Halloween season is here! Pumpkin fields are ripe, haunted houses are ready to scare the wits out of you, and neighbourhoods all over Vancouver are decked out in orange and black. There’s no shortage of fun and frightful things to do over the next couple of weeks – here’s our spooky shortlist for 2017.
Pumpkin Patches
Richmond Country Farms Pumpkin Patch
12900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond | Opens Oct 7, 2017 | $10 weekdays, $13 weekends
A annual fall staple, this farm has been family-owned and operated for 38 years. It’s a whole production: wagon ride, festive scenes, an animal farm, corn maze, and lots of pumpkins to pick from. Pro-tip: The line-ups are long on the weekend – go early! And don’t forget to pickup a free Spartan apple on your way out – the sweetest parting gift.
Southlands Heritage Farm Pumpkin Patch
6767 Balaclava Street, Vancouver | Oct 1-31, 2017 | By donation, $5/pumpkin
Explore this farming oasis in the city. Meet horses, feed chickens, pet goats, and pick a pumpkin from the Old Apple Orchard.
Loutet Farm Pumpkin Patch
East 14th Street & Rufus Ave, North Vancouver | October 15, 2017 | $10/pumpkin
Take a farm tour, watch apple press demos, and enjoy all the family fun. Pumpkin sales benefit Edible Garden Project’s programs. Pro-tip: This is one day only so go early for the best selection of pumpkins.
Hastings Sunrise Pumpkin Patch (one day only)
2625 Franklin St, Vancouver | October 28, 2017 | By donation
Hastings Elementary School is back for a 2nd year with their pumpkin patch festival. Pick a pumpkin, grab a bite to eat, enjoy live music, and soak in the neighbourly vibes. Admission by donation. Surplus proceeds will be donated to the school’s PAC.
Other pumpkin patches beyond Vancouver:
- Abbotsford | Maan Farms Pumpkin Festival
- Abbotsford | Taves Family Farm Apple Barn Pumpkin Patch
- Abbotsford | Willow View Farms Pumpkin Patch
- Chilliwack | The Chilliwack Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm
- Chilliwack | Petey’s Pumpkin Patch
- Delta | Westham Island Herb Farm Pumpkin Patch
- Langley | Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery
- Langley | Aldor Acres Family Farm Pumpkin Patch
- Maple Ridge | Laity Pumpkin Patch
- Surrey | Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch
- Surrey | Rondriso Farms Pumpkin Patch
Haunted Houses
Fright Nights at the PNE
Playland | October 6-31, 2017 | Tickets $32-$45 | Kids 13 and up
Hands-down one of the most thrilling events of Halloween season. Seven haunted houses, 15 rides, and two exhilarating live shows. Pro-tip: Get your tickets online or at 7/11to save a few bucks. If you’re going on a Friday or Saturday night, splurge on the Rapid Pass to skip the queues.
Haunted House at Barclay Manor
1447 Barclay St | October 27-28, 2017 | $3/person or $10 for family of 4 | Kids 8+
Heritage home Barclay Manor has been converted into a haunted house. It takes five minutes to weave your way through the house. Pre-purchase tickets at West End Community Centre or cash at the door.
The Valley Haunt
1311 Appin Rd, North Vancouver | October 20-31, 2017 | By donation | Ages 10+
Each year, this little neighbourhood ups the ante. In addition to spooky decorations from spirited neighbours, there will be walk-through shipping containers. All donations will go the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund.
Potters’ House of Horrors
12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey | October 6-31, 2017 | Tickets $10-$40 | Kid-friendly options
Run by the passionate folks of Potters’ Farm & Nursery, two buildings decked out in ghoulish props and custom-built features are transformed into the Monstrocity and Devil’s Descent, plus something a bit more mellow for li’l haunters. Twisty turns and horrific surprises await.
Spooktacular Fun (Kid-friendly)
VanDusen Botanical Garden: Glow in the Dark
October 24-31, 2017 | Tickets $6.10-10 | For all ages
Join in on this gorgeous adventure through a whimsical garden. Discover curious twists and magical moments from the classic tale Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Follow the white rabbit on a wondrous walk. Enjoy treats, crafts, and more.
Stanley Park Ghost Train
October 13-31, 2017 | Tickets $6-$12/person | For all ages
Each year the Stanley Park Ghost Train takes riders on a journey through a mystical, magical world, themed in Halloween and other creepy tales. Pro-tip: The train is covered, but dress warmly.
Halloween Parade & Expo
Downtown Vancouver | October 13-15, 2017 | For all ages
This is the 4th annual Vancouver Halloween Parade. Put on your best costume and get ready to flaunt it at 11am on Sunday, October 15th. There are also other arts and culture events planned starting from October 13th, check the website for details.
Haunted Village at the Burnaby Village Museum
October 27-30, 2017 | Tickets $9-$14 | For all ages
Witches, ghosts, and all sorts of storybook and fairy tale characters come to life at this year’s Haunted Village. Spooktacular fun for the whole family. Pro-tip: Wear comfy shoes for impromptu dance parties in the village and bring a bag for trick-or-treating.
The Parade of Lost Souls
October 28, 2017, 7-10pm | For all ages
This family-friendly parade starts at a secret location revealed at midnight before. The Lost Souls After Party is the adults-only party directly following parade from 9pm-2am at The Legion on Commercial Drive.
River District Halloween Drive-In
3650 E. Kent Ave S., Vancouver | October 21-30, 2017 (select dates) | $20 per car
Load the car up with friends and family and come enjoy a spooky Halloween movie under the stars in a fun, retro drive-in setting. Screening: Beetlejuice, Friday the 113th, Hocus Pocus, Casper, The Shining, and more.
Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tours
October 10-31, 2017 | Tickets start at $55| For all ages
Get whisked away for an evening of murderous tales and infamous Vancouver ghost stories aboard a haunted trolley tour! The tour finishes in Gastown where you will be shown the new Dreamscape Haunted Virtual Reality Experience (this part is for adults only).
Halloween Carnival at The Roundhouse
181 Roundhouse Mew | October 31, 2017 | Tickets $6/child | For kids
Dress up and explore the “Ghoulish Graveyard”, join in spooky games and make creepy crafts. Children must be supervised by an adult. Registration required. Pro-tip: Go Trick-or-Treating in Yaletown first (pick up a route map at front desk), and then end with the Carnival to maximize the fun.
Eerie Experiences (Adults only)
Parade of Lost Souls After Party
2205 Commercial Dr, Vancouver | October 28, 2017, 9pm | Tickets $25 | Adults
After the Parade of Lost Souls, send the kids home and head to the adults-only After Party from 9pm-2am at The Legion on Commercial Drive. No ticket sales at door, so plan ahead and buy your online tickets now!
The Lost Souls of Gastown
Gastown, Vancouver | October 12-31, 2017 | Tickets $22-$25 | Adults
A captivating walking tour and theatre piece hosted by master storytellers from Forbidden Vancouver. Learn the history of Gastown, including documented tales of a devastating fire and unsolved murders. Pro-tip: Wear comfy walking shoes and bring a friend to hang on to.
Vancouver Aquarium After Hours: Eat, Drink and Be Scary
845 Avison Way, Vancouver | October 24, 2017 | Tickets $27-35 | Adults 19+
Get ready for a frightfully good time at the Aquarium with a beer or glass of wine in hand. Arrive in costume and learn about the spooktacular animals that call the aquarium home.
A Halloween Night at Wayne Manor
Brock House Restaurant, Vancouver | October 27, 2017 | Tickets $75-$250 | Adults 19+
A fully immersive, multi-sensory experience in which audience members arrive at the Gotham City Policemens’ Masquerade Ball, and explore stately Wayne Manor where every alcove, corner, and corridor has been transformed into a lushly designed evocation of Gotham City. Enjoy complimentary champagne and hors d’ouevres along the way.
Where to Trick-or-Treat in Vancouver
Here’s our list of hotspots to go trick-or-treating with the kids. These are all free to join:
- Halloween in Yaletown – Pick up a map from Roundhouse Community Centre and roam the streets from Homer Street to Pacific Boulevard.
- Halloweenie at Kids Market on Granville Island – Perfect for the wee ones; free trick-or-treating at many of the shops and kid-friendly activities.
- Howl-o-ween Kids & Pets on West Broadway – Visit merchants with pumpkins in their windows for a treat. Starts at Broadway and Macdonald.
- Trinity Street – The houses between 400 – 2900 Trinity Street in Vancouver come alive on Halloween night (same hood that does the spectacular Christmas lights each year). A fun hot spot for trick-or-treating.
- Halloween Hunt at City Square – face painting, pumpkin decorating, a science show, and trick-or-treating in the food court.
- Halloween at Aberdeen Centre – Three days of fun: FantaBoolous Carnival, Ghastly Gothic Gathering, and trick-or-treating.
- Pacific Centre, Metrotown, Oakridge, Richmond Centre – Good indoor options if the weather isn’t cooperating, or for those who want to do a short daytime roam.
Don’t miss these while you’re at it
- October 13-31: Halloween Mystery Nights
- Friday, October 20: Eastside Flea Fall Harvest Market
- Saturday, October 21: Kits Autumn Fair
- Thursday, October 26, Arts Club Costume Sale
- Saturday, October 28: Day of the Dead Painting Workshops at MoA
- Saturday, October 28: Halloween Monster Match at The Improv Centre
- Sunday, October 29: The Artisan’s Event – Autumn Market at Heritage Hall
Have more to add?
Do you have an event or experience to add to our Guide to Halloween in Vancouver? Comment below or find us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Happy Halloween!