Things to do in Victoria this October
October is one of the most beautiful times of year to experience Victoria. Crisp autumn air, vibrant fall colours, harvest season flavours, Thanksgiving celebrations, Halloween festivities, and the annual salmon run create a memorable mix of experiences throughout Greater Victoria. From spooky tours and seasonal attractions to culinary events, live performances, outdoor adventures, and major sporting events, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season. Here are some of the top events and experiences happening in Greater Victoria this October.
Halloween & seasonal experiences | Family-friendly & outdoor experiences
Culinary & food events | Sports & spectator events | Arts, culture & entertainment
Updated September 10, 2026
A 7-minute read
Halloween & seasonal experiences
Haunted Manor Mini-Golf & Ping Pong Lounge: Legends of Halloween II (Sept 21-Nov 3)
Step into a world of ghosts, ghouls, and Halloween surprises at Haunted Manor Mini-Golf & Ping Pong Lounge's Legends of Halloween II. This immersive seasonal attraction transforms the venue into a spooky playground filled with themed décor, eerie surprises, and festive fun. Visitors can challenge friends and family to a round of mini-golf while surrounded by Halloween-inspired scenes and interactive experiences. Combining playful thrills with seasonal atmosphere, it's a fun way for visitors of all ages to celebrate Halloween in the heart of downtown Victoria.
Ocean View Estate Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (Throughout October)
Celebrate the season at Ocean View Estate's pumpkin patch & corn maze. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, this family-friendly attraction invites visitors to explore the corn maze, visit the themed Pumpkin House, and browse a variety of pumpkins in the picturesque pumpkin patch. Surrounded by scenic farm views and festive fall décor, it's a fun way to embrace the spirit of the season.
Ghostly Walks Halloween Tour (Oct 1-Nov 1)
Explore Victoria's darker side with the Ghostly Walks Halloween Tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, this popular seasonal experience takes participants through some of downtown Victoria's most historic streets and buildings while sharing chilling stories, local legends, and unexplained mysteries. The tour blends history, folklore, and theatrical storytelling to create an engaging evening unlike any other. As Victoria's historic streets take on an extra layer of mystery after dark, this immersive experience offers a fascinating look at the city's haunted past.
The Witching Hour: A Halloween Performance + Dance Party (Oct 31 - Nov 1)
Celebrate Halloween with an unforgettable night of entertainment at The Witching Hour at the Victoria Conference Centre. Combining live performances, immersive experiences, music, and a dance party atmosphere, this Halloween celebration invites guests to embrace the spirit of the season. Creative costumes, energetic performances, and a lively crowd help transform the evening into a memorable late-night celebration. Perfect for those looking to add a little magic and mystery to their Halloween weekend.
Family-friendly & outdoor experiences
Paint in Paradise at Victoria Butterfly Gardens (Oct 4)
Surrounded by tropical plants, butterflies, and lush rainforest surroundings, Paint in Paradise offers a creative and relaxing artistic experience unlike any other. Guided by local artist Debra Thomlinson, participants can create their own artwork while drawing inspiration from the colourful natural environment of Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Suitable for all skill levels, from experienced painters to first-time artists, this welcoming workshop combines creativity, nature, and community in a truly unique setting.
Salmon Spawning at Goldstream Provincial Park (Oct - Nov)
Witness one of nature's most remarkable annual events as thousands of salmon return to Goldstream Provincial Park to spawn. Follow forest trails alongside the river, learn from park interpreters, and experience the sights and sounds of the season in one of Greater Victoria's most beautiful natural settings.
Local tip: Spawning season is also an excellent time to spot wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears drawn to the river by the returning salmon.
Harvest Market at Bilston Creek Farm (Oct 9-12)
Celebrate the arrival of fall at Bilston Creek Farm's Harvest Market. Set among Bilston Creek Farm's lavender fields and historic grounds, this seasonal market brings together local artisans, producers, growers, and makers for a festive long weekend experience. Browse artisan goods, seasonal décor, handcrafted products, food vendors, and local treats while soaking up the farm's picturesque surroundings. It's the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy the beauty of Vancouver Island's harvest season.
Forest Bathing at Swan Lake (Oct 19)
Slow down and reconnect with nature through a guided Forest Bathing experience at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, participants are invited to engage their senses and immerse themselves in the natural environment through mindful observation and reflection. Surrounded by autumn colours and peaceful forest trails, this restorative experience offers an opportunity to reduce stress, recharge, and deepen your connection to the natural world.
Culinary & food events
Thanksgiving Dining in Greater Victoria (Thanksgiving weekend)
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a memorable meal in Greater Victoria. From traditional turkey dinners with all the fixings to harvest-inspired menus showcasing seasonal Vancouver Island ingredients, local restaurants, resorts, and dining venues offer a variety of ways to gather with family and friends over the holiday weekend. Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to explore the region's vibrant culinary scene, with special menus, seasonal features, brunches, and take-home feasts available throughout the weekend. Explore our guide to Thanksgiving dinners and events in Greater Victoria for the latest offerings and special experiences available throughout the holiday weekend.
Art of the Cocktail (Oct 24)
Step into the glamour of the Roaring Twenties at Art of the Cocktail, Victoria's premier cocktail celebration at the historic Crystal Garden. Featuring more than 50 local and national exhibitors, the event offers an opportunity to sample innovative cocktails, premium spirits, and creative beverage offerings from across the industry. Guests can also vote for their favourite cocktail, take part in the Best Dressed competition, and enjoy an evening inspired by the style and energy of the Jazz Age. It's a lively celebration of cocktail culture and one of Victoria's most anticipated food and beverage events of the season.
Chocolate - A Tasting Event (Oct 25)
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!
South Fire x Errázuriz Winemaker Dinner at Brentwood Bay Resort (Oct 2)
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live-fire cooking and exceptional wine at Brentwood Bay Resort's South Fire x Errázuriz Winemaker Dinner. Held on The Arbutus Room patio overlooking the waterfront, this special event pairs a collaborative multi-course menu from South Fire Company with a curated selection of premium wines from Chile's renowned Errázuriz winery. Showcasing seasonal ingredients, refined culinary techniques, and the bold flavours of open-flame cooking, the evening offers a memorable journey of food, fire, and fine wine in a stunning West Coast setting.
Sports & spectator events
Royal Victoria Marathon (Oct 9-11)
Join thousands of runners, spectators, and supporters for the Royal Victoria Marathon, one of Canada's premier destination running events. Celebrating endurance, community, and the natural beauty of the region, the weekend features a variety of race distances, including the marathon, half marathon, 8K, and family-friendly events. Participants follow scenic routes that showcase Victoria's waterfront, historic neighbourhoods, parks, and coastal landscapes, while enthusiastic spectators create an energizing atmosphere throughout the city.
Photo credit: Jared Vandermeer
Grand Slam of Curling (Oct 13-18)
Watch some of the world's top curlers compete as the Grand Slam of Curling's GSOC Invitational comes to Victoria's Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. This prestigious event will feature 16 of the world's top men's teams and 16 leading women's teams, including world champions and Olympic medalists. Known for showcasing the sport's biggest names and highest level of play, the Grand Slam offers a rare opportunity to experience elite international curling on Vancouver Island.
Photo credit: Grand Slam of Curling
Arts, culture & entertainment
Swan Lake Symphony of Lights (Oct 6)
Experience a breathtaking reimagining of one of ballet's most beloved productions with Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights at Victoria's historic Royal Theatre. Inspired by Tchaikovsky's iconic score, this innovative performance combines world-class dancers, illuminated costumes, and vivid light design to transform the classic ballet into a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Blending timeless music with contemporary production elements, each act unfolds through a captivating combination of movement, light, and storytelling. Both familiar and entirely new, this immersive production invites audiences to experience the enduring magic of Swan Lake from a fresh perspective.
Ballet Victoria Presents: BALLET ROCKS (Oct 3-4)
Experience an exciting fusion of classical dance and iconic rock music with Ballet Victoria's BALLET ROCKS at Victoria's historic Royal Theatre. Known for innovative productions that make ballet accessible and engaging for audiences of all backgrounds, Ballet Victoria combines athleticism, artistry, and contemporary energy in this unique performance. Featuring dynamic choreography and powerful musical selections, BALLET ROCKS offers an entertaining introduction to ballet while showcasing the extraordinary talent of Victoria's performing arts community.
The days are slowly but surely shortening, and the crisp morning air signals that fall is on its way. Autumn in Victoria hints at a noticeable change in atmosphere after the bustling summer months. If you’re decidedly undecided whether to spend your days curled up in indoors or wandering through fall foliage on a forest trail, embrace the impending changing of seasons and experience the best of both with a visit to Victoria this fall.
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