There's more to fall than just the leaves -- culinary delights, first-rate entertainment and outdoor adventures might just have you heading to the west coast this season.

Looking for a change of scenery this fall? There are plenty of reasons to head out west, and we're not just talking about the fall colours. Here are four fall destinations worth a look:

Victoria

Fall adds a splash of colour to the many attractions of this historic city, including the many garden and woodland sites. Voted one of the Ten Best Public Gardens in Canada by Canadian Geographic Travel, Milner Gardens and Woodland is alight with colour this time of year. Many of the gardens are still in bloom, and the forest displays much of its fall splendour. There are also numerous parks and trails that "show off" their colours during the September and October months. For instance, fall is reputedly one of the best seasons to experience Beacon Hill Park.

Hatley Castle is also afire with colour this time of year and a great setting for some romantic fall photos. If you enjoy historic architecture, both Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle offer self-guided tours.

Elsewhere, there are dozens of other events happening this fall, including wine and food festivals, free concerts, open houses and cultural celebrations. Halloween fans won't want to miss the Pumpkin Art Tour at Victoria Truth Centre to see works of art made entirely from -- you guessed it -- pumpkins. For a complete list of what's happening, see the Calendar of Events.

Vancouver

There's a little of something for everyone in this future Olympic host city. If the mountain vistas, coastlines and the city's famous Stanley Park aren't enough to tempt autumn visitors, the harvest season is an ideal time to treat your palate. The region is famous not only for its local brews but also its ciders and wines as well. Visit some of the local breweries and cideries and keep your eyes open for seasonal brews like pumpkin beer. For a late fall getaway, scotch and whiskey lovers won't want to miss the 13th Annual Hopscotch Festival this November 17-22.

If it's entertainment you're after, the busy season for both sports and the arts is getting underway. Comedy, theatre, music and film events are popular this time of year, including the Vancouver Fringe Festival (September 9-20) and the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival (continuing through to September 26). The Vancouver International Film Festival (October 1-16) is one of the five largest film festivals in North America, with 350 films from over 60 countries. (See the VIFF website for more information.)

Star-gazing is also a popular pastime with many feature films and TV shows being produced in the area. To see what's going on, visit the BC Film Commission website.

And if you're feeling daring, take a stroll across the Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning 450 feet across the river at a height of 230 feet. The park's newest attraction, appropriately named Treetops Adventure, is a network of bridges among the treetops of this coastal rainforest.

Whistler

In the fall, the Whistler area has much to offer travellers looking for some rest and relaxation -- including some great off-season deals. The pedestrian-only village, nestled between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, is a great place to start. Stroll around to visit the 200 stores or 90 restaurants, and the Farmers' Market has seasonal fare along with local arts and crafts. There are also several art galleries with free admission, and other museums and sites to visit.

Pamper yourself a little while you're at it. There are more than 20 spas in the area that cater to male and female clientele -- perfect for a ladies-only vacation or a couples retreat. Some studios in the area even offer drop-in yoga classes.

For some physical activity, the area has four golf courses worth a visit and a few rounds are often included in many fall hotel packages. The Valley Trail affords some postcard-worthy photo opportunities, and every Wednesday visitors can join the Whistler Kayak Club for some time on the water at Wayside Park. After a short ride on the WAVE (local transit), the Interpretive Forest takes you on a self-guided tour through an old-growth forest for an educational afternoon out of doors. For more free or inexpensive activities, see the tourism bureau's list of 25 Things to Do in Whistler Under $25.

British Columbia's tasty festivals continue into late fall with Whistler's Cornucopia from November 12-15. Events include favourites such as the Slow Food Asian Market and the Battle of the Sexes where men and women compete in blind taste tests to see who has the sharper palate. This year there's even a seminar on how to choose wine, chocolate and green tea for weight loss and longevity. (Click here for more information.)

Okanagan Valley

Autumn is all about the wine in the picturesque Okanagan Valley where some of Canada's best wines are produced. Imagine plump grapes ripening on their vines against a backdrop of the mountains and Okanagan Lake.

The area also hosts one of the few North American wine festivals held during the thick of the harvest. The Okanagan Fall Wine Festival (October 1-11) features over 160 events including winery tours, tastings, cruises, the People's Choice Awards and the popular "Lunch with a Winemaker". There are many opportunities to pair wines with fine dining or the fine arts. Many events are family friendly, and the "Dog Days of Summer" event even includes the family pet. See the festival website for full details.

The area is also popular for its scenic golf courses, but an adrenaline rush is to be found on the race tracks. With the Okanagan Racing Experience, you can don a fire-proof suit and helmet and put "the pedal to the metal" (after some lessons, of course). Programs continue into the fall and range from $389 for a half day session to the two-day Winners Circle at $1199.

For fantastic photo ops, you'll want to head to one of the Thompson Okanagan's parks where you'll find the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, towering waterfalls, glaciers and valleys. A little research can help you find the right scenery and the right level of hiking for your abilities. See Hello BC for details.

If you're looking for ways to get around, there are a number of travel excursions in British Columbia and Alberta that show off the colours. For example, VIA Rail's Autumn Rockies Rail Experience promises mountain and canyon vistas alive with colour -- at a cooler and less crowded time of year. Many companies offer packages that include cruises, aerial excursions and rail. It's worth some comparison shopping if you're looking for something a bit different this year.

Of course, we can't cover everything. If you know of a great place to visit or a great event others won't want to miss, we invite you to share it in the comments below.

Updated September 2009 with new dates and information

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