If you’re in the mood for adventure but feeling stuck because of crappy fall weather, look no further! This post contains my favourite activities to do during fall that are safe for any skill level yet gratifying for everyone. Keep reading for my tips to make each outing super enjoyable (even though the weather isn’t so great) and for activities that you can reminisce on with your friends for years to come.
Fall can be discouraging as the weather gets colder and the warm, outdoor activities you did in the summer dwindle off for the year. It’s now too cold for relaxing at the beach and also way too early for any fun snow activities like snow shoeing or skiing. However, fall doesn’t have to mean halting your weekend adventures!
One thing I’ve made a point of doing is not stoping my outdoor adventures for the fall season. I prioritize getting out and about for me. Yes I’m super busy and yes it’s tiring but a big part of staying sane (for me at least) is making time to explore. Not to get all deep, but spending time in nature resets my brain and actually rejuvenates me. Hence why I prioritize it so much.
This is where these ideas come in. I have gathered three of my favourite activities for outdoor outings during the fall season that are safe for any skill level and actually doable. It’s unfortunately not safe to hike at higher elevations if you’re not prepared for spontaneous weather changes (which takes practice and proper gear) and the things that you may have done in the summer may not be accessible in fall weather.
So if you’re just the average person looking to mix things up and have an adventure, then you’ve come to the right place. Grab your favourite people (or dogs) and head out for a good time to reset your brain and spike those much needed endorphins. Pack a solid bag! It’s gonna be a fun day ;).
Explore the Forest in the Rain
Living in Vancouver, we get a lot of rain. The reality is if you’re planning to go out this season, chances are you’re gonna get rained on at some point. However, the upside of all this rain is that it makes the forest incredibly lush and the landscape stunning with low-lying fog and vibrant mushrooms.
Take advantage of this scenery and go for a stroll through the forest! A pro to this is that you can make the walk as long or as short as you want. Since you’re going for the greenery, you don’t need to scale crazy elevations for a view. Look for some easy low elevation strolls in your area and you’ll be good to go! Bonus points if you hike to a waterfall.
My tips for this adventure would be to pack extra socks, lots of yummy snacks and a dollar store rain poncho in case your rain jacket fails. The one thing that made a huge difference for me during my walk through the woods during our rainfall warning last month was packing a small collapsable umbrella that I could pop open when it started down pouring. Since you’re not looking at a technical hike, an umbrella is easy to carry and keeps you and your pack dry when the rain starts coming down hard. Hand warmers are also a god send.
Brew a Hot Beverage in Front of a View
I like this activity because you can either pair it with hiking through the woods or something easier like a drive to a viewpoint. Beaches are also nice at this time of the year for storm watching! If you have a portable stove, pack that, some water and have everyone bring a portable mug. Seal up some instant coffee, tea or hot chocolate mix in a container and you’re good to go! You can all enjoy a hot bevvy and take in a stunning fall view.
If you don’t have a portable stove, that is totally okay. Boil enough water and keep it in a reliable thermos until you want to use it. Or even better, you can heat up a pot of water over a campfire!
Catch the Sunrise
On the odd chance that you are blessed with a guaranteed sunrise this season, take advantage of the fact that the sun now rises later in the day! You’ll still have to wake up early depending on where you’re planning on heading, but it’s now much more realistic to catch a sunrise compared to catching a summer sunrise at like 5 in the morning.
If you do plan on watching the sunrise, my big tip would be to make sure there’s not a gate where you’re going because lots of provincial parks don’t open until dawn and it might mess up your plans depending on if you plan to hike in or not (this is from personal experience unfortunately). Beaches are great because you can simply drive to them if you’re not eager to hustle up to a view point that early in the morning.
My Must-haves for Fall Outings
So now that you’re equipped with these spectacular ideas, go out and have a great adventure! To make things easier, here’s a summary of all the stuff I like to bring to stay comfortable while exploring out in the cold, rainy weather.
- Toque
- Mittens or gloves
- Hand and feet warmers
- EXTRA SOCKS!!! (merino wool socks preferred or at least ones that will keep you warm)
- Yummy snacks (for extra motivation)
- Packable umbrella
- Rain poncho
- Garbage bag or small towel (for sitting on incase the ground is wet)
- And of course don’t forget water 🙂
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