Vancouver Island View

My husband and I both turned 50 in August, and we celebrated with a bucket-list trip to Iceland. We rented a car and spent just under two weeks travelling around the country, loosely following the famous Ring Road.

Along the way, we saw so many waterfalls that I quickly lost count, along with dramatic mountains, rugged ocean scenery, sprawling lava fields, geothermal areas, the northern lights, glaciers and icebergs. We passed more sheep than I could ever count and stopped in colourful little towns filled with character.

The trip combined two of my favourite things: road trips and exploring somewhere new. To put it simply, it was incredible.

But something else stood out during our travels. Whenever we told people where we lived, so many were envious. Again and again, we heard that Vancouver Island was on their bucket list.

It was a lovely reminder that while we may dream of exploring faraway places, we live somewhere that people from around the world dream of visiting.

And fall is one of the best times to appreciate it. The summer crowds begin to disappear, the forests take on deeper colours, and cooler days make hiking and road-tripping especially enjoyable.

If Vancouver Island is on your bucket list—or you’re lucky enough to already call it home—this is a wonderful season to explore.

My Vancouver Island Fall Bucket List is filled with ideas for making the most of the season, while my Fall Road Trip brings together some beautiful places to visit along the way.

Fall Bucket List

Looking for a little inspiration this season?

My Vancouver Island Fall Bucket List is packed with ideas for September through November, including food and wine tours, salmon runs, wildlife watching, colourful trails, pumpkin patches, waterfall hikes and storm watching.

I’ve also included tips for fall weather and a free printable version, so you can keep track of your adventures as you go.

Fall Road Trip

Ready to turn those fall ideas into a road trip?

This five-night Vancouver Island itinerary travels from Victoria’s historic streets to Parksville’s waterfalls and onward to the wild shores of Ucluelet and Tofino.

Along the way, you’ll experience brilliant fall colours, the salmon run, ancient forests, cozy coastal dining and dramatic storm watching, with suggested stops, restaurants and places to stay included.