Today’s the first real day that’s felt like fall to me. It’s crisp, bright, and the leaves on the trees range from red to orange to yellow to green. I’ve also started walking down the sidewalk in a zig-zag to make sure to step on the crunchiest of the fallen leaves! Fall is my favourite time in Vancouver, and this brief window of cool sunny days and beautiful colour doesn’t last long, so here are the five ways I’ll be enjoying it. What’s your favourite thing about fall?

1. The leaves. Yes, I’ve already mentioned the foliage, but it really is so spectacular in Vancouver in fall. Where I’ll be strolling under the canopy – VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Strathcona, Stanley Park and Cambie Village (between 10^th and 25^th avenues, and Cambie and Ontario streets).
2. Riding the train. The Ghost Train that is. I’m a sucker for cheap thrills, and the Stanley Park Ghost Train (opening this Thursday!) is a family-friendly spooktacular way to get in the fall spirit. Fright Nights at the PNE is a scarier Hallowe’en experience.
3. Traipsing through the Pumpkin Patch in Richmond, or the Corn Maze in Pitt Meadows.
4. Getting cultured at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Or getting rowdy at the Vancouver Canucks.
5. Enjoying the sights all by myself. After the kids are back in school, intrepid travelers can visit the city’s big attractions with fewer crowds. Especially mid-week, Granville Island, the Vancouver Aquarium, Science World and more are a pleasure to explore.

So get out and explore the city. Fall doesn’t last all year.