AUTUMN ADVENTURES
Explore B.C., from mountains to sea
Having trouble letting go of summer? Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean it’s time to hunker down for the winter. With autumn colours at full blast and harvest events on tap, fall is a great time to check out some of what the province has to offer.
Explore the beauty of the great outdoors and the charms of small town B.C. during the day and come back to the comforts of a mountain retreat, a luxury lodge, or a roaring fire in a cosy cabin. Here are a few places recommended by Destination B.C.
LUND RESORT AT KLAH AH MEN
Located on the Sunshine Coast north of Powell River, the Lund Resort at Klah ah men is a historic seaside lodge inspired by the art and culture of the Tla’amin Nation. This Indigenous resort is also home to a gallery where you can immerse yourself in local Coast Salish art.
Zodiac and kayaking tours of Desolation Sound are perfect to experience in autumn, as well as guided day hikes on the Sunshine Coast Trail and nature packages, including a Forest Discovery Package to learn about the hidden secrets of the temperate rainforest.
Pick up a blackberry cinnamon bun at Lund’s Nancy’s Bakery and then head into Powell River, a historic mill town with entrepreneurial spirit. Check out a film at Canada’s longest-running movie theatre, The Patricia, and be sure to sip something seasonal at Townsite Brewing.
ROWENA’S INN ON THE RIVER AT SANDPIPER RESORT
In Harrison Mills, a grand, storied English-style manor stands on the banks of the Harrison River. Rowena’s Inn on the River at Sandpiper Resort has stately rooms as well as cabins for your cosy fall enjoyment.
The cabins come with heated-slate floors, deep-soaker Jacuzzi tubs for two, and wood-burning fireplaces depending on the type of accommodation you decide to book.
The 18-hole Sandpiper Resort Golf Course is open all year and enjoy an in-room spa service when you are done with your day exploring the area.
Time your stay with the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival (Nov. 16 and 17) to celebrate fall in the Fraser Valley.
COWICHAN RIVER LODGE
Cowichan River Lodge offers the perfect autumn home base for exploring the Cowichan region of Vancouver Island, or if you’re an angler, a variety of fishing packages. The Cowichan River teems with rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, steelhead and salmon (all fishing on the Cowichan River is catch and release).
Chemainus River Provincial Park and the 750-hectare Cowichan
River Provincial Park provide easy nature walks for enjoying fall colours.
The nearby town of Duncan is perhaps most famous for its distinctive hand-carved cedar totem poles, which are on public display in parks and downtown streets, but most don’t realize it is also home to one of the largest farmers markets in B.C.
You could spend days exploring the many farms, wineries, cideries, breweries, distilleries, artists and artisans that dot the fertile landscape of the Cowichan Valley. Visit in November for Cowichan’s Eat. Stay. Play. to attend the region’s many culinary events that celebrate the harvest season.
QUAAOUT LODGE & SPA
In Secwépemc Territory, on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake northeast of Kamloops, stands the Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort.
Stroll the quiet sandy beach or take in the views of the lake and mountains from your own private balcony or patio. Upgrade to get an in-suite Jacuzzi and fireplace, or treat yourself at the Lodge’s Le7ke Spa, inspired by First Nations design and decor traditions. Then, enjoy a locally-inspired meal overlooking the lake at Jack Sam’s.
Taking in the sockeye salmon run, one of the largest in North America on the Adams River in Tsútswecw Provincial Park, is only minutes away and is a major fall activity in the Shuswap. It’s always worth a visit in fall to witness this ancient and memorable homecoming.