hiking through a forest that’s bursting with colour down to the base of Wapta Falls, where the sheer power of this waterfall will take your breath away.
Spanning the whole width of Kicking Horse River, Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall in Yoho National Park, by volume. At more than 30 metres high and over 150 metres wide, you’ll be deafened by the thunderous roar of the river crashing over the bluff, and chilled by the glacial-fed river mist on your skin. Renowned for its vivid colours, ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green, it’s obvious why Wapta Falls is known as Yoho National Park’s hidden jewel.
Wapta Falls - Photo by Ben den Engelsen
#3 Kelowna, B.C.
Quails’ Gate Winery, B.C.
Photo courtesy of Quails’ Gate Winery
If you’re looking for big fall colour, look no further than a trip to sunny Kelowna. Nestled in interior B.C. among some of Canada’s finest wineries, you’ll be stunned by the Okanagan Valley’s rolling hills dotted with blazing red maples and yellow beech trees.
Home to over 40 wineries, Kelowna is a must-visit destination for any wine connoisseur. Take an afternoon drive to Quails’ Gate Winery, one of the top-ranked wineries in the Okanagan. Quails’ Gate has been family-owned and operated since 1956, and each of their wines is hand-harvested with the utmost care by three generations of vintners.
Enjoy the stunning scenery of their vineyards and a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake while you sample a selection of their award-winning wines. Experience some of their most recently released red wines and vintages, and stay for a farm-to-table meal at Old Vines Restaurant, prepared by a renowned culinary team.
#4 Parksville, B.C.
The Beach Club Resort, B.C.
Vancouver Island's mild climate allows for clear skies and warm temperatures in autumn, making it the perfect season to walk the endless beaches, visit the old-growth forests, and, for those brave enough, perhaps even take a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
Spend the first few moments of your day strolling along the gorgeous coastline on the Parksville Beach boardwalk, enjoying the cool salt-tinged ocean breeze. Discover the Strait of Georgia on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak for a chance to see a humpback whale or an orca, or take a short trip to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and enjoy a hike through the stunning old-growth forest to one of the park's two waterfalls.
The Beach Club Resort patio - Parksville, B.C.
Cap off your perfect day with dessert on the patio of the Pacific Prime Restaurant where you can cozy up around a crackling fire pit as you take in the spectacular ocean and mountain views.
