Best Time to See Fall Colors in Vancouver

Home to plenty of parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces, Vancouver is a great destination for seeing fall colors. The mild weather makes fall in Vancouver a prime spot to visit in the fall, both for leaf peepers and casual vacationers. Take in the sights (and be ready for photo ops!) at these places around Vancouver with fall foliage. 

Early fall, peak fall, and late fall offer different opportunities to see fall colors in Vancouver. With higher elevations like Burnaby Mountains kicking off the leaf changes and late fall hanging onto color with gingko trees, you have the chance to see fall colors in Vancouver from mid-September through mid-November. 

Higher elevations like Burnaby Mountain kick off the leaf changes in Vancouver. This park overlooks Metro Vancouver, and is home to a conservation area and plenty of walking trails. Some trees turn colors early, like vine maples and some Japanese maples, and give the effect of the fall color change “rolling down” from higher elevations. 

Peak fall is the best time to see vibrant fall colors across the city. In addition to stunning displays in parks and other outdoor spaces, the city is famously home to neighborhoods lined with lush trees that show off during the fall. 

Stanley Park is one of the most popular places to see fall colors in Vancouver, located in downtown. Trees and vegetation in the park turn the classic fall colors, and the park offers plenty of walking space to take in the sights. 

Queen Elizabeth Park is another hot spot for seeing fall colors in Vancouver. One of the most-photographed areas in Vancouver, this park sees an influx of visitors during two crucial times of the year: cherry blossom season and the fall color change. A variety of trees and shrubs in the park turn colors, offering beautiful views and photo opportunities. 

Other great places to see fall colors in Vancouver include VanDusen Botanical Garden and the UBC Botanical Garden. 

While much of the fall color has disappeared by late fall, some trees in Vancouver hold onto their bright leaves a little bit longer, like gingkos and stewartias. Focus on urban areas to see any of the late fall colors during this time of year. When the rainy season begins, the remaining fall colors disappear almost overnight.

One of the most popular neighborhoods to see fall colors in Vancouver is Kitsilano. The tree-lined streets make great backdrops for family photos, and make stunning subjects themselves. 

The residential areas in West End are also popular places to see fall colors in Vancouver. The city’s first upscale neighborhood, West End’s residents lean into fall with decor that matches the gorgeous autumn colors on the trees. West End is bordered by Stanley Park on one side and English Bay, Granville Street, and Robson Street on the other – get your fill of the fall colors and then shop ‘til you drop! 

For a fall day straight out of a Pinterest mood board, South Granville is the answer. Guests are surrounded with beautiful fall colors lining the streets and green spaces, with boutiques and local restaurants dotted along the streets. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk from end to end of South Granville, but you can spend hours browsing the shops and cafes.

Capilano Suspension Bridge is an easy day trip from the heart of Vancouver, and offers an interesting rainforest setting to see fall colors from above. Journey through the treeline with your group and enjoy this unique perspective of Canada’s fall colors.

Grouse Mountain, another easy day trip from Vancouver, gives guests the opportunity to see Vancouver’s fall colors from above. Climb up high and turn your attention to stunning aerial views of the city’s fall colors below you. 

Nearby Whistler is a great spot to visit during a fall trip to Vancouver. From outdoor activities like hiking and zipline tours to live cultural performances, a day in Whistler can start with checking out the beautiful fall foliage while you zip through the air and end with a tasting tour, a bar and brewery tour, or even late-night dancing.

Once you’ve decided to visit Vancouver to see fall foliage, keep your eye on fall foliage reports and forecasts for the most updated information. Remember that the weather can change quickly, and always wear or bring along light layers to keep you comfortable if the weather changes. Don’t forget a raincoat or umbrella! 

The best tip for planning a fall foliage trip is to book your accommodations as far in advance as possible. Many visitors come to the area to enjoy the fall colors, and you don’t want to miss out on the chance to stay in your chosen spot. In addition to your accommodations, book any activities that require reservations or other advanced planning as soon as you can so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about missing out on an activity, especially during peak seasons.

Ready to visit Vancouver this fall? Book your stay at Carmana Hotel and Suites and enjoy easy access to the area’s best places to see fall colors, from pretty neighborhoods and the Seawall to tree-lined shopping districts and thrilling zipline tours. Our suites and amenities put the perfect cap on any fall day in Vancouver.