Ghosts and goblins will soon come out of hiding to haunt Vancouvers attractions and streets, say the good folks at Tourism Vancouver and BC Les Clefs dOr. From a spine-chilling amusement park to a spooky ghost train, they know of a Halloween horror for everyone.
To October 31
Every Halloween, thousands of people flock to Stanley Park for a train ride deep into the forest and you wont want to miss this years theme of Scary Fairy Tales. With just the right mix of fear and fun, this must-do event is perfect for young families. Riders can also enjoy face painting, crafts, a haunted maze and other family-friendly activities (included with train admission). The Stanley Park Ghost Train runs October 5 to 31 (11 am to 3 pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday; 6 pm to 10 pm, Sunday through Thursday; and 6 pm to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday). Tickets for the train are $9.82 for adults (youth ages 2 to 18, and seniors ages 65 and older, are $6.25). For more information, call 604.257.8531. GhostTrain.ca
October 11 to 27 (preview October 10)
It the spirit of strange creatures, Fighting Chance Productions presents the cult classic about a down-and-out floral assistant who discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon Audrey II grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed carnivore. Theres music and dancing, too! Its at the Jericho Arts Centre Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, with an Oct. 21 matinee at 3pm. Tickets are $30/$25. JerichoArtsCentre.com
October 13 to 31
Youre on a high-stakes mission to save the world from a deadly zombie invasion in this interactive street theatre experience. The day before, you will receive a phone call from a character in the story with instructions on where to meet (its top secret until then.) You are then taken on a very public and unique tour where you will gather clues from sudden allies and face challenges you must overcome before proceeding to the next scene. Warning: there may be zombies hiding behind every corner. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. Theres also a scavenger hunt via smartphone. (Only one smartphone is needed in a group. Five shows a day, Tuesday to Friday, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8 and 8:30pm. Matinees on weekends at 2, 2:30, 3, 3:30, 4. Tickets are $25. TheVirtualStage.org
October 17 to 31
A favourite among locals, Vancouvers Playland becomes a haunted amusement park complete with haunted houses, including the new Fear House, a rickety wooden roller-coaster, spooky rides and roving bands of scarers. Fright Nights is open evenings, October 17 to 31. Beware: this event is recommended for big kids only (ages 12 and older). PNE.ca/fright-nights. Win tickets to Fright Nights here.
Roedde House Museum
Oct. 17 - Nov.3
Before there was Stephen King, there was Edgar Allen Poe. Itsazoo Productions presents a blend of live theatre, haunted house, and radio play at the historic Roedde House. Inspired by Poes classic works, and set in the style of 80s slasher flicks, the audience will join five teenagers as they crash a wedding from hell. 7pm and 9pm (Wednesdays-Saturdays). Pay-what-you-can previews on Wednesday, October 17 (7pm &9pm). 1415 Barclay St, RoeddeHouse.org.
October 19 to 31
For ages 13 and up, Vancouver Trolley takes you on a two-and-a-half-hour tour around Vancouvers scary spots including the Mountain View Cemetery (home of Joe Fortes) and Vancouver Police Museums autopsy room. Wednesday Sunday and Halloween. 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, *9:30pm (*available for Fridays, Saturdays and Halloween only). $35. VancouverTrolley.com
October 20 and 21
Do your kids like the thought of Hallowe'en but don't particularly enjoy being scared? Then this might be the show for you. The characters from Boo Alley sing and dance their way through a maze of adventures to save Hallowe'en. Audience members are encouraged to dress up in their favourite Hallowe'en costumes and join the stars on their own trick or treat adventure after the show. It's at the PNE forum on October 20 at 11am, 2 and 5pm and October 21 at 2 and 5pm. Tickets are $19.50 and are available here.
Tour Guys crew of local historians, pulp culture experts, and architecture gurus guide nocturnal sightseers on walking tours to discover sites of unsolved murders and sinister events. Tours kick off at Centennial Fountain in front of the Vancouver Gallery.Ninety-minute treks end in Gastown near the supposedly haunted Blood Alley. It is best enjoyed by those ages 12 and up. Every Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm. $26. TourGuys.ca
To October 31
Venture deep into Victorian Gastown to experience our citys earliest and most gothic history. Hear stories of a wall of fire that incinerated Water Street faster than a sprinting man. A flame-haired goldrush beauty who had her heart broken and pocketbook looted by a cold blooded theatre magnate. And find out who really killed John Bray, as you re-live a gruesome Gastown murder. Your guide is Forbidden Vancouvers Chief Storyteller, Will Woods, who takes the persona of George Turle, one of Vancouvers earliest residents. Each walking tour lasts around one hour 15 minutes. Tours run Tues., Thurs., and Sat. nights starting October 4. Departs from Cathedral Square, Dunsmuir St., 6.30pm. $21.50 adult; $17.50 student/senior. Tickets must be purchased in advance. ForbiddenVancouver.ca
Update: The dates sold out so fast, they've added five more.
October 12 to 31
Not for young children, its a great spook for a great cause. Admission goes to BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund, Vancouver Police Union Charitable Foundation and BC Childhood Cancer Parents Association. Live actors come out after 7pm. 8934 Shaughnessy Street. $10. DunbarHauntedHouse.com
October 26, 27, 28, 31
Every Halloween, neighbours wonder what Scott Lee is up to. The Vancouver carpenter, who builds movie sets by day, transforms his front yard into a Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser. This year, see ee zombies enjoy the Monster Mash at the high school dance, drop by the science lab. Live actors and animatronic gags. 6 to 9:30pm nightly by donation. 3166 East 16th between Rupert and Renfrew.
October 26
Theres three floors of video installations and sound as 10 artists perform at W2 Media Cafe (111 W. Hastings.) Musicians include Salva, from LA, and Clicks & Whistles from Charlotte NC, Self Evident, Eames, Dubconscious, Bastet, Application, Memio, Kline and Autem. Prizes for the most creative costumes. Tickets are $20 or $75 for a group of five at Eventbrite.com.
October 25 to November 3
The Addams Family meets Agatha Christie in this classic murder mystery by Norm Robbins. In a sinister library presided over by a grim-faced, mad-eyed old man, a dusty lawyer reads a will to an equally sinister family. One member has werewolf tendencies, another wanders around in a toga like Julius Caesar and a third is a not-so-gentle old lady with a penchant for poison, By the third act, there are more corpses than live members of the cast. Studio 1398 (Festival House, 1398 Cartwrirght), $18/$14. UpInTheAirTheatre.com
October 27
Don your scariest costume and delve into the pagan origins of Halloween at the Parade of Lost Souls Secret Souls Walk. At this annual celebration that honours the dearly departed and wakes the living, skeleton brides and witches dance under the streetlights and a colourful, torch-lit procession makes its way through neighbourhood streets and alleys. The audience makes up the parade and everyone is invited to participate in the ghoulish fun as the procession weaves past the homes, streets and alleys of Commercial Drive. The journey ends as spirits awake to a grand finale featuring torch choreography and fireworks. The Secret Souls Walk takes place from 5 pm to 9 pm. PublicDreams.org
October 27 at 10pm til October 28 at 8am
This will be the first-ever 3D Halloween party at Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. Join more than 4,500 costumed partygoers who will bask in horror as the clock strikes 12 and the dead will emerge from their graves in full 3D. $100 general admission.
October 27, 28, 30 and 31
Experience the torrid and terrifying lives of the gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, monsters and demons of Greek mythology during a one-hour performance journey through a haunted house. Live performances include aerial circus, prop manipulation, theatre, puppetry, physical comedy and music. Tours begin at 6:30 and start every half hour. Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for students and must be purchased in advance. Last years event sold out. Ticket gets you a discount for the after-party on Halloween night. InTheHouseFestival.com
October 27
Crafts, games and entertainment for families with children eight and under. Special prices in effect. 5 to 7pm. VanDusenGarden.org
October 28
Free admission for kids in costume at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre from noon to 5pm . (Maximum two kids free per paid adult.) A bonus feature is the screening of Tim Burtons The Nightmare Before Christmas at 2pm in the auditorium. SpaceCentre.ca
October 31
Last year 1,000 families joined the fun at 1888 W. 5th. Admission is by donation and proceeds go to the Stepping Stone preschool. Share a laugh and a scare or two from 6:30 to 8:30.
Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum
October 26 to 28
Gravediggers and trolls and witches, oh my! 'Tis the season for ghoulish residents to take over the Burnaby Village Museum. Visitors can wander the village (circa 1925), trick-or-treat at quaint shops and enjoy unlimited carousel rides. Admission is $14 for adults, youth and seniors, and $9 for children (ages 2 to 12). The Haunted Village is open from 6 pm to 9 pm. BurnabyVillageMuseum.ca
Fort Langleys Grave Tales
To October 28
Take a walk through the historic site of Fort Langley as a costumed guide shares spine-chilling tales of the mysterious burials and old-school amputations that took place in the Hudsons Bay Company trading post and local cemeteries. Featuring 90 minutes of ghostly stories, these walking tours are suitable for adults ages 17 and older. PC.gc.ca
Pumpkin Patch at Richmond Country Farms
To October 31
Enjoy a sing-a-long hay ride to the pumpkin patch. A day in the field includes a corn maze, food, music, dancing and animals. 12900 Steveston Highway. $7-$11 including pumpkin. CountryFarms.ca
