Two of Vancouver's popular Halloween events have been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it may not come as a surprise, the City of Vancouver decided not to run the Stanley Park Ghost Train this year. Typically, the annual event takes place from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 and is inspired by Halloween and other spooky tales.
Last year, the Ghost Train's theme was called 'Alice in Nightmareland,' which included a gothic nightmare world of tombs and tombstones, crypts, and catacombs. Before that, the theme centred on Jack O'lantern's journey through the dark forest.
This year, a spokesperson for the City tells Vancouver Is Awesome that the ghost train will not be operating this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another spooktacular offering has also been called off this year: Glow in the Garden. The illuminated haunting takes guests on a whimsical journey through VanDusen Botanical Garden filled with glowing jack-o-lanterns, spooky decorations, and dazzling lights. Sadly, the year's event is also called off as a result of the pandemic.
Last year, Glow in the Garden's guests went on a journey to help Anna the hummingbird and her friends lift the "hootenanny" glowing spell cast over the garden by a tricky old owl, collecting treats along their way.
In 2018, guests went on a journey of whimsical enchantment with magical moments from the classic tale Hänsel and Gretel. The experience featured a bread crumb path with zany lights and sounds, as well as illuminated pumpkin caricatures.
- With files from Lindsay William-Ross.
