@GirlontheProwl here, and it’s about that time of year again where I can’t contain my excitement. I don’t know if you’ve had time to notice, but autumn is among us, and with the falling of leaves, it’s only a matter of time before the mystical wonders of All Hallows’ Eve is upon us. With only a few more weeks to go, I figure what better way to celebrate this spooky occasion than to offer some insight into Vancouver’s Halloween festivities. So fellow Vancouverites and other international friends, if you happen to find yourself in the Vancouver area this October, here are a few places to check out to get yourself into the Halloween spirit.
Leading up to and on Halloween:
1. Fright Nights at Playland (Vancouver)
Fright Nights is one of Vancouver’s favourite haunts. Hosted at our local amusement park, the park gets transformed into a scene right out of Nightmare on Elm Street. With 7 haunted houses, 13 rides, and a number of other mystical attractions, you get to walk around this park with some of your favourite childhood nightmares. Fright Nights is on from October 10, 2014 to November 1,2014. For information on how to purchase tickets, visit their website.
Location: Playland (2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC)
Hours of Operation/Admission: Hours and prices will vary, please refer to their website.
Website: http://www.frightnights.ca/index.html
2. Potter’s Nursery House of Horrors (Surrey)
On any regular day, Potters is your run of the mill plant nursery, but come October you’ll never know what haunted horrors you’ll find. Though not technically located in Vancouver, it’s not too far away if you’re looking for a good scare. This walk-thru horror fest has been known to cause a couple of tears, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the wonders of this haunted labyrinth. Potter’s is on from October 10, 2014 to October 31, 2014. The event has family friendly hours from 5:00pm – 6:30pm, but after that you’re in for a terrifying treat! For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit their website.
Location: 12530 72nd Ave, Surrey BC
Hours of Operation/Admission:
- Family Hour: 5:00pm – 6:30pm (every night)
- Prices will vary
- Regular Ultra-Scary Show: 7:00pm – 10:00pm (every night)
- Prices will vary
Website: http://pottershouseofhorrors.com/index.html
3. Ghostly Gastown Tours (Vancouver)
Want to know just how haunted Vancouver is? Well this is the right place to do it. Join these wonderful volunteers as they delve into Gastown’s history of hauntings and the curse that was placed on the original town of Granville. We know what creeps in the shadows, the question is how willing are you to walk around this place with just a few other people, while the ghosts of Gastown’s haunted past watch you from afar? If this appeals to you, visit their website for more information.
Location: You meet in front of the Angel of Mercy Statue on the southeast corner of Waterfront Station located at Seymour Street and Cordova (Tours last roughly 90 mins).
Hours of Operation/Admission:
- Tickets cost $15.00 per person (walk-ups are permitted, but I would suggest buying tickets in advance).
- For the Month of October, hours are scheduled as follows:
- Saturday’s at 7:30 on October 11, 18, 25 and
- Friday October 31 for Halloween.
Website: http://www.ghostlygastowntours.com/
4. Ultimate Zombie Walk and Concert (Abbotsford)
Are you a fan of Zombies? Would you like to be a part of setting a world record? Well then this event is for you. Abbotsford Centre is hosting the world’s first Ultimate Zombie Walk and Concert in an effort to set the Guinness World record for the most zombies attending a concert. You will also have the opportunity to be a part of a major motion picture set to release in 2015. Along with music and other entertainment you’ll even be entered to win some awesome prizes. Trip for two to Mexico anyone? Or how about $15,000 in cash? Intrigued? Well to find out more, and how to get tickets, visit their website.
Location: 33800 King Rd. Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 8H8.
When/Where/Price:
- Abbotsford Centre on Saturday October 25, 2014 @ 6:00pm (doors open at 4:30; zombie costumes required).
- Price: $47.25 (plus fees) on Ticketmaster
Website: http://www.abbotsfordcentre.ca/event/ultimate-zombie-walk-and-concert/
5. Judge Dee’s Chinatown Haunted House (Downtown Chinatown)
Based on the tales of Judge Dee, this house transforms a Classical Chinese Garden into the ultimate nightmare. Plagued by the stories of Chinatown’s very own “Sherlock Holmes”, you are told all of the horror stories he was involved with. Of course, the garden also features over a dozen actors, dancers, and musicians to enhance the thriller experience. This house does come with a warning: “Not for young children or the faint of heart!” so consider yourselves warned. For ticket information, visit their website.
Location: The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St, Vancouver)
Hours of Operations/Admission:
- Runs from October 21, 2014 to October 31, 2014
- Hours: 7 pm – 10 pm, entry every 2 minutes
- Adults: $12, Students: $10
Website: ChinatownHauntedHouse.com
6. Halloween Ghost Train in Stanley Park (Vancouver)
Here’s one for the kids! Go down to Stanley Park and hop on the Fairy Tale train! The tales are told with a twist that will give you a treat for this Halloween season. Board this train and watch these Scary Fairy Tales come to life right before your eyes. The Halloween Train is in session from October 5, 2014 to October 31, 2014 and will give you and your kids a chance to create memorable moments, so don’t miss out! For more information on tickets and parking visit their website.
Location: Stanley Park Miniature Train (610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC)
Hours of Operation/Admission: Hours and price of admission will vary, please refer to the link provided below.
Website: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/includes/events/index.cfm?action=displayDetail&eventid=5229
7. Bear Creek Halloween Trains (Surrey)
Bear Creek Park is offering a little bit of Halloween for everyone. For the kids, there is the Pumpkin Express, that offers the kids a chance to play Halloween games and a chance to ride on the Pumpkin Express. The kids also walk away with their very own miniature pumpkins to take home. For the older, more mature audience, Bear Creek Park is offering the Haunted Forest Scream Train. Sit back and watch the forest come to life with the sounds and screams of all the horrors that are headed your way. For further inquiry, visit their website.
Location: Bear Creek Park Train and Mini Golf (13750 88th Ave, Surrey, BC)
Hours of Operation/Admission:
- Pumpkin Express: Friday October 10 from 10:00am to 4:30pm to October 31
- Price: Adults/Children $9.50 each + tax
- Haunted Forest Scream Train: Friday October 17 from 6:30-10:00pm till Friday October 31
- Price: Adults/Children $9.50 each + tax
Website: http://www.bctrains.com/halloween/
8. Gravecouver Haunted House (Burnaby)
Metrotown mall is host to this year’s Gravecouver Haunted House. They’ve converted the upper level of the mall between Silver City and Winners into a supernatural abyss. Here’s your chance to experience a state of terror. Forget crazy mall goers and embrace the tortured souls of zombies and ghosts. The event will feature 13 rooms with rides and other forms of entertainment.
Location: (Metrotown Mall 4700 Kingsway Ave., Burnaby, BC)
Hour of Operation/Admission:
- Hours will vary, please refer to their website linked below.
- Price: General Admission is $13.00, VIP is $20.00
Website: http://gravecouver.ca/
9. Krakit Room Escape Game (Burnaby)
Krakit Room Escape might just be what you are looking for this Halloween season. This group game tests your wit and your skills by giving you 45 minutes to find away out of a themed room of your choice. Though not particularly scary on a regular day, they do bring rooms to life during Halloween with live actors. Do you think you and your team have what it takes to work together in under 45 minutes to escape? Go on, take the challenge. For more information please visit their website down below.
Location: 4035 North Road, Burnaby, BC, V3J 1S3 North of Lougheed Hwy on the West Side of North Rd
Hours of Operation/Admission:
- Hours will vary
- Price: Approx. $22.00 per person
Website: http://www.krakit.ca/
On Halloween:
10. Bacardi Boohaha hosted by the Beat 94.5 (Vancouver) [19+]
Looking for a party? Perhaps the Bacardi Boohaha hosted by The Beat 94.5 is up your alley. Dress up and head over to the Commodore Ballroom for a full night of dancing, music, and drinks. There will be prizes, picture booths, a best costume contest—and who knows, maybe you’ll come across some people you never expected to come across! Music will be spun by DJ Flipout and Zak Santiago and the Ballroom will be yours to take over. For ticket info go to livenation.com or Ticketmaster.
Location: Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC)
When: Friday, October 31 @ 8:00 PM
Price: Tickets start at $24.45
Website: http://www.thebeat.com/Concerts/Details.aspx?ConcertID=200249
11. Halloween at Hotel Vancouver [19+]
Have you ever wondered what ghostly occurrences have occurred at your hotel? Well now’s your chance. Hotel Vancouver is giving you the opportunity to attend the “most haunted venue for the wildest party of the year”. You’ll get to enjoy the “best party DJs, an erotic Vegas-style floor show, mind-boggling illusions, a huge costume contest, a tequila-fuelled Day of the Dead fiesta, and a comedic conjuring by the Sunday Service of the hotel’s famous spectre, the Lady in Red”. So reserve your tickets now and go enjoy your very own Shining-esque experience.
Location: Hotel Vancouver (900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia)
When: October 31, 2014 from 8:00pm – 2:00am
Price: Tickets are limited and prices will vary. Visit their website for more information.
Website: http://www.hotelvancouverhalloween.com/#home
12. Halloween Club Crawl (Vancouver) [19+]
Here’s another party for you. Join the Halloween Howler Club Crawl for a no line, no cover, four-club pass to some of Vancouver’s greatest clubs. The party will hop from club to club, and you will be transported from each venue by a party bus. This will be an all access, full service tour with some of the best party hosts around. If this seems like something you would like to do, check out their website for information on how to buy tickets.
Location: Vancouver (You get to select your starting venue)
When: October 31, 2014 (Bus will leave from starter venue at 7:00pm)
Price: Prices will vary depending on starter club
Website: http://halloweenclubcrawl.com/
13. And of course, good old fashion Trick or Treating!
Happy Halloween, Everyone! And remember, be safe!
-Cheers,
GirlontheProwl 