If your family loves Halloween, Vancouver is one of the best cities in Canada to be in come October. With spooky events, over-the-top decorations, and seasonal treats at every turn, there are plenty of reasons to turn your fall visit into a Halloween getaway. These local attractions don’t just join the fun, they fully commit. Here are a few that go all in on the thrills, chills, and family-friendly frights.
Each October, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park transforms into an old-timey Halloween wonderland with its Canyon Frights celebration. Expect vintage-themed decorations, costumed staff, and glowing jack-o’-lanterns tucked into the trees. Families love walking through the park at twilight, when the lights start to glow and the forest takes on a magical (and slightly spooky) vibe. It’s more enchanted than frightening, and perfect for kids of all ages.
This classic Halloween attraction is a staple for Vancouver families. Every year, the Stanley Park Miniature Train runs a special Halloween route through the forest with themed sets, light displays, and characters. The theme changes annually, with past versions featuring aliens, skeleton carnivals, and haunted fairy tales. There’s also a pumpkin patch, crafts, and food trucks on site. For little ones who scare easily, there’s a “matinee” version that skips the jump scares.
For families with teens or brave older kids, Fright Nights at Playland is a high-octane Halloween event that pulls no punches. The amusement park becomes a haunted zone complete with scare zones, haunted houses, and actors lurking in the shadows. Rollercoasters keep running through the fog, and there are seasonal treats and drinks to help settle your nerves. It’s not recommended for kids under 13, but for older thrill-seekers, it’s a Halloween highlight.
For a gentler Halloween experience, VanDusen Botanical Garden offers Glow in the Garden, a beautifully lit walk-through display with a magical storyline. Past themes have included ravens, fairies, and talking pumpkins. It’s stroller-friendly, calm, and ideal for younger kids who want to dress up and enjoy the sights without any scares. Hot drinks and snacks are available, and the entire experience is designed to feel immersive and safe.
The FlyOver Canada ride gets a spooky seasonal twist in October with HowlOver Canada. It’s still the same breathtaking flight simulation across the country, but now your ghostly guide is a witch’s cat, and the pre-show area is decorated for Halloween. The ride is suitable for kids at least 102 cm tall and is a fun, quick activity to slot into your Halloween itinerary.
A short drive from Vancouver, Burnaby’s Pumpkins After Dark is a walk-through experience that features thousands of carved pumpkins arranged into themed displays. Think dragons, dinosaurs, superheroes, and classic Halloween scenes. It’s a family-friendly event that runs from late September through Halloween night and is great for photo ops and cozy fall vibes.
Halloween in Vancouver is more than just costumes and candy. It’s a full-on celebration with immersive attractions that spark wonder and excitement for kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re chasing thrills at Playland or soaking in the lights at VanDusen Garden, these seasonal experiences make October one of the best times to visit.