Visiting Vancouver in October: Events, Festivals & Things to Do

Vancouver in October is a stressful time for us locals.

The warmth of summer disappears, giving way to indoor activities and gallons of steamy coffee as the rains make their inevitable return.

That said, in our list of best things to do in Vancouver in October there’s still some amazing stuff to do! Let’s take a look.

Why Visit Vancouver in October?

October in Vancouver is cozy, colorful, and a little bit moody – in the best way.

Here are five top reasons to visit Vancouver in October:

Peak Fall Foliage: The autumn colours are at their best. Head to Stanley Park, VanDusen Gardens, or even the UBC campus for vivid reds, golds, and oranges—perfect for low-key exploring and epic photos.

Mild, Walkable Weather: Yes, there’s some rain, but October days are still mild enough for long walks, bike rides, and patio coffees. Just pack a light rain jacket and you’re good to go.

Arts & Culture Season: October is prime time for the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), live theatre, gallery shows, and local music. The city shifts indoors in style.

Comfort Food Heaven: It’s soup season—and Vancouver delivers. Think ramen, pho, fresh seafood chowder, and cozy cafés serving up hot drinks and even hotter pastries.

Smaller Crowds, Better Prices: Hotel rates are lower, restaurant reservations are easier, and popular attractions like Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain are way less crowded.

Let’s go deeper though, and see what will make October 2025 such an underrated time to visit Vancouver!

Vancouver in October 2025: Things to Do in Vancouver in October

See the Fall Foliage in Stanley Park

I’ve already complained about the October rains, but if Vancouver didn’t have a rain or shine policy for its major attractions nothing would ever be open – not that Stanley Park needs it.

October is a great time to see the leaves change here. Renting a bike and riding the famous Vancouver Seawall while temperatures are reasonably warm is always a good idea.

☄️ Need custom advice on how to plan your Vancouver holiday? Join our Vancouver Vacation Help Facebook group – you can ask any question you want and we’ll respond with custom advice – for free!

The 60,000 animals at the Vancouver Aquarium still appreciate an October visit, and the Stanley Park Ghost Train might be the best thing to do in October for kids.

Wanna go even deeper? Consider taking one of the top Stanley Park tours.

Take a Gastown Walking Tour

There’s something about the way Gastown looks under the cover of Vancouver autumn cloud that lends itself perfectly to this creepily informative walking tour.

The dramatic retelling of some of the city’s most famous murders, fatal protests, and even a Great Fire as you walk through Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood is optimal for tourists and endlessly compelling for locals.

The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour also runs a special Halloween-themed tour in October.

Related: Best Walking Tours in Vancouver

Take in Some Local Theatre

If you didn’t have the theater on your list of best things to do in Vancouver we don’t blame you – but as the weather changes and people head indoors October is peak theater season.

Looking for local talent? A great jumping off point is the Arts Club Theater, Western Canada’s largest theater production company.

Grouse Mountain + Capilano Suspension Bridge

See Vancouver’s top two attractions with one ticket (transport included)

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They run shows at three different stages: Olympic Village, downtown Vancouver, and Granville Island.

October 2025 shows include A Doll’s House and Disney’s Frozen.

Take One Last Hop on Hop Off Bus Trip

If you’re visiting Vancouver during October, this is the last chance to dance (or at least hop) with these Vancouver sightseeing bus tours.

Especially in early October, you can still take advantage of some great weather to sit up top, though it’s covered on rainy days.

What we love here is the four stops in Stanley Park: the Totem Poles, Prospect Point, Ferguson Point, and the Vancouver Aquarium. This is the best way to take in the fall scenery in the city with little effort.

Head Indoors to Vancouver’s Many Museums

Vancouverites have all summer to go hiking and get a tan at the beach – but when we switch gears to fall it’s never a bad idea to get cultured up at Vancouver’s best museums.

Especially on rainy days, there’s really no better way to spend the time getting educated at:

• The Bill Reid Gallery (dedicated to the legendary Northwest Coast art pioneer)
• The Museum of Anthropology (one of the greatest collections of local indigenous artifacts)
• The Museum of Vancouver (a great jumping off point for learning Vancouver history)

Hockey Season Starts

October in Vancouver officially marks the start of the NHL season, with our beloved Vancouver Canucks taking the ice for another stab at Stanley Cup glory.

At the very least, you should head to one of Vancouver’s best bars (we recommend The Pint for sports action) to catch a game and see what all the fuss is about.

Whale Watching Tours

Coming to Vancouver? You’ve got a 95% chance of seeing whales

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Looking to catch a game in person? As soon as the schedule becomes available, this will be automatically updated to keep you informed.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

October brings Gingko trees, the Autumn Crocus, asters, hydrangeas and much more to the legendary Vandusen Botanical Garden.

Also, in October there’s a certain Goldilocks ‘not too cold not too hot‘ element still in play here, allowing you to see the dramatic seasonal colour changes in complete comfort.

What really sticks out here are the yellows of the black-eyed Susan flowers. Even better? October is the beginning of autumn rates: it’s 20% cheaper than if you’re visiting Vancouver in summer.

Go Whale Watching

October is a sweet spot in the Vancouver whale watching calendar.

It’s still warm enough to get out into the open air, and it’s the last month to catch the area’s biggest whales (the orca and the humpback whale) before they migrate away for the winter.

Half-day tours run from both Granville Island and Steveston and start at $191.25. All companies have a whale spotting guarantee.

Vancouver Events in October

Fright Nights at Playland

After a two year hiatus for COVID-19 restrictions, Fright Nights at Playland finally gets its resurrection in October 2025.

Here, Vancouver’s biggest amusement park adds seven haunted houses to the mix as well Halloween-themed rides, creepy decor, and even an ‘opening scaremony’ to kick off the festivities.

Highlights include the Bloodshed haunted cabin, as well as the Carn-Evil Scare Zone (pictured above).

2025 dates: October 4th to October 31st.

Related: Things to do on Halloween in Vancouver

Vancouver International Film Festival

If you’re visiting Vancouver in early October then a trip to the Vancouver International Film Festival, only fitting since we’re nicknamed ‘Hollywood North‘, is definitely in order.

In 2023 version brings 120 feature films as well as 100 shorts, with various conferences and other performances celebrating everything film.

Specific October screenings have not yet been announced, though you can check out the VIFF event calender for more up to date info.

2025 dates: October 2 – 12.

Vancouver Diwali Fest

This Hindu festival of lights was once a protection ritual against spiritual darkness, but today it’s a time of prayers, feasts, and gift exchanges.

With tens of thousands of Hindus in the area, over the years it has evolved into one of Vancouver’s best festivals for citizens of all backgrounds.

The most prominent celebrations go down at the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Gallery, where you’ll typically find dance performances, traditional cuisine, and henna painting.

2025 festival date: TBA

Vancouver October 2025 Concerts

• Rose Cousins: October 7th, Capital Ballroom
• The Beta Band: October 12th, Commodore Ballroom
• Darius Rucker: October 15th, Abbotsford Centre
• The Wombats: October 18th, Commodore Ballroom

Need more information on Vancouver October concerts? Check out Ticketmaster.

What to Expect from the Weather

Vancouver weather in October can have warm spells well into the teens, with average highs fluctuating between 8° to 14° degrees celsius (47° to 57° fahrenheit).

That said, beach weather is long gone, and it’s not uncommon for low temperatures to flirt with freezing in late October.

Also, make sure you’re prepared for wet weather, as there are typically 15 days of rain in October.

🌧️ Want to learn more? Check out our guide to Vancouver weather in October.

What to Pack for Visiting Vancouver in October

If you’re visiting Vancouver in early October it’s not out of line pack a t-shirt and shorts just in case, but you’re definitely going to need a sweater and jacket in the evenings at the very least.

You can probably skip the sunglasses, sun cream or anything else you might use in Vancouver in September (this is never going to be Miami!).

But, do make sure you’re packing some activewear and a good pair of walking shoes because there’s still plenty of good weather to get you out and about in our nature.

Visiting Vancouver in October FAQ

What’s happening in Vancouver in October 2025?

In October 2025 in Vancouver you can check out Playland Fright Nights, the Vancouver Film Festival, the Diwali Festival, and two different shows from the Arts Club Theater. Some top concerts also include Guns n’ Roses, Pink, Queens of the Stoneage, and Tool.

What is there to do in Vancouver in October?

With mild weather continuing in October, it’s still a great time to cycle the Seawall in Stanley Park, check out VanDusen Gardens, or go on a Gastown Walking Tour. October also brings the NHL back to town, the beginning of the theatre season, and events like the TIFF and Diwali Festival.

Can you ski in October in Vancouver?

Unfortunately, the weather in Vancouver isn’t cold enough in October to allow for enough snowfall on the local mountains. You’ll need to wait until at least late November to be able to go skiing.

What to wear in Vancouver in October?

Vancouver October weather is generally overcast and wet, if relatively mild from a temperature standpoint. Expect moderate sunshine, though there are 15 days of rain in October so you’re going to need a jacket, a sweater, and some good walking shoes. T-shirts and shorts may be possible early in the month, but don’t count on it.

What time does it get dark in Vancouver in October?

In Vancouver the sun sets at 6:50 pm on October 1st and 5:51 pm on October 31th. Expect an average of around 10.5 hours of daylight every day.

How hot is October in Vancouver?

In Vancouver the average high temperature is 14°C with the average at low 8°C (47° F to 57° F) in October. Temperatures can occasionally push 17°C to 19°C but these days are rare, and usually only occur in the beginning of October.

Visiting Vancouver in October?

If after all this you’re still wondering what to do in Vancouver in October, by all means get in touch with me in the comments below.

I’m on a quest to answer every question about your Vancouver October vacation, or the city in general, so don’t be shy!