Zombies and ghost trains and cemeteries, oh my! From tales of Gastown’s eerie history, to alien abductions, to a tour of Canada with a witch named Broomhelda, there’s a Vancouver Halloween horror for everyone. Read on…if you dare.
Stanley Park Ghost Train | October 13 to 31, 2017
Each year, the Stanley Park Ghost Train takes riders of all ages on a journey through a mystical and magical Halloween world. This year, the “Alien Invasion” theme offers a family friendly opportunity to be abducted by aliens and witness the landing. Also check out The Haunted Maze, Creatures of the Night animal encounters with Stanley Park Ecological Society, arts and crafts activities, and explore the pumpkin patch. Stanley Park Ghost Train runs daily. Check website for details. Tickets range from $6 to $12 (plus tax). Make sure you use tag #GhostTrainYVR on social media.
Fort Langley’s Grave Tales | October 13-15, 18-22, 25-30, 2017
Head out to historic Fort Langley for Grave Tales (23433 Mavis Ave., Fort Langley), a deliciously macabre nighttime stroll through this National Historic Site of Canada. Suitable for thrill-seekers 19 years or older, the two-hour or three-hour journey features a costumed storyteller guiding participants through the quaint village and its misty cemetery while sharing eerie stories of the mysterious burials and old-school amputations that once took place there. Sufficiently chilled to the bone, guests then cozy up around a bonfire at the now-deserted Hudson’s Bay Company fort. Younger adventurers, fear not: an all ages Grave Tales is available, and Kids Ft Langley Halloween from October 28-29. Reservations are open now, with enhanced pricing to celebrate Canada 150. Check the website for details, prices and dates.
Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum | October 27-30, 2017
Witches, ghosts and other fairytale and storybook characters will step off their pages at this year’s Haunted Village, taking place at the 1920s-era Burnaby Village (6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby). Don your costume and roam the Village and Farmhouse, take a spin on the spooky carousel, and groove to tunes spun by a live DJ. Your ticket includes trick-or-treating for the kiddies as well as entertainment and carousel rides for all. The Ice Cream Parlour will be open for ghoulish snacks and light meals. Admission is $14 for adults and $9 for children (taxes included). Open from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Forbidden Vancouver – Lost Souls of Gastown Tour | Ongoing
Venture into Vancouver’s eeriest alleys and oldest neighbourhoods on this gothic foray into the depths of Gastown. Guided by a centuries-old resident, participants relive some of the city’s most mysterious, gruesome and historic events, learning about the lives – and deaths – of notorious figures like Gassy Jack (the founder of Gastown) and John Bray (a Klondike gold prospector whose brutal murder hasn’t stopped him from haunting Gastown’s main drag). The Lost Souls of Gastown costs $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. Multiple tours per week. Check website for dates.
Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween Weekend at Britannia Mine Museum | October 21-22, 28-29, 2017
It’s the witching hour at Britannia Mine Museum (1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach) this Halloween with two weekends full of fun, family-friendly activities for all ages for their third annual Spoo-ook-tacular event! Catch a Strange Science Show hosted by Britannia’s Dr. Dioxide featuring fiery jack-o-lanterns, strange witches brews, spooky potions and an apothecary; or enter the Witch’s House that will play wicked tricks on your mind and make your eyes bug out; or enter the Critter Emporium courtesy of Aquarium’s West! Play a game, find out your warlock name, and get your fortune told at the Village Fair, and take a picture of your costume at the Double Shutter picture booth! Check the website for the full activity line-up, prices, and further details.
Halloween with FlyOver Canada | October 12-31, 2017
FlyOver Canada (201-999 Canada Place) offers a 6,000km tour of Canada, all without leaving Vancouver. Guests hang suspended, with their feet dangling, in front of a 20 metre spherical screen for an 8 minute tour featuring breathtaking views of some of Canada’s best sights. This Halloween, Broomhelda the witch and her cat, Boo, invite guests to the Haunted Witches Academy, before embarking on a spellbinding journey.
For more information on these events and more please visit www.tourismvancouver.com
