Fall for Victoria in November with these Special Events and Activities

Whether you live in Victoria or are planning to spend some time in Victoria in November, it is the start of many holiday events! November is low season in Victoria but it is the perfect time to enjoy crisp, sunny days and uncrowded downtown streets! One of the most popular things to do in Victoria in November is still getting outdoors, it is the perfect time to see the salmon in Goldstream.

Things to do in Victoria in November

Goldstream Salmon Run

For the ultimate West Coast experience, head to Goldstream Provincial Park for the annual salmon run. From mid-October until early December each year, thousands of salmon return to the river at Goldstream to spawn and die.

The Chum salmon that is most prevalent but you can also spot Coho, Chinook, Steelhead and Cutthroat trout. This is an incredible natural phenomena and one of the unique things you can do in Victoria in November.

More Info: https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/goldstream/

Watch the Victoria Royals

The Victoria Royals are a major junior ice hockey team based in Victoria. The Royals are in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and play their home game at the Save On Foods Memorial Arena. It is a fun atmosphere for even a casual hockey fan as these young kids are playing some of the best hockey of their careers. If you are visiting Victoria with teens, this is a fun evening event, even for the casual hockey fan.

Butchart Gardens

Experience the magic of The Butchart Gardens with all of the fall colors! Boasting hues of ambers and gold, the gardens this time of year don’t disappoint as they make their way into the winter season. Butchart Gardens is an internationally-renowned 55-acre display garden located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. The gardens were created by Jennie Butchart, and still privately owned and operated by the family. The Butchart Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004. Whether you live in the city or are visiting from out of town, this is something we always include on our three-day Victoria itinerary. You can also book high-tea service during your visit to Butchart Gardens.

Tickets: You can buy tickets on arrival or hop on a Butchart Gardens shuttle

Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay

Take a Cowichan Valley Wine Tour

Visitors and locals are increasingly taking tours of local wineries. Located just outside of Victoria, Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s thriving wine region. This Cowichan Valley wine tour takes you to several family-owned wineries and past scenic landscapes along the way. While wine is the focus, the day also features a farm-to-table lunch of your choice paired with a flight of local, organic hard ciders.

Tickets: Book here

Take a Food Tour in Victoria in November

One of the best things to do in any city is a food tour. One of the best is Victoria’s history and food tour! Follow a guide to highlights such as the Parliament Buildings, the Inner Harbor Causeway, Trounce Alley, Bastion and Market squares, Fan Tan Alley, the Harmonious Gates of Interest, and the Victoria Public Market. Along the way, stop for between food tastings of craft beer, chocolate, tea, tapas, cheese, bread, olive oil, and have time to do some souvenir shopping for local products.

Tickets: Book here

Beacon Hill Park Carriage Tours

Horse Drawn Tours in Victoria are one of the most popular things to do at any time of year and even more magical during the Christmas season. Discover the beauty of downtown Victoria on this 45-minute Beacon Hill Park carriage tour. Travel in style along the winding roadways around Beacon Hill Park, discover St Anne’s Academy, the Empress Hotel, and the Church Of Our Lord, and listen as your driver shares tales and folklore from Victoria’s past.

Tours are by carriage and fit between 1 and 6 people.

Tickets: Click Here to Book Online

Breakfast with Santa at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

He’s making a list and coming to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel to check it twice. This family-style brunch service will include cookie decorating at each table, and a visit from Mr. Claus himself. These brunches start in November this year. You can get more info on Santa breakfasts in Victoria during the holiday season.

PRICES: Adult $99.00, Child (3 to 12 years old) $59.00, 2 and under FREE

DATES FOR 2023: Dec 3rd, 10th, 23rd

RESERVATIONS: 2 to 6 guests per table, reservations required, pre-paid and booked online.

LOCATION: 1175 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC

Book a High Tea

The tradition of afternoon tea in Victoria has its roots in the city’s rich history and British influence. The practice can be traced back to the late 19th century when Victoria served as a bustling hub for the British Empire in North America. Check out where to have high tea in Victoria this fall.

Enjoy a Local Christmas Market in November

Most of the Christmas Markets in Victoria occur in November. You can check out the list: Christmas Markets in Victoria and make a list of the ones you want to attend!

Watch the Santa Claus Parade

2023 marks the 41st Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade. It occurs on November 25, 2023 starting at 5:20pm. The new route starts at Belleville and Government.

The route will move north along Government, east on Humboldt and North on Douglas where it will disperse at the Victoria Public Market. Road closures will begin downtown at 3pm for marshalling.

CHEK News will be broadcasting live if you want to catch yourself on TV when you attend! More info on the event can be found here.

Location: Starts at Belleville & Government. Moves along Government, east on Humboldt and North on Douglas. Finishes at Victoria Public Market.

Date: November 25th, 2023 starting at 5:20pm

Cost: Free (donations welcome)

Festival of Trees

Back at the Bay Centre is the Festival of Trees in Victoria starting in November. It is the official host of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation holiday campaign. The Bay Centre is a great place if you are in Victoria with teens who like shopping! It is one of the best places to find something for the whole family during the holidays.

Location: Bay Centre 1150 Douglas St

Dates: November 16, 2023 to January 3, 2024

Where to see Fall Colors in Victoria in November

If you’re looking for the perfect place to soak in some fall colours, then these places should be a shoe-in. In November, the foliage in Victoria is still alive with stunning fall colors! There are several places to visit to see fall colors in October:

• Beacon Hill Park
• Hatley Castle’s Japanese Garden
• Butchart Gardens
• Galloping Goose Trail
• Gorge Waterway
• University of Victoria Campus
• Goldstream Park
• Lochside Trail

Weather in Victoria In November

Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada. However, Victoria weather in November is cool and wet. Victoria is a popular city in BC and there are so many things to do any time of the year. Ensure you dress appropriately to ensure your visit is comfortable.

The weather in Victoria in November is cooler and wetter than October. The average high during the day is 10 degrees Celcius and 3-4 degrees at night. The average precipitation is 165 mm and it rains about 15 days out of the month.

Where to Stay in Victoria in November

LUXURY: Delta by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe or Fairmont Empress or Sheraton Victoria

MIDRANGE: Accent Inn or Best Western Inner Harbour or Hotel Zed

BUDGET: Island Travel Inn or Ocean Island Backpackers

More Resources for Visiting Victoria Canada

Want to know what the top things to do in British Columbia or Top Vancouver things to do. Both of those posts should keep you busy with activities.

More Seasonal posts: Things to do in Victoria in October and tips for Christmas in Victoria.

If your plans for Vancouver Island include Tofino or Ucluelet, check out these posts on AirBNBs in Tofino and AirBNBs in Ucluelet.

If you are just starting the planning, you can also have a read of other British Columbia destinations for Christmas. Check out my guide to Whistler at Christmas for some other holiday ideas!

How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver

Victoria lies on Vancouver Island and can be accessed by air or by ferry. There are flights from YVR Vancouver Airport to YJJ Victoria Airport and also Harbour Seaplanes that fly from Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Victoria. Helicopter service also exists with Helijet.

Ferry is the other option to get to Victoria from Vancouver. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is about 30 mins from downtown Vancouver and has several ferries per day (every hour at peak season). If you have a car you can drive on the ferry, you can take a bus from Vancouver that will continue into Victoria, or you can walk on and take public transit into the city.

Ferry reservations are currently recommended for vehicles. Otherwise, waits of up to a few hours are common.

Renting a Car in British Columbia

Rental Cars are very popular in British Columbia. There is just so much to see and there is not a train or bus network outside of Metro Vancouver or Victoria. If you plan on leaving Vancouver and want to see even the local ski hills, I suggest a rental car. You can get a rental car before you arrive.