No Stanley Park Ghost Train or VanDusen Glow in the Garden this Halloween

Two popular public halloween attractions in Vancouver have been cancelled this year due to the ongoing pandemic.

In Stanley Park, the Ghost Train will not be operating this year.

In a statement, Stanley Park Railway said it has been unable to open this year and that won’t change for the halloween season.

“As guest safety is our priority, we are listening to and respecting provincial health recommendations,” the statement said. “Unfortunately, this means that we will not be hosting the Ghost Train in Stanley Park this October. We apologize for this disappointing news and appreciate your support and understanding. We look forward to 2021 when we can once again host you all for some spooky family fun.”

• See also:
  • These are the most searched Halloween costumes in Canada this year
  • Skip parties, trick-or-treat locally this pandemic Halloween
  • BC health officials report 158 new coronavirus cases

Over at VanDusen Botanical Garden, an annual Halloween themed event known as Glow in the Garden will not be proceeding either.

“We will not be hosting a Halloween event this year,” operators confirmed online.

The news comes after the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) released a comprehensive list advising on how to safely celebrate Halloween amid the pandemic.

The health authority says that if anyone does attend a small party, it should be kept within their social group. This means knowing everyone in attendance, avoiding communally shared items like snacks and drinks, and opting to be outside or in a well-ventilated space when possible.

Any Halloween props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines, should also be avoided.

The BCCDC has also suggested making a non-medical face mask or face covering a part of your chosen Halloween costume. Make sure not to double up with a costume mask though, as it’ll likely be more difficult to breathe.