After a very hot summer, fall is finally here! Hopefully, I’m not the only one that’s over the scorching heat this summer. I know it sounds basic but I’m ready for my pumpkin spice latte, my adorable, oversized hoodie, and the sight of beautiful orange leaves. Some people might say that I’m crazy and that fall season here on the lower mainland isn’t as exciting, but I’m here to show you a few of my fall activities that I have planned this year. British Columbia is always known for constantly having various types of events that cater to everyone all year round. For our fall season, the most well-known activity is going to the pumpkin patch with your loved ones and finding a yummy pumpkin you can take home. Which I do enjoy and very much a tradition every fall, I’ve decided to switch it up a little bit this fall.
The Vancouver Aquarium is by far my favourite place to be. For the past four years, I’ve always had a membership at the Vancouver Aquarium and safe to say I would attend all the events that were held. However, there is one event that I always looked over and that is “Nights At The Aquarium”. One reason is that I am a broke college student, I’ve always overlooked this event because of the ticket price. For some reason, dinner at the aquarium just never really intrigued me since I visit the aquarium twice a month anyway. However, one thing I’ve learned in 2022, is that sometimes is all about the experience. Therefore, this year I will be buying two tickets to this lovely dinner. So, what exactly is “Nights At The Aquarium”? According to reviews, it’s Vancouver’s most unique date night experience. The price is $150 per person, to enjoy a three-course meal with beer pairings by Stanley Park Brewing while being surrounded by the beautiful marine animals. I don’t know about you, but that sounds quite amazing to me. I can have a glass of wine in one hand and my date in the other while admiring all that the aquarium has to offer. The most important thing is having unlimited access to wine. If anything, if the event banner started with that, I would’ve been attending years ago.
As I’ve mentioned before, going to the pumpkin patch is a fall tradition for me. This year, I will also be adding to the Harvest Days festival at Vandusen Botanical Garden. Second place to the aquarium, Vandusen Garden is one of my favourite places in the whole city. When I was 15 years old, I started volunteering at the garden for my resume experience and as soon as I entered the garden, I immediately fell in love. Just like the aquarium, I also had a yearly membership to Vandusen Botanical Garden. If you haven’t been to Vandusen, you are missing out! There is so much beauty in the garden, the flowers and plants will never disappoint, and the wildlife there will make you smile. Occasionally, you see a family of Canadian geese by the pond with their young, and a trail of ducklings following their around mom on the path. For the past couple of years, Vandusen has started its own vegetable gardens, which will be incorporated into this year’s Harvest Day Festival. Not only will you be able to see the big, beautiful veggie garden, but there is also a bee farm as well! The garden will be decorated with friendly scarecrows, hay bales, cornstalks, and lots of pumpkins! This festival just screams fall and sweater weather to me, and I cannot wait to spend an evening here. Especially, with live music and my all-time favourite tasty food vendor, the sugared mini donuts. Who doesn’t love some good mini donuts and live entertainment while being surrounded by Canada’s beautiful sugar maple trees?
Finally, the Richmond Night Market is also something that I love attending in the fall time. I can also safely say that the Richmond Night Market is a staple in most people’s lives since it’s been around for 22 years. The night market usually starts in the early summer, but personally, for me, I believe that fall is the perfect time to go. One of the many reasons why I prefer to attend the night market during the fall is because of the cooler environment. Don’t get me wrong, visiting the night market during the summer is great but with the sun and the heat from the food vendors, it can be a little too much humidity for me. Also, the Richmond Night Market in the fall does not get as busy as it would during the summertime. Speaking of food, you will not be disappointed in the selection they have at the night market. If you’re a foodie, this is the place for you! In addition, there are tons of vendors selling various types of products. My favourites are the cute little anime merchandise, and jewelry from small local businesses. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend the famous “Rotato Potato”, some cheesy Taiyaki, and delicious Okonomiyaki. As well as attending the live performances by local dance groups and bands.
Cheers to the upcoming fall season! Personally, I can’t wait for our city to be filled with vibrate orange leaves that looks like real-life paintings, and the upcoming holidays. Who doesn’t love a nice turkey dinner with your loved ones? Or dressing up as your favourite characters for Halloween for the best costume contest? I hope after reading I can convince you to get yourself some pumpkin spice latte and put on your favourite cozy sweater. And hopefully adding some of these events to your list of fall activities. Just remember to always have some sort of pumpkin spice beverage in your hand, a big warm blanket so you can be a burrito and decorate your home with cute little pumpkins! Oh, and you can’t forget about the pumpkin pies and caramel apples!