Everyday Essentials for Autumn in Vancouver

Woman taking photo on iPhone autumn in Vancouver

Vancouver is especially Instagram-worthy in the fall. Photo: Jana Josue-McLaren

Autumn is here, which means we’ve switched from iced to pumpkin spiced lattes and fiery-coloured trees are filling your Instagram. The air feels a little crisper, and if you’re new-ish to the city, you might have caught on that it rains a fair amount here.

As a Vancouverite, it’s important to have the essentials as you go about your day-to-day and explorations in the city. Here’s a list of seasonal must-haves for fall as you play tourist in our town.

autumn essentials Vancouver

Hands down, autumn is my favourite season of the year. I love the colours, wearing my cozy clothes, and — call me crazy — walking in the rain. To best enjoy the city during fall, it’s important to have the essentials. If you don’t already have them or need some replacements, it’s time to stock up for your visits to the corn mazes, pumpkin patches and walks to your local brewery or cafe.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Now, more than ever, we need to support our local shops. Vancouver’s outdoor shopping centres and stores in the city’s shopping districts and are open with COVID safety protocols in place. If you need it, they have it.[/perfectpullquote]

Umbrella

There’s no escaping the rain. We live in a rainforest and precipitation is what makes everything so lush and vibrant. Everyone needs a good umbrella will do you. And if you get caught short while on a city staycation, most hotels have nice sturdy umbrellas for guests to borrow. If you’re not keen on carrying a brolly, a good raincoat with a big hood is your best bet.

Layers

Autumn can bring crisp, bright days, but before and after the sun goes down, the temperature can get a bit chilly. And there’s that rain. Dressing in layers is the best way to go. Light sweaters or turtlenecks in fabric like merino wool from local athleisure shops Kit and Ace or lululemon are great layering pieces. Foryour top layer, a good rainjacket or water-repellant coat (like a trench) from Mountain Equipment Co-Op (aka MEC) or local outdoor gear designer Arc’teryx are always a good bet.

Woman taking photo during autumn in Vancouver

Photo: Jana Josue-McLaren

Sunglasses

Though we are transitioning into the rainy season, sunglasses are always a must. A sunny autumn day in Vancouver shows off the trees in their red, orange and yellow glory, and you don’t want to spend the entire day squinting at the pretty view, right?

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Psst! Find the best places to view autumn’s fiery colours here.[/perfectpullquote]

Walking shoes that will keep your feet dry

Vancouver is a walking city all year round. Rain or shine people are walking the Seawall or any of these other scenic walking routes. A pair with a good sole, or even better, rainboots or another waterproof shoe will be your best friend.

Camera or your smartphone

Our city is Instagrammable all year round, but fall is especially spectacular with its fiery hues. And if you’re like me, you also take pictures of your food. (Find out where to feast on fall flavours here!) I know this seems like an obvious one, but I don’t want you to miss out on any photo ops! So, your smartphone and camera are a must.

Mask

The worldwide accessory of 2020, be sure you have a mask or two on hand, along with some hand sanitizer. Many places require the use of a mask as you wait for your table or while you are shopping. Local retailers, designers like Daub + Design, dry cleaners and tailors have been making and selling reusable, non-medical masks, so do your part!

A cup of something hot

What is this time of year without a pumpkin spice latte or a decadent hot chocolate? Our coffee shop sare fantastic and there is always something for everyone’s taste. Many cafes have reopened with COVID protocols in place. Some popular coffee shops in

 

Things to keep in mind as you play tourist in our town:

 

  • Plan ahead — make sure you get a table for the time you want by making a reservation.
  • Restaurant and shop staff are working hard in a “new normal” — remember to leave a good tip at food and beverage establishments!
  • Respect the policies of establishments you visit
  • Wash or sanitize your hands often and well
  • Getting around: Face coverings are now mandatory on all TransLink services; buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus. Read about TransLink’s Safe Operating Action Plan (SOAP).
  • Remember to adhere to Dr. Bonnie’s Good Times Guide
  • We’re all in this together!

 

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Share your autumn explorations with us by tagging us @inside_vancouver and #VancouverComeBack on Instagram![/perfectpullquote]

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