Kids In Vancouver: Celebrate Halloween With A Ride On The Stanley Park Ghost Train

October 13, 2016

3 min read

Colorful sugar skull with open mouth as tunnel entrance, flanked by two large skeletal hands, red lights radiate behind.

Since 1964, the miniature passenger train in Stanley Park has been tooting over trestles, through tunnels, and over bridges, taking passengers on a two-kilometer journey through the natural surroundings of Vancouver’s most famed park.

During the Halloween season, the landscape comes alive as the train is transformed into a Halloween-themed railway adventure. This year’s theme is “Day of the Dead”, a non-spooky, colourful celebration of All Hallows’ Eve. The delightful festival of life decorates the train tour, and the party doesn’t stop when the train returns to the station. Offering a range of attractions and activities in the surrounding area, Stanley Park’s Day of the Dead Halloween celebration is the perfect way to spend a cool Fall evening with family and friends.

A small red and white train with passengers travels on a track beside a pond with a swan sculpture and surrounding green trees.

Take A Ride On The Train

The train ride is definitely the main attraction, boasting 14 minutes of spook-tacular Halloween fun. The artistically-decorated scenes, live performances, and colourful lights will keep your kids entertained as you twist and turn along the train tracks. Don’t worry, nothing will jump out and grab you!

Tip: if you’re travelling with younger riders, I suggest attending an earlier performance so the daylight keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

Person on stilts wearing a colorful costume and hat standing on a path with a decorative arch and colorful flags in a wooded area.

Graveyard scene at night with lit candles, colorful flags, a large skeleton figure, and people in traditional clothing.

Stroll Through The Spooky Barn

Hop off the train, grab a hot chocolate, and go for a stroll through the Spooky Barn, where you’ll find an indoor celebration of the dead. Peek through the ghostly peep holes, wander down the dark hallways, and end your tour with a little dance in the dark before heading back outside to continue your Halloween adventures.

A wooden house with lit windows at dusk surrounded by trees and orange string lights, with smoke or fog on the right side.

Other Family Fun Activities

Tap your feet as you enjoy a live performance by the wandering mariachi band, wander through the winding maze, enjoy arts and crafts, or have your face painted under one of the activity tents. Don’t forget to enjoy a hot drink and a sweet treat before heading home after an evening of Halloween fun!