Fall Adventures: Safaris, Sailing, & Stargazing
British Columbia is one of the best places to travel in the fall — imagine the quintessential autumn scene; misty mornings, glowing foliage, crisp-fresh air, and an abundance of afternoon sunshine. It’s arguably the best time of year in BC, as it’s not too hot nor too cold, there are fewer crowds, and there’s often lower shoulder season prices.
To celebrate this upcoming fall season, we’ve put together a 3-part series on where you can travel and what you can do. In this first piece, we’ve highlighted 6 things to do around the interior, the coast, and Vancouver Island.
BLUEWATER ADVENTURES
Bluewater Adventures
Sail through the central and northern coast of BC with Bluewater Adventures, aboard an 80 ft sloop called Island Solitude. Operating under protocol agreements with coastal First Nations, they navigate the waterways of traditional territories in search of wildlife. From one remote anchorage to the next, days are filled exploring tidal estuaries for grizzlies, encountering the massive blows of humpback whales, or sitting quietly at the edge of a remote salmon spawning stream — cameras poised, hoping for a glimpse of the spirit bear. Trips are learning journeys bolstered with knowledge from Gitga’at bear guides who share their expertise on local wildlife and ecosystems. Bluewater Adventures’ last trip runs from October 17th to 21st, so head to their website to secure your spot today.
SIWASH LAKE
SIWASH LAKE
SIWASH LAKE
Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort
If transformative travel is on your list, then Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort checks that box. Fly via floatplane to this world-class eco lodge based in the Cariboo region of BC’s interior, among a unique, post-wildfire setting. Stay in one of their canvas-clad glamping tents, each equipped with a skylight above their beds for an optimal star gazing experience — or, in a charming suite in either the log-hewn ranch house or barn. Start the morning with an outdoor shower in the fresh fall air, followed by activities such as catch and release fly-fishing, or cross terrain archery… or spend the day admiring magnificent fall colours illuminating from aspen trees as you explore 80,000 acres of rugged wilderness on horseback. Top it all off with a 3-course fine dining experience complemented by wine pairing recommendations from one of their onsite sommeliers, before soaking in the wood-fired cedar hot tub. Siwash Lake is open for bookings until October 15th.
PRINCE OF WHALES WHALE & MARINE WILDLIFE ADVENTURES
Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures
If you’re seeking a whale watching adventure this fall, Prince of Whales (POW) has you covered. With a team made up of marines, educators, entertainers, scientists, and conservationists — they’ll take you to secret spots of the Salish Sea to watch humpback whales, grey whales, minke whales, and killer whales (orcas) while they frolic and feed. POW has whale watching expeditions leaving from Telegraph Cove until September 30th and from Vancouver until November 6th, with year-round trips offered from Victoria.
CAMPBELL RIVER WHALE WATCHING & ADVENTURE TOURS
Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventures Tours
If you find yourself around Campbell River this fall, check out Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours, known as Vancouver Island’s first carbon neutral eco-tour company — offering ethical and educational wildlife viewing. Explore the Bute and Toba inlets on one of their grizzly bear viewing tours, or join in on an open water whale watching and wildlife tour. They have partnered with another WTA member, Wildcoast Adventures, to offer a half day kayaking expedition to those seeking an active experience. If you are looking for a slightly different pace, try one of their winery and brewery tours. Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours is open until October 15th, with the opportunity to book private charters after.
OCEAN OUTFITTERS
OCEAN OUTFITTERS
OCEAN OUTFITTERS
Ocean Outfitters
Eager to get off the beaten path in Tofino? Ocean Outfitters will help you escape the busy downtown core to explore the remote corners of Clayoquot Sound on foot, standup paddle board, or kayak. You’ll glide through quiet inlets and intertidal zones, hike on temperate rainforest trails, and stroll along misty shorelines. If you’re looking for more action, join in on a whale watching, bear viewing, or a hot spring day tour. As the weather changes and tours are forced to stay inlet, you can take a 2.5 hour scenic cruise to learn about local history and issues that threaten the coast. Check out their website and book your adventure here.
STRATHCONA PARK LODGE
Strathcona Park Lodge
Have you ever heard of Strathcona Provincial Park? It’s the oldest provincial park in BC and the largest on Vancouver Island. Head over to Strathcona Park Lodge (SPL), located just outside the park, nestled on the shores of Upper Campbell Lake. This off-grid, wilderness retreat boasts 160 acres of secluded waterfront, hiking trails, and activity-based infrastructure. SPL also serves as an outdoor education center. Fall is a great time of year to enjoy soft adventures such as hiking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, however, also on offer is rock climbing, mountain biking and whitewater kayaking. SPL is open year-round, and over the winter they rent out their self-contained cabins ranging from one bedroom to four bedrooms.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
