Things To Do In Victoria This October
Victoria comes alive in October, bursting with energy, colour, and an irresistible sense of creativity. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a spooky night or the serenity of golden leaves, this city celebrates the spirit of the season in every nook, cranny, and corner. Ready to fall in love with Victoria this autumn? Here’s your go-to list for unforgettable October adventures.
Halloween Activities | Halloween Markets | Flavourful Festivals | Fall Favourites | Performances | Health & Wellness
Halloween Activities
Spooky Attractions
Victoria transforms into a witch’s paradise each October, serving up Halloween thrills, chills, and playful scares at every turn. Test your nerves at Haunted Manor Mini Golf, where you’ll putt your way through ghoulishly-themed greens filled with eerie surprises. Try your luck at Horror Escape Victoria, working together to crack cryptic clues and break free from some of the city’s creepiest escape rooms. For spirited fun and spine-tingling stories, join a Ghostly Walk and let your guide lead you through shadowy streets and Victoria’s most haunted local haunts (if you dare!).
Local tip: This Halloween, Haunted Manor Victoria is bewitched as the Legends of Halloween haunt the course with spine-chilling tales as you play.
Fright Nights at Ocean View Estates
Ghoul-friends and guys, get ready for bone-chilling excitement with sinister sights and spooky spectacles at Fright Nights. The eerie farm fields transform into a haunted playground featuring jump-scares and ghostly giggles. Don’t be afraid of the dark, be afraid of missing out! Fright Nights run for two nights only October 25th & 26th.
Halloween at the Farm
Celebrate spooky season at the enchanting Bilston Creek Farm, October 18th and 19th. Channel your inner detective and join the hunt for the legendary Golden Pumpkin hidden on the property (bragging rights and a prize await the lucky finder!). Little monsters can delight in a special Halloween experience (for a fee), while grownups and kiddos alike can cozy up with fresh-from-the-oven pizza and their choice of hot or cold drinks. Perfect for those who crave playful hauntings, delicious eats, and outdoor autumn charm.
High Moon - A Werewolf Western
Saddle up for a howl-worthy night at this wild and weird werewolf western! Expect rootin’-tootin’ scares, side-splitting laughs, and more moonlit mayhem than you can shake a silver bullet at. Set amidst shadowy barns, High Moon is a site-specific theatrical event that transports you to the wild west, with a twist. It’s a howling good time! Catch the show any night from October 15th to 31st. You’ll fang me for the memories.
Spooky Sights
If chills and thrills are your idea of a good time, Victoria’s legendary landmarks may deliver spectral encounters in every shadowy corner of the city. Embark on a self-guided journey through Victoria’s eeriest spaces, each one steeped in a fascinatingly haunted past. Explore Ross Bay Cemetery, which lures brave souls with its mossy tombstones and whispered tales of restless spirits. Then meander the grounds of St. Ann’s Academy, which evokes shivers with its storied halls and ghostly echoes from decades of history. Wander through Craigdarroch Castle which looms with Victorian grandeur; where creaking floorboards and mysterious happenings stir up local legends. Chinatown’s hidden alleyway’s hint at secrets from one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, where stories of spirits linger on the night air. Or for those who truly don’t fear the dark, Bastion Square stands atop Victoria’s former jail and gallows, now alive with a spectral energy that keeps night-time explorers on their toes.
Local tip: Learn more about Victoria’s haunted history by exploring the lore behind the Top 10 Haunted Places in Victoria.
Halloween Markets
Halloween Market YYJ
Shop till you drop (dead) for artisanal goodies, boo-tiful crafts, and devilish delights at the Halloween Market YYJ, October 25th and 26th. Find the perfect spellbinding souvenir or a tasty treat to gobble while you wander. Enjoy a fiendishly fun soundtrack with live music from DJ Brian Boitano, who’s spinning monster mashups all weekend long. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a few enchanted treasures. Witch you the best shopping!
Metchosin Bewitched Market
Just a short, scenic drive from downtown Victoria, this enchanting market casts a charm on shoppers with local art, handmade magic, and lively entertainment from October 25th to 26th in Metchosin. Grab your witches and raise a glass at the potion bar, where creative mocktails are brewed and stirred. Come for the cauldrons, stay for the camaraderie - everyone’s a little bewitched here.
Witches Nite in Halloween Market
Calling all ghouls and gals! Don your pointy hats for a night of spellbinding shopping, cackling company, and mystical fun at Witches Nite in Halloween Market on October 31st. Whisper the secret password ‘BOO!’ at the door for free entry and step straight into a cauldron of witchy wonders! Dive into a spooktacular market swirling with psychic readings, creative artisans, a magical photo booth, glitter tattoos for the little goblins, mini spell bags, and swag bags for the first 30 lucky souls. Don’t be a scaredy-cat and miss out on this coven of fun!
Flavourful Festivals
Victoria International Wine Festival
Sip and swirl your way through over 400 wines at the Victoria Conference Centre, October 2nd-4th, with Grand Tastings on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night (unlimited samples and good vibes included). Don’t miss the Friday Seminar, “Exploring Canada,” for a deep dive into the country’s diverse, innovative terroirs. Snag a Super Pass if you’re thirsty for the full festival experience, including exclusive seminars. Wine lovers, your perfect autumn getaway is poured and ready!
Chocolate - A Tasting Event
Give in to temptation as over 40 of Canada’s finest chocolatiers craft truffles, pastries, and chocolate-laden creations that’ll have you cocoa-crazy in no time. Join either the midday or afternoon session on October 19th and let your taste buds revel in a wonderland of chocolate-covered dreams, while discovering treats to take home too. Marvel at live chocolate-making demos and support the Victoria Film Festival with every irresistible bite. For chocolate lovers, this is truly your golden ticket!
Victoria Tea Festival Revival
Steep yourself in celebration at the 10th annual Victoria Tea Festival Revival, October 4th, where the world’s finest leaves meet grassroots farm-to-cup connection at Nootka Court. Sip, sample, and savour global teas from passionate educators, catch a tea symposium on ancient traditions, and explore the tea fair, ceramics gallery, live music, and the spirited World Tea Championship. Bring your own teacup (or borrow one by donation) and join fellow tea lovers for a cozy day of brews, stories, and community learning. Suggested entry is $15–$25, supporting the International Tea Appreciation Society. Let’s raise a cup together!
Art of the Cocktail
Step into the Roaring Twenties at the dazzling Crystal Garden, where jazz and speakeasy spirit set the scene for Victoria’s most glamorous night out. Dress to impress for the Best Dressed Competition, where you’ll flaunt your style for a shot at Victoria Film Festival gala tickets and social media fame! Sip, sway, and cast your vote for the Most Popular Cocktail, with the champion drink earning citywide stardom. Break out your flapper dresses and fedoras because this soirée is the bee’s knees!
Fall Favourites
Flavour Trails
Set out on a self-guided adventure through Greater Victoria’s edible landscape, where farmers, foragers, chefs, and artisans welcome you with open arms (and often a tasty bite). Wind your way through patchwork fields and hidden farm stands, sampling cheeses, honey, cider, and jams so fresh you’ll wish you brought an extra tote. Meet the makers, gardeners, chocolatiers, and bakers, whose passion infuses every flavourful treat you tuck away for home or your impromptu picnic. If you crave authentic finds and the taste of local spirit, the Greater Victoria Flavour Trails are your ticket off the beaten path and straight into delicious discovery.
Fall Harvest Market
Celebrate the bounty of the season with fresh local produce, homemade goodies, and heartwarming community vibes at Patio Gardens. Meet the makers, pick up provisions, and bask in the golden glow of autumn. The season starts here! Admission is free, don’t miss the fun, October 18th.
Saanichton Corn Maze at Ocean View Estates
Get lost and found in this twisting, towering tribute to fall fun at Ocean View Estates. Perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and those who like their adventure with a dose of whimsy. May the odds of finding the exit be ever in your flavour! While you’re there, be sure to snap some pics in their picture-perfect pumpkin patch which are certain to add a pinch of seasonal spice to your Instagram profile.
Fall Foliage Around Greater Victoria
Wander Victoria’s leafy parks and boulevards as fiery autumn colours tumble across the city, painting a striking backdrop against our iconic heritage architecture. Beacon Hill Park, Thetis Lake, and the gardens at Government House burst into crimson and gold, while historic buildings glow with a cozy, timeless charm. Don’t miss Fisgard Lighthouse, where vibrant leaves meet rugged coastal beauty and make for postcard-perfect fall photos. This autumn, the leaves are fall-ing for your attention.
Salmon Spawning
Witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles as thousands of salmon make their epic journey home in Goldstream Provincial Park. Stroll shaded trails, learn from friendly park interpreters at the nature hut, and soak up the earthy autumn air. It’s wild, wonderful, and 100% West Coast.
Local tip: Salmon are an integral part of the local food chain, which means spawning season is also a great time for viewing their natural predators, like eagles and black bears.
Performances
Ballet Victoria Presents: Aladdin
Experience the magic carpet ride of Aladdin, reimagined by Ballet Victoria’s captivating dancers. The vibrant costumes, soaring music, and timeless story will sweep you off your feet. This fall, make a wish for world-class artistry, no genie required. The magic leaves the lamp and hits the stage, October 3rd and 4th at the Royal Theatre.
Steve-O Crash and Burn Tour
This one’s not for the faint of heart. Daredevil comedy legend Steve-O (Jackass, Wildboyz) takes the stage in a laugh-out-loud, edge-of-your-seat spectacle. Expect stunts, stories, and surprises you’ll be talking about long after the lights go up. Warning: Side-splitting laughs may occur. This 19+ event slams its way to centre stage at the McPherson Playhouse on October 4th.
RuPaul's Tina Burner’s Witch Perfect
It’s drag, darling, with a Halloween twist! RuPaul superstar Tina Burner, with friends Scarlet Envy and Alexis Michelle, brings frightful flair and glamorous giggles to Victoria, October 11th, in this musical comedy spectacle parodying the Disney classic Hocus Pocus. Shantay, you’ll want to stay because these witches sure know how to cast a spell!
Health & Wellness
Royal Victoria Marathon
Feel the pulse of the city as you dash through Victoria’s scenic streets, cheered on by jubilant crowds and stunning ocean views, Sunday, October 12th, during the Royal Victoria Marathon. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or embracing the pure joy of running with the pack, this signature race welcomes athletes of all levels to move, sweat, and celebrate together. The course winds past heritage landmarks set against unforgettable autumn colours, making every step feel like a scenic adventure. Lace up, join the action, and feel the exhilaration of crossing the finish line in Victoria! Not quite a marathon runner yet? No worries, you can join in on a 5K, Saturday, October 11th, the 8K on October 12th, or simply cheer along from the sidelines.
Photo credit: Jared Vandermeer
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