UBC Apple Festival Tips from a Local Who Keeps Going

Ever wondered why the UBC Apple Festival draws thousands of people every October? It’s not just about apples, though; tasting lots of apple varieties is a pretty great reason to show up.

This Vancouver apple festival is one I return to year after year. Set at the beautiful UBC Botanical Garden, it’s cozy, local, and surprisingly fun — with food trucks, live music, and more than 100 types of apples grown right here in BC.

But to really enjoy it? You need to plan ahead. The tasting tent sells out early, parking can be a mess, and you’ll want to bring your own tote for apple hauling (trust me).

Here’s everything you need to know to visit the Apple Festival at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Botanical Garden in Vancouver without the stress — and actually enjoy it.

1. When and Where Is the UBC Apple Festival?

The UBC Apple Festival usually takes place over one weekend in early October — typically the first or second weekend, depending on the season. For 2025, exact dates haven’t been posted yet, but it’s smart to keep an eye on ubcbotanicalgarden.org by late summer for updates.

The whole thing happens at the UBC Botanical Garden in Vancouver, near SW Marine Drive and 16th Avenue. This isn’t just some parking-lot market — you’ll actually get to walk through parts of the garden with your admission ticket, which makes the experience feel more relaxed and scenic.

🗓️ Quick info:

• Location: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC
• Dates: Usually the 1st or 2nd weekend of October
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (but go earlier if you want apples)
• Tickets: Advance tickets recommended, especially for the tasting tent

Pro tip: Don’t wait until the morning of to decide — this is one of the most popular fall events in Vancouver, and certain time slots can sell out quickly.

2. What to Expect at the Apple Festival UBC

This isn’t a quick 10-minute stop for apples — the UBC Apple Festival is a full-on seasonal experience. If it’s your first time, here’s what you’ll find:

• 🍎 Apple sales area: Dozens of BC-grown apple varieties, including varieties you won’t find in stores. Some go fast, so it’s worth arriving early.
• 🍏 Tasting tent (more on that below): Small extra fee, totally worth it.
• 🛍️ Local vendors: Think preserves, baked goods, chocolate, apple cider, apple chips, and fall-themed snacks. You’ll want to bring a tote bag or two.
• 🎶 Live music + entertainment: A few small performances.
• 🌳 UBC Botanical Garden access: Included with your ticket. One of the best parts, honestly. You can wander through the forest paths or check out the Greenheart TreeWalk if it’s open.

I’ve been to the UBC Apple Festival enough times to know what works and what doesn’t. The crowds can build up quickly, so I always aim to get there earlier in the day, especially if I want to bring home any of the rarer apple varieties (they do sell out).

I always come with a tote or backpack for all the goodies: a few bags of apples, maybe some fresh apple chips, and usually a jar of local preserves.

There’s also hot apple cider and warm snacks to keep you cozy while you wander — and access to the UBC Botanical Garden is included, which makes the whole thing feel more like a full fall outing than just a market.

3. Is the Apple Tasting Tent Worth It?

Yes—absolutely, but only if you book it early. The Friends of the Garden Apple Tasting Tent is notoriously popular at the UBC Apple Festival, and tickets often sell out fast

Here’s how it works:

• 🍏 You pay an extra $10 on top of your festival admission.
• Inside, you’ll sample up to 50 different BC-grown apple varieties, including rare heirlooms you’ll never find in stores
• They issue a tasting card so you can note your favourites—perfect for deciding which apples to splurge on at the market.

I’ve done it more than once, and every time I’m surprised by which apples end up being my favourites. The tasting tent gives you a real perspective compared to just buying random bags—you’ll understand what you’re tasting.

But here’s the kicker: you must book the tasting tent slot when it’s announced on the UBC Botanical Garden’s website—early bird admission doesn’t guarantee a tent ticket. If it’s sold out, check back early on the festival days—sometimes they release spots for no-shows.

4. Parking and How to Get There

Let me be honest with you: parking at UBC during the Apple Festival can be a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead. The campus is already busy on weekends, and the festival draws huge crowds, especially mid-morning.

🅿️ Parking Tips:

• Don’t aim for street parking — it’s almost impossible during the event.
• The Botanical Garden doesn’t have its own dedicated lot for the festival.
• UBC provides free shuttle buses from several of the larger on-campus lots (like the West Parkade or Thunderbird Parkade), and honestly, that’s your best bet.
• Check the festival site in advance to see which lots are being used for shuttles that year.

🚍 Transit is also an option — buses like the 49, 99 B-Line, and 25 drop off a short walk from the garden, though you’ll want to check Sunday schedules if you’re heading there early.

🚶‍♀️ Once you’re on campus, there’s signage to get you to the festival entrance…and follow the crowds and helpful volunteers pointing you in the right direction.

5. What to Bring (and What You’ll Regret Forgetting)

You don’t need much for the festival, but showing up unprepared is a rookie mistake — especially when it comes to carrying home your haul.

Here’s what I always bring:

👜 A sturdy tote or backpack
You’ll end up buying more apples than you think. The plastic bags they give you won’t survive a full afternoon — and nobody wants to juggle 4 lbs of Ambrosias in a paper handle bag that’s falling apart.

💧 A reusable water bottle
You’ll be walking around a lot, and while there are food trucks, you don’t want to waste time in a long line just for a drink.

🧣 Layers and a waterproof jacket
October in Vancouver means moody weather. The event runs rain or shine, and the garden can get muddy if it’s been raining. (More on what to wear in the next section.)

💵 A little cash
Most vendors accept cards now, but small purchases (like apple chips or kids’ activities) sometimes go faster with cash.

🍎 Room in your fridge
Not something to bring with you, but plan for it. I usually leave with at least 2–3 different varieties, plus maybe some apple butter or snacks. I find that apples stay fresh for weeks or even 2 months if you keep them in the fridge.

6. What to Wear for Vancouver’s October Weather

The Apple Festival is an outdoor event in October. That means layers, damp air, and the very real possibility of rain — even if the morning starts out sunny.

Here’s what I usually wear (and recommend):

• 🧥 A waterproof jacket — not just water-resistant, actually waterproof
• 👟 Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip (the garden paths can get slick)
• 🧢 A hat or hood, just in case the drizzle picks up
• 🧤 Layers you can take off if the sun comes out

You’ll be on your feet, walking through gardens and gravel, maybe juggling a tote full of apples — so this is not the time for anything flimsy or uncomfortable.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got a full breakdown of things to bring and to wear in Vancouver in October that covers weather, footwear, and layers that actually work.

7. Why I Keep Going Every Year

This is one of those events I come back to every October. Some years I’ve gone with friends, other times with my mom — and honestly, it never gets old. I always end up leaving with a tote full of apples, a few unexpected finds from local vendors, and that cozy fall feeling I’m always chasing.

It’s not just about shopping for apples. It’s the atmosphere. The crunchy gravel paths, the changing leaves in the garden, the smell of warm apple cider in the air — it’s just one of those simple, seasonal things that feels really good.

If you’re trying to make the most of fall in the city, this is one of the first things I recommend. And if you’re planning out the rest of the month, I’ve also rounded up more ideas for October in Vancouver to help you fill your weekends with things that actually feel like fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning More Fall Activities?

If you’re heading out for the day, make the most of it. I’ve put together plenty of ideas for fall in Vancouver — whether you want to stay dry, catch the best colour before the rain hits, or sneak in a quiet getaway before the crowds roll in.