British Columbia in October: Weather, Travel Tips, and Things to Do

This post is written by Tinashe, the creator behind the Discover BC Blog. He frequently travels across BC and lives in Vancouver.

October in British Columbia is when the province fully embraces the fall season. The cooler weather, stunning fall foliage, and festive activities make this a great time for cozy adventures and outdoor exploration.

Whether you’re in the mountains, on the coast, or exploring the vibrant cities, BC has plenty to offer in October.

British Columbia in October: Things To Know

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(credit: KimKim)

There’s so much happening in British Columbia in October.

Maybe you’re curious about the weather, searching for top travel destinations, or just hunting for the best places to eat.

This guide has all the details you need to make your trip to BC in October unforgettable.

Before we jump into the specifics, here are a few key things to know about visiting BC during this time of year:

British Columbia Weather in October

In October, the weather across BC begins to cool down significantly. Coastal regions like Vancouver and Victoria experience mild temperatures between 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F), with frequent rain showers, so a rain jacket is a must. 

In the interior areas like Kelowna and Kamloops, temperatures range from 4°C to 13°C (39°F to 55°F), and the crisp air makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Northern regions, such as Prince George, are much colder, with temperatures dropping to around -1°C to 8°C (30°F to 46°F), and there’s a chance of early snow.

Currency

Canada’s official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), symbolized as $ or CAD. Exchange rates vary, but at the time of writing, 1 USD is roughly equal to 1.40 CAD.

How to Get to British Columbia

Planning Your Trip Last Minute?⏰

By Ferry

If you’re planning to travel to British Columbia by ferry, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from, depending on your starting point.

From Vancouver Island, ferries connect Swartz Bay (near Victoria) with Tsawwassen or Departure Bay (near Nanaimo) with Horseshoe Bay, just north of Vancouver.

For travelers coming from the U.S., ferries from cities like Seattle and Port Angeles provide easy access to BC ports, including Victoria and Tsawwassen.

The journey itself is part of the adventure! You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Islands, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot seals or whales along the way.

By Plane

Flying into British Columbia is easy, with several airports offering connections across the province. 

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main hub, located in Richmond, just outside downtown Vancouver. 

For those exploring northern or interior BC, you can also fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Kelowna International Airport (YLW), or Prince George Airport (YXS).

BC Accommodation: 3 Best Hotels

In the table below you can find the best hotels in British Columbia and their locations. Further down in the post, you can read more details about these hotels.

Things to Do in British Columbia in October

October is the perfect time to enjoy BC’s fall colors, seasonal activities, and quieter tourist spots.

Fall Foliage Tours

October is prime time for leaf-peeping in BC. Head to Stanley Park in Vancouver or Beacon Hill Park in Victoria to see the beautiful autumn colors. If you’re looking for a scenic drive, the Sea-to-Sky Highway offers breathtaking views of the fall foliage and mountain landscapes.

Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals

Many farms across BC, especially in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island, host pumpkin patches and harvest festivals in October. Visit places like Taves Family Farms in Abbotsford or Maan Farms in Chilliwack for pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and fall treats.

Hiking and Nature Walks 

Enjoy the crisp fall air with hikes through forests and parks. Trails in places like Garibaldi Provincial Park, Joffre Lakes, and Mount Seymour offer great autumn hiking experiences. For a more relaxed walk, visit Lighthouse Park or Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Whale Watching

October is still a great time for whale watching on the BC coast. Orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales can often be spotted near Vancouver Island, especially around Victoria and Tofino.

Haunted Attractions and Halloween Fun

As Halloween approaches, BC offers many spooky attractions. Visit Fright Nights at the PNE in Vancouver or check out the Ghostly Walks in Victoria for a fun and eerie way to spend the evening.

Where to Go 

Vancouver: In October, Vancouver is perfect for exploring art galleries, museums, and cozy cafes while enjoying the fall colors in the city’s many parks. Don’t miss out on Vancouver’s local food scene, which warms up with hearty seasonal dishes.

Victoria: October in Victoria is a wonderful time to explore Butchart Gardens, which transforms into an autumn wonderland. Visit the Royal BC Museum, enjoy a stroll along the Inner Harbour, or take part in a spooky ghost tour through the historic streets.

Okanagan Valley: The Okanagan’s vineyards are in full harvest mode in October. Take a wine tour, enjoy the fall colors in the valley, and relax by Okanagan Lake before the colder winter months set in.

Whistler: While ski season hasn’t started yet, Whistler offers plenty of fall activities. Try hiking, mountain biking, or simply enjoy the quieter atmosphere before the winter rush. The fall foliage in the surrounding mountains is stunning at this time of year.

Places to Stay in October

Stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver for city luxury or the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino for a cozy, oceanfront retreat with stunning fall views.

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria offers comfort with a central location, while the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Kamloops is great for exploring the interior.

Here’s the best stays in BC:

BC in October: More Helpful Information

Getting Around

In October, the roads in BC are usually clear, but you should still be prepared for rain, especially on the coast. If traveling to higher elevations or northern regions, be aware that snow is possible, so winter tires might be required.

What to Pack

Be sure to pack layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. A waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are essential, especially for hiking or exploring in the rain. Don’t forget warm clothing if you’re heading to colder regions or the mountains.

Safety Tips

October can bring unpredictable weather in the mountains, so if you’re hiking or exploring the backcountry, check trail conditions and be prepared for changes in the weather. Also, keep an eye on wildlife activity, especially as bears prepare for hibernation.

Don’t forget to check more of our helpful guides:

• British Columbia in November
• British Columbia in December
• British Columbia in January