Photo Credit: James Edrill
Known for mild temperatures all year long, Vancouver Island has plenty of autumn fun waiting for you. Watch the colours shift in the lush outdoors and take in a fall festival or wine tour out of Victoria. For a spooky treat, check out one of the Halloween-specific events in the area. No matter what your style is, there is something for you to do on Vancouver Island this autumn.
Nanaimo Jazz Festival
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Nanaimo Jazz Festival featuring headline performances, intimate club and café shows, special events, and two full days of free outdoor concerts at Maffeo Sutton Park. This year’s headliners include acclaimed jazz vocalist Dee Daniels & Trio, Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alex Cuba, Frank Zappa tribute ensemble Zappostrophe’, and JUNO Award-winning jazz guitarist Jocelyn Gould. September 12 to 27, 2026. Details
Swirl, Sip & Indulge: The Victoria International Wine Festival
The Victoria International Wine Festival returns from November 6 to 7, featuring over 400 wines from over 100 wineries across 15 countries. Details
Annual Nanaimo Artwalk
Nanaimo is home to an astounding number of incredibly talented and accomplished artists. The Artwalk is a self-guided tour through Nanaimo’s downtown shops, studios and businesses that are hosting this year’s event. You will see great art that is for sale and have the opportunity to meet the artists. Paintings, ceramics, photography, crafts and more will be on display. November 21 – 22, 2026. Details
The Sound Inside by Adam Rapp
Experience The Sound Inside by Adam Rapp, a suspenseful and intimate drama presented by Theatre Inconnu. Grab your tickets for September 22 to October 10, 2026. Details
Into the Woods
Step into a world where familiar fairy tales collide in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, presented by Victoria On Stage. Funny, moving, and imaginative, the musical explores family, choices, responsibility, and what happens after the fairy tale ends. November 27 – December 6, 2026. Details
Fall Plant Sale
Celebrate the planting season at The Gardens at HCP Fall Plant Sale in Victoria, featuring a wide selection of plants at special fall prices. All plants will be 25% off, with an additional bargain bin offering 50% off “Pot Bound Specials”, healthy plants that simply need more room to grow. September 26, 2026. Details
Salt Spring Island Apple Festival
The delight of apple lovers, the Salt Spring Island Apple Festival takes place on September 27th on Salt Spring Island. Details
Art of the Cocktail
Get ready for Victoria’s most fabulous cocktail soirée! The Art of the Cocktail returns on October 24, 2026, at Crystal Garden. Enjoy drinks from over 50 exhibitors, dress to impress for the Best Dressed Competition, and vote for your favorite cocktail. Details
Ballet Rocks
Festival of Trees
This is the 35th year of this cherished celebration that brings happiness to everyone in the community. See the halls of the Bay Centre will be transformed into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation from November 18 to December 31, 2026. Details
Gabriola Island’s Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour
Drive around the beautiful island, and meet over 48 Gabriola artists in their studios, and talk to them about their work. Find a one-of-a-kind treasure for yourself or for those on your Christmas list before your Thanksgiving celebrations. Takes place from October 10 – 12, 2026. Details
Danny Bhoy
Internationally acclaimed Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy returns to Victoria with his brand-new show, Dear World…, as part of his ninth cross-Canada tour. The show blends stand-up and theatre with witty, heartfelt reflections on the absurdities of everyday life and the world around us. October 25 – 26, 2026. Details
Royal Victoria Marathon
The RVM 5K takes place on October 9-11, 2026, at Willows Beach, offering a stunning course for beginners, fun for families, and more. Details
Walk High Above Trees
Malahat SkyWalk is an elevated wooden walkway, 600 m high rising 20 m through an arbutus and Douglas fir forest. Walk at the top of a 10-storey, architecturally inspiring spiral tower look out, and see the natural landscape and vistas of the Cowichan Valley and Finlayson Arm. Details
A Getaway for Fall
If you are looking for a Fall getaway that is filled with excitement and adventure, visit Strathcona Park Lodge. If you rather camp outdoors, then Strathcona Provincial Park should be your destination where high mountain peaks and deep shaded valleys of Strathcona Park beckons you for breathtaking nature trip. Details
Il Trovatore
Experience the passion, jealousy, and vengeance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Il trovatore as Pacific Opera Victoria brings this grand opera to the Royal Theatre. October 16 – 24, 2026. Details
Victoria FCA Fall Exhibition
Victoria FCA Fall Exhibition
Join Victoria FCA from October 1 to 18 to explore how artists express their emotions, ideas, and experiences of the world, putting the “ART” back into the Earth. Details
Spirited Away – The Music of Studio Ghibli
Step into the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli with the Victoria Symphony in a concert celebrating the unforgettable music of composer Joe Hisaishi. Led by conductor Juliane Gallant, the program brings beloved themes from Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Howl’s Moving Castle to life with a full orchestra. October 30 – November 01, 2026. Details
Go on a fall wine tour
Go on a Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour, you will have the chance to taste the best from the island’s burgeoning wine scene and enjoy the colours of Fall. BC Vineyards are known for their cool and moist climates, and Vancouver Island has the second largest wine region in the province. Perfect for both wine connoisseurs and newcomers, this scenic tour showcases the richness of BC’s terroir. Details
Intergalactic Goddesses
Get ready for an out-of-this-world drag spectacular as Intergalactic Goddesses lands in Victoria as part of its Canadian tour. The show brings together an international lineup featuring Sminty Drop, Zahirah Zapanta, Mariah Balenciaga, and GAWDLAND, with electrifying group performances, show-stopping solos, iconic duets, special guests, and meet-and-greet opportunities. November 12, 2026. Details
Legends of Halloween II
Haunted Manor is an interactive twist on the game of mini-golf. Putt your way through 18 holes inside the manor from September 21 to November 3, 2026. Details
Witches Nite in Halloween Market & All Hallows Fair
Embrace your inner witch at an enchanted market filled with magic, creativity, and community. Discover a unique gathering of talented witches, makers, and mystics, featuring handcrafted goods, mystical treasures, spiritual offerings, and more. October 24 – 25, 2026. Details
Jim Jefferies: Son of a Carpenter Tour
Internationally acclaimed comedian Jim Jefferies brings his Son of a Carpenter Tour to Victoria for an evening of fearless, no-holds-barred stand-up comedy. Known for his provocative humour, sharp social commentary, and brutally candid observations, Jefferies tackles modern life with the distinctive style that has made him one of the world’s most successful touring comedians. November 8, 2026. Details
Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker
Celebrate the holiday season with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker, presented in Victoria with live accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony. This uniquely Canadian take on the beloved Christmas ballet features hockey, Mounties, polar bears, reindeer, and a battle on Parliament Hill, alongside Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and dazzling choreography. November 27 – 29, 2026. Details
Saanichton Corn Maze
Come enjoy twists and turns through 4 acres of tall corn. Enjoy ocean and mountain views across the San Juan islands and catch a vibrant sunset that lights up the sky – make memories. Weekends through October. Details
Go for a bike ride on the Galloping Goose Trail
More fall colours abound, the Galloping Goose Trail is the perfect place to get out on a bike and enjoy the crisp and fragrant fall breeze. For a shorter ride, try one of the great established day trips, or challenge yourself to the full weekend ride. At 55 kilometres one way, this trail will get you all over the island, taking in all of the beautiful sites. Details
25 Fall Getaways in British Columbia
See the Salmon Run at Goldstream
From mid to late October to early December, the salmon run through Goldstream Provincial Park. Don’t miss this autumn event at the world-class salmon spawning stream, where the fish become brightly coloured and make their natural journey into the next phase of their life cycle. Nature is abundant during the Salmon Run, as the Bald Eagles and other birds come out for an easy hunt. Details
Sooke Potholes
An hour from Victoria are the incredible Sooke Potholes. Come out for a fall walk in the woods and around the beautiful water — once swimming season is done, the area becomes much quieter. Perfect for gentle reflection. The walk is dog friendly, has a difficulty rating of “easy”, and the roundtrip takes approximately an hour to complete. Spend a low-key day among nature at the Sooke Potholes. Details
Traditional Afternoon Tea
The Pendray Tea House offers a selection of delicious teas with a diverse array of flavors. From their ever-popular Traditional Afternoon Tea to their Vegan Tea, all are offered with locally owned and organic Silk Road or Westholme Teas. Details
Grand Slam of Curling Invitational
The Grand Slam of Curling comes to Victoria for the first event of the 2026 season, bringing many of the world’s top curlers to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. The GSOC Invitational will feature 16 of the top men’s teams and 16 of the top women’s teams from around the world, including world champions, Olympic medalists, and Canadian favourites. Competition runs across six days, culminating with the final draws on Sunday. October 13 – 18, 2026. Details
Walk Like a Man
Travel back to the golden era of pop with Walk Like A Man, a high-energy celebration of the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The show recreates the group’s signature falsetto vocals, tight harmonies, and polished stage style. Audiences can expect favourites including Walk Like a Man, Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, and Oh, What a Night. November 19, 2026. Details
Metchosin Christmas Spirit Market
Celebrate the season at the 2026 Metchosin Christmas Spirit Market, a whimsical holiday gathering filled with enchanting gifts, winter magic, and heart-warming community spirit. Browse a festive selection of local makers, artisans, and vendors offering handcrafted treasures, seasonal décor, unique gifts, and holiday treats. November 29, 2026. Details
The Fickle Fig Farm Market
The Fickle Fig Farm Market runs year-round and features the market, a bakery, and a bistro — and now even houses animals! What better time to enjoy a fresh market than during harvest season? Head to North Saanich to find the Fickle Fig Farm Market. Details
Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse
A glass of cider is an undeniably autumn experience — from the harvest flavours to the history of being enjoyed warm. The Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse in Saanichton is a family-owned orchard and ciderhouse and is your perfectly flavourful fall getaway. Try one of their many award-winning ciders, such as their flagship or the Victorian Kings & Spies. Come for a tasting and tour, and leave with some mind-blowing beverages. Details
McLean Mill National Historic Site
Go on a scenic walk with your family in the breathtaking surroundings of the Mill. The site is open from dawn to dusk daily. Learn how life used to be around the McLean Mill. Bring a picnic and make it a day. Details
Cathedral Grove
Watch the storm roll in at Sandwell Provincial Park
Located on Gabriola Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, Sandwell Provincial Park offers you a prime spot to watch storms roll in from the Georgia Straight away from the maddening crowds in addition to a short, but fabulous walking trail to enjoy fall in the woods, and a walk on the beach. Details
Local Folk Fair: Holiday Markets
Join us for a magical experience at MakeShare’s LOCAL FOLK FAIR: Holiday Market, set on the beautiful orchard grounds at Sea Cider on December 6 – 7, 2026. Details
Butchart Gardens
The generally colourful Butchart Gardens outside of Victoria explode into a new array of hues during the fall. Come out and experience the Japanese Garden before the fall of winter and maybe even meet with the gardeners, who have more time during the less busy seasons to give behind-the-scenes glimpses. Details
Victoria Bug Zoo
If the weather outside isn’t perfect, come inside and experience a different — though smaller — part of the natural world of the island. The Victoria Bug Zoo is a great way to spend a day with kids of all ages. See the special events occurring each day or wander through and learn about the roughly 50 species off bugs that live in this tiny zoo. Details
Zipline Tours
Get to AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure where you can zip across a total of eight ziplines and experience the forest canopy as you traverse the 100ft suspension bridge. These tours are fully guided by professionally trained staff and will take place on 100 acres of coastal temperate rainforest. These tours sell out very soon, so book as early as possible in order to avoid disappointment! Details
Hear Ghostly Tales and enjoy Ghostly Walks
If you enjoy hearing ghostly stories, don’t think further. Book a Ghostly walk where you will get to hear tales of ghostly encounters in Victoria. Uncover the sordid truth behind many of the city’s most gruesome crimes and tragic accidents. These tours weave together Victoria’s ghosts and the stories behind them, bringing the dark history of the city to life. Details
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This was immensely helpful, and I'm a local!
Thank you so much!