5 Ways to Fall in Love With Vancouver
Fall in love with Vancouver’s urban autumn through these 5 unique experiences, sure to encourage a little extra joy during the changing of the seasons.
With November nearing its end, we have certainly all begun to notice that frigid shift in our fall forecast. The crisp air that wraps itself around us, the leaves that now line the sidewalks instead of treetops, the front-door umbrella bins that are always overflowing, and your morning commutes, which now include frosty fogged-up windows and seeing your breath materialize like magic right in front of you. All these little moments serve as reminders that the seasons are changing once again.
Most people either love and thrive in the rainy season or find themselves in need of a little inspiration to make it through the cloudier days, and we completely understand the array of feelings that also exist in between. Wherever you may sit on the seasonal spectrum, falling in love with Vancouver is very possible to do during our transitional days with a little direction. There’s a reason people come from all around the world to visit us. We’ve just got that little extra something special.
Here is our list of 5 ways you can fall in love with Vancouver this season, including opportunities to get creative, eat well, learn a little, explore, and immerse your senses.
GET CREATIVE
Often, when the sun sets earlier and the moon meets us sooner, we don’t have much energy in us after a long day. (In our defense, at our coordinates, darkness is associated with bedtime!) Connecting with your creative side and bringing a little more of that childhood whimsy into your life is a great way to feel a little less blue and a little more at peace. Go alone or bring your people, but either way, just allow yourself to have fun! We recommend finding a spot to paint pottery, as you can pick out your piece, paint it, and then just wait for it to be fired. It’s easy and requires no clean-up from you if you don’t want it to. You’ll have a new cup or bowl to adorn your collection in no time. The best part? There are no rules. Paint it all one colour, or 20; design a pattern or go full on Picasso; whatever you do, just remember to let yourself enjoy the process with no expectations.
A local Vancouver favourite is U Paint I Fire on West 4th avenue, where you can go create in-store, pick up supplies yourself, or have them delivered to you so you can get creative where it’s comfortable for you! Eating soup from a bowl your loved one made or drinking your beverage of choice from a mug that was decorated from your heart sounds like a pretty fantastic way to cozy up and feel a little extra warmth inside while it’s extra cold outside.
Click here for more details on U Paint I Fire.
EAT A CURATED SEASONAL SPREAD
If you can brave the cold, there is adventure out there that awaits all year long! If you’re feeling a little less inclined to venture out in these conditions, however, we can bring tasty parts of our beautiful province to you in the form of a delicious meal! ARC Executive Restaurant Chef Adam Middleton has once again been hard at work to create his Province to Plate signature fall menu, one he has carefully curated, showcasing the very best that British Columbia has to offer.
Changing regularly and always featuring the finest, freshest seasonal produce available, this menu is hyper-local with a sustainable focus. Curated especially for this fall season, dishes this autumn include: zucchini flowers from Ponderosa Mushrooms in Maple Ridge; fresh goat cheese from Salt Spring Island Cheese; dry-aged duck breast from Fraser Valley Farm in Chilliwack; pecan gelato from our neighbors; Motoretta Gelato, and, of course, honey and rosemary from Fairmont Waterfront’s very own rooftop garden. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it! Book your visit today, support local, and see a little bit of what BC has to offer, right from the comforts of our waterfront space.
Click here to see ARC’s Province to Plate seasonal fall menu.
A DAY OF LEARNING INDOORS
Looking for something family-friendly and stimulating for your little ones’ ever-curious young minds? Or haven’t been on a field trip since grade school? Perhaps you’re interested in the ocean but don’t particularly feel keen on entering it right now. The Science Center, while always a must-visit, currently has filmmaker and explorer James Cameron’s Challenging the Deep exhibit on, offering an immersive experience guiding visitors through the wonders of the Earth’s Oceans. They even have a collection of items he took on his journeys down to the ocean floor, and for the film lovers, authentic props from the filming of Titanic (1997). Not a fan of thinking too much about what lies below the surface? No problem at all. Enjoy several other exciting and important exhibits, such as Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867, presented by Acuitas Therapeutics, which invites visitors to explore 150 years of women’s issues through the themes of Work, Education, Body, Politics, and Violence Against Women. The exhibit offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges faced by women throughout Canadian history.
Whatever you’d like to explore, there is always something new to learn, and doing it in a fun and interactive environment that aims to nurture and inspire connection in our very own community is the perfect place to do it. Keep in mind that weekends are especially kid-friendly, so if you’re hoping for a quieter experience, earlier in the day will likely suit you better, as it tends to get pretty busy midday. Have fun!
For more information, click here.
A DAY OF EXPLORING OUTDOORS
Looking to learn a bit more about this land we occupy in the city while also getting a bit of exercise out in nature? Founded in 2002, Talaysay Tours is owned and operated by Candace and Larry Campo, Shíshálh (Sechelt), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation members. As active participants in the Indigenous tourism and education sector, their goal is to capacity-build the next generation in business, tourism, and education employment while supporting culture revitalization, land-based education, and reclamation.
Through Talaysay Tours, they share their hearts, culture, ancestors, and descendants. Offering three styles of tours, guests can choose to embark on a nature walk, a history walk, or an art walk.
On the nature walk, you will be exploring how the Shíshálh (Sechelt) & Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people utilize the land for food, medicine, and technology.
On the history walk, you will see through the lens of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) & Shíshálh (Sechelt) eyes, highlighting unique stories, oral histories, and perspectives of their shared communities.
On the art walk, you will come to understand the comprehensive profile of Salish and Northwest Coast Indigenous art, art forms, stories, and worldviews of Salish peoples’ who have lived in this region from time immemorial.
Further details can be found on their website, here.
If you’re looking to visit the city and would like discounted rates and an included tour, check out Fairmont Waterfront’s Talking Trees offer here.
IMMERSE YOUR SENSES
It is not often we pause to truly listen and be present as things start to get busy in the fall. With deadlines that must be met by the end of the year and festive planning inching closer, there is always more to do and the feeling that there’s not enough time to do it all, meaning attempting to keep up with yourself, your loved ones, your work and personal lives, etc., can feel a bit daunting.
Going to shows is a great way to disconnect from all the buzz and reconnect with yourself, because they get you off your technological devices and can really bring you into the present. Attending a show where your key goal is to sit down and listen can be surprisingly calming and enjoyable for those who are always on the go. If you’re a lover of music and candle-lit ambiance, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. Candlelight concerts offer inspiring experiences that can really ground you by calming all your senses. If meditation is not your thing, sitting and listening to beautiful string instruments in soft, warm lighting can do wonders for your mind and bringing you back into the present. It just might be a great chance to slow it down and try something new this season.
Several options are currently available; however, if you’re looking for classical and seasonal, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is about 2 and a half weeks away. Click here for more details.
Think you would prefer something a little more upbeat? The ABBA show is on November 29th at 7:00. Click here for more details.
Remember, no matter what you are able to get out and do this season, be patient and kind with yourself. You’re doing your best! And whether you’re opting to venture out into the cold solo or with others, any one of these activities will be sure to bring at least one smile to your face. (Or at least we’d like to believe so!)
We’re rooting for you! Happy fall, friends.