Summer is winding down, but there’s still time to savor the season. From corn mazes and heart-pounding racetrack experiences to fabulous wine festivals, here are five of our favorite end-of-summer adventures in and around Vancouver Island.
MCNAB’S CORN MAZE – Now this is a truly unforgettable early autumn activity. Put on some sturdy closed-toe shoes, grab some snacks and dive into McNab’s seven-acre corn maze, located 60 miles north of Victoria and open now through October 31. How long it takes is up to you (it could be hours). When you finish up, hop on a hay ride over to the pumpkin patch or scope out the fresh veggies at the produce stand.
DUNCAN’S FARMER’S MARKET – With more than 150 vendors, The Duncan Farmers Market in Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley is one of the largest in British Columbia. From fresh foods to wines and unique artisan wares, every item at the weekly Saturday fair is locally produced. Bring a big tote to take home handcrafted cheeses, pastries, jams, fruits and veggies. There’s also live music and fun for the kids, so bring the whole family.
VANCOUVER ISLAND MOTORSPORT CIRCUIT – Feeling the need for speed? Book a Hot Laps session at the famous Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit an hour north of Victoria. Buckle into the passenger seat of one of the track’s high-performance circuit taxis and hold on as a highly trained driving instructors rockets you around the track’s 19 dynamic corners. Enjoy this adrenaline-stocking experience (and the picturesque autumn views) for a full five laps.
SALT SPRING ISLAND FALL FAIR – Over the weekend of September 14 and 15, celebrate Salt Spring Island’s rich farming heritage at it’s oldest community event—the Fall Fair, during which locals and visitors can mingle on the grounds of the 124-year-old Farmers’ Institute while taking in hilarious competitions like the hand-painted zucchini contest, sheep dog herding demos and live music. Plus, take home fresh-baked pies and fresh local fruits and veggies.
THE VICTORIA WINE FESTIVAL – Come for the wine, stay for the learning! Head to the Parkside Hotel and Spa on Vancouver Island September 19-21 for the Victoria Wine Festival where you can sample some of the best international vintages and expand your knowledge with expert-led seminars.
