Victoria Fall Guide 2025
Your guide to the ultimate Victoria vacation - cozy edition!Fall Activities
Catch a Show
Victoria’s theatre scene is vibrant and diverse, blending historic charm with contemporary storytelling. From the grand Royal Theatre and the intimate McPherson Playhouse to the innovative Belfry Theatre in Fernwood, the city offers everything from Broadway tours and symphonies to Canadian plays and local performances. Whether you’re looking for world-class productions or community-driven shows, Victoria’s theatres provide a rich cultural experience year-round.
Royal Theatre
The Royal Theatre in downtown Victoria is a beautifully restored Edwardian-era playhouse that’s been entertaining audiences since 1913. With its ornate chandeliers, velvet seats, and grand architecture, it’s the city’s premier stage for everything from Broadway shows and ballet to symphony concerts and comedy. A visit here is both a cultural experience and a step back in time. Browse their calendar today!
McPherson Playhouse
The McPherson Playhouse, affectionately known as “The Mac,” is a charming historic theatre in Victoria’s Old Town. Originally built in 1914 as a vaudeville house, it now hosts concerts, plays, film festivals, and community performances. With its intimate size, ornate details, and rich history, it’s one of the city’s most beloved cultural venues. Check out the upcoming shows here!
Belfry Theatre
The Belfry Theatre, housed in a renovated 19th-century church in Victoria’s Fernwood neighbourhood, is known for its intimate setting and focus on contemporary Canadian plays. With thought-provoking productions and a commitment to local storytelling, the Belfry is a cultural hub that brings fresh, engaging theatre to the heart of the community. See what’s coming up!
Butchart Gardens
A visit to Victoria, BC isn’t complete without experiencing the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Founded by Jennie Butchart in 1904, this former limestone quarry has blossomed into one of Canada’s most iconic horticultural landmarks. Open year-round, Butchart Gardens is especially stunning in the fall, when its vibrant floral displays are transitioning to autumn hues.
Visiting Butchart Gardens in the fall offers a serene and visually stunning experience. From October 1 to November 30, the gardens transform as warm days give way to crisp nights, bringing out a vibrant palette of red, russet, and golden hues in the trees and shrubs.
The Japanese Garden is particularly enchanting during this season. Its winding pathways are adorned with brilliant Japanese maples, creating a canopy of fiery colors that filter the sunlight, casting a warm glow throughout the garden.
In addition to the changing foliage, the gardens feature seasonal blooms, adding bursts of color to the landscape. Visitors can also enjoy the quieter atmosphere, with fewer crowds allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the 55-acre grounds.
Cider Tasting!
Victoria is the perfect place to sip and savour craft cider. Just outside the city, orchards like Sea Cider and Merridale Cidery offer tastings of crisp, small-batch ciders made from local apples, pears, and berries. With scenic views, harvest vibes, and unique seasonal flavours, a cider tasting is a delicious way to experience Vancouver Island’s fall bounty.
Sea Cider Farm
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, located in Saanichton, is a picturesque orchard overlooking the ocean. Known for its award-winning organic ciders, Sea Cider offers tastings that range from crisp and refreshing to rich and spiced, all crafted from local heritage apples. With stunning views and a cozy tasting room, it’s a must-visit for cider lovers.
Merridale Cidery
Merridale Cidery & Distillery, nestled in the scenic Cowichan Valley near Victoria, is a family-owned orchard known for its handcrafted ciders and small-batch spirits. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a rustic, charming setting, stroll through the apple orchards, and savor locally inspired flavors that capture the essence of Vancouver Island’s harvest season.
Salt Spring Wild Cider
Salt Spring Wild Cider is a craft cidery located on Salt Spring Island. The cidery operates year-round, and visitors can enjoy a range of ciders, from dry and semi-dry to fruit-infused blends, all crafted using traditional wild fermentation methods. The tasting room offers indoor and outdoor seating, and the property is dog- and kid-friendly, making it a welcoming destination for all.
Galey Farms
Galey Farms is a beloved fall destination, offering a delightful mix of family-friendly activities and seasonal charm.
Visitors can embark on a scenic ride aboard the Farm Train, which winds through the fields and past whimsical displays. The expansive 7-acre Corn Maze provides hours of fun with its intricate paths and themed areas, including an Old Western town and ancient Egyptian tombs.
For those seeking a spookier experience, the Festival of Fear features the Corn Maze of Horror, a haunted house in the Old West Town, and the eerie Carnevil haunted house, designed for thrill-seekers aged 13 and up.
Families can also enjoy hayrides to the pumpkin patch, where they can pick their own pumpkins, and explore the petting farm and playground for younger children.
With its blend of festive activities and scenic surroundings, Galey Farms offers a quintessential fall experience in Victoria.
High Tea
If you’ve made it this far, indulging in high tea is an experience you won’t want to miss. This elegant tradition is a delightful nod to Victoria’s British heritage, and one of the city’s most iconic culinary experiences.
Several renowned afternoon tea spots in downtown Victoria offer a perfect blend of sophistication and charm—complete with fine China, tiered trays of finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and premium teas.
While this activity can be enjoyed year-round, there’s like a warm cup of tea on a cool fall day!
The Empress
For a truly regal experience, don’t miss afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress—one of the most iconic and luxurious high tea experiences in Victoria, BC. Set in the elegant Lobby Lounge of the historic hotel, this tradition has been delighting guests for over a century.
The Fairmont Empress also offers an exclusive collection of premium loose-leaf teas, served in royal China gifted by Queen Elizabeth herself in 1939, adding an authentic royal touch to this quintessential Victoria afternoon tea experience.
Pendray Inn & Tea House
If you’re looking for a cozier afternoon tea experience, the Pendray Inn & Tea House is the perfect choice. Located in a beautifully restored heritage mansion, the Pendray offers a warm, historic setting that blends charm, comfort, and sophistication.
Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu of afternoon tea delights, with vegan, gluten-free, and children’s options available—making it one of the most inclusive high tea experiences. For something a little different, the Scottish High Tea is a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic sit-down, featuring unique menu items inspired by traditional Scottish fare.
Fall Artisan Markets
As the weather cools and leaves begin to glow, Victoria’s fall markets come alive with a warm burst of local flavour, art, and community. Whether you’re shopping for crisp fall produce, baked goods, candles, or handcrafted gifts, the range of possibilities is inspiring.
Esquimalt Farmer's Market
As summer winds down, the Esquimalt Farmers Market shifts indoors, beginning the first Thursday in October at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre.
Every Thursday from 4:30-7:00pm (through mid-December), visitors can browse a bountiful mix of local produce, baked goods (including gluten-free varieties), preserves, honey, meats, sauces, prepared meals, handmade gifts, flowers, and more.
Fall Harvest Market - Patio Gardens
Get ready to welcome autumn at the Fall Harvest Market at Patio Gardens! Taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, this intimate, one-day market brings together local vendors under the greenhouse.
Expect handcrafted goods, seasonal décor, fall treats & a cozy vibe — perfect for a leisurely autumn day with family or friends. Admission is free.
Moss Street Market
As summer winds down, Moss Street Farmers Market eases into its fall rhythm. Located at Sir James Douglas School, it runs outdoors on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM through October.
Once November hits, the market moves indoors and operates shorter hours, turning into a warm gathering spot full of fall produce, preserves, crafts, and comfort food.
Walking Tours
There’s no better time than autumn to explore Victoria by foot. As the city cools and the foliage turns gold and crimson, walking tours take on a new magic—crisp air, fewer crowds, and a rich sense of season.
Stroll through James Bay’s elegant tree-lined streets, wander the gardens at twilight, or trace the waterfront paths. Each step becomes part of the story.
Off the Eaten Track
Discover Off the Eaten Track Food Tours—Victoria’s original and largest culinary walking tour company. Since 2012, they’ve been offering guided food tours in Victoria, BC that highlight the city’s hidden gems, historic neighborhoods, and locally loved eateries.
Each tour includes delicious tastings, rich storytelling, and insider tips from passionate local guides. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local foodie, Off the Eaten Track provides a fun and flavorful way to experience the city like never before.
Discover the Past
For one of the most captivating historical experiences in Victoria, join Discover the Past Walking Tours. Led by renowned historian John Adams, these tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s heritage. Their popular nightly Ghost Tours in Victoria are a must-do for anyone interested in haunted history, legends, and eerie tales from centuries past.
Discover the Past also offers walking tours in French, making them a great choice for French-speaking visitors to Victoria. It’s an unforgettable way to explore the city’s hidden stories, one step at a time!
The Girl in Victoria
Looking for a more personalized way to get around? Check out That Girl in Victoria, a boutique self-guided and driving tour company created by Michele Davis. Known for her warm personality and in-depth knowledge of the city, Michele offers customized tours that combine local history, storytelling, and fun facts with curated stops for shopping, afternoon tea, or even a beach picnic!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or want to see the city through a local’s eyes, That Girl in Victoria delivers a unique and memorable Victoria sightseeing experience at your own pace.
Fall Events
September
- Esquimalt Ribfest (September 5–7)
- Esquimalt Ribfest is Victoria’s biggest three-day BBQ bash. Over the weekend, you can expect racks of smoky ribs, vibrant food trucks, craft beer, wine & cider, live music, and family-friendly fun.
- Great Canadian Beer Festival (September 6–7)
- The Great Canadian Beer Festival has long been one of Victoria’s signature fall beer events, celebrating craft breweries from across Canada with tastings, live music, food vendors, and plenty of beer-lover camaraderie.
- Rifflandia Music Festival (September 11–14)
- Rifflandia is one of Victoria’s biggest and most beloved music & arts festivals . The lineup is eclectic and exciting, with headline acts like Alessia Cara, Public Enemy, NxWorries, Sleater-Kinney, The Dead South, and many more.
- Autumn Lantern Festival (September 13)
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Celebrate the arrival of fall with this free, family-friendly event hosted by Saanich Parks, Recreation & Community Services. This enchanting evening features: illuminated lantern displays, cultural entertainment, food trucks & a lantern-making workshop
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- Cider Harvest Festival (September 21)
- Celebrate the best of BC craft cider at Merridale’s 7th Annual Cider Harvest Festival. This outdoor event brings together farm-based cideries from across British Columbia, each ticket includes admission, a souvenir tasting glass, and round-trip transportation from Victoria, Westshore, Duncan, or Nanaimo.
- Brewery & The Beast Culinary Festival (September 21)
- This all-inclusive culinary festival brings together over 50 of the region’s top chefs and restaurants, each serving up exclusive dishes crafted with responsibly sourced local ingredients and cooked over live fire. Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings of premium wines, craft beers, ciders, cocktails, and zero-proof beverages, all included with admission.
- South Island Pow Wow & Truth & Reconciliation Day events (September 30)
- This fall, Victoria offers several meaningful opportunities to engage with Indigenous communities and reflect on the journey toward reconciliation. The 4th Annual South Island Powwow will take place at Royal Athletic Park. Hosted by the Songhees Nation, this free, all-ages event features traditional song and dance, honouring survivors of residential schools and celebrating Indigenous culture.
October
- Victoria International Wine Festival (Oct 3-5)
- Sample wines from around the world at this premier festival featuring tastings, seminars, and wine dinners. Held at the Victoria Conference Centre, it’s a must-attend for wine enthusiasts.
- Victoria Tea Festival (Oct 4)
- Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this grassroots farm-to-cup experience. Enjoy tea tastings, a symposium, live music, food, and an antique teaware gallery at Nootka Court.
- Royal Victoria Marathon (Oct 10-12)
- Join runners from around the world for the 45th annual marathon, featuring a full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run. The event includes a race expo and supports the BC Cancer Foundation.
- Art of the Cocktail (Oct 18)
- Indulge in a night of creative cocktails, culinary delights, and live entertainment at this annual event celebrating the art of mixology.
- Ghostly Walks Halloween Tours (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
- Experience Victoria’s haunted history with themed walking tours departing from Market Square. Tours feature tales of star-crossed lovers and mysterious ghosts, perfect for the Halloween season