Fall for Fall in Victoria, BC
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 the atmosphere after the energy of the summer months. If you’re decidedly undecided on whether to spend your days curled up indoors or wandering through fall foliage on a forest trail, embrace the impending change of seasons and experience the best of both with a visit to Victoria this fall.
8-minute read
Updated February 17, 2026
Day 1
Morning | A World of Flavour
Take a short, scenic drive up to Greater Victoria's Westshore for an indulgent at House of Boateng. At HoB (as it's know to locals), Chef Castro and his team put an African & Caribbean twist on a locally-sourced brunch menu. It's the perfect start to your morning, or any morning for that matter, combining bold flavours with food that you can feel good about eating. If your tight for time, pop-in and grab one of their house made lattes and baked goods, which make for the perfect on-the-go snack while still embodying the creative spirit of HoB.
Local tip: Just across the street is House of Boateng's retail shop, this is a great place to grab some unique edible souvenirs from your time on the Island.
Afternoon | Cowichan Valley
Continue over the Malahat to the Cowichan Valley and enjoy the fall foliage at Merridale Cidery & Distillery’s beautiful orchard, just a 30-minute drive from HoB, along the famous Malahat - make sure you leave plenty of time to check out the roadside viewpoint, it's breathtaking. Sip on the rewards of a fall harvest with a wood-fired pizza, and then make your way down the road to Blue Grouse Winery, just a short 14-minute drive away, to marvel at their gorgeous vineyard and sample some of their award-winning wines.
Afternoon | Wild West Coast
On your return to Victoria, stop at Goldstream Provincial Park, which transforms from a lush green forest to a paradise bursting with colour in the fall. Discover the “West Coast’s Niagara Falls” and marvel at mother nature during the salmon run and subsequent eagle extravaganza.
Evening | Cozy Places & Spaces
Finish off day one in the heart of Victoria at Bard & Banker on Government Street. Enjoy a cozy space with great cuisine, lively service and inventive cocktails.
Day 2
Morning | Experience The Greater Victoria Flavour Trails
Work up an appetite with a short drive to the Saanich Peninsula, a rural treasure home to a bounty of fresh and local fare. Grab a morning pick me up from Country Bee Honey Farm, and explore the world of Honey Bees. Here you can walk the pollinator gardens, meet livestock, and pick up locally produced honey and gifts. It's a 25-minute from downtown, but many folks elect to rent bikes and enjoy the hour ride. Next we embark on an adventure of the senses as you explore the Greater Victoria Flavour Trails. Get off the beaten path on this flavour-filled journey across Greater Victoria's heartlands exploring farms, cideries, and more. Where will your journey lead you?
Afternoon | The Butchart Gardens
Make your way to The Butchart Gardens, just 7-minutes away, to see their fall blooms and foliage. Fall is one of the best times to visit the gardens, offering fantastic mild weather and autumn blooms. Set aside extra time to wander through the Japanese garden. When you’re ready for lunch, opt for their famous afternoon tea overlooking the Italian Garden. The Butchart Gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada, and an Instagrammers paradise, be sure to snap some photos of their fames Sunken Garden, from where the Gardens sprung out of what was once a limestone quarry.
Image by Adam Frederick
Afternoon | Church & State Wines
Just a short drive (or pedal) down the road is Church & State Wines, a local vineyard and winery right in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula. This gorgeous property features a tasting room and bistro where you can sample their fine wines, and also indulge in our local flavours.
Evening | Dinner and a Sunset in Sidney
Continue on to downtown Sidney, BC, about 15-minuts away, and learn why they’re known as Canada’s Booktown. When you’ve had your fill of books, peek beneath the Pacific at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea and discover the cultural and ecological significance of the Salish Sea Bioregion. Follow your visit to the aquarium with a sunset stroll along the boardwalk to experience one of Sidney’s sensational sunsets. Following your day of exploring the Flavour Trails, take time to sample the local land and sea at 10 Acres at The Pier.
Explore the Inner Harbour after Dark
Head back to downtown Victoria and end your evening with a nightcap at The Palms in the Hotel Rialto downtown. Stroll past the Parliament Buildings and see it lit up after dark with over 4,200 (high-efficiency) bulbs.
Day 3
Morning | West Coast Soul Food
Start your day off at Boom + Batten, a gorgeous waterfront eatery with gorgeous design and beautiful vistas. From delectable breakfast pizzas to morning gnocchi to the best avocado toast in the city, this the ideal way to start your day on the west coast. If you're staying in downtown Victoria, Boom + Batten is well worth the walk. Cross the Johnson Street bridge, and follow the Songhees Walkway, one of Victoria's most beautiful oceanfront paths to Boom + Batten, it's about a 15-minute walk from Yates Street.
Local tip: Rent a kayak after brunch from Ocean River Sports and paddle underneath the restaurant…yes, underneath!
Morning | Shop LoJo
When you’ve filled your stomach at Boom + Batten (what is sweater weather for anyway), stroll along Lower Johnson Street – referred to as LoJo by locals – and check out the unique local boutiques that help make up Victoria’s downtown shopping scene.
Image by @sarahseizetheworld
Afternoon | Be Transported
Stop by the Royal BC Museum and dig into the Province's rich past, just 13-minutes by foot from Johnson Street. From Indigenous artifacts to prehistoric beasts to contemporary exhibits, the Royal BC Museum has something to pique every interest. Explore the galleries, check out state of the art exhibits, and maybe even leave some time to watch an IMAX movie while you're there.
Afternoon | Pinkies Up!
It's a Victorian tradition; afternoon tea has been served at the Fairmont Empress for over 100 years. And after a century of service, they've gotten pretty good at it! Stop in an experience why travellers from around the world have made this iconic hotel a culinary must-dine for every foodie visit to the Pacific Northwest. Tuck into an array of freshly baked goods, all made in-house of course, finger sandwiches, and your choice of one of the hotel's best tea blends, all while soaking in sweeping views of the Inner Harbour.
Bike Tour
About ready to get your heart pumping? Take a bike tour with The Pedaler, just an 8-minute walk from the Empress, and discover Victoria’s quaint neighbourhoods, by bike! Pedal past Parliament, discover the wishing tree in Fernwood and uncover the herald history of Craigdarroch Castle. Continue on to Government House to take in the fall foliage, then cruise along Dallas Road and embrace the fresh sea breeze.
Evening | Zambri's
Toast to your adventures at Zambri’s and indulge in traditional Italian soul food like perfectly crafted pizza with a sophisticated twist, just a 7-minute walk from the nearby Hotel Rialto, Zambri's has earned a reputation not just as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, but in all of Canada.
Image by @zambrisrestaurant
Fall in love with B.C.’s capital city during this magical time of year. Whether you cozy up in bookstores and coffee shops or take a walk or pedal through incredible foliage, there’s a freshness in the air and an excitement at the stirring of change waiting for you this autumn in Victoria. All good adventures begin with a good night’s sleep at one of Victoria’s beautiful hotels.
Packing List:
• Camera
• Cozy sweater
• Rain Jacket and/or umbrella (weather dependent)
• Comfortable and versatile shoes
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