Halloween events in Vancouver

October 8, 2:43 PMSeattle International Travel ExaminerAnnika Hipple

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Halloween is fast approaching, and with it come all sorts of fun and spooky events. This year, why not head across the border for a taste of Halloween, British Columbia style? Here are some of the events happening this month in the Vancouver area.

The Stanley Park Ghost Train has been a family favorite since 1999. The miniature train travels through the forest, encountering lurking costumed performers along the way. Zombies, voodoo gods, three-headed dogs, and witches are among the creatures you'll come across. There's also a Haunted Children's Farm Yard, a shadow puppet theatre, and face painting. October 9-November 10, 6-10 p.m. nightly.

Also in Stanley Park, the Stanley Park Ecological Society is offering its annual "Creatures of the Night Walk," on which you might encounter such nocturnal creatures as bats and flying squirrels. October 8-November 1, Thursday-Saturday nights. Walks leave from the Miniature Train Plaza every half hour from 7 -9:30 p.m.

For a spooky evening activity, head to the Pacific National Exhibition for Fright Nights.. With four haunted houses, ghostly rides, and special performances of fire juggling, hoop dancing, and comedy from the Monsters of Schlock, there's something here for all ages. October 16-31, 6 p.m. until late.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge hosts its annual Harvest Festival during the month of October, with special harvest-themed decorations and musical entertainment. For Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, special activities include a Rainforest Explorers Program, musical entertainments, temporary tattoos, and kids' crafts. On Halloween, the park puts on an elaborate Jack-o-lantern display, as well as fortune telling, temporary tattoos, kids' crafts, and musical entertainment. There's also trick-or-treaing for kids who come in costume. October 10-12 for Thanksgiving activities, October 31 for Halloween. Festival runs throughout October.

If you've got a large group, why not book a Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour, run by the Vancouver Trolley Company and the Vancouver Police Museum? It's a look at the city's ghostly and grisly past, with stops at such places as the Mountain View Cemetery and the autopsy room of the Police Museum. The two-hour tour is only available to groups who reserve the entire trolley (up to 34 passengers). October 10-31, 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. departures available.

If you don't have a big group, you can still take a ghostly trolley tour with the Burnaby Village Museum's Haunted Burnaby Trolley Tours, which visit a cemetery and other ghostly sites. A walking tour portion takes you inside five buildings that are said to be haunted. October 22-November 1, 8-10:30 p.m.

The Burnaby Village Museum is also hosting its annual Haunted Village, filled with ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and other spooky creatures. There's even a traveling circus of eerie characters. Admission includes trick-or-treating for the kids, as well as unlimited carousel rides. October 28-30, 6-9 p.m.

In Surrey, hop aboard the Haunted Forest Scream Train through Bear Creek Park. You'll encounter all sorts of scary creatures, including the notorious Chainsaw Charlie. October 16-31, 6:30-10 p.m. nightly.

A popular neighborhood haunted house is the Dunbar Haunted House at 6478 Dunbar St. Families with small children or people who are easily scared should visit during daytime hours. The "full-fright" version begins at 6:30 p.m. and features live actors. Admission is free but donations are encouraged; proceeds benefit the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, the Vancouver Police Union Charity Foundation, and the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. October 15-31, 1-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 1 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday.

For more Halloween events in the greater Vancouver area, check out the events calendar at Vancouver Halloween.

Photo: Ian Britton, www.freefoto.com