Photo: Pumpkins After Dark
It’s spooky season in Vancouver, but it doesn’t have to be terrifying. From ghost trains to pumpkin patches, there are lots of family-friendly Halloween attractions around the city.
Stanley Park Ghost Train
Photo: City of Vancouver
The popular Stanley Park Train has been transformed into the Ghost Train for Halloween. The “Ghosts in the Graveyard” themed ride includes scary decor, creepy characters, and some surprises. Enjoy family photo ops and food trucks in the railway plaza before or after your ride. The train runs each evening from October 10 to 31. There are also less scary afternoon train rides on weekends that are perfect for little kids.
Canyon Frights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Your family will have a spooktacular time at Canyon Frights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge from October 11 to 31. The suspension bridge and walkways are decked out with colourful lights and lots of frightful decorations. Learn about Elizabeth and Mac, the ghosts of the former owners of the bridge. Costumes are welcome and there are Halloween games for kids. The Canyon Frights experience is included in the price of admission.
HowlOver Canada at FlyOver Canada
Photo: Pursuit/LOB NAME
Follow Biker Mama, a broom-riding tour guide, as you soar over some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery at HowlOver Canada. You’ll meet spooky characters and take in the sights on this immersive flying ride. You can also enjoy a fun self-guided scavenger hunt and themed treats. HowlOver Canada runs from October 3 to 31. Kids 13 and under ride free Monday through Thursday and on weekends there is live entertainment at the Flying Whale Waterfront Cafe.
Ghost Hunt: Hauntington Manor at Metropolis at Metrotown
Fall decor at Metropolis at Metrotown. Photo: Metropolis at Metrotown
Explore the dimly lit Hauntington Manor at Metropolis at Metrotown between October 4 and 31. Bamboozled Escape Games designed this Halloween-themed escape room which includes puzzles, games, and a ghost-busting laser gun. The experience is spooky but not gruesome, so it’s great for kids 7 and up. There are also lots of other fun Halloween activities at Metropolis at Metrotown: enjoy pumpkin carving on October 12, a pie-eating contest on October 19, trick-or-treating at select stores on October 31, and lots of fall decor for the entire month of October.
Pumpkins After Dark at Central Park
Photo: Pumpkins After Dark
Wander the paths at Pumpkins After Dark at Central Park in Burnaby to experience over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins arranged into sculptures, animals, architecture, famous paintings, and more. The event runs from October 3 to 31 and also includes spooky decorations, live pumpkin carving demos, photo ops and sweet treats.
Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum
Photo: Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum is hosting a storybook-themed Halloween event called Haunted Village from October 23 to 27. Wander through the seasonally-decorated heritage buildings to encounter characters from your favourite stories including Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, and more. The event also features a dance party with DJ Mad Hatter, circus performers, Indigenous storytelling and themed food and drink.
Bear Creek Halloween Train
Photo: Bear Creek Park Train/Facebook
This year the Bear Creek Train in Surrey has two Halloween-themed train experiences running from September 27 until October 31. The Pumpkin Train runs during the daytime and chugs along through the festively decorated forest. Admission includes a pumpkin and a treat. At night older kids can brave the Scream Train which includes scary actors including the infamous Chainsaw Charlie.
Halloween Markets
Photo: Nightmare Before Christmas Market/Facebook
Shop for spooky crafts, costumes, and decor at one of the Halloween markets happening in Vancouver this fall. Head to the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver for the Spooktacular Halloween Market on October 19. It includes vendors, a costume competition, and kids’ activities. The Nightmare Before Christmas Market is being held on October 19 and 20 at the Maritime Labour Centre in East Vancouver. It includes artisan vendors and food trucks.
Pumpkin Patches
Photo: Taves Family Farms
Visit a pumpkin patch with your family to celebrate the Halloween season. There are 20 pumpkin patches at family farms around Vancouver. Along with picking out a pumpkin, you can enjoy hayrides, kids activities’, petting farms, pony rides, live music, seasonal treats, and more.
Parade of Lost Souls
Photo: Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society
Finish the Halloween season with the Parade of Lost Souls on Commercial Drive on November 1. Organized by an artists collective, this long-running East Vancouver tradition sees costumed performers and dancers parading through the streets. Audience participation is encouraged – there are several workshops in advance of the event where you can learn choreography or swap costumes. The parade also includes the kid-friendly Parade of Little Lost Souls before the main event.