Of all the months in the year, so many people love October. The crunch of the leaves, the crisp weather, the pumpkin spice, and the great things to do in and around the city. There are plenty of great things to do in Vancouver in the fall. I have come up with a list of 10 great things to do in Vancouver in October and hope this helps you get out in about in Metro Vancouver this fall.
10 Great Things to do in Vancouver in October
Metro Vancouver Pumpkin Patches
October in Vancouver means that the pumpkin patches around Metro Vancouver are open. Check out these lists of Pumpkin Patches: Pumpkin patches in Vancouver, Pumpkin Patches in Langley, Pumpkin Patches in Surrey, Pumpkin Patches in Abbotsford.
Take a look at the Vancouver weather in October before heading to the patch! Even if sun is in the forecast, you are likely going to want boots!
Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour
Get a glimpse into Vancouver’s rough and rowdy past on a walking tour of the historic Gastown neighborhood. Hear haunting tales of the city’s darkest days, when fires, smallpox, and gold dust fever swept through the frontier outpost. Visit various landmarks and historic sites as your guide evokes the thieves, hustlers, and vagabonds that made the West so wild.
Dates: Daily in October
Tickets: Online here
Granville Island Market Tour
This is for the foodies. Enjoy a 2-hour walking tour of the vibrant Granville Island Public Market. Learn about Vancouver’s eclectic food culture, browse diverse products, and meet local artisans and vendors. In a small group, taste regional foods from fine cheeses and meats to local wine and fresh baked goods. Get a dose of culinary education as you explore, sample, and get insider tips on the area’s best eateries from your expert guide.
Tickets: Online here
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Capilano Suspension Bridge Presents Canyon Frights
Decorated with festive pumpkins and spooky displays, the Park is the place to be to celebrate the autumn season and revel in the frightful fun of Halloween. Kids of all ages can join in Halloween-themed games or complete the Canyon Frights Scavenger Hunt to win prizes! Explore the Park, take Instagram-worthy photos and visit the beautiful birds of Raptors Ridge, who are at the Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
Dates: 10am – 8pm Oct 13th to 31st 2023
Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
More info: Costumes should be child-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive or violent. Costume masks will not be permitted. Costumes should not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest. Costumes should not contain any weapons which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
Fly Over Canada’s Howl over Canada
The award-winning Fly Over Canada has a seasonal spectacular in October in Vancouver. Named HowlOver Canada, ioin Biker Mama the Witch on an unforgettable Halloween flight ride for all ages. HowlOver Canada lets you soar through the skies with a band of spooky sidekicks on your way to a music festival that’s out of this world. There’s still broom—but get your tickets today. HowlOver Canada is still TBD for 2023. It is suggested to buy tickets online in advance.
Tickets: Book your tickets online in advance here for the lowest price and to ensure availability.
Dates: TBD for 2023
Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC
Important Notes: The queue is partially exposed to the elements. Ensure you wear proper attire. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance.
Visit Playland for Fright Nights
Fright Nights is back in 2023 for its 20th anniversary! On October 6, 2023, Fright Nights will once again be transformed into a terrifying Halloween-themed experience with haunted houses, rides, creepy décor, and live performances.
Check out our new attractions including the new haunted house, The Void, and the return of Carn-Evil!
Fright Nights is recommended for people 13 years and older. Guests are not permitted to wear costumes or costume makeup.
Dates: October 6-31 on select nights
Location: Pacific National Exhibition 2901 Hastings East Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
More Info: https://frightnights.ca/
More Haunted Houses in Metro Vancouver this season!
Take a Hike
While October days are still warm and sunny (amidst cold showers), when you get a dry day, hit up one of the popular local hikes! The summer crowds are gone and the fall foliage is stunning all over Metro Vancouver. As of October 1st, day passes are no longer required in BC Parks.
Check out the best places to see fall colors in Vancouver and these easy hikes in Metro Vancouver to get some ideas.
Staycation in the City
October is a great time of year for a Vancouver Staycation. Hotel deals are abundant at this time of year and crowds are minimal in the city as most locals are back to the fall routine of work and school and extracurricular activities. Check out some of the best Vancouver hotels with pools to enjoy that last little bit of summer!
Haunted Corn Maze Anyone?
Maan Farms has some of the best things to do in the Fraser Valley in October! It boasts the scariest corn maze in Canada, and for good reason. Maan Farms is bringing four dedicated experiences for 2023: Homestead, The Way Down, Slaughterhouse, and Midway.
Seasonal treats at Maan Farms include wine-filled ‘blood’ bags at the Blood Bar, Naan Tacos, Mad Jack Pumpkin Spice wine, and Creepy Cloud Cocktail along with signature favourites, such as the Double Pumpkin SpiceCream, field-to-plate pumpkin pie, Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts, and Mama Maan’s legendary butter chicken bowls, samosas, and chai tea.
If you are not into the Haunting, consider goat yoga. Available Oct 5th 6:30pm and Oct 11th 6:30pm
Location: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
TICKETS: Available online here
DATES: Now until October 31st 2023
October Vancouver Walking Tours
As Halloween draws near, follow the lamplight of your guide into Vancouver’s earliest and most gruesome history. You’ll step inside a world of murder, revenge, and true grit in a dramatic retelling of Victorian Gastown’s earliest stories. Tales of deadly fire and smallpox emerge from the shadows as you venture through cobblestone streets to the shocking finale in this unique performance-theatre experience.
Information: Get tickets online here
Dates: Oct 13-30th Nightly 7:00pm to 8:30pm
October Vancouver Food Tours
The Legendary Gastown Food tour takes you through the cobbled stone streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Enjoy local craft beer, Japanese Kar-age style chicken, freshly made Sicilian Tortellini with local wine, battered fish with hand cut fries, tasty Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, organic smooth soft ice cream, creamy awarding-winning cheesecake, and delicious hand-made chocolates!
On this 2.5 hour walking food tour, professional improv comedy actors full of passion for the city and its food will share the fascinating and funny little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years. Learn about Gassy Jack, Gastown’s notorious founder and the stories that him famous and put Vancouver on the map.
Tickets: Buy your tickets online here
Take a Brewery Tour
Craft beer is all over Metro Vancouver. Why not find out more about this bubbling industry with a behind the scenes brewery tour!
Enjoy a taste of Vancouver’s hip craft brewery scene at three highly rated breweries. You’ll sample a nice variety of locally crafted brews while someone else does all the driving. Meet downtown at the Waterfront Station for a small group tour that includes VIP tours at each of the breweries, plus priority seating to get you to the beer quicker!
Book Online: here
October in Vancouver: What to Pack
As mentioned above, it does not get extremely cold, but expect wet and sometimes cool weather. On the flip side, you can have sunny days and shorts weather early on in the month. You will want a light waterproof jacket if you get a rainy day, but light layers should get you by most of the time. Bring closed-toed shoes and some type of waterproof footwear.
Weather in Vancouver in October
Vancouver has a moderate climate for most of the year. It does not get the cold snowy weather that you will find in much fo the rest of Canada, but it is important to plan for the elements just in case.
Does in Snow in Vancouver in October
The tops of the ski hills often get their first dusting in October, but no, it does not generally snow in Vancouver or most of Canada in October. Ensure you are prepared for rain however.
Is October a good time to Visit Vancouver
October is considered the offseason to visit much of British Columbia but can be the best time for fall colors, and cool crisp days. Generally, the local ski hills are not open and Whistler Blackcomb traditionally opens in line with American Thanksgiving. The summer months are peak season to visit Vancouver, so if you want to visit without crowds, October is a good time to come into the city. It rains 20 out of 30 days of the month, so make sure you plan for at least a chance of rain. You will experience the fall foilage all over Metro Vancouver and could luck out with a stretch of multiple sunny days, especially in the early parts of the month.
Things to do in Vancouver by Month:
Things to do in Vancouver in January
Things to do in Vancouver in February
Things to do in Vancouver in March
Things to do in Vancouver in April
Things to do in Vancouver in May
Things to do in Vancouver in September
Things to do in November in Vancouver
Things to do in December in Vancouver
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!