Falling for Vancouver
Vancouver
The falling of the leaves usually signifies the start of the autumn season. Some say Vancouver is not like the rest of Canada, referring to it as the ‘California’ of the north. To this, I agree Vancouver is very different. The weather alone is ideal, it doesn’t snow so much like the rest of the country BUT it isn’t such a difficult commute to reach the mountains for some winter activities. Vancouver consistently has warmer temperatures than the rest of the country that is why I love this city. Yes, it does rain a lot that the city has been dubbed ‘Rain-couver’. This fact alone can rain on so many people’s parades (pun intended) but I believe this is where Vancouver gets its charm. Below is a list of activities you can do during this season that will surely get you falling for Vancouver:
Thanksgiving
Let’s start with a festive long weekend. From October 9-11 Canadians will be celebrating Thanksgiving. A time to reflect, be with your loved ones and just give thanks to what you are grateful for in the past year. Nothing more North American than a traditional Thanksgiving feast. We know many of our students are traveling away from their home countries to study at VanWest College which is why we encourage having a ‘Friendsgiving’ with your classmates and friends. It is essentially Thanksgiving but instead of spending it with your family, you spend it with your friends. Some common Thanksgiving dishes are roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Halloween
Canada loves Halloween. Just like the cartoons we watched growing up, Halloween here is grand. Many people get really creative with their costumes and decorations. Being that this year Halloween is on a weekend (Sunday, Oct 31) there will be surely a lot of spooky-theme festivities happening all around the Lower Mainland. Be ready to see people in costume riding transit and doing other everyday actions as if it were normal. Make sure you get creative with your costumes because if Halloween falls on the weekend your office or school will most likely host a costume contest on the Friday prior. What will you dress up as this year?
Enjoy the Leaves
During autumn you will see leaves falling from trees and it is a beautiful sight to see. The red, yellow, and orange leaves mixing with the green grass make the best “Fall” aesthetic for your Instagram photos. A common fall activity in Canada is raking up a huge pile of leaves and jumping into them. From Stanley Park to your local park we do suggest taking the time walking around with a warm beverage in your hands and just be reflective.
Layer Up!
This might be a little subjective but I think the best type of fashion is fall fashion. It’s cool enough that you can layer up but not too cold that you get bogged down with winter coats. An “always-in-style” combination is boots, jeans, a plaid top with a hoodie or coat, or both.
Lest We Forget
One of Canada’s most important days of the year also happens in autumn. November 11 is Remembrance Day. It is a day we remember all those who have served and gave their lives for this amazing country. We pay our respects usually by purchasing a red poppy that we pin on our chests. The whole country also observes a moment of silence. Around this time there are many organizations that pay tributes to Canada’s past which makes for a good learning experience.
Keep Hiking
Don’t let the cool wet season fool you, autumn is still a great time to explore nature and go hiking. There’s just something breathtaking about being immersed in the forest and trails that are easily accessible from Vancouver. Enjoy stepping on the crunchy leaves or fallen twigs and branches. Feel the serenity as you hike with a friend and hear the rushing waters of a creek nearby. If you decide to go on a hike that is rewarded with a view, make sure you have your phones ready to snap a picture of the mist rolling through the mountains that hug Vancouver.
Hockey is Back!
The fall is also a great indication that Canada’s favorite sport, hockey, is back. It is this time when the majority of the hockey leagues start back up again, especially the big one, the National Hockey League (NHL). Hockey is almost a way of life for Canadians and Vancouver is no different. This city loves their NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks, and can’t wait for the season to start. If you’re here during the season we suggest you trying to catch a game.
There you have it, some activities that will have you ‘falling’ for Vancouver and there is still so much more you can do within the vicinity of the city. Vancouver is just one area in the Lower Mainland, next to many more cities that is easily reachable and have their own autumn-themed activities. Vancouver has so much to offer that makes studying at VanWest College in the fall very exciting.
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