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10 Cool Ways to Get Spooked This Halloween

By Stephanie Mitchell /

The best ways to scare yourself silly—let the hair-raising hoopla commence!

You’ve had your Stranger Things (R.I.P Barb) costume picked for months, pumpkins have been resting on the stoop since September, and you’ve probably already watched Hocus Pocus three times. Halloween is finally here and it’s time to celebrate! For those who love to dress up or those that love the thrill of a fright, Vancouver puts on a variety of events to get you in the spirit this Hallows’ Eve.

1. Fright Nights

An October staple. Fright Nights at Playland, with their haunted houses and hair-raising rides, are a spooky spectacle for Vancouverites of all ages. This year features five new rides—if you’re brave enough to try ’em, we suggest you bring a pal with you for protection.When: Now through October 31Where: 2901 E Hastings Street

2. The Valley Haunt

Located in North Van, the Valley Haunt is giving back this year with all proceeds going to the BC Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Set in shipping containers, this immersive attraction is filled with all kinds of characters; take a walk through the Cauldron of Souls, or Sam and Ella’s Chop Shop for a tantalizingly terrifying time.When: Now through October 31Where: 1311 Appin Road, North Vancouver

3. Halloween Drive-In

Halloween is a strong contender for being the holiday with the best movies. So why not go old school when watching them this year? Grab a blanket, a box of Milk Duds and start your engines for the Halloween drive-in. This year’s freaky film screenings—showing in Surrey, Vancouver and White Rock—include The Shining, Hocus Pocus, and Ghostbusters.When: October 27, 28 and 30Where: Various locations

4. Reapers Maze of Terror

The thought of getting lost in a maze with god-knows-what hiding in the bushes to scare you at any given moment is, well, horrifying. But for those of you who think this sounds like a good time, you’re in luck: Reapers’s Maze of Terror is back for its 25th year. For $11 you can roam the 22,000-square-foot farm in Chilliwack, where the fright of your life is lurking around every corner.When: Now through October 31Where: 9423 Gibson Avenue, Chilliwack

5. Haunted Trolley Tour

This one’s for the history buffs. Learn about Vancouver’s haunted past while being transported via trolley. Starting in Gastown, you’ll visit spooky sites like Vancouver’s first morgue (where over 15,000 autopsies have been performed) and hear the tales of local legends like the Fairmont Hotel’s Lady in Red. This year, the tour ends with the opportunity for you to be in a virtual reality horror movie—it’s optional, and definitely not for the faint of heart.When: Now through October 31, 2017Where: Tour begins at the Irish Heather, 210 Carrall Street (Photo: Brandon Artis Photography.)

6. The Beautiful and The Damned

Hosted by the Social Concierge (the team behind events like Harvest Haus and Dîner en Blanc), The Beautiful and The Damned transforms the ballroom at Rosewood Hotel Georgia into an extravagant affair filled with mystery and decadence. This event calls for your most gorgeous gown—and you must be masked to gain entry.When: October 28, 2017Where: Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 W Georgia Street

7. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a year-round fave, but it’s especially relevant at Halloween. The Rio is putting on a special experiential screening of the 1975 cult-classic where costumes and audience participation are welcomed with open (sequin glove-clad) arms. Get practicing your time warp so you’re well prepared on the night!When: October 27, 28, 29 and 31Where: Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway

8. Axe Throwing

Looking for ways to prepare for the zombie apocalypse? This is your ticket. Don a costume, take a feast (canned goods if you really want to get in the spirit), and learn the art of axe throwing.When: DailyWhere: #109–8132 130th Street, Surrey

Parade of Lost Souls9. Parade of Lost Souls

Adding a little more mystery than usual to your Halloween, the Parade of Lost Souls doesn’t disclose it’s whereabouts until midnight the day before. The zombie walk and flash mob extravaganza (think live performances, stilt walkers and outdoor installations) has been running for decades and centres around bringing the community together.When: October 28Where: To be announced

10. After Hours at the Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is opening its doors after hours for the public to get a peek at what sea creatures get up to when we’re not around. Jellyfish, eels and anemones are mysterious enough during daylight hours, so you know they’re doing something suspicious when night falls.When: October 24Where: 845 Avison Way