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 British Columbia’s capital city. There are plenty of great things to do in Victoria in October. If you are looking for fall seasonal events whether you are a Victoria local or a visitor to the city, use these 10 great things to do in Victoria in October.
10 Great Things to do in Victoria in October
Take a Ghost Tour
Victoria is known as one of Canada’s most haunted cities. Some of the highlights from previous years include: the ghost of the star-crossed Chinese lover, the ghost in the Broad Street bordello, a famous doppelgänger, the mysterious ghost in Trounce Alley, hauntings in Helmcken Alley and classic tales from Bastion Square, the story of the ghost of Belle Adams who slit her boyfriend’s throat, a Jack-the Ripper-style murder and more. If you are visiting Victoria with teenagers, this is a fun seasonal activity!
Book Online: https://discoverthepast.com/ghostly-walks/
See Fall Foliage at Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is an internationally-renowned 55-acre display garden located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. The gardens were created by Jennie Butchart, and are still privately owned and operated by the family. The Butchart Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004. You can also do this in Victoria in November before they start their holiday festivities. For those who come on a day trip to Victoria, this is one of the most popular attractions.
Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
Visit Galey Farms
Visit Galey Farms for all kinds of October fun! Check out Pumpkinfest, Oct 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30th. It includes a corn maze, farm train, haunted hours, hay rides to the pumpkin patch! For those who want a scary experience there is the Festival of Fear Oct 13, 14, 15, 16, and daily on the 20th through the 31st. For the really brave there is Carnevil running October 13, 14, 15, 16 and daily from Oct 20th to 31st.
Address: 4150 Blenkinsop Road, Victoria,
More Info: http://www.galeyfarms.net/
Take a Food Tour in Victoria in October
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.
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.
RELATED: Looking to get out and enjoy a meal? Check out this post on the top Victoria waterfront restaurants!
Check out the Goldstream Salmon Run
In late October, the salmon can be seen fighting their way upstream at Goldstream Provincial Park. There are 5 species of salmon you can spot. The Chum salmon that is most prevalent but you can also spot Coho, Chinook, Steelhead and Cutthroat trout.
More Info: https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/goldstream/
Maud Lewis at the Art Gallery
Until October 30th 2022, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is pleased to present a retrospective of over 130 paintings by one of Canada’s most beloved folk artists, Maud Lewis (1903–1970).
Location: 1040 Moss Street, Victoria
More Info: https://aggv.ca/exhibits/maud-lewis-summer-2022/
Enjoy High Tea in Victoria
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. Whether you opt for fall colors as your backdrop and enjoy tea at Butchart Gardens or opt for the Farimont Empress, you have options when it comes to booking high tea in Victoria.
Where to see Fall Colors in Victoria in October
If you’re looking for the perfect place to soak in some fall colours, then these places should be a shoe in. In October, the foliage in Victoria comes 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
October in Victoria: What to Pack
It does not typically get frosty but expect wet and sometimes cool weather in Victoria in October. 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 Victoria in October
Victoria has a moderate climate for most of the year. Pack layers in the fall, as many days are cloudy. There is about a 50% chance of rain, especially towards the end of the month.
Average high temperatures are 15 °C to 11 °C (warmer in the earlier part of the month) and average low temperatures for Victoria in October are between 9 °C to 6 °C
It will rarely drop below 3°C so you do not need to worry about frost or snow.
Is October a good time to Visit Victoria
October is considered the offseason to visit much of British Columbia but can be the best time for fall colors, and cool crisp days. The summer months are the peak season to visit Victoria. The cruise ship season ends at the end of September, so if you want to visit without crowds, October is a good time to come into British Columbia’s capital city.
Where to Stay in Victoria
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 Victoria Resources
Other seasonal posts: Victoria at Christmas, Fall in Vancouver, Nanaimo in October.
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 reccommened for vehicles. Otherwise, waits of up to a few hours are common.
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!