Explore the best places to see the stunning fall colours in Vancouver. As the cooler weather arrives, nature’s paintbrush jumps to action in autumn to create a spectacular sweep of brilliant red, orange and yellow hues. Don’t miss a chance to make the most of the season by getting out for some crisp fresh air and taking in picturesque scenes at VanDusen Botanical Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park, UBC Botanical Garden and many other incredible parks in and around the city.
Don’t miss our incredible fall photos 5 road trips to see the best fall colours in BC. If you are looking for fun fall activities, check out Halloween Guide for Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Pumpkin Patch Guide and Best Metro Vancouver Fall Events and Festivals
When is the best time to see fall colours?
Nature’s timing is unpredictable, but leaves usually start to turn the last week of September and then really put on a show of vibrant fall colours from mid-October to the first few weeks of November. A few varieties will begin to change in late August.
A red Japanese maple puts on an electrifying show in East Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Why do leaves change colour in the Fall?
Science best explains why plants and leaves change colour in the fall. Depending on the species, colours can vary from crimson, tan, red, scarlet, orange and yellow. In some cases, leaves can dry up and drop off without much change at all.
Tree and foliage colour is dictated by weather temperature changes, the amount of sunlight, and the moisture level in the soil. Elevation and latitude play a significant role in determining when changes occur.
There are two types of trees or shrubs. Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, while coniferous trees stay evergreen all year and keep their needles and cones.
Deciduous trees use a process called photosynthesis to collect energy from sunlight through their leaves and turn it into sugar for food. Chlorophyll made inside the leaves through this process is responsible for creating the basic green pigment.
As the weather cools, trees shed their leaves to conserve the energy they have stored to last the winter months. The chlorophyll begins to break down, revealing the leaf’s other pigments. Read a more complete science of fall colours.
Fall colours in Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
You may also want to check out: 10 Best B.C. Provincial Parks Near Vancouver, scenic trails at Derby Reach Regional Park Langley and Port Alberni Travel Guide to 21 Great Adventures.
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Where is the best place to see fall colours in Vancouver?
The streets of Metro Vancouver are lined with various beautiful leafy trees. So, even on the drive to some of the best places to see the fall colours listed below, you will already be greeted with an explosion of dazzling hues.
Find more fall colours:
1. Stanley Park, Vancouver
Stanley Park is definitely our top pick to explore in any season, but the colours really pop in the fall. This stunning 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest provides views of the city, water and mountains, as well as a feast of trees changing colour along the park’s famous seawall.
You can drive, walk, or cycle along the seawall or take a walk on one of the many trails throughout the park.
Stroll around the wetlands of Beaver Lake or the tranquil Lost Lagoon, a sanctuary for various wildlife and more than 230 different types of birds.
Vancouver fall colours in Stanley Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Vancouver fall colours in Stanley Park near Lumberman’s Arch. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Beautiful fall colours in Stanley Park in Vancouver, near the Vancouver Aquarium. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fall colors in Vancouver at Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park as viewed from the loop trail around the lake near Second Beach. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Vibrant fall colours in Stanley Park at the nine totem poles at Brockton Point. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
2. VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
Take an outdoor adventure through the trails and walkways of Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden to see autumn foliage at its best. This beautiful oasis offers 55 acres of planted gardens to explore.
Learn more about autumn with the Fall Adult Education Nature Classes offered, or enjoy great photo opportunities and family-fun activities at the fall festival in the garden to celebrate Harvest Days.
Fall Colours at VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fall Colours at VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Photo: wendy Norvdik-Carr©
3. Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver
At Queen Elizabeth Park, experience stunning mountain vistas from the city’s highest point, along with an array of vibrant fall colours in the arboretum quarry garden.
While there, visit the dancing waters fountain and the Bloedel Floral Conservatory with its exotic plants and birds. Tip: A visit to the conservatory is an affordable activity for families.
Plan a special day out and include a dining experience at Seasons in the Park Review – Where Skyline Views of Vancouver Meet Garden Strolls (with video)
Where to see fall colours in Vancouver at Queen Elizabeth Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fall Colours at Queen Elizabeth Park.
4. Trout Lake at John Hendry Park
Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood’s Trout Lake is a great hidden gem in East Vancouver. It is one of the city’s few lakes. Located in John Hendry Park at East 15th and Victoria Drive, it is a hive of activity all year round.
Take a 1.2 km walk around the lake. Enjoy the popular farmers market on Saturdays from April 1 to the end of October, and in the summer, watch for the Concert Series and the Lantern Festival.
Trout Lake is a wonderful place to see vibrant fall colours in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Find more fun-filled fall activities in Metro Vancouver. Check out our guides to: Vancouver Pumpkin Patch Guide, Halloween Guide for Metro Vancouver, October events in Vancouver and nearby and Where to see the best Vancouver Christmas lights, displays, events and markets.
We hope this information is helpful. Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves on writing informative articles with interesting tips. If you found this article informative, please share it and leave any comments, questions, or suggestions below.
Planning a trip? Search for accommodation using Booking.Com or book a sightseeing tour using Viator and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
5. UBC Botanical Gardens
Head out to the UBC Botanical Gardens to find outstanding fall colours in the Carolinian Forest Garden. The maples, sumacs, oaks, tupelos, sweetgums and sourwoods provide a spectacular rainbow of hues.
A sourwood tree produces striking fall colours in Vancouver. This was my favourite tree. Sadly, last winter’s cold caused it to die. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
In the David C. Lam Asian Garden, the fall season boasts colourful leaves and berries.
Don’t miss the Apple Festival, usually in mid-October. This is the 33rd year of the festival at the gardens, with many activities to enjoy. Apples and apple trees will be available to buy. There is a children’s area, food and craft fair, entertainment and a display offering information on the nearly 200 types of apples grown in B.C. Taste varieties of heritage and new apples in the tasting tent for an additional fee. Tickets provide access to the UBC Botanical Gardens and Greenheart TreeWalk. Download a map.
While there, take the opportunity to visit the nearby Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden to see the vibrant maple trees with their striking red and yellow leaves dancing in the sunlight.
6. Pacific Spirit Regional Park, UBC Endowment Lands
Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers more than 55.5 km of trails to explore and beaches, forests, bogs and creeks to discover.
The Camosun Bog features a self-guided nature walk along the 300-metre-long boardwalk over the delicate bog. If you love moss like we do, 13 different species of sphagnum moss have been found here. The Cranberry Bog turns bright red in the fall. Learn more about this area from the informational signs along the trail.
7. Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Explore the natural wonders of Burnaby Lake Regional Park, a wonderful wildlife sanctuary and a favourite spot for birdwatchers. The entire Burnaby Lake Loop Trail is 10 km. Download a map of the area.
The two most popular entrance points into the park are Avalon Avenue near the Equestrian Centre and Piper Avenue.
Fall colours at Burnaby Lake. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
8. Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
Deer Lake Park offers a variety of walking trails to choose from that are great for any time of the year. There are picnic spots, a beach area for swimming (in the summer) and a boat launch for paddleboards, canoes and kayaks.
Lily pads cover much of Deer Lake, adding to this peaceful environment. The main trail is 5.7 km. Here is a map of Deer Lake. There is a selection of shorter hiking trails to enjoy, ranging from 1.2 to 3.7 km.
The beautiful gardens in front of this lovely English Arts & Crafts style mansion, built in 1911. It is one of eight heritage homes viewed on a 1-1/2 hour walking tour at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, BC. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fall colours at Deer Lake in Burnaby, B.C. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
9. Park and Tilford Gardens
This has to be one of our favourites. The Asian Garden in North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens provides a stunning display every season, but it is pretty spectacular in the fall.
I visited the garden specifically to take a photo of the tree in the first photo. It reminds me of the Tree of Life symbol. Many years ago, my wedding photos were taken here.
Fantastic Vancouver fall colours at Park and Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fantastic Vancouver fall colours at Park and Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fantastic Vancouver fall colours at Park and Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
10. Westham Island (Delta, B.C.)
Drive over the impressive Westham Swing Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in British Columbia, to explore the historic island.
Visit a farm, take a nature walk on one of the many trails, bird watch, have a picnic or visit a winery. This beautiful, tranquil island is only a 45-minute drive from Vancouver.
While here, explore the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, one of Canada’s best birdwatching spots.
Vancouver fall colours at Westham Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
11. Campbell Valley Regional Park
The scenic walking trails of Campbell Valley Regional Park. Located in Langley, these Metro Vancouver trails wind through the natural beauty of serene, mossy wooded forests, wetlands and farmlands.
Scenic walking trails of Campbell Valley Regional Park Langley Metro Vancouver
12. Cascade Falls Regional Park
The stunning beauty and tranquillity of Cascades Falls are truly a jewel worth finding in the Fraser Valley. The journey to get here takes you through impressive fall foliage.
Cascades Falls is 30 metres high and is accessed by a 1 km trail. The falls are found in Cascade Falls Regional Park, which is located in Deroche, 90.2 kilometres from Vancouver.
Spectacular fall colours on the road to Cascade Falls Regional Park north of Mission. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fall colours along the road to Cascade Falls Regional Park north of Mission. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
Been to all of these places. You could add the park at the top of Burnaby mountain to your list. There is a wide open viewing area, from which you can see the fall colours in Deep Cove, as well as looking west to Vancouver. There are also wooded trails that branch off from the park allowing viewing colours at SFU.
Those are some gorgeous pictures. I live in Arizona and no longer get to enjoy the beautiful season of fall. Thank you so much for sharing. Definitely adding some locations as a must visit for my next trip during the fall. – The Mommy Empowerment Coach, Luz Serrano-Reyes
Beautiful pictures, I like the one with the old truck with a little garden at the back. Nice creativity.
I’ve been wanting to see fall colors but haven’t been sure where is best to see them. This is a great resource, thank you for sharing!
Beautiful photos…I love the Tilford Gardens tree! Thanks for sharing!