Crisp air, longer nights – it’s that time of the year again. Fall in Vancouver means Halloween events, Thanksgiving dinners and a line-up of fun festivals. Here is a quick list to help you make the most of this busy season.
1. Fall Colours
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – enjoying the fall foliage is an essential part of this gorgeous season and a visit to Vandusen Botanical Garden is a must-do this time of the year. Walk through the different gardens to see vibrant fall shades. This makes for a great family excursion – after your walk, you can enjoy a meal at Truffles Café located in the Visitor’s Centre.
2. Cups of steaming hot chocolate
Cold, crisp days are the perfect excuse to enjoy a sinfully rich hot chocolate. For a truly unforgettable cup of chocolate, head out to Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France in East Vancouver. This French-inspired chocolate café is the ideal place to grab that cup of cocoa, relax and imagine you’re in Paris. If one cup doesn’t do the trick, you can also give their drinking chocolate or chocolate tea a try.
3. Doors Open Vancouver
Do you ever enter a public building and wonder what lies behind those restricted areas and closed doors? Well, Doors Open Vancouver (DOV) is a two-day event that gives you a chance to find out. This unique event allows the public to freely access the behind-the-scenes areas to iconic Vancouver buildings. This year DOV will take place on October 2, between 12-7 pm and October 3, from 10 am – 5 pm. For updates and information, head to their website doorsopenvan.ca
4. Downtown Halloween Parade
Who doesn’t love a good parade? The Halloween Parade is back in town this year on October 18. See your favorite supernaturals, comic book heroes, film characters, villains, and mythic creatures prowl alongside marching bands and floats. There will also be music and performances. The parade runs from 11 am onwards, rain or shine, and begins downtown at Howe St.
5. Zombie paintball
What better way to get into the spirit of Halloween than fighting in a zombie apocalypse? Head out down to Zombie Combat Zone in White Rock, Surrey, where you can do just that – with paintballs. This live action paintball scenario game is almost like the real deal – armed with your paintball gun, you are given a briefing on your mission and some training before entering the combat zone. Book your zombie fighting session on their website at zombiecombatzone.com