Halloween is the most spook-tacular time of the year.
There are many ways to get into the haunted spirit around Vancouver: you can dress up in a Vancouver-themed costume; sink your fangs into a themed treat; sip on devilish cocktails, watch an underrated dark horror comedy starring Ryan Reynolds; or go on a road trip to an IRL Halloween town - just to name a few things.
Those planning on going out on the town over Halloween weekend are in for a treat. From adult-friendly events and parades to haunted houses and trick-or-treating, there's lots to see and do.
This is your ultimate guide to Halloween weekend in Vancouver.
Trick-or-treating: traffic, community routes, popular neighbourhoods
Costumed trick-or-treaters will be scurrying all over Vancouver. Though that doesn't necessarily mean road closures, drivers should still stay cautious when driving through these neighbourhoods (and others on the night of Halloween).
Community trick-or-treating events
- Marpole Village - Oct. 31, 4-5 p.m. along Granville St between West 63rd and West 71st avenues
- Mount Pleasant - Oct. 31, 3:30-6:30 p.m. along Main Street
- West End - Oct. 31, 4:30-6 p.m. along Denman St
- Yaletown - Oct. 31, 3:30-5:30 p.m. along Davie, Homer, Hamilton, Mainland streets and Pacific Boulevard
- 2400-2900 Trinity Street, East Vancouver
- Between Oak and Cambie and 16th and King Edward, Douglas Park
- East of Commercial Drive between Kitchener and Venables, East Vancouver
- West 13th to West 15th between Collingwood and Macdonald, Kitsilano
- 16th Avenue to SW Marine Drive, Dunbar
- West 13th and 14th between Columbia and Ontario, Mount Pleasant
- West Boulevard, between 33rd and 49th streets, Kerrisdale
Parades and mass events
Zombies, ghouls, witches, sugar skulls, and other costumed, creepy creatures will be peddling around Vancouver on the weekend before Halloween. The mostly flat route will start at Science World and there will also be a dance party partway through. Face paint and bicycle lights are encouraged.
When: Oct. 28, 4 p.m.
Where: Starting at Science World - 1455 Quebec St
Cost: Free
The annual bone-chilling parade is a costumed march complete with music and dancing. This year, the event will be a “choose-your-own-adventure” parade, offering three different routes with different bands. Dress up, show up, and march with other lost souls.
When: Oct. 28, 6:30-10 p.m.
Where: Starts at Britannia Library and area at 1661 Napier St
Cost: Free
Haunted houses and Halloween experiences
Haunted houses across Metro Vancouver
Vancouver is brimming with haunted houses that are sure to terrify. Here are a few spooky spots to check out.
- Cougar Creek's House of Horrors is full of with evil circus clowns who won't think twice about chasing you through the halls.
- Maan Farm Haunts offers three creepy attractions this year, all with a unique and terrifying plot (plus jump scares). Their haunted corn maze is a favourite for folks in search of adventure and is located about an hour out of the city.
- Brinkworth Dungeon is a mansion filled with handcrafted horrors and scary monsters.
- Anmore Manor is a friendly neighbourhood home turned haunted. Around Halloween, folks line up down the street for a stroll through the creepy decor and unexpected jump scares.
- Haunted mazes Haunted Maan and Reapers Maze of Terror will have you running and screaming for your life.
- Visit Vancouver's favourite haunted amusement park for a Fright Nights scare.
Halloween experiences
To much dismay from locals, the Stanley Park Ghost Train was cancelled for a third year. It may return for the winter holiday season but, in the meantime, there are some other fun Halloween experiences to do around town.
Wander through the backstreets and alleyways of Victorian Gastown with only lamplight to guide the way. This tour mixes the fictional tale of an early Gastown resident with real history, from smallpox to fires to murder.
When: Now until Oct. 31, various times
Where: Tour starts at Water and Cordova streets
Cost: $32; purchase online
Explore an old Vancouver morgue, including "behind the scenes" areas not normally open to the public, and hear true stories of murders and disappearances plus findings from a recent paranormal investigation.
When: Oct. 28, 7-10:20 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Police Museum & Archives - 240 E Cordova St
Cost: $40
The Haunting of Vancouver Film Tour
This evening walking tour sheds light on ghost stories at Vancouver’s most historic and haunted locations as well as touring buildings used in the film industry for horror and thriller movies, TV shows, and more.
When: Now until Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery - 850 W Georgia St
Cost: $49
Halloween events
Gordon Neighbourhood House Halloween Party
Do some trick-or-treating, listen to live music performances of Halloween classics, watch a screening of Hocus Pocus and bring your pup for a Halloween costume contest – best-dressed pooch wins!
When: Oct. 31, 3-9 p.m.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House - 1019 Broughton St
Cost: Free
All lights will be off during this special, spooky visit with only natural window light and several bunny themed lanterns illuminating the cafe.
When: Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m.
Where: The Bunny Cafe - 1969 Venables St
Cost: $16.75; book online
Get up close with snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlies of both land and sea at the Vancouver Aquarium. On Oct. 28 and 29, underwater pumpkin carvers will create aquatic jack-o-lanterns on display in some exhibits. There will also be a 4D movie, a deep sea maze, and a scavenger hunt.
When: Oct. 1-31, 2022
Where: Vancouver Aquarium - 845 Avison Way
Cost: $38-50; purchase online
Mount Pleasant Halloween In The Plaza
If you aren't planning on trick-or-treating, the neighbourhood also has a Halloween hub with sweets and live music.
When: Oct. 31, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Plaza at 14th Ave and Main St
Cost: Free
Remember loved ones who have passed with messages, candles, and shrines at this free public event.
When: Oct. 25-Nov. 1
Where: Mountain View Cemetery - 5455 Fraser St.
Cost: Free
Halloween events for adults
Drag events
- Drag Brunch Halloween Edition - Oct. 28, 11 a.m. at The Fountainhead Pub - 1025 Davie St; $27
- Halloween Drag Brunch - Oct. 28, noon at The Jervis Joint - 1300 Robson St; $27
- Joy of Drag Halloween Show - Oct. 31, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at The Portside Pub - 7 Alexander St; $17
- Pure Passion Hellish Halloween - Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. at Passion and Performance Studio - 55 W 8th Ave; $22
Boat parties
- Haunted Halloween Boat Party - Oct. 28, 7-11 p.m. at 750 Pacific Blvd; starting at $35
- Halloween Boat Cruise - Oct. 28, 8 p.m.-midnight at 760 Pacific Blvd; starting at $62
- Bloody Ship Halloween Boat Party - Oct. 29, 7-11 p.m. at 760 Pacific Blvd; starting at $45
- Halloween Ghost Ship Party - Oct. 28, 8 p.m.-midnight at 750 Pacific Blvd; starting at $68
- Halloween Haunted Cruise Party - Oct. 30, 7:30-11:30 p.m. at 760 Pacific Blvd; starting at $49
Get creative at this spooky beginner-friendly Halloween paint night complete with themed decorations, drinks, and all the spook-tacular vibes.
When: Oct. 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: 595 Burrard St
Cost: $65
Which Craft Club Pumpkin Painting and Halloween Movie
The craft club’s first-ever event is none other than a Halloween-themed crafting session. Attendees will paint mini pumpkins, watch a classic Halloween movie, and munch on themed treats. All supplies are included.
When: Oct. 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Subject Studio - 291 E 2nd Ave
Cost: $12
Dress up in your best Halloween costume for a night of bingo and live entertainment, including a drag show. The event will raise funds for the Rainbow Refugee Society.
When: Oct. 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Russian Hall - 600 Campbell Ave
Cost: $30
Have a hilariously haunting Halloween with some of Vancouver’s funniest comics performing live stand-up comedy. Come in a costume to win a prize, sip on drinks, and nibble on candy.
When: Oct. 29, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Where: Holy Chow - 433 W Pender St
Cost: $17
This costume rave party will feature DJs Sebsan, WayDwnTwn, and GuessWho who will fuse tracks by Matroda, Wuki, Acraze, and the likes with songs by Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Fergie, Daft Punk 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Pitbull, and others for a night full of Halloween bangers.
When: Oct. 28, 9 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre - 3123 Broadway
Cost: $13
This Halloween fundraiser party includes drinks, music, dancing, and a costume contest. Spooky, campy, and queer attire is encouraged. Entry comes with one free drink.
When: Oct. 26, 7-9 p.m.
Where: SUM Gallery - 268 Keefer St
Cost: Suggested donation $20
