Fall on the Sunshine Coast

Immerse yourself in autumn vibes this fall on the Sunshine Coast. Spend some time enjoying outdoor activities in the crisp air, sipping on cider, and taking in the local art scene.

Fall Flavours

Enjoy the bounty of the autumn harvest on the Sunshine Coast in a variety of ways. Local breweries, cideries, and distilleries often infuse their drink selections with fall-inspired flavours, inviting you to stop by their cozy tasting rooms or soak up some sunshine on their outdoor patios. Additionally, several Farmers’ Markets are still in full swing from September and beyond, including a couple of year-round markets like those in Roberts Creek and Powell River.

Embrace the autumn bounty further by indulging in delectable creations at Sunshine Coast eateries. Keep an eye out for special culinary highlights that showcase the best of the season at restaurants such as The Laughing Oyster (Powell River) and the Lagoon Restaurant at Painted Boat Resort (Pender Harbour).

Get Outside

Fall weather on the Sunshine Coast can change quickly. Pack versatile layers and a waterproof jacket—fall sunshine can be interspersed with cooler temperatures and rain. Top it off with a pair of gumboots (rain boots) for rainy days and you’ll fit right in with the local attire. And don’t forget your sunglasses for those beach walks!

Plan a fall hike to enjoy the fresh, crisp air and the changing colours of the forest, or pedal the mountain bike trails for a rush of adrenaline. Or, view the changing scenery from a different perspective; book a scenic boat tour with Sunshine Coast Tours or take to the skies with a floatplane tour from Sunshine Coast Air .

Get in the harvest mood with an afternoon at a local farm. Visiting a pumpkin patch is fun for all ages and may inspire you to pull out your pumpkin pie recipes in preparation for upcoming holidays. Family Farm B&B (Powell River), Shady Hazel Farm (Gibsons), and Little Red Wagon Farm (Roberts Creek) offer pumpkin patch activities in October.

Explore the Art Scene

The Sunshine Coast is home to artists of all types: painters, dancers, photographers, musicians, sculptors—just name the art form, and someone here is likely practicing it. The local art scene is bustling all year-long, but fall is really the arts’ time to shine.

The Sunshine Coast Art Crawl is an annual event on the Southern Sunshine Coast that sees artists from across the Coast participate in what amounts to an interactive art show. This year the Art Crawl takes place from October 20 - 22, 2023 at venues from Langdale to Earls Cove, and again promises to be a weekend full of fun and discovery. Looking for more? The Sechelt Arts Festival will be celebrating its 20th year, with events from October 13 - 31, 2023. Experience music, dance, drama, film, a curated art exhibition, and more. Can’t make these events? Sunshine Coast Art Tours offers year-round tours that are perfect for small groups.

Heading to the Northern Sunshine Coast? You’ll want to check out spaces such as Artique Artists Cooperative, a gallery featuring the works of close to 30 local artists; the qathet Art Centre, which features a wide variety of art exhibits throughout the year; and the Tidal Art Centre in Lund, which hosts a variety of exhibitions and workshops.

Indoor Activities

Whether you’re planning a day of shopping or a visit to a local museum, the Sunshine Coast offers a range of great indoor activities.

Kids love a visit to the Tidepools Aquarium in Gibsons, where they can get up close and personal with local sea life. History buffs will enjoy learning about the Sunshine Coast at museums such as the tems swiya Museum in Sechelt and the qathet Museum & Archives in Powell River. Planning to get a head start on your holiday shopping? The boutiques and galleries on the Sunshine Coast showcase a variety of one-of-a-kind and handcrafted goods, guaranteed to bring joy to the friends and family.

Cozy Accommodations

Curl up in front of the fireplace after a day of exploring at accommodations like Bonniebrook Lodge (Gibsons), Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina (Pender Harbour), and Lund Harbour House (Lund). There are cozy B&Bs, waterfront resorts, and vintage cabins to suit every vacation style.

If you’re looking to spend even more time outdoors, consider doing some late season camping. Many campsites book up fast during the summer, but things slow down in the fall—and while you’ll want to pack for cooler weather, there is often some fall sunshine to enjoy.