50 things to do in Vancouver this fall

Oct 1 2016, 12:12 am

Fall is here! It’s time to enjoy that crisp autumn sunshine, gather around the table for Thanksgiving, and scare the hell out of your mates on Halloween.

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But there’s lots more to do than your standard holiday outings. Here’s our carefully curated list of all the things to do in Vancouver this fall.

Eat and drink

Farmers Market / Shutterstock

Farmers Market / Shutterstock

EAT!

  • What: Vancouver’s favourite food fest kicks off in October, in support of Greater Vancouver Food Bank, featuring a series of  special collaboration dinners, a food trends panel, a pastry workshop, a Harvest gala, and a Q&A with chef Michael Smith.
  • Where: Various venues around Vancouver
  • When: From Tuesday, October 4 to Friday, October 7, times vary
  • Tickets: Available online, dinner series $135 each, tasting class $35

West End Farmer’s Market Harvest Festival

  • What: Celebrate the bounty of fall at the West End Farmer’s Market Harvest Festival, and enter (or just enjoy the results of) their annual Fall Fruit Pie Competition. Other festival fun includes apple tastings, squash variety displays, and seasonal recipes.
  • Where: 1100 Comox St, next to Nelson Park, between Thurlow and Bute streets) – Vancouver
  • When: Saturday, October 8,  from 9 am to 2 pm
  • Info: Online at eatlocal.org

RIPE 2016

  • What: This annual harvest celebration and fundraiser showcases the best of local ingredients, paired with some of Vancouver’s finest chefs and restaurants at 8 mouth-watering small plate tasting stations, along with craft beers and cocktails.
  • Where: Exhibition Hall, Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
  • When: Sunday, October 16, from 5:30 to 8 pm
  • Tickets: At Brown Paper Tickets, $85

An Evening In The Orchard

  • What: Share in a sumptuous farm-grown meal prepared by the head chefs of Hawksworth, Bishops, Farmer’s Apprentice, Savio Volpe, Homer Street Cafe, Burdock & Co., to benefit Sole Food Farms, which turns vacant urban land into street farms.
  • Where: Sole Food’s Orchard – Main and Terminal, Vancouver
  • When: Thursday, October 6, from 5 to 9 pm
  • Tickets: On Eventbrite, $175

Chopstick Festival 2016

  • What: Running October 15 to 30, Chopstick Fest will give diners the opportunity to select from a range of participating Chinese restaurants across Metro Vancouver, each one offering a unique prix-fix menu designed to be sampled and shared.
  • Where: Various locations. click here for more.
  • When: October 15 to 30

Taste of Yaletown 2016

  • What: This two-week dining event run by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association (YBIA) is in its 12th year, and is all about bringing hungry diners to Yaletown to try three-course menus each showcasing the many stellar restaurants in the area.
  • Where: Various locations. Click here for more.
  • When: October 13 to 27

Vancouver Tea Festival

  • What: The Vancouver Tea Festival is back this year for its third annual celebration of all things tea. On Saturday, November 5 head to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden to dive into the world of the planet’s most consumed beverage (other than water, of course).
  • When: Saturday, November 5 10 am – 6 pm
  • Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
  • Price: Regular price $18.95,  garden members $15.95, early bird price $15.95 (available until September 30) available online

ROADSIDE Harvest Social

  • What: The first ever ROADSIDE Harvest Social is bringing a one-of-a-kind craft beer tasting corn maze to Abbotsford this fall. As you find your way through the 19+ maze, you’ll get to taste craft beer by Field House Brewing, Ravens Brewing, Old Abbey Ales and Old Yale Brewing.
  • Where: 36737 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford
  • When: Open Fridays, Saturday and Sundays, from 11 am to 6 pm, between Friday, September 30 and Sunday, October 23 – rain or shine.
  • Tickets: On the door. More info at abbyroadside.com

Harvest Haus 2016

  • What: Harvest Haus is back for another year and tickets are now on sale for the city’s largest Oktoberfest celebration that’ll have you clinking your steins and cheering “Prost!”
  • Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
  • When: Until Sunday, October 9
  • Tickets: Start at $25. Click here to purchase.

Get outdoors

The-A21-Campaign-A21-Walk-For-Freedom-2016-Promo-VideoLight The Night Walk

  • What: This walk supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Teams walk in unity, at twilight, each holding an illuminated lantern – red for supporters, white for patients and survivors, and gold to remember loved ones lost.
  • Where: Stanley Park, Lumberman’s Arch
  • When: Saturday, October 15, from 4 to 9 pm
  • Register: Online at lightthenight.ca

Walk For Freedom

  • What: Help end modern slavery at the Walk For Freedom. Participants dressed in black will march in single file, with black tape covering their mouths, to represent the 27 million slaves around the world who have no voice.
  • Where: Begins and ends at Canada Place – 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver
  • When: Saturday, October 15, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
  • Register: Online at A21, totally free

Fall festivals

Vancouver Improv Fight Club

Image: The Fictionals

Vancouver International Improv Festival

  • What: The Vancouver International Improv Festival is back, offering twice nightly showcases of some of the coolest, newest and best improvisation, by international superstars, local comedy heroes, and new festival ensembles.
  • Where: Performance Works – 1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver
  • When: Until Saturday, October 8; showcases at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm; more shows at other locations too.
  • Tickets: Online, $15-$18

Vancouver International Film Festival

  • What: This year VIFF is screening more than 200 films, giving you have an amazing opportunity to see movies from all over the world. Whether you’re a fully fledged film fan or you like to dabble in cinema, check out our guide on how to VIFF properly.
  • Where: Various movie theatres around Vancouver
  • When: Until October 14, screening times vary
  • Tickets: Available at VIFF, price varies.

Odds and Ends

Image: Movie Theatre / Shutterstock

Image: Movie Theatre / Shutterstock

FAN EXPO Vancouver

  • What: A weekend of fun and fandom at this comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event, where you can get your geek on and meet other fans. Celebrity guests include director and actor Kevin Smith.
  • Where: Vancouver Convention Centre- 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
  • When:
    • Friday, November 11, from 2 to 8 pm
    • Saturday, November 12, from 10 am to 7 pm
    • Sunday Novermber 13, from 10 am to 5 pm
  • Tickets: Online at fanexpovancouver.com

Eastside Flea

  • What: Shop local, mingle with friends, enjoy a hot toddy, listen to live bands, eat some delicious food, and check out community art at the Eastside Flea market.
  • Where: The Ellis Building – 1024 Main St, Vancouver
  • When: Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9 and Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 23; Fridays from 6 to 10 pm, weekends from 10 am to 4 pm
  • Admission: $3 for one day, or $5 for a weekend pass, on the door

Cineplex Community Day 2016

  • What: Cineplex’s community day returns with a morning of free movies. Cineplex has not yet announced what movies will be showing for free, but be sure to check their website for details.
  • When: Saturday, October 22
  • Where: Cineplex theatres across Canada
  • Tickets: Available for free at Cineplex locations on October 22

Vancouver International Puppet Festival

  • What: The three-day event will feature a variety of kid-friendly and adult shows, as well as workshops, panel discussions, and a puppet gala night.
  • When: Walking tour runs from October 1 to 16. Performances: October 14 to 16.
  • Where: Granville Island
  • Tickets: Can be purchased online

#FallforLocal Pop-Up Market

  • What: Featuring over 75 of the latest emerging and established independent businesses, the #FallForLocal market offers up a little bit of something for everyone.
  • When: Saturday, October 22 from 11 am to 4 pm
  • Where: The Pipe Shop Building – 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
  • Tickets: $5 at the door, $3 online, and kids get in free

Hungry For Happiness 2016

  • What: Hungry For Happiness is on a mission to revolutionize weight loss in Vancouver. Organizers of the two-day body and self love experience say they want to help women transform their bodies by first transforming their emotions.
  • Where: Creekside Community Centre – 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
  • When: Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13
  • Tickets: Available on Eventbrite, $147–$197

Enchant 2016

  • What: Enchant 2016 will bring the world’s largest Christmas light maze to the heart of the city, combined with a bustling local vendor market, live performances, warming seasonal eats and drinks, an outdoor fire pit, and much more.
  • When: From November 24 until New Year’s Eve
  • Time: 4 to 10 pm
  • Where: 1st and Crowe Street, between the Cambie Street Bridge and Olympic Village
  • Tickets: On the Enchant website, available beginning on October 5 at 10 am

Art and music

Microphone

Zach Den Adel/Flickr

James & Jamesy

 

  • What: Hailed as one of the most popular Fringe duos ever, these British maestros of theatre are back with In The Dark, a comedic adventure of discovery and creation, performed in darkness and lit exclusively by their illuminating costumes.
  • Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
  • When: Wednesdays to Sundays, from October 5 to October 16; shows at 8 pm, except on Sundays, when shows start at 2 pm instead.
  • Tickets: On Tickets Tonight, $18-$27

The Music of David Bowie

  • What: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is paying tribute to legendary musician David Bowie, who passed away earlier this year. Tony Vincent will be on lead vocals, accompanied by a full rock band to play 18 of Bowie’s epic hits.
  • Where: The Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
  • When: Wednesday, October 5 at 8 pm
  • Tickets: Available online, $25-$65

Japanese Poets North of The 49th

  • What: Japanese poet Takiya Kuwahara (aka The Indifferent Poet) makes his first ever visit to Canada, for a series of poetry performances with live English subtitles, weaving Japan and Canada together though language and storytelling.
  • Where: First performance is at VisualSpace Gallery – 3352 Dunbar Street, Vancouver; locations of further performances and workshops vary
  • When: First performance on Thursday, October 6, at 8 pm; other performances and workshops through October 15
  • Tickets: On Eventbrite, $10

One More For Gord

  • What: Vancouver’s local musicians and artists are coming together to show their support for Gord Downie, lead singer of the Tragically Hip. All proceeds to go to the  Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research.
  • Where: The Media Club – 695 Cambie Street, Vancouver
  • When: Friday, October 7, doors at 8:30 pm, music at 9 pm
  • Tickets: On the door, $10

GOT7 Vancouver Fanmeet 2016

  • What: GOT7 is a multinational boy band, consisting of members from South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the United States. GOT7 have already had huge success in South Korea and gained recognition internationally, and with only 2,000 spots available for this meet and greet you’d better move fast if you want some facetime with the band.
  • Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton St, Vancouver
  • When: Friday, November 11, first show at 3 pm, second show at 8 pm
  • Tickets: Available at Frontline Ticket, $95-$300, plus GST and service charge

Louis CK Vancouver 2016

  • What: Comedian Louis C.K. has announced a series of new tour dates across North America with two stops in Vancouver on December 7 and 8. The Vancouver shows, which are at UBC’s Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, mark his only Canadian dates on the tour.
  • When: December 7 and 8, 2016
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard
  • Tickets: Available online now for Wednesday and Thursday’s shows and range between $25 – $65.

Coleman Hell Vancouver 2016 concert

  • What: Thunder Bay native Coleman Hell is coming to Vancouver’s Venue on Thursday, November 10.
  • When: Thursday, November 10, 2016
  • Time: Doors 7 pm / Show 8 pm
  • Where: Venue – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Available at $23.50 via Live Nation

The Struts 2016 Vancouver concert

  • What: English glam rockers The Struts return to Vancouver this winter, playing Imperial on November 9. The Brit four-piece are the on the road in North America again after a brief tour across the U.S earlier this year.
  • When: Wednesday, November 9, 2016
  • Time: Doors at 8 pm / Show at 9 pm
  • Where: Imperial, 319 Main Street
  • Tickets: Available at $25 through Live Nation

Just For Laughs Comedy Tour 2016 starring Dane Cook

  • What: Get ready for some belly laughs, comedian Dane Cook is coming to the Vogue Theatre on November 18 and 19 as the headliner of the Just For Laughs Comedy Tour.
  • Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
  • When: Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19; 7:30 pm
  • Cost: Tickets start at $65.50 and go on sale on Friday, September 16.

Stevie Nicks Vancouver 2016 concert with Pretenders

  • What: Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning icon Stevie Nicks returns to Vancouver for a concert at Rogers Arena on December 9. The musical legend embarks on her 24 Karat Gold Tour next month with The Pretenders, with two stops in Canada including Toronto and Vancouver.
  • When: Friday, December 9
  • Time: Doors at 6 pm / Show at 7 pm
  • Where: Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
  • Tickets: Available through LiveNation from $49 – $150

Halloween

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Fright Nights

  • What: Fright Nights is returning for another year to Playland, to allow grown-ups to count down the days to Halloween. On the docket this year are 15 rides, two live shows, seven haunted houses, and 90 “monsters” roaming the grounds.
  • Where: Playland – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
  • When: Friday, October 7 to Monday, October 31; various times
  • Tickets: At Playland, $22-$39

Ghost Train in Stanley Park

  • What: This year’s Ghost Train is inspired by the Day of the Dead. Be serenaded by a mariachi band of cockroaches, ride the train through the tunnel of flames with the Aztec Lord and Lady of Death, and picnic with in a gorgeous graveyard where friendly souls return to dance with a twelve foot skeleton.
  • Where: Stanley Park
  • When: October 8-31 at various times
  • Price: Tickets are $6-$11 online

Halloween Parade & Expo

  • What: Organized by the Vancouver International Halloween Festival Society, the expo and parade features dance, music, performances, and other visual arts based in fantasy to get families excited about Halloween. Cosplay is encouraged, as are any other fantasy-based costumes.
  • Where: Various locations. Click here for more.
  • When: Thursday, October 13 to Sunday, October 16. Parade is on October 16 at 11 am.

KISS OF DEATH! Halloween Speed Dating

  • What: Meet the love of your life just in time for Halloween at this fun speed dating event.
  • Where: Hello Goodbye Bar – 1120 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
  • When: Thursday, October 27, 7:30 pm
  • Price: Tickets are $35-$39 on Eventbrite

#ThrillVancouver Dance

  • What: Hundreds of grizzly ghouls will soon take to Olympic Village Plaza to replicate the infamous dance in Michael Jackson’s Thriller video.
  • Where: Zombie make-up session/registration will be at Creekside Community Centre, Thriller dance performance will be at Olympic Village Plaza
  • When: Saturday, October 29, zombie make-up session from noon to 2:30 pm (first come first served), then zombie Thriller dance at 3 pm sharp
  • Register: Online from October 10, or RSVP on Facebook, by $40 suggested donation

HIDDEN – A Site Specific Horror Adventure

  • What: ITSAZOO presents a bone-chilling site-specific horror event – HIDDEN. Blurring the lines between performance and reality, audiences of 13 people, armed only with flashlights, will be guided on the Lost Lovers Murder Tour – a frighteningly accurate re-enactment of the infamous and unsolved murders that occurred exactly 20-years ago, deep within the forest.
  • Where: UBC Botanical Gardens – 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
  • When: Saturday, October 29, 9:30 pm
  • Price: Tickets are $37 – $42 online

Bacardi Boohaha

  • What: The annual Bacardi Boohaha adults-only Halloween party is back this year featuring music by DJ Flipout all night long.
  • Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
  • When: Saturday, October 29, 9:30 pm
  • Price: Tickets are $20 online

Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween at the Britannia Mine Museum

  • What: It’s the witching hour at Britannia Mine Museum this Halloween where there are plenty of spoo-ook-tacular activities for all ages to enjoy including a spooky train ride, a stage science show, and a witches house.
  • Where: Britannia Mine Museum – 1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach
  • When: Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30, 11 am – 3 pm
  • Price: $15 general entry

The VSO at the Movies: Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho

  • What: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be putting on a special screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic slasher, Psycho, complete with a live orchestral score.
  • Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
  • When: Wednesday, October 12; 7:30 pm
  • Tickets: Start at $29. Click here to purchase.

The Zombie Syndrome: Dead in the Water

  • What: An interactive theatre adventure, featuring zombie vampire hybrids and plenty of audience participation. Oh and ghoulish travel over land and sea – all designed to scare your pants off.
  • Where: Secret location on Granville Island – Vancouver
  • When: Until October 31, multiple shows every evening
  • Tickets: Online, $12.50-$50

Hikes

Hiker / Shutterstock

Hiker / Shutterstock

Quarry Rock

  • What: A classic North Shore hike, up wooden stairs, over tree roots and small creeks, among Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees, to a rocky outcrop and beautiful views of Deep Cove. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: 1.5 hours or 3.8 km
  • Where: Starts and ends at the Baden Powell Trailhead – Panorama Drive, Deep Cove.
  • Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take the Seabus plus buses 239 then 212 instead.

Lighthouse Park

  • What: Lots of short, easy trails offering breathtaking ocean views, huge, old-growth Western Red Cedars and the picturesque picnic spot of Starboat Cove. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: Up to 2 hours or 6 km
  • Where: Starts and ends at Lighthouse Park parking lot – Beacon Lane, West Vancouver.
  • Get there: A 40-minute drive from downtown, or take bus 250 all the way there instead.

Capilano Pacific Park

  • What: This trail follows the Capilano River, taking you from pavement, rocky shores and beaches past steep cliffs and through thick rainforest to the imposing Cleveland Dam. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: 2 hours or 7.5 km
  • Where: Starts at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver, finishes at the Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver.
  • Get there: A 15-minute drive from downtown, or take bus 250 or 251 to a stop nearby instead.

Lynn Loop

  • What: Enjoy a forest hike among Cedar and Hemlock trees, with views of Vancouver Island and some of the Gulf Islands, then stroll back along the gushing waters of Lynn Creek. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: 1.5 hours or 5.1 km
  • Where: Starts and ends in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park – Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver.
  • Get there: A 40-minute drive from downtown, or take the Seabus then 228 bus instead.

Cypress Falls

  • What: This easy hike takes you along Cypress Creek, through forests of moss-covered, old-growth trees, past views of two gorgeous waterfalls as they pour into the canyon below. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: 1.5 hours or 3 km
  • Where: Trail starts and ends at Cypress Falls Park – Woodgreen Place, West Vancouver.
  • Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take bus 253 Caufield all the way there instead.

Big Cedar And Kennedy Falls Trail

  • What: A rugged hike into the backcountry, across roots, creeks and fallen trees, past an old-growth cedar, with several trees growing on it, and ending at a spectacular waterfall. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: 5 hours or 10 km
  • Where: Starts and ends at the top of Mountain Highway.
  • Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take bus 210 instead.

Mount Seymour

  • What: A steep hike up one of the mountains you’ll likely come bombing down once the snow falls, a couple of months later. Full of wild foliage, wooden bridges and rocky hills, it’s worth the effort, for the incredible view of Vancouver at the top. Not recommended after October
  • How long: 5 hours or 9 km
  • Where: Starts and ends at the parking area of Mount Seymour – 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver.
  • Get there: A 50-minute drive from downtown Vancouver

Baden Powell Deep Cove To Lynn Canyon

  • What: This hike begins with a walk up to Quarry Rock, offering sweeping views of Deep Cove and Indian Arm, then continues onto lush forest, scenic canyons and waterfall views. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: 5 hours or 12 km
  • Where: Starts at the Baden Powell Trailhead on Panorama Drive in Deep Cove and ends at Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge.
  • Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take the Seabus plus buses 229 then 212 instead. From Lynn Canyon, take bus 229 then the Seabus.

Norvan Falls

  • What: This hike will have you clambering over streams, tree roots and rubble as you make your way through groves of old-growth Cedar – but it’s all worth it when you get to the falls. Recommended all year round.
  • How long: 5 hours or 14 km
  • Where: Starts and ends at the parking lot of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
  • Get there: A 40-minute drive from downtown, or take the Seabus plus bus 228 instead.

Brothers Creek Loop

  • What: This hike, open to the public but on private property, offers glimpses of waterfalls and takes you past the Candelabra Fir, a huge tree that towers over the surrounding forest. Not recommended after November.
  • How long: 4 hours or 7 km
  • Where: Starts and ends on Millstream Road near Henlow Road in the British Properties area.
  • Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take buses 250 then 254 instead.
DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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