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Locals agree that fall in BC is the best time to explore the province. The trees turn brilliant colours, the salmon run attracts wildlife to rivers, and festivals celebrate BC’s bounty of food, drink, and fun. Here are some upcoming events worth planning an autumn trip around.
Savour Cowichan
When: September 29 to October 8
Where: Cowichan Valley
The Cowichan Valley is known for warm weather, natural beauty, and friendly people. Savour Cowichan celebrates all of that. For ten days, artisanal food and beverage producers host more than 40 events throughout the Cowichan Valley, including the Barge On In event.
The Headbanger Festival
When: November 3 to 5
Where: Radium Hot Springs
Once a year, for a short time, bighorn sheep fight for dominance, colliding at full speed with a crash of horns. Witness the action and learn more from local wildlife enthusiasts.
Fall Okanagan Wine Festival
When: September 28 to October 8
Where: Okanagan
The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival events take place throughout the Okanagan—celebrating fabulous BC wine and great food—in breathtaking settings. Signature events, wine tastings, live entertainment, grape stomping parties, and winemaker dinners make this a wine event not to miss.
Cornucopia
When: November 9 to 19
Where: Whistler
Cornucopia is Whistler’s celebration of food and drink. At Crush, the flagship event, you’ll sample wines from BC and beyond during this lively tasting. Unique chef’s table luncheons, musical guests, winemaker dinners, and more make this one of BC’s top culinary events in the mountains.
Queen of the Peak
When: September 28 to October 1
Where: Tofino
Surf Sister and Shelter Restaurant started this women only surf championship in 2009 to showcase some of the amazing surf talent from BC’s west coast. The event has grown to include yoga, Zumba, dance parties, and movie premiers.
Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
When: October 20 to 22
Where: Sunshine Coast Highway
Artists love the beauty and endless inspiration BC’s Sunshine Coast provides. The Sunshine Coast Art Crawl is an ideal way to discover a wide range of artisan treasures, as you visit galleries, home studios, artisans’ shops, and even an art farm. Be sure to pick up a hand-crafted memento of your visit.
Bald Eagle Festival
When: November 18 and 19
Where: Harrison Mills
Take scenic Highway 7 to Harrison Mills for the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival and celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of the Fraser River Valley, honouring the majestic Bald Eagle and returning salmon.
Hopscotch Festival
When: September 22 to 23
Where: Kelowna
Hopscotch has always been a great event to find your next favourite scotch or craft beer, but the event has evolved to also include spirits and wines, local food, and music.