I don’t know about you, but I’m always interested in finding new activities to fill my free time (if I have any), especially when autumn sets in. If you’re the same way, you’ve come to the right page in the paper! I’ve gone beyond football games, harvest festivals, and pumpkin spice lattes to find seven unique things you should definitely try to enjoy this season while not breaking the bank — all with perfect photo-ops included.
- Go fishing
Don’t worry if you’ve never even touched a fishing pole before; you don’t have to be skilled to enjoy it! From my personal experiences (as a certified rookie), all you need is patience and a fishing licence. If you’re interested in only fishing for one day, you can purchase a one day licence of $11.43. If you like it more than you thought you would, an annual licence is $41.15. It can be a waiting game, but the anticipation of possibly catching a fish while also being surrounded by the colourful changing leaves and brisk air can provide a comfortability that is unexpected and pleasurable. You can find a quiet dock, bring a blanket, and your own basket of snacks with hot cocoa or cider. Whether you catch a fish or not, it’s a great opportunity to take in the fall foliage around you.
- Antiquing
Buzz around your local thrift stores and shop for some fresh decor for your room, porch, or home. It’s affordable and you might be surprised at some of the things you’d find hiding in the corners. A wreath, a table centrepiece, a welcome rug, or a freaky skeleton if you’re into Halloween.
- Make caramel apples
There is never a wrong time during fall to bake a sweet treat where the smell can linger in your house for days. Caramel apples are easy and great fun to make, especially with friends. They take minimal ingredients, you don’t need to set aside too much time or acquire a lot of baking skills, and they can stay fresh for over a week. They hold a flavour that combines sweet with sour and will definitely put you in the fall mood. You also have free range to spruce them up by rolling them in sprinkles or coconut shavings, cookie crumbs, candy, and more.
- Go on a scenic bike ride
For whenever you might feel like being adventurous and braving the chilly outdoors, and want another way to embrace the fiery reds and bronzy oranges, take a long ride on a bike through park trails. You don’t even have to have a destination; just pedal to your heart’s content and feel the satisfaction of the leaves crunching under your tires. Stanley Park in Vancouver is a prime spot that will occupy your time for at least a couple of hours. You can also bring a friend and rent a tandem bike!
- Have a watch party
Gather your friends and/or family and invite them over for a themed watch party. Rent or stream your favourite choices: from sappy Hallmark autumn romances, to spooky, twisted horror films, the options are endless! For your best and most memorable viewing experience, prepare some snacks, queue up your group’s favourites, put on your comfiest clothes, light the fireplace or some candles in the dark, and enjoy your time with the ones you care about.
- Attend a bake sale
If you’d rather buy your baked goods as opposed to making them yourself, support your local small business owners and shop around at a bake sale. You can always find different cookies, cakes, breads, and more that are fall-themed and reasonably priced. Plus, there are always more around the holidays, which means more options to choose from. You never know, you might find that perfect gift for a loved one, whether that be for a party or just because!
- Host a murder mystery
For all my Halloween lovers out there, invite friends or family over to solve the perfect murder mystery. Look for inspiration online and give your suspects a theme. An old Hollywood whodunit, a masquerade party, or a 1920s haunted mansion! It’s entertaining, challenging, and a great opportunity for team-building and connection. Make it more fun by dressing up together to match the theme of the mystery.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.