Fall in Western Newfoundland is gorgeous. Unlike many other areas of Newfoundland, Corner Brook has lots of deciduous trees, so they have some of the best autumn colours in the province. Nearby Gros Morne also has great fall colours in the alpine blueberry bushes and grasses turn amber and crimson.

It was also much quieter in the fall, which meant lower prices, fewer crowds, and more time chatting with friendly locals.

I spent most of my trip hiking to maximize my time with the changing leaves, but I also managed to fit in quite a few other fall activities. Here’s my guide to visiting Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland in fall. It includes:

• Why visit Newfoundland in fall? I explain why I love it
• Map of Western Newfoundland that includes all the places I mention in this post.
• Best things to do in Gros Morne, Corner Brook, and Deer Lake in fall: hiking, ATVing, boat tours, viewpoints, and more.
• Where to eat: My picks for the best restaurants in Gros Morne and Corner Brook
• Where to stay: My picks for hotels in Gros Morne, Corner Brook, and Deer Lake
• Fall Travel Tips for Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland: When to go? How long to spend? What’s the weather like? And lots more.

Hey there: Thanks so much to go Go Western Newfoundland for hosting my experiences on my recent fall trip. All opinions in this post are my own Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Why Visit in Fall?

Most people go to Newfoundland in the summer. (The prime tourist season is July and August.) But after visiting in late September and early October, I have to say that fall in Newfoundland is gorgeous.

Here are three reasons why I recommend visiting Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland in fall:

1. Fall colours: This is the big one. You get the traditional yellow, orange, and red of deciduous forests changing colour (especially around Corner Brook), but you also get the beauty of the boreal forest and alpine plants changing from green to crimson and gold.
2. It’s low season: That means you’ll get viewpoints, trails and attractions almost to yourself and can take advantage of lower accommodation prices. It also means that you’ll have a better chance of connecting with friendly locals.
3. Perfect hiking weather: It’s a bit colder than summer, so the bugs are dead and you won’t get sweaty. The weather is just sunny as in the summer, and the winter rain (and snow) is still a month or two away.

Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland Fall Map

To help you plan your trip and find your way around, I created a custom Google Map of fall highlights in Gros Morne National Park and Western Newfoundland for you. It includes every place I mention in this post.

Best Things to Do in Fall in Gros Morne

Western Brook Pond Boat Tour

Taking a boat tour of Western Brook Pond is a classic Gros Morne activity. The 2-hour tour takes you down the length of the former fjord past waterfalls and beneath cliffs. It’s pretty incredible scenery!

I had done this tour before in August, but doing it in the fall felt like a different experience since so many of the trees on the slopes of the pond were lit up in yellow and gold. We also spotted a giant moose!

This tour is also one of the most accessible ways to see fall colours in Gros Morne. The 3 km walk to the boat dock is flat, easy, scenic, and takes about 45 minutes. And if you aren’t up for the walk, you can catch a ride in on a golf cart.

The best views are from the top deck, which is outside, so be sure to dress for the weather. I recommend packing warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing just in case. The wind really picks up in the afternoon. (I’ve got more packing tips at the bottom of this post.)

Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the boat for a closer view of the scenery.

Under the Stump ATV Tours

If you’re looking to explore Gros Morne’s backcountry, but you want an accessible way to do it, book an ATV Tour with Under the Stump. I did a 2-hour tour with Trina in her side-by-side ATV, and it was so much fun!

She drove us out into the Rocky Harbour Hills, a small pocket of wilderness that is surrounded by Gros Morne National Park, but not actually in the park. She told us about the history of the area, including her Mi’kmaq heritage and taught us about how to forage for several types of local plants.

The fall colours were also great: we drove through an area called the Barrens where treeless hilltop was covered in crimson blueberry bushes. The tour also had stand-out views of Gros Morne Mountain from its less-seen eastern side.

Fall Hikes in Gros Morne

While the hiking in Gros Morne is spectacular (many of the hikes in the park are on my list of the best hikes in Newfoundland), many of the park’s trails are in evergreen forests. However, there two hikes that particularly beautiful in the fall:

Lookout Trail

The Lookout Trail has the best fall colours in Gros Morne. The bottom part of the trail goes through deciduous forest with red and gold maple and alder trees. Once you get higher into the hills, the trees disappear, and you’ll walk through blueberry meadows with leaves that have turned crimson.

The moderate 5.8 km hike takes 2 to 3 hours and gains about 360 m. The climb through the forest is on a machine-built trail that works its way uphill, but is never too steep. Towards the top, you’ll be walking on boardwalks across an upland bog and on a natural trail through the meadows. The highlight is a wooden viewing platform with an incredible panoramic view of Bonne Bay and Gros Morne Mountain.

Gros Morne Mountain

My favourite fall hike in Gros Morne National Park was ascending Gros Morne Mountain, the second-highest peak in Newfoundland. The first part of the hike, called the Gros Morne Approach, goes through the forest with glimpses of fall colours. As we got closer to the viewing platform, we could see the yellows and reds of the low blueberry bushes and grasses on the slopes of the mountains changing colour.

The next part of the hike, called the Gros Morne Summit Trail, is a loop that goes up one side of the mountain and then down another. This section had more views of the red blueberry bushes and yellow grasses, but from above. And of course, the views from the summit were insane.

This is a long and difficult hike. The Gros Morne Approach Trail is 9 km return with 460 m of elevation gain and takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The Gros Morne Summit Trail is an 8 km loop with 535 m of elevation gain and takes 3.5 to 5.5 hours.

So if you want to summit the mountain, you’re looking at a 17 km hike with 995 m of elevation gain between 6 and 9 hours on the trail. For reference, it took me about 7.5 hours, which included several long snack and photo breaks.

More Things to Do in Gros Morne

While I’ve highlighted must-do activities in fall above, there are tons of other things to do in Gros Morne. My guide to Gros Morne National Park has a full run-down on where to go and what to see.

While they aren’t specifically fall activities, I recommend spending time in Woody Point, hiking the Tablelands and Green Gardens Trails, and exploring the coastline at Lobster Cove Head or Green Point, among tons of other things to do.

Best Things to Do in Fall in Corner Brook

Captain Cook Historic Site

Corner Brook sits in a broad valley, so it has tons of deciduous trees that turn crimson and amber each autumn. The best place to get an aerial view of the fall colours is from Captain Cook Historic Site, a viewing platform atop a hill on the west side of Corner Brook. You can look down to the mill site in the centre of town, across the Bay of Islands, and inland along the Corner Brook Stream.

Captain Cook spent five years mapping the coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, so there is a set of info plaques at the historic site explaining his life and voyages.

Marble Zip Tours

If you’re up for a bit of an adrenaline rush, go ziplining with Marble Zip Tours. Honestly, the fall colours here were some of the best I saw on my whole trip. The nine ziplines go back and forth across Steady Brook, passing through stands of trees with full autumn colours.

Even without the fall colours, these are the most scenic ziplines I’ve ever ridden. (Honestly, I think the views here are better than the ziplines in Whistler!) The ziplines go over top of and in front of Steady Brook Falls, which is spectacular.

I also found these ziplines on the scarier side (in a good way). Some of them are very high up – one of the lines is the second-highest one in Canada. While some of the platforms have ramps or stairs to ease you into the zip experience, a few require you to just take a leap of faith and jump off! The last few lines are also really long.

If ziplining isn’t for you, it’s still possible to see some of this scenery. You can hike to Steady Brook Falls, which has viewing platforms. It’s an easy 1 km hike with about 100 m of elevation gain.

Rugged Edge ATV Tour

I took a great ATV tour with Melissa and Craig from Rugged Edge on the trails around Corner Brook. They took me on a circular route that included some rougher sections of trail along with some smooth bits. I even got to drive the side-by-side on some of the easy sections. The tour included viewpoints, ponds, and some fall colours.

However, my favourite part of the tour went right through the city. Corner Brook is an ATV-friendly city: there are designated streets that allow licensed ATV-drivers. We drove past City Hall, the Corner Brook sign, and my hotel! We also stopped into a historic store in Curling, an old fishing village that is now part of the city. It was so nice to connect with locals there over a cup of tea!

Fall Hikes near Corner Brook

The Corner Brook and Humber Valley area has some of the best fall colours in Western Newfoundland. And the best way to see them is on a hike.

Corner Brook Stream Trail

The Corner Brook Stream Trail meanders along beside the Corner Brook Stream in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for an easy and flat walk with some fall colours, explore the trails near Glynmill Pond.

But for the best views, you need to walk the entire Stream Trail, starting at the top off Crockers Road. The path works its way down to a viewpoint into the gorge, then across a bridge. On the other side, it meanders through stands of autumn colours (and beside the city’s water supply pipe) before descending to Margaret Bowater Park.

Along the way, there are lots of viewpoints to look down at the town and across the valley to even more fall colours. The easy hike from Crockers Road to the Glynmill Pond is about 6 km with 150 m of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours. You can do it as an out-and-back, but it’s easier as a one-way hike that is mostly downhill if you take a taxi to the start on Crockers Road.

Man in the Mountain/Arne’s Lookout

Of all the fall hikes I did in Western Newfoundland, the Man in the Mountain Trail had the best colours. The steep-sided Humber Valley has tons of deciduous trees that change colour in late September and early October.

The trail to the top of the bluff has several viewpoints that let you look across the river to Marble Mountain and down the valley to Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands. The trail is part of the much longer Humber Valley Trail, which in turn is part of the International Appalachian Trail.

I did a short loop using the steep Bear Head Trail and part of the Humber Valley Trail to visit Arne’s Lookout. You can also continue to the top of Man in the Mountain (a face in the rocks you can see from the Highway below).

The moderate/challenging loop I did is about 4.5 km round trip with 340 m of elevation gain. Plan to spend 2 to 2.5 hours.

Cape Blow Me Down

If you’re looking for something a little different, head out to the Bay of Islands to climb Cape Blow Me Down. It’s the tallest point on the hills flanking the south side of the bay. The hike starts in a mixed deciduous forest with a bit of fall colour. Before long, you climb above the treeline into an alpine landscape with lots of blueberry meadows turning red and grasses turning yellow.

The views above the treeline and from the top are spectacular: you can see the entire Bay of Islands as well as lots of fishing villages dotted along the coast.

Be warned, the hike does live up to its name: It can be crazy windy on top. I had to brace myself against the wind to stay standing up! As a local told us later, it’s so windy it could blow the milk out of your tea!

The moderate/challenging hike is about 7.5 km return with 650 m of elevation gain. Plan to spend 3 to 4.5 hours on the trail.

More Things to Do in Corner Brook

Besides the fall-specific activities above, there are lots more things to do in Corner Brook. My guide to Corner Brook has more details on what to see and where to eat.

My top picks for things you can do in the non-snowy months include day trips to the Bay of Islands and the Stephenville/Port-au-Port area, among other things to see in Corner Brook.

Best Things to Do in Fall in Deer Lake

Humber River Trail

If you’re looking for a gorgeous fall walk, head to the Humber River Trail in Deer Lake. It’s a flat and easy 5 km loop that takes about 1.5 hours. You can access the trail from the road to the airport or from Highway 430.

I spent a pleasant hour wandering beside the river and admiring the fall colours on the last morning of my trip. It was a great way to get a bit of exercise before a long day of travel. If possible, go in the morning when the air is still – you’ll get great reflections on the river.

Upper Humber Settlement Farm and Foraging Tour

One of the most unique experiences I had on my trip was a farm and foraging tour at Upper Humber Settlement. I spent the evening with the owner, Lauralee, who led me on a tour around her property. We collected greens, herbs, and mushrooms to make a salad while also learning about other wild plants.

Later, Lauralee cooked up a delicious moose meat dish in her outdoor gazebo while telling me stories about the war veteran history of Upper Humber Setttlment and reconnecting with her Indigenous heritage. Lauralee is a natural storyteller, and it was a pleasure to chat with her over some lovely food.

Kayaking with Humber River Off Grid

If you’d rather see fall colours from the water, book a kayaking tour with Humber River Off Grid. Ashley runs this unique off-grid business along the Upper Humber River north of Deer Lake, and has a popular YouTube Channel. Her remote property has off-grid cabins and tent rentals, and she also offers ATV tours and boil-ups where she cooks local food over a campfire.

But I headed into the wilderness to go kayaking on the Humber River with Ashley. While I was only 20 minutes from a paved road, it felt like we were miles from anywhere. We paddled a loop through the calm and meandering waters of the Upper Humber River while admiring the fall colours. We saw tons of evidence of beaver activity, but we didn’t spot any.

More Things to Do in Deer Lake

If you’re looking for more things to do in Deer Lake that aren’t purely fall-oriented, I’ve got a few suggestions.

If the weather is good, head to Deer Lake Beach. It’s a long sandy beach that makes a good place to walk, even if it isn’t warm enough to swim.

If you’d rather stay indoors, I spent a pleasant hour at the Newfoundland Insectarium. They have lots of unique live insects, including leaf-cutter ants, which kept me mesmerized for longer than I expected. But by far my favourite part is the butterfly house. I spent so much time wandering around watching them flit from flower to flower.

Where to Eat

Both Gros Morne and the Corner Brook area have lots of great restaurants. However, in the fall, some park restaurants are only open for a few days per week or may be closed for the season. Check opening hours and make advance reservations to avoid disappointment. Visit Gros Morne keeps an updated list of fall hours for local businesses.

Gros Morne

The Gros Morne area is split in half by Bonne Bay, so I’ve grouped my restaurant recommendations accordingly. In the South, you’ll find recommendations for restaurants in Woody Point, Shoal Brook, and Trout River. In the north, I’ve got picks for Rocky Harbour and Norris Point.

Southern Gros Morne

Merchant Warehouse: The front of this Woody Point restaurant is a full-on 50s soda shop, but they also have a big dining room and a patio overlooking the water. The fish and chips here were great, which isn’t a surprise since they have the same owners as the Seaside Restaurant in Trout River.

Galliott Studios and Cafe: This tiny coffee shop in Woody Point doubles as a pottery studio with drinks served in mugs thrown on site. Their sunny patio hangs over Bonne Bay and is lovely on a crisp fall day (but you’ll want to use one of their blankets). They also have a small selection of pottery and art for sale. I couldn’t resist the hand-drawn hiker stickers.

Taste: Located inside the Gros Morne Inn near Woody Point, this fine-dining restaurant focuses on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. A few years ago, I had a great lunch here with an incredible lobster bisque.

Seaside Restaurant: This iconic restaurant in Trout River is right on the beach. The same family has been cooking up seafood here since 1981. I had the best fried fish here a few years ago.

Northern Gros Morne

Chanterelle’s: I’ve eaten here twice, and it is easily the best restaurant in Gros Morne. It offers fine dining and exceptional food without too much pretension inside the Sugar Hill Inn in Norris Point. My advice here is to order anything local: the mussels, seafood cakes, and fish dishes are all excellent. For dessert or drinks, get something with partridge berries.

Cat Stop Pub: The Bonne Bay water shuttle docks right next to Cat Stop Pub in Norris Point, which has a huge waterfront patio. It’s a good place for a beer and casual pub food.

Old Store Cafe: This little cafe in Norris Point is a great spot for coffee, baked goods, and lunch. Try their “Gull Shit muffins” – they are chocolate muffins topped with cream cheese. Delicious!

Buoy & Arrow: This Indigenous-owned restaurant in Rocky Harbour has lots of locally-sourced game meat and seafood on the menu. I had an amazing moose burger. Their menu gives the names for dishes in both English and Mi’kmaq.

Java Jack’s: On my first visit to Gros Morne, we had a memorable dinner at Java Jack’s in Rocky Harbour. The restaurant is in a bright yellow house in the middle of the village. They serve upscale versions of traditional Newfoundland food. I had an elevated version of stroganoff with caribou instead of beef.

Corner Brook

Hew & Draw Restaurant/Boomstick Brewing: These two businesses share space on the ground floor of the Hew & Draw Hotel. It has a hip big-city vibe and a menu to match, plus lots of craft beer on tap – you can watch them make it too! I had an amazing dinner here (try the lobster roll), and a bunch of breakfasts since I was staying at the hotel. (Get the mushroom toast for breakfast!)

Park West: One of the most upscale restaurants in Corner Brook, but still unpretentious. Look for lots of locally-sourced ingredients. I had an incredible tuna tartare made with tuna that one of the restaurant owners caught!

Newfound Sushi: I didn’t expect to find high-end and innovative sushi in Corner Brook, but Newfound Sushi does it. Their menu calls out which items include locally caught fish. I had an incredible omakase sushi patter that featured smoked arctic char, local tuna, and Atlantic salmon. Their signature rolls are also great.

Harbour Grounds: This cute coffee shop has an incredible view of Corner Brook Harbour and serves up great panini sandwiches.

Sugar and Dice: On a previous trip, my husband spent an afternoon working remotely at Sugar and Dice and said it had a great vibe. They serve breakfast, lunch, coffee, and treats. And they have a huge selection of board games you can play while you eat.

Where to Stay

If you’re visiting Western Newfoundland in fall, it makes sense to split your stay with a few nights in Gros Morne and a few in Corner Brook. If you’ve got an early or late flight, it can make sense to spend your first or last night in Deer Lake to shorten your drive to the airport. Below I’ve got options for all three locations.

Gros Morne

Gros Morne Base Camp: I spent four nights at Gros Morne Base Camp’s Burnt Hill Cabins on my fall visit. These rustic but cute cabins felt like home with little kitchens and full living rooms. They are also an easy walk to the waterfront in Norris Point or the Old Store Cafe for a morning coffee. Check rates.

Bonne Bay Inn: I loved my stay at this boutique 10-room hotel in Woody Point a few years ago. It is perched on the hillside, so I had a great view of the bay from my room. Check rates.

Sugar Hill Inn: I had a great time at this quaint inn in Norris Point. It has huge rooms, and the wide front porch was great for enjoying the view. Plus, the best restaurant in the park, Chanterelle’s, is on site. Check rates.

Camping: Gros Morne National Park has five well-equipped campgrounds with flush toilets, showers, and even wifi. The Trout River, Berry Hill, and Shallow Bay campgrounds are open until late September. You can stay at Lomond and Green Point campgrounds until mid-October. On my first visit to the park, I stayed at Berry Hill Campground. It has a great central location near Rocky Harbour. Check rates.

Corner Brook

Hew and Draw Hotel: I’ve stayed here twice now, and it’s by far the coolest hotel I’ve stayed at anywhere in Newfoundland. It has a modern feel with high ceilings and lots of thoughtful touches like original art and wallpaper from local artists. Hikers will appreciate the free guest laundry station and the hot tubs. I also love that a big restaurant breakfast is included. Check rates.

Glynmill Inn: I walked past the Glynmill Inn on my stroll along the Corner Brook Stream Trails, and it looked really cute. The historic Tudor-style building is a designated provincial heritage structure. Check rates.

Deer Lake

Deer Lake Horizon Hotel: I stayed at the Deer Lake Horizon Hotel after arriving on a flight after midnight. It was comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. And they have a complimentary shuttle service and comfy beds, so I could pass right out as soon as I arrived. Check Rates.

Upper Humber River Settlement Farm Stay B&B: If you want to connect with locals, book a stay at this B&B on a working farm in Cormack, just outside Deer Lake. It has cozy rooms, a great breakfast, and a serene setting. The owner’s family is one of the original farming settlers in this area, and they are happy to chat about the area’s unique history. Check rates.

Travel Tips for Fall in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

Best Time to Go in Fall

The fall tourist season in Western Newfoundland runs from mid-September to early October. The peak fall colours are usually in the last week of September and the first week of October.

By early to mid-October October, some tour companies, restaurants, and accommodations will be closed or on reduced hours, but if you book ahead, they may stay open for you. Visit Gros Morne keeps an updated list of fall hours for local businesses.

How Long to Spend in Fall

I recommend spending 5 to 7 days in the Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland area in the fall. That’s enough time to see the National Park highlights and do a few hikes or tours.

I spent 10 days in the area in late September and early October. Honestly, I could have extended my trip by a few days to do even more hiking.

Fall Weather in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

Newfoundland in fall has variable weather. It rains a little bit more in September and early October than it does in summer, but not much. And it’s a few degrees colder than summer too, with average highs of 17°C/63°F and lows of 9°C/48°F.

That means that while it can be cold and rainy, you are sure to get quite a few days of sun as well. On my 10-day fall trip, most of the days were sunny, with a few cloudy days. I was lucky enough that the only times it rained were overnight or while I was in the car driving from one location to another.

It’s important to note that even if it isn’t that cold out, sunny weather can bring high winds, which makes it feel much colder!

What to Pack for Fall in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a pretty laid-back place, so you don’t need to bring anything fancy. Even if you go out for a fine dining dinner, nice jeans and a sweater are fine.

Make sure you bring clothing for the weather. A rain jacket and rain pants are key, especially if you plan to go hiking or take a boat tour. Even if it isn’t that cold, wind chill can be a major factor, so bring warm layers like a fleece or lightweight puffy jacket to wear under your rain gear. Don’t forget gloves and a toque or other warm hat.

Waterproof hiking boots are necessary if you’re planning to hit the trails. Pack a small backpack to carry snacks, layers, a water bottle, and other essentials. I’d also recommend bringing a rain cover for your backpack.

You should also be prepared for warm and sunny weather. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and at least one short-sleeved shirt. You never know what the weather is going to do!

How to Get to Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

It’s easy to get to Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland since it’s close to Deer Lake Airport. It’s an easy 25-minute drive to the National Park or 40 minutes to Corner Brook. Deer Lake Airport has flights from major Canadian cities like Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, and St. John’s.

If you want to drive yourself, it’s about 7 hours from St. John’s. (But you’ll want to make stops along the way in Trinity, Bonavista, Twillingate, and Fogo Island.)

You can also drive to Western Newfoundland by taking the Marine Atlantic ferry from Nova Scotia. It docks in Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, which is 2.5 hours from Corner Brook and a little over 3 hours from Gros Morne National Park.

Getting Around Western Newfoundland

The easiest way to get around Western Newfoundland is to rent a car. The Deer Lake airport has lots of rental car options, and unlike in summer, they don’t get booked up. I like to use Discover Cars since it lets me compare rates across multiple rental companies.

Another option is to book a tour. Several small, local tour companies specialize in multi-day tours in the Gros Morne area.

On my fall trip, I spent seven days with Gros Morne Adventures on their Fall Colours hiking tour. It included hikes every day in Gros Morne and Corner Brook, sightseeing, restaurants, hotels, and transportation. I also did a guided day hike in Corner Brook with Everoutdoor Adventures.

On past trips, I’ve also done guided hikes with Wild Gros Morne, which offers hiking tours and Tour Gros Morne, which offers hiking and cultural tours.

National Park Passes

You must purchase a Parks Canada pass to stop anywhere in Gros Morne National Park. You can buy one at the entrance kiosk in Wiltondale or at either of the two park visitor centres. Some businesses in the towns near the park also sell park passes.

You will need to display your park pass on the dash of your car whenever you are parked in the park.

Cell Phone Service

In some parts of Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland, cell service is spotty or non-existent. There is LTE service in the towns. However, you will often lose service as soon as you leave a town.

If you are going hiking, use a GPS app like AllTrails+ or Gaia GPS and download an offline map before you go. You will usually have no cell service on the trail.

I recommend putting your phone in airplane mode while hiking. That will preserve the battery. If you leave it on, it just keeps looking for signal, which drains the battery.

Indigenous Context in Western Newfoundland

The Indigenous context of Western Newfoundland is complicated due to hundreds of years of colonialism. While the Beothuk formerly lived all across Newfoundland, their numbers dwindled thanks to loss of access to traditional hunting and fishing grounds, disease, and violence from Europeans. They were declared extinct in 1829.

However, there are still thousands of Indigenous people living in Western and Central Newfoundland. They are members of the Qalipu First Nation, a Mi’kmaq band. In the 18th century, Mi’kmaq in modern-day Nova Scotia and PEI were pushed out of their traditional territory by British settlers since the Mi’kmaq were allied with the French. At that time, Western Newfoundland was sparsely populated, so the Mi’kmaq were able to continue many of their traditional practices here.

As European settlement accelerated in Western Newfoundland, wildlife populations declined, as did Mi’kmaq populations. However, the Mi’kmaq survived, often intermarrying with European settlers. Many families hid their Mi’kmaq heritage.

In the past few decades, there has been a resurgence in Indigenous pride and identity in Western Newfoundland, with many people actively seeking to reconnect with their Indigenous culture that had been lost for several generations. There are many Indigenous-owned tourism businesses in Western Newfoundland working to tell the stories of the Mi’kmaq and connect with their traditional territory.

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret that I love Newfoundland (look at how many Newfoundland posts I’ve written), and with this autumn visit, I feel so lucky to have experienced a side of the province that most visitors don’t get. The fall colours were gorgeous on this trip to Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland.

But what really has me smiling as I remember the trip is all the time I spent chatting with locals who had more time to spend with curious tourists like me.

If you have questions about planning a trip to Gros Morne and the Corner Brook area in fall, ask in the comments. I’d love to help.

READ NEXT:

• Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park
• Things to Do in Corner Brook, Newfoundland
• 16 Best Hikes in Newfoundland
• 20 Incredible Things to Do in Newfoundland

The post Fall in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

What we do have, however, is a pretty unique fall sight: the Frosty Mountain larches in Manning Park. These rare coniferous trees look like a regular pine tree until fall. And then… BOOM! They turn a gorgeous gold colour. Want to find out how you can hike to them? Read on!

This guide to hiking to Frosty Mountain in larch season includes:

• What are larch trees?
• What time of year do the larches change colour?
• What to pack
• Hike overview with stats including info for getting to the larches and to the summit
• Driving directions
• Hiking directions

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

What are larch trees? Why are they special?

The golden larches that grow near Frosty Mountain in Manning Provincial Park are more formally known as alpine larches. (Or larix lyallii if you’re into fancy latin names.) They are a VERY unique tree. Alpine larches are coniferous trees, just like a pine tree or a Christmas tree.

But, they are NOT evergreen: they actually change colour and shed their needles each fall the way a maple tree does. (Well a maple tree does it with leaves, not needles. But you get the picture.)

Alpine larches are also pretty bad ass. They live at high elevations with rocky soil and cold temperatures. The ones on Frosty Mountain live at about 2000m above sea level. The larches can live incredibly long – over 1000 years – which is surprising since they aren’t particularly large trees.

Alpine larches grow mostly in the Rocky Mountains and in the eastern parts of BC and Washington since they need a dry and cold climate. But Manning Park has a teeny tiny pocket of prime larch habitat. It’s high enough, dry enough, cold enough and rocky enough to support larch trees. And it’s waaaay up on the side of Frosty Mountain, so you have to hike up there to see them.

What time of year can you visit the Frosty Mountain larches?

The hike to Mount Frosty and the larch plateau is snow free from about mid June until early October. However, the best time to go is late September or early October when the larches change colour. If you go too late, the larches will already have dropped their needles and they’ll be all naked and sad. If you go too early they will still be green.

The trail is busy on weekends in prime larch season. Try to plan your trip for a weekday if possible.

You do not need a day pass, but if you want to camp at the backcountry campground, you need a reservation to camp between late July and late October (dates vary each year). You can make a reservation on the BC Parks website up to three months before your trip. See my guide to making backcountry camping reservation for tips.

What to pack to hike to the larches?

If you visit in fall, be prepared with cold weather gear. (Read my tips about what to wear for hiking in the winter). It can below zero at the larch plateau and on the summit of Frosty Mountain, even if it is sunny and warm in the parking lot.

City forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic weather forecast for Frosty Mountain using a app like Spotwx or Mountain Forecast. (Both are on my list of the best weather apps for hikers.)

You can’t see it in any of my pictures, but it did snow slightly the day I took these, and the wind was bitterly cold. I was glad for my warm jacket, hat and gloves.

It’s pretty common for it to snow when the larches are changing. The trail can be slippery and icy so it’s a good idea to bring microspikes.

I like the Kahtoola Microspikes. They are pointy enough to grip most moderate ice and the rubber straps stretch to fit both my trail runners and my bigger backpacking boots.

(Curious about what microspikes are? My guide to microspikes vs. crampons explains it all.)

Frosty Mountain Larches Hike Overview

Distance: 18km round trip to the larch plateau, 22km round trip if you go all the way to the peak of Mount Frosty)

Elevation gain: 800m to the larch plateau, 1150m to the peak of Mount Frosty

Time Needed: 7 hours round trip to the larch plateau, 9 hours round trip to the peak of Mount Frosty (You can also make it into an overnight trip by camping at the Frosty Creek campsite. See the description below for more info.)

Dogs: Permitted but dogs must be on a leash. The last time I hiked this trail on a busy fall day we ran into 2 different people who had lost their dog!

Note: This trip is also possible as a loop that will add a bit more time and distance to your trip. The trip described here is an out and back to the summit of Frosty Mountain via the larch meadow. For more info on the loop option, see the hiking section of the E.C. Manning Provincial Park website.

Frosty Mountain Larches Driving Directions

From Vancouver take highway 1 and highway 3 to the Manning Park Lodge. Turn right off the highway onto Gibson Pass Road. Follow Gibson Pass Road for about 3km to a fork. Take the left (lower) fork. Arrive at the Lightning Lake day use parking lot a few hundred meters after the fork.

Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Frosty Mountain Larches Hiking Directions

Starting the Hike

From the Lighting Lakes Parking lot head to the left/east side of the lake. Walk across a bridge and across an earthen dam.

At the other side of the lake, take the trail going uphill, marked Frosty Mountain. The trail ascends the slope in a long series of switchbacks for about 5km. The climb is steady but never exceptionally steep.

After the first few kilometers you’ll start to get some small peek-a-boo views through the trees of Lightning Lake and the surrounding mountains.

After the switchback section the trail levels off for a few kilometers and rambles through the forest. At about the 7km mark you will reach the Frosty Creek campsite.

This campsite has an outhouse, nine tent sites and a bear cache to store your food. It also has a rough dirt-floored emergency shelter. There is a small creek at the campground, but it may be totally dried up in the fall. You must make a reservation to camp here between late July and late October each year.

To the Larch Plateau

After passing the campsite, the trail climbs steeply for another kilometer or so. It is around this point that you will begin to see the first larch trees.

You’ll know you’ve arrived at the larch plateau when you spot an interpretive plaque about the larch trees. (There will also be big larch trees everywhere!). The trail rambles through the larches along the flattish plateau for about a kilometer before starting to climb again. If you don’t plan to climb Frosty Mountain, turn around here.

To the Summit

The trail gets rockier and starts to climb above the treeline at about the 9.5km mark. You’ll have to follow a worn path up a scree slope to attain a ridge. The rocks here can be a bit loose and slippery so if you are afraid of heights, you may want to skip a trip to the summit.

Once you get to the top of the ridge, you’ll see the sign that marks the junction with a trail that descends to the east to the Pacific Crest Trail. Stay on the ridge and follow it south towards the summit of Frosty Mountain. You have only half a kilometer to walk but it is slow going: the ridge is narrow and the trail is rocky.

Once you reach the summit you will be at an elevation of 2408m! You are on the east summit of Frosty Mountain. The true summit of Frosty Mountain is just to the west of you and about 20m higher. Either way, you are on the highest peak in Manning Provincial Park. The mountains to the south of you are in the USA, just 1 kilometer away. Make sure you take a look back down to the larch plateau.

After you’ve enjoyed the views on Frosty’s rocky summit, retrace your steps to your car. Make sure to leave time for more photos at the larch plateau on the way down.

Final Thoughts

I first heard about Frosty Mountain larches years ago, but I didn’t really know what to expect until I visited them myself. I couldn’t believe these hardy little trees could grow in such an inhospitable environment. And that they could grow so old!

The golden colours of the larch needles against the blue sky are so stunning. It’s simply something you have to experience for yourself. Have you hiked to the Frosty Mountain larches or to golden larches in other areas? Tell me about it in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver in 2021
• How to Hike the Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls Trail in Vancouver
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver
• 35+ Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

The post Frosty Mountain Larches Fall Hiking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

While this post is aimed at locations where you can go on an overnight hiking trip in spring, most of these trips make great fall backpacking trips in British Columbia too.

In BC, most mountain trails are snow-covered between late October and mid-June. However, there are lots of lower elevation trails that are snow-free between March and November. There are even a few on this list that you can backpack year-round.

This list of 25 spring backpacking trips in British Columbia includes:

• Destinations near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in BC’s interior
• Trips ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert
• Hikes between 2 and 8 days long
• Trails that are usually snow-free by March, April, or May and stay snow-free until October or November
• Tips for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• Bonus: Spring backpacking suggestions for Washington State

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

Tips for Spring Backpacking in British Columbia

Backpacking in the spring has its own challenges. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Weather: In spring, the weather is colder and wetter than in summer. It’s also less predictable. Pack accordingly and be prepared to cancel your trip or switch to a different destination if the forecast looks bad. (Use these picks for the best weather apps for hiking.)

Trail Conditions: Many trails suffer blow-downs, wash-outs, and flooding over the winter. Often, parks staff and volunteers do trail maintenance in late May or June, which means trails can be in rough shape before then. (Here are my tips for how to check trail conditions.)

Mud: Wet and muddy trails are inevitable in spring. Come prepared with waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

Creek crossings: Streams run high in the spring with a combo of snow-melt and rain. Bridges may be washed out and fords may be dangerous. Be prepared to turn back.

Bears: As they wake up from hibernation and tend to new cubs, bears are more active in spring, especially in valley-bottom and coastal locations where there are lots of things for them to eat at this time of year. Read more about bear safety for backpackers.

Seasonal closures: Some parks and trails are closed in the off-season, or may have temporary closures to due damaged infrastructure. Check park and trail websites before you go.

Trailhead access issues: In spring, logging roads that access trailheads may be muddy or washed out. If you’re heading to a trail that requires a water taxi or floatplane, fog and rough weather may delay or cancel your trip. Shuttle services between trailheads may not start operating until May.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

Spring Backpacking Trips in Southwestern British Columbia

Viewpoint Beach and Halfmoon Beach, Golden Ears Provincial Park

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry permit registration, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This easy hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park follows the banks of Gold Creek. There are trails on both the west and east sides of the creek, connected by a bridge, so loop trips are possible. You can camp at Viewpoint Beach or venture further upstream to Halfmoon Beach.

This is the closest place to Vancouver that you can take a spring backpacking trip in British Columbia and also made my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see Golden Ears Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

It’s a short hike to picturesque Lindeman Lake where you can camp next to the tranquil turquoise waters. If you have more energy, carry on along the rougher trail to Greendrop Lake. Lindeman Lake is often snow-free in April, but Greendrop Lake holds snow into May.

Lindeman Lake is also one of my picks for beginner-friendly backpacking rips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Skagit River Trail, Skagit Valley Provincial Park

Note: Access to this trail was disrupted by the November 2021 storms. The river has changed course at the Sumallo Grove trailhead and the bridge is not accessible at times of high water. In late summer, it’s an easy ford. However, western trailhead on Silver-Skagit Road in Skagit Valley Provincial Park is open between mid-April and November, so you can access it from that direction.

This laid-back hike follows a historic fur-trade route along the banks of the Skagit River as it flows downstream. You can do an 8 km round trip hike from the Sumallo Grove Trailhead in Manning Provincial Park, camping at Delacy Camp. If you have two cars, you make a 14 km traverse from Sumallo Grove to Silver-Skagit Road.

The Skagit River Trail is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the E.C. Manning & Skagit Valley Provincial Parks map from Clark Geomatics.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Tikwalus Heritage Trail, Fraser Canyon

This historical Indigenous and fur trade route leads steeply up from Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon to several spectacular lookouts. Camp high on a bluff near several small lakes. The trail takes its name from a former Nlaka’pamux village near the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Lower Stein Valley, Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Provincial Park

Note: A large wildfire burned the lower Stein Valley trail in July and August 2023. As of early 2026, the trail is currently only open up to Earl’s Cabin camp 10.5 km from the trailhead.

The warm, dry climate in Lytton makes the Lower Stein Valley my favourite choice for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – Over the years, I’ve been there six times in March, April, and May. The valley is a spiritual place for the local Nlaka’pamux First Nation.

The trail travels next to the Stein River passing Indigenous pictographs and culturally modified trees. Choose from five different campgrounds spaced out along the lower section of the trail. This is one fo the best places for beginner backpacking in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Stein to Joffre Trail Map by Trail Ventures BC.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park

Heads up: Day passes are required at Cheakamus Lake in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

As the lowest elevation trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Cheakamus Lake is a good spring backpacking destination. The flat and easy trail leads through old-growth forest to the beautiful glacially-fed lake. Camp at the lake outlet or follow the trail along the shoreline to camp at Singing Creek.

This trail is my number one pick for easy backpacking near Vancouver.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Garibaldi Provincial Park Map by Clark Geomatics. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Fairview Bay/Saltery Bay Loop, Sunshine Coast Trail

Portions of the Sunshine Coast Trail are snow-covered most of the year, but you can tackle this low elevation section starting at the southern terminus in Saltery Bay. Hike along the coast to Fairview Bay hut as an out-and-back trip, or take on the full loop, camping at either Fairview Bay Hut or Rainy Day Lake Hut.

The trip to Fairview Bay is on my list of the best easy bacpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Confederation Lake and Fiddlehead Landing, Sunshine Coast Trail

Here’s another low elevation section of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) that is perfect for a spring backpacking trip. The trail starts at Inland Lake, then climbs steeply through thick old-growth forest to a hut on the shores of Confederation Lake. Follow the SCT downhill to Fiddlehead Landing on the shores of Powell Lake and another hut.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Sarah Point to Powell River, Sunshine Coast Trail

This northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail is an ideal spring backpacking destination. Arrange a water taxi or 4WD shuttle to the trailhead at Sarah Point or skip the first few kilometres by taking the shortcut trail to Wednesday Lake from Sarah Point Road. Finish your trip at the Shinglemill Pub in Powell River. Along the way, walk along bluffs speckled with arbutus trees, through old-growth forest, and past small lakes.

More Info: Read my trip report from my March backpacking trip on the northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Part of this section is also featured in my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

Spring Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Narvaez Bay, Saturna Island

This oceanfront campground is located on the southeastern side of Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s an easy hike in from the trailhead and the trail is also open to bikes. FYI: There is no potable water here so you’ll have to pack in your own. It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for camping reservations.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

Juan de Fuca Trail, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Note: The Juan de Fuca Trail is closed in summer 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach. The full trail is expected to re-open in late May, 2026.

The rugged Juan de Fuca Trail runs along the coast from near Jordan River to Port Renfrew. It’s a little shorter than the West Coast Trail, its famous neighbour to the north, but it’s just as rugged and has more hills. This trail crosses lots of steep gullies, so it is prone to washouts in the spring, fall, and winter months.

More Info: Read my Juan de Fuca Trail guide for full details. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

West Coast Trail, Pacific Rim National Park

Note: The West Coast Trail is open from May 1 to September 30 each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from October to the end of April.

The West Coast Trail is Canada’s most famous multi-day hike. Since it opens in May, it also makes a great spring backpacking trip. The 75-kilometre-long trail follows the wild shoreline with the help of bridges, ladders, and cable cars. Each night you will camp on a wilderness beach.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on reservations, trail fees, and National Park fees, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Keeha Beach, Pacific Rim National Park

Note: Keeha Beach is open from May 1 to early October each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from early October to the end of April.

This sandy beach is located just north of the West Coast Trail. It’s a short hike to get there, but allow plenty of time as the trail is very rough with lots of slippery roots and tons of mud. (The mud is pretty epic – comparable to the North Coast Trail.) You can also day hike to the nearby Cape Beale Lighthouse.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For trail fees, and reservations, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Della Falls Trail

At 440-metres-tall, Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. To get there, you first have to canoe, motor boat, or water taxi across Great Central Lake. Then hike up through a river valley to the base of the falls. Don’t miss a side trip on the Love Lake trail for incredible views of the falls.

The water taxi starts running on May 15 each year when the falls are in full flow. However, snow can linger in May and early June in the upper valley and on the Love Lake Trail, so go prepared.

More Info: Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and join the Della Falls Facebook group. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide

Wild Side Trail, Flores Island

Note: The Wild Side Trail is open from May to October each year. The Ahousaht Nation officially closes the trail from November to April.

The Wild Side Trail has one of the best effort to reward ratios of any of Vancouver Island’s coastal trails. It’s one of my favourite spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – I’ve done it twice in May! This trail is also one of my picks for the best beginner backpacking trips in BC.

It’s an easy walk along beaches and through the forest to a gorgeous campsite at Cow Bay. There are also two other campsites along the way. The hike is located in Ahousaht First Nation territory on Flores Island near Tofino, so you’ll need to arrange a water taxi.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on trail fees and camping fees, see the Wild Side Trail website.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide

Hesquiat Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a water taxi or floatplane to the remote Hesquiat Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This informal trail follows the rugged coastline as it bucks and dips across rocky headlands, through surge channels, and along beaches. There are no facilities or formal campsites.

More info: See Hiking the West Coast of Vancouver Island by Tim Leadem, and Hesquiat Peninsula Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Nootka Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

The Nootka Trail is my favourite coastal hike in BC. It’s located on Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island, so you need to take a water taxi or floatplane to get there. What makes this trail special is that it is almost entirely on the beach. There are no formal facilities or campsites.

More info: See my Nootka Trail trip report. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on fees, see Yuqot.ca, the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation website.

READ NEXT: Sunshine on the Edge of the World: Nootka Trail Trip Report

Tatchu Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

The Tatchu Peninsula is a wilderness hike on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The hike traces a route down the west side of the peninsula, linking numerous beaches with short overland trails. There are no formal facilities or campsites. You can do the easier (and more scenic) northern section as an out-and-back or complete a very challenging traverse.

More info: See my Tatchu Trail guide, Rugged Point Provincial Park. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Raft Cove, Raft Cove Provincial Park

Raft Cove is a remote beach on the north end of Vancouver Island, reached by a maze of logging roads from the tiny town of Holberg. It’s a short walk into the beach, but the rough and muddy trail makes it seem longer. Camp on the sandy beach and watch surfers work the waves just offshore.

This is one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Raft Cove Provincial Park for info and camping fees.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park

This is the easiest trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park, but it still has spectacular scenery. The trail winds through the coastal forest and ends at a beautiful beach. At low tide, you can explore incredible sea stacks. There are two beaches to camp on separated by a headland that is impassable at high tide.

The flat trail makes it one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: For more info, see my Cape Scott guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Cape Scott Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

While the north end of Vancouver Island gets a lot of rain, the Cape Scott Trail can be a great spring backpacking destination if you get a window of good weather. It’s a long hike through bog and coastal forest on old settler trails to the campsite at Nel’s Bight. From there, you can day hike to Cape Scott, the northernmost point on Vancouver Island.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

North Coast Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

The tough North Coast Trail traverses the northern end of Vancouver Island. It starts with a water taxi drop-off in Shushartie Bay and ends when it intersects the Cape Scott Trail at Nissen Bight. In between, there is lots of muddy and rough trail through coastal bog and old-growth forest, and a few gorgeous beaches.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia’s Interior

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

This large park between Kelowna and Naramata has several different spring backpacking options. You can hike to Divide Lake and Baker Lake near the summit of Okanagan Mountain. You can also follow the Wild Horse Canyon Trail to campsites on the shores of Okanagan Lake. A connecter trail links the two, so you can make a big loop. Spring and fall are the best time to visit this park, as it is too hot in the summer.

More info: See Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Okanagan High Rim Trail

This trail follows an elevated route above the Okanagan Valley between Vernon and Kelowna. In most years, it is snow-free by early to mid May. This trail is only a few years old and crisscrosses lots of forestry roads in between great viewpoints and small lakes.

More Info: Get the details from the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Deer Point Trail, Gladstone Provincial Park

The low elevation Deer Point Trail along Christina Lake in Gladstone Provincial Park near Grand Forks make a good spring backpacking destination. You can camp at Trapper Creek partway along the trail or at Troy Creek at the north end of the lake. Both campsites are open to boaters as well.

More Info: Get info on the trail and camping fees from Gladstone Provincial Park.

Flatiron Trails, Wells Gray Provincial Park

Note: In 2023, a few key bridges washed out and with high water, it is currently not possible to cross the creeks and reach any of the campsites.

Even though it is near the entrance to the park, Flatiron area of Wells Gray Provincial Park is a bit under-the-radar. A network of trails follows creeks to the banks of the Clearwater River and there are three backcountry campgrounds. You can access the area from three different trailheads, making loop trips or a traverse possible.

More Info: Get info on the trails from Exploring Wells Gray Park by Roland Neave. For camping fees see Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

Spring Backpacking Trips in Washington

Since it is a short trip across the border, it’s worth mentioning a few spring backpacking locations in Washington State.

Olympic Coast: The wilderness coast in Olympic National Park is accessible year-round. With several access points, lots of different trips are possible. As a bonus, it’s easier to get permits in the spring. For trip ideas, see my guides to Shi Shi Beach, Ozette Loop, and Toleak Point.

Enchanted Valley: Follow the East Fork Quinault River Trail into the Enchanted Valley in the rainforest of Olympic National Park.

East Bank Trail, Ross Lake: This trail in North Cascades National Park follows the shoreline of Ross Lake. See my East Bank Trail trip report.

Chelan Lakeshore Trail: This 17-mile-long trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest begins and ends with a ferry on Lake Chelan. The trail finishes at the boat-access-only village of Stehekin in North Cascades National Park.

So that gives you 25 different spring backpacking trips in British Columbia to choose from!  Which one would you choose?  I’ve hiked most of these trails (some of them several times) so feel free to ask me more about them in the comments.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette of reds, yellows, and oranges. Wildlife like elk and sheep are more active due to rutting season, creating prime viewing opportunities. 

Hiking trails offer quiet solitude, contrasting with the busy summer months. However, be prepared for muddy conditions once the rain arrives.

Dawn Outdoors Contributor Karen first visited Banff over 40 years ago. Since then, she’s made lots of other trips to the Canadian Rockies, so she really knows Banff in the fall.

This guide to Banff in the fall includes:

• A custom Banff in the fall travel map that highlights all the recommended spots in this post
• Travel tips for Banff in the fall including info on weather and park passes
• Where to stay in Banff from budget to luxury
• 9 beautiful reasons to visit Banff in the fall from hikes, to viewpoints, to wildlife and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Banff in the Fall Travel Map

Are you curious about where to find all the places recommended in this post? We made a custom Banff in the fall Google Map for you. Click here to zoom in and explore.

Travel Tips for Banff in the Fall

Since temperatures vary in the fall, you’ll need to pack layers. Expect highs of 15C or 59F in September, which drop to 10C (50F) by October. Nights can get cold, with September averages above freezing, but October sees snow and lows of -2C (28F).

To visit Banff, you’ll need a Park Pass or Discovery Pass, which you can purchase online. You can buy one for daily or yearly visits. If you plan to spend seven days in a national park, the annual pass saves money and covers up to seven people in one vehicle. Plus, the Discovery Pass covers multiple parks across Canada.

Cell phone coverage is non-existent once you leave Banff. However, if you plan to explore the Icefields Parkway, there is only one road, so you won’t get lost.

As the days are getting shorter, be aware of sunset when hiking. Plan to set out early and return before it gets dark.

Lastly, remember you’re in bear country, and that bears are very active in the fall. Make noise, carry bear spray, and hike in groups to avoid an encounter.

PSST! Read these Bear Safety Tips before you go to Banff

Where To Stay In Banff

Banff offers a variety of accommodations, from camping to hotels. However, nothing is really budget-friendly unless you’re camping.

Camping in the fall is best if you have a hard-side camper with heating due to chilly temperatures at night.

While many campgrounds close on September 2, others remain open until early October. Located close to downtown, Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground remains open year-round. 

Psst! Going camping in the fall? Read my tips for staying warm in a tent!

If you’re seeking a luxury hotel stay, you can’t beat the service and rooms at the Fairmont Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise. Owned by the Fairmont brand, they offer opulent accommodations, many with splendid views.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Ptarmigan Inn offers free parking and an excellent complimentary buffet breakfast that’s hard to beat. Located within walking distance of downtown, you won’t have to walk far to reach top Banff restaurants for dinner.

Another great choice is the Moose Hotel and Suites. It features a lovely rooftop pool and hot tub with mountain views. Its suites can sleep up to four, ideal for groups or families. With a living area and cozy fireplace, it’s a great place to wind down on a cold evening.

If you find Banff prices too high, you can try staying in nearby Canmore instead. It’s an easy 20 minute drive from Banff. Many of the accommodation options are suites with kitchens, which can help you save more money since you won’t be eating out as much. The Solara Resort has gorgeous (and huge!) suites. MTN House by Basecamp has reasonably priced rooms with modern mountain decor.

9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall

If you’re willing to gamble on an off-season visit, you might be pleasantly surprised by your trip to Banff. Here are some great reasons to forego summer travel and visit in the autumn instead.

1. The Weather Is Cooler

If you’re not fond of the heat, you’ll enjoy fall. The weather remains pleasant, but it’s important to pack layers. Temperature can vary dramatically from morning to afternoon. Higher elevations could get chilly, especially in the early hours or after dusk.

If you plan to take one of the gondolas around Banff or Lake Louise or hike up into the mountains, be aware that the temperatures can differ significantly on a mountain peak. Weather forecasts for the town of Banff can be useless further into the park. Use these weather apps for hikers for a much more accurate forecast.

If you plan to enjoy hiking in Banff, the cooler temperatures are much more idyllic. In the fall, expect daytime highs of 14C to 15C (57F to 59F), although the nights can get quite cold.

Since rain may be more prevalent, jackets and footwear should be waterproof. Expect muddy spots on hiking trails if the area has received significant rainfall.

Some hotels in Banff don’t have air conditioning, so a fall stay may be much more comfortable. 

2. Enjoy Fall Foliage

Fall foliage in Banff is stunning, with colors peaking from mid-September to early October. The landscape comes alive with hues of yellow, orange, and red. 

Larch trees are the main attraction, their needles turning a vibrant gold. Aspen and poplar trees add splashes of yellow and orange to the scenery.

For the best views, head to Larch Valley. Accessible from Moraine Lake, it’s a prime spot to see golden larches. Healy Pass and Sentinel Pass also offer golden tones, but these trails are reserved for the fittest hikers.

Another great location is the Icefields Parkway, offering panoramic views of the changing colors. If you don’t want to drive the whole parkway, just go as far as Bow Lake, about an hour north of Banff.

The Bow Valley Parkway is another great spot to enjoy fall hues. However, it is usually closed during September to allow wildlife to move unimpeded as they get ready for winter.

Whether hiking or driving, Banff in the fall offers multiple spots to witness the seasonal transformation. Each location provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the colors in full display.

While fall brings more rain, you’ll enjoy waterfalls with heavy flow. Must-visits include Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, Bow Falls, and the Upper Falls in Johnston Canyon. While Takakkaw Falls is in another national park, you can reach it with a one-hour drive from Banff.

3. Fewer Crowds

One of the best reasons to visit Banff in the fall is for fewer people. Banff is one of the best outdoor adventure towns in Canada and it has exploded in popularity. Summer brings high-priced hotel rooms, crowded trails, and the inability to park in high-traffic areas.

After Labor Day, visitors dissipate, causing hotels to drop their prices. Banff Avenue in downtown reopens to traffic, and parking becomes less problematic in the off-season. 

With the bulk of the tourists gone, you won’t have to wait long to eat at one of the top restaurants downtown.

Popular trails such as Johnston Canyon and Beehive Trail at Lake Louise feel less like commuting in rush hour. The later weeks in September see much fewer crowds, although you can’t enjoy a cup of tea at the mountainous teahouse since it’s closed for the season.

Gridlock areas such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake benefit from fewer tourists in the fall. Since Moraine Lake is only accessible by shuttle now, you’ll find it easier to get a time slot. However, due to snow, the area closes from October 9th until the following June.

4. Rutting Season

Fall welcomes the start of rutting reason, a ritual that is wonderful to witness. Rutting season is the mating period for certain animals, notably elk, deer, and moose in the Banff area. 

It occurs in the fall, usually from mid-September to early November. During this time, male animals engage in behaviors to attract females and establish dominance. They often bugle, a unique vocalization that’s quite haunting to hear.

Males or bulls exercise dominance by fighting with younger males who challenge them. Elk are the most prominent species in Banff and the wildlife you’ll most likely encounter.

Watching them gather harems of females and defend them against rival bulls is fascinating. They often lose weight during this time, as they don’t eat during this rivalry period.

These confrontations can be intense, involving charging and clashing antlers. Deer and moose also participate but are less commonly seen.

For visitors, the rutting season offers an unparalleled wildlife-watching opportunity. However, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance, as animals are more aggressive and unpredictable during this period. The safest place to watch is from inside a vehicle. With caution, witnessing the rut can be a memorable part of your Banff visit.

5. Budget-Friendly

If Banff is your bucket list destination, but you find it very expensive, a fall visit provides a bit of relief. Hotel rooms drop in price and continue to fall until the new year. 

However, the change of the season and snow bring skiers and snowboarders who take advantage of the powdery slopes. 

If you’ve dreamed of staying in a luxury hotel like the Fairmont Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise, it may be slightly more affordable. While summer commands a top price of CAD 1200+ a night, you could get a deal of 25 to 50% off.

Tour prices are cheaper too, as operators struggle to entice visitors to book excursions. Gondola rides, often sold out in summer, offer lower prices but cooler temperatures at the peak.

The end of the season also brings sales, as shops discount their merchandise before closing for the winter. It’s a great time to pick up gifts and souvenirs.

6. Later Sunrise

Is capturing the sunrise in Banff on your bucket list? There are many places to savor the early morning event. But the top marks go to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which gather the crowds in the wee hours.

Around the summer solstice, sunrise happens at 5:27 a.m. To see it, you’ll need to rise exceptionally early. With a 40-minute drive from Banff to Lake Louise and a much longer travel time to Moraine Lake, you could be getting up at 3:30 a.m.

In September, you’ll benefit from a later sunrise, allowing you to get an extra two hours of sleep. 

If you want to see the sunrise at Lake Louise, staying there rather than Banff for one night cuts out your travel time. Arriving at the lakeside early is advisable to get a premium viewing location.

If you prefer a location closer to Banff, you have options. Lake Minnewanka and Vermillion Lakes provide mountainous backdrops to the anticipated event.

Mount Norquay and the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain offer a different perspective from the top of a mountain. Wherever you choose to watch, remember your camera and tripod.

7. Quieter Hiking Trails

With fewer visitors in Banff hitting the trails, you’ll enjoy some solitude in the mountains. Hiking around Lake Louise is often congested during peak times. 

As summer winds down, you can hike to Lake Agnes, the Plain of the Six Glaciers, and the Beehives without encountering too many hikers along the way. Be aware that the weather can change, so pack a windproof and waterproof jacket.

Depending on the time of your visit, some areas may be closed for the season. So, check on park closures when planning your Banff itinerary.

Hiking Johnston Canyon in the off-season offers fewer crowds and more accessible parking. You’ll have narrow walkways almost to yourself. Enjoy the sound of silence and better photo opportunities. 

Off-season visits also offer unique beauty and the chance to linger at waterfall sightings without blocking the trail.

READ NEXT: 16 Things to do Before a Hike

8. More Animal Sightings

As the colder temperatures arrive, the higher elevations receive snow. It forces the animals to lower ground for their food source. An autumn visit is an ideal time to see wildlife, even in Banff.

Elk and deer are commonly spotted around Banff as the sign of winter approaches. The Vermillion Lakes and Banff Springs Golf Course are prime wildlife spotting areas. Early morning and just before dusk are the best time for viewing, as the animals are more active.

Bears are foraging at this time too. They need to gain weight for their winter hibernation. 

The hiking trails around Moraine Lake, mainly Consolation Lakes, provide a great area to see grizzly bears. However, the route may have hiking limitations. During active sightings, you may only hike with a minimum number of people, usually four or more. Read these bear safety tips before you go!

The Lake Louise gondola is another option to view wildlife. Visitors often spot bears, elk, goats, sheep, and deer during the gondola ride. Occasionally, a sighting can include a cougar, wolf, or lynx. Their website’s calendar shows what’s spotted each day.

9. Easier Car Rental

With a pent-up demand to travel after the pandemic, visitors to Banff need to book a rental car at least six months in advance. Most fly into Calgary International Airport, where rental vehicles have been hard to come by.

With fewer visitors in the fall, you’ll benefit from available car rentals and lower rental rates. If you plan to visit both Banff and Jasper, renting in Calgary and dropping off in Edmonton makes sense. 

If there’s snow in the forecast, rent an SUV instead of a car. While Alberta law doesn’t require snow tires, paying a little extra for them gives peace of mind, especially if driving at higher elevations.

I like to use Discover Cars to book rental cars because they let you compare prices across lots of rental companies.

Thanks to Karen for sharing this gorgeous guide to the best reasons to visit Banff in the fall. You can read more about Karen’s adventures on her website, Forever Karen.

READ NEXT:

• Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• Things to Do in Yoho National Park
• 20 Fabulous Canadian National Park Gift Ideas
• 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter
• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures

The post 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.