Leaf peeping is a serious business in Vancouver. If you visit Vancouver during autumn without taking to the streets and gawk at its dazzling color, you’re missing a huge part of your trip.
The best time to see fall foliage in Vancouver is from late September until early November when the weather cools down and nature is showing the transition season.
If you’re new to Vancouver and wondering where to enjoy leaf-peeping, here are the locals’ 9 favorite spots.
9. Kitsilano Hadden Park
The leafy streets of Kitsilano is a claim to fame that pulls in visitors around the world to this part of Vancouver during autumn. Every corner is soaked in the flamboyant medley of crimson and gold with a spontaneous accent of horse chestnuts.
However, taking a long walk down the streets is not the only thing you can do to enjoy fall watching. We want you to head straight to the Hadden Park and immerse in the massive maple leaves!
Address: 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver BC
8. Queen Elizabeth Park
The dazzling canopies of star magnolia trees dancing with the breeze turn Queen Elizabeth Park into an unmissable spot to watch fall foliage. If nature photography is your niche, don’t let this place go to waste because there’s a multitude of plants waiting to leave you hypnotized.
We have an extensive collection of Ginkgo trees boasting its spectacular dark yellow shade. Take a few steps further to the Bloedel Conservatory and you’ll catch sight of a fun and interesting scene of the dome hiding behind the colorful trees.
It seems like Queen Elizabeth Park is a little paradise that gathers those tiny waterfalls, blue skies, and sunshine piercing through the canopies into a magical painting of nature. Before leaving, don’t forget to check out the viewpoint by Seasons in the Park and admire the distant Mt. Baker on a crisp day!
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1
7. Ron Basford Park Granville Island
Known as a paradise on Earth for families with a full-on food scene and shopping possibilities, Granville Island pulls in a great drove of visitors to immerse into the mesmerizing scenery of autumn. Duck down the bustling shopping streets and you will get lost in the thriving maple streets sprinkled with rich palettes of red orange, yellow, and a touch of green.
The most abundant spot on the island to feast your eyes is Ron Basford Park encompassing the Southern corner of Granville Island. Grab a local gourmet meal from the Granville Island Public Market and throw a weekend picnic destressing in this wonderful part of the island!
Address: 1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 4B7
6. Burnaby Mountain Park
The off-grid Burnaby Mountain Park falls into the list of Vancouver’s best autumn landscape with its incredible view over Indian Arm and Deep Cove. If you’re a passionate hiker looking for Vancouver’s best hikes with a scenic view, Burnaby Mountain will come in handy. Crossing through the dramatic fall color of the woods to hiking the Burnaby Mountain Park is a life-time memory.
Don’t forget to snap a picture of the carved wooden Kamui Mintara sculptures along the hike during sunset! The last sun rays of the day sneak through the wooden poles, creating a dramatic canvas against the sky. The Burnaby Mountain Park is only 20 minutes away from the core of Vancouver, giving you the best hideout to watch fall foliage far from the madding crowd.
Address: 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby, BC V5A 2X9
5. Trout Lake
Drive your way to the East of Vancouver and soak in the gorgeous autumn beauty of Trout Lake! As the air gets crisp and the leaves reflect its fiery colors on the lake, you will jump for joy when cycling along the BC Parkway under the deciduous maples, weeping willow, oak, and cherry.
If taking a long walk in nature is your favorite pastime, remember to add Trout Lake to your bucket list when visiting Vancouver during autumn! The distant ranges of Crown Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mt. Fromme become a stunning mural scene splattered by the sheer beauty of the leafy trees.
Address: 2120 E 19th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5N 2J5
4. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Chinatown. Its carefully manicured bushes and elegant bonsais become a thriving scene when fall brings in the most vibrant colors of nature.
Nature becomes a mash-up of hues with red, yellow, and orange casting a vivid painting on the surface of the water. The garden during winter opens a door to transport you straight to China as the entire autumn scene becomes a mesmerizing Oriental prospect.
Not to forget a galore of kid-friendly activities when autumn comes. While you can go leaf-peeping during the day, enjoy the dazzling evening with the full-moon festival, munch on some mooncakes, sip on some tea, and call it a day!
Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2
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3. University of British Columbia
The UBC Campus caps off this list with its East Coast vibe as the fall colors take over the stone buildings. Grab your camera along to the Main Hall because this spot is totally photogenic with Red Oak trees stealing the show.
As this transition season crackles with a new school year, head to the Botanical Garden to admire the leafy scene at its peak. Walk to the Nitobe Garden and embrace its traditional East Asian beauty where the Japanese maple trees become a contemplative backdrop amid the hustle and bustle.
Address: 6804 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
2. VanDusen Botanical Garden
This famous natural park in Vancouver becomes a full-blown paradise when autumn sweeps through the city. The 22-hectares of land is an explosion of colors with ginkgo trees and Japanese maples dye the landscape with crimsons, reds, and golds. Bring your favourite camera because this little paradise is a top-notch backdrop to feed your Instagram.
Stroll along the curving paths, lay back by the mild lakes dotted with lily pads, cross the wooden bridges, and run on the green rolling hills!
Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1
1. Stanley Park
Stanley Park is not famous for nothing. Even though the park is a year-round destination, fall truly rewards it with a special charm. The crisp and clear fall sky of Vancouver becomes a perfect canvas for the pocket of scarlet, bronze, and golden hues to stand out. To capture the most splendid time in the day for leaf-peeping, hit the park later in the morning after giving yourself a treat of breakfast at the Lord Stanley’s breakfast room.
You can admire the fall foliage almost everywhere around the park but our favourite spot is along the seawall by the rowing club. Wish to perk up your experience? Consider signing up for a horse carriage tour or cycling along the seawall to soak in the medley of vivid fall foliage without forcing your muscle!
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
Enjoying fall foliage is only part of what Vancouver has to offer during autumn. Being one of the best seasons to visit Vancouver, autumn gives you no space for boredom with these best places to visit!