Fall is a magical time to travel British Columbia. The air cools, the colours change, the salmon do their thing, hot springs become more appealing, most visitors leave and the bugs also disappear.
Many BC residents consider fall to be the best time to travel!
As much as I am devoted to summer, I totally get it. Some of my favourite trips of the last few years have been during early fall. The cooler weather is just perfect for hiking, my favourite activity.
With all this in mind, I figured it about time I share my top fall destinations in British Columbia. The following recommendations are based on my personal experience exploring BC over the last 13 years.
Some of the locations are popular, well known spots while others are a little more off beat.
All suggestions are nature focused, with hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife watching opportunities a priority. Small towns also make a regular appearance as do hot springs.
Here are our top picks for a memorable fall getaway in BC.
Published November 2024. This post includes some affiliate links – if you make a purchase via one of these links, we may receive a percentage.
Top Fall Destinations in BC
It’s time to get started on this list of our favourite fall destinations in British Columbia!
Keep in mind that this is a subjective round-up of destinations, based on our own travel experiences in British Columbia.
While we’ve curated this list based on our personal favorites, there’s always more to discover in this vast and beautiful province.
As previously mentioned, JR and I have lived in BC since 2011. We are still finding new incredible spots to explore!
I hope to add some Central and North BC destinations, as soon as we’ve explored some of those areas in fall.
Please note that the best time to travel to these BC destinations in fall is late September to late October. Winter tires are mandatory on many BC highways from 1st October onwards.
Snow is likely at higher elevations from late September, with significant amounts falling in October and November.
Fall storms are more common in November, with large amounts of rain possible, which can cause flooding, mudslides and prolonged road closures.
Check DriveBC for road trip updates and always travel with water, food, extra clothing and emergency supplies.
Campbell River, Vancouver Island
Campbell River is one of our top Vancouver Island destinations at any time of year. It deserves a place on this fall specific list for many reasons.
For one, Campbell River is a great place to watch the annual salmon run. After all, the city is often referred to as ‘the salmon capital of the world’! The Quinsam River Hatchery is an accessible spot to see the action.
Although Campbell River is located on Vancouver Island, it’s surprisingly close to the mainland (about 25km away as the crow flies). Grizzly bear-watching tours to Toba and Bute inlets run until late October.
Nature can be found close to town as well. Elk Falls, an impressive 25m high waterfall, is located just 15 minutes drive from downtown. An exhilarating (and free!) 60m long suspension bridge spans the canyon above the falls.
Where to stay: Above Tide Motel (older property with ocean views) or Anchor Inn and Suites (more deluxe option also with ocean views).
Salmon Arm, Columbia Shuswap
Shuswap Lake is a hot destination (literally asnd figuratively!) in summer but is also a worthy fall destination. I think the region is a great fit for families and couples looking for a laid back, nature filled trip.
Salmon Arm acts as the perfect base while exploring Shuswap Lake. For such a relatively small city, it has an impressive downtown area with many independent and high quality restaurants and boutiques.
The cooler temps of autumn are perfect for exploring local waterfalls, such as magnificent Margaret Falls. The short trail to the base of the cascade is only 500m and is almost completely flat.
The Shuswap’s Adams River is one of the best salmon run viewing locations in the province, with four out of five species of BC salmon laying their eggs here.
Every fourth year, during the dominant cycle, millions of sockeye salmon travel up the river and turn it a vibrant shade of red. The three-week-long Salute to the Salmon event celebrates this incredible occurrence.
Where to stay: Prestige Harbourfront Resort (destination hotel with lake views)
Revelstoke, Columbia Shuswap
Revelstoke is a relaxed, unpretentious railway town set against the backdrop of the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges. The downtown area is full of interesting independent restaurants and boutiques.
Nature is not hard to find while exploring Revelstoke (nor things to do!) As well as several impressive waterfalls close to town, the entrance to Mount Revelstoke National Park is just up the highway.
The 26km long Meadows in the Sky Parkway winds up to the subalpine of Mount Revelstoke. There are several scenic viewpoints along the way and trails at the top. The Parkway usually closes around mid October, weather dependent.
The park has some wonderful hiking trails at regular highway level too – the Giant Cedars Boardwalk is a favourite. Glacier National Park is only a short drive from Revelstoke, which opens up even more options.
It is possible to combine Revelstoke trip with hot springs. Halcyon Hot Springs is a 200km return journey south, with a free ferry ride across Upper Arrow Lake.
Where to stay: Regent Hotel (downtown location, excellent breakfast buffet) or the Swiss Chalet Motel (great for groups, short distance to downtown).
Vernon, Okanagan Valley
While I will always recommend visiting Vernon in every season, the fall is a particularly good time to go.
This North Okanagan city is surrounded by three beautiful lakes and a huge network of hiking and biking trails. It also hosts a great range of autumn themed activities.
Davison Orchards is the most wholesome local fall destination, with a farm shop, cafe, and wagon-ride accessible pumpkin patch.
For something a little more scary, head over to the Historic O’Keefe Ranch, home of the (corn) Field of Screams. This is one of the largest Halloween events in the entire Okanagan.
The Caravan Farm Theatre usually runs a theatrical production called the Walk of Terror every Halloween but it was sadly cancelled in 2024. Hopefully it will be back next year.
If nature is your priority, consider a wild mushroom identification tour with Elements Adventure Company. Did you know that there are over 10,000 types of fungi in BC?!
Where to stay: Read our Vernon accommodation guide!
South Okanagan Valley
As a South Okanagan resident, I may be a little biased here but truly believe that Penticton and Osoyoos are some of the best places to go in fall in BC.
The warm-ish, dry weather is a major reason – average daytime temps are higher here than most places in the province.
The weather, of course, isn’t the only reason to visit. This region, for example, hosts more than 100+ wineries. Most tasting rooms are open until after Thanksgiving, some until Christmas.
Fall is a great time to hike in the South Okanagan and there are many excellent trails to explore. My favourite is the Guy’s Cache Loop near Okanagan Falls, but Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland is also a winner.
For bike rides or an easy stroll, head to the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) which runs through most of the area. The McCulloch Trestle section is my favourite.
As a bonus, both Penticton and Osoyoos are an easy drive away from Keremeos, a village that feels like the pumpkin and squash capital of BC in fall!
Where to stay: Lakeside Resort in Penticton (waterfront hotel in downtown area) or Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos (amazing views and facilities)
Grand Forks, Boundary Country
For a laid-back, small-town fall getaway, make your way to Grand Forks in BC’s Boundary Country. This quiet little corner of the province is ideal for those seeking waterfalls, accessible trails, historical sights and comfort food.
Boundary Country experiences a generally dry climate, with the autumn months typically seeing just a few rainy days.
One of my favorite things about Boundary Country is that the Trans Canada Trail stretches across the entire region, following two former rail lines. This creates endless opportunities for biking and hiking adventures.
One of my fave sections is the from Cascade Gorge to the Smitten Trestle (Columbia and Western Rail Trail). This short 2.5km stretch crosses a stunning canyon with views of a waterfall and concludes at a 153-meter-long restored railway bridge spanning the Kettle River.
Where to stay: Grand Forks Inn (super clean rooms, short drive to downtown)
Wells Gray Provincial Park, North Thompson
Always running, always wild, always so beautiful – I love to visit waterfalls in the fall! And one of the best BC destinations for waterfalls is, of course, Wells Gray Provincial Park near Clearwater.
Situated on a huge volcanic field, Wells Gray boasts as many as 41 different waterfalls. More than 10 can be accessed from the Wells Gray Corridor, a 68km long scenic driving route that runs through the core section of the park.
Highlights include Helmcken Falls (powerful 141m high waterfall, photo below), Dawson Falls (wide, with multiple cascades) and Spahats Creek Falls (plunges 75m into a deep ravine).
Another favourite is Moul Falls, which is approached by a hiking trail that finishes right in front of the 35m high waterfall.
The beauty of Wells Gray extends far beyond waterfalls. The park is also a great place to watch the salmon run. Every year, chinook salmon attempt to battle against the turbulent currents of Baileys Chute on the Clearwater River.
Where to stay: Best Western Plus Gateway (comfortable rooms with complimentary breakfast)
Radium Hot Springs, Columbia Valley
If you want to explore the Canadian Rockies in fall but would prefer to avoid the crowds, put the Columbia Valley on your radar!
This underrated region is warmer, quieter and cheaper than the ‘other side’ of the Rockies. The small town of Radium Hot Springs is the ideal base for a trip.
From here, you can explore easy local hiking trails in the Wetlands and also up to the top of the Dutch Creek Hoodoos. Cyclists will enjoy the Westside Legacy Trail, which runs close to Windermere Lake.
A soak in the local hot springs is a must at the end of a day of exploration. As well as the Parks Canada pools in Radium, there are more in Fairmont Hot Springs.
Adventurous hikers will love the choice of golden larch hikes in the mountains surrounding the valley. The golden peak is in late September, early October (it varies each year).
Best of all, none of them have the busy scenes of other nearby larch hotspots! We loved Diana Lake, Welsh Lakes and the Conrad Kain Hut Trail (Bugaboo Provincial Park).
Where to stay: Destination Inn (great value pick with complimentary breakfast)
Yoho National Park
For golden trees, turquoise lakes, huge waterfalls and snow capped peaks, look no further than Yoho National Park.
Yes, some places are exceptionally busy and no, you won’t be alone at most viewpoints, but it has all of the autumnal beauty you’re looking for!
When visiting, be sure to stop at Emerald Lake (just as beautiful as the name implies), the Natural Bridge (eroded limestone feature above icy Kicking Horse River) and Takakkaw Falls (BC’s second tallest waterfall).
The latter is located on Yoho Valley Road, which is open until mid October, weather dependent. The gorgeous Iceline Trail is also accessible from there.
If you can wrangle yourself a shuttle bus reservation, Lake O’Hara is the best place to see the fall colours in Yoho.
The 11km Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is a truly stunning high elevation hiking experience, with views of golden larch and many snow capped mountains. The Lake O’Hara bus shuttle finishes in early October.
Where to stay: Emerald Lake Lodge (one-of-a-kind cabin property on Emerald Lake) or Canadian Rockies Inn (highly rated adults only option)
Kootenay National Park
Lesser frequented but certainly no less impressive than its neighbours, Kootenay National Park has a lot to offer in fall.
Kootenay National Park is host to one of BC’s best golden larch hikes – Floe Lake. This day long hike is challenging but immensely rewarding, especially in fall. Head to our trail guide for all the details.
More approachable activities in Kootenay National Park include Marble Canyon (deep gorge with spectacular views of the river), Numa Falls (powerful roadside waterfall), Olive Lake (striking green-coloured lake), and the Paint Pots (bright orange mineral pools).
Another great hike is the Stanley Glacier Trail, which leads to a wide basin with glacier, mountain and waterfall views.
Where to stay: Storm Mountain Lodge (historic log cabins and lodge rooms) or head to Radium Hot Springs
Other great BC fall destinations
- Tofino, Vancouver Island – Exploring the beautiful sandy beaches of the West Coast is a hit at any time of year! Fall is a little quieter (and accommodation cheaper) than summer. Try surfing, hike in the rainforest and enjoy upscale eats.
- Port Alberni, Vancouver Island – This rugged working city has a ton to offer visitors in fall – great salmon run viewing, amazing hiking trails and access to one of Canada’s largest waterfalls.
- Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island – Huge old growth trees, waterfalls and windswept beaches make Port Renfrew one of my favourite year round road trip stops. Check in to a cosy cabin, light a fire and listen to the rain.
- The Gulf Islands – Fall is my preferred time to visit Salt Spring, Gabriola, Quadra and the other Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. It is easier to secure accommodation and a spot on the ferry!
- Powell River, Sunshine Coast – Fall can be a great time to hike a section of the Sunshine Coast Trail. There are 13 free-to-use huts along the 180km route, though there are options to pitch a tent instead.
- Harrison Hot Springs – Want to stay close to Vancouver? Head to Harrison Hot Springs for excellent salmon run viewing and hiking opportunities as well as the eponymous hot springs. There are lots of bald eagles to spot too!
- Kelowna, Okanagan Valley – Explore wineries and breweries after a walk/cycle along Myra Canyon to see the trestles and golden Western Larch trees!
- Nelson, West Kootenays – If you’re a fan of historic, walkable downtowns, the small city of Nelson should be high on your BC fall travel list! With hot springs and beautiful hiking trails just a short drive away, it’s the perfect escape.
- Golden, East Kootenays – This mountain town makes a great base for exploring the Rockies, with the boundary of Yoho National Park just 20 minutes drive away.
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!