One of the best parts of fall is enjoying those breezy walks with crispy leaves under your shoes.
Thankfully, we are lucky enough to live in a place where we can experience Fall in its full glory, with bright oranges and reds exploding from the trees all around us.
Time to bundle up, grab a warm beverage and indulge in the picture-book scenery our island is famous for.
Here are 14 colourful locations in and around Victoria to view Fall in all its glory:
The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens is enjoyed year-round by locals and tourists. However, in Fall, the gardens explode in a maze of oranges and reds. A truly unique experience!
Galloping Goose Trail
The Galloping Goose Trail is a 60km trail that leads from Victoria all the way to the nature of Sooke. It is perfect for an Autumn walk or bike ride.
Goldstream Provincial Park
Located just 17 kilometers from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park provides an old-growth temperate rainforest, perfect for an Autumn walk.
In mid-October, you can also see the beginnings of the Goldstream Salmon Run!
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
With more than 25km of trails, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park is the perfect place to hike, pack a picnic and enjoy the changing colours of the trees.
Gorge Waterway
Waking the waterway around the Gorge is a popular weekend outing. During Fall, the Gorge Waterway brightens up with the changing colours of the surrounding trees.
Lochside Regional Trail
The Lochside Regional Trail is another way to see many different areas of Victoria, from beaches, farmland, wetland and suburban backyards.
The trail, which was formerly a railway line, stretches 55km from Swartz Bay to Victoria, so you’re sure to experience some Autumn magic.
Elk Lake
The ten-kilometer walking trail around Elk Lake is the perfect spot for an Autumn walk. Grab your furry friend and enjoy the fall colours and view of the lake as you stroll.
University of Victoria
Take a study break and take in the change of the season at the University of Campus. Everywhere you go, the trees are sprinkling orange, red and yellow leaves across the campus.
East Sooke Regional Park
If you’re looking to head out of Victoria for an adventure, visit East Sooke Regional Park. The park, which is less than an hour drive from downtown Victoria, offers walks in the forest, fields to frolic and beaches to take in a blustery day.
Japanese Gardens in Gorge Park
Esquimalt’s Gorge Park includes both horticultural and forested areas. The park also includes a rose garden, heritage trees and a few hundred-year-old umbrella pines.
Be sure to check out the Japanese Gardens this fall!
Hatley Castle
If you want to experience Fall and feel like you’re in a movie, visit Hatley Castle. Take a tour of the gardens and explore the grounds surrounding the castle. The perfect October day.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park spans over 200 acres and is centrally located in downtown Victoria. The park’s trail system takes you along ponds, over bridges and gives you a perfect view of the Japanese maple trees.
Uplands Park
Uplands Park is a 30 hectare undeveloped natural area with Garry Oak meadows and ocean views.
Mount Doug
Mount Doug. You know it. You love it. It’s pretty. What more can we say?
With files from Mariah Burchell
