It’s been tradition for my family to always go to the Christmas Train in Stanley Park. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned there was a Ghost Train. The train takes the riders through a Halloween themed journey. So if you’re a fan of things that go bump in the night, and make howling noises this is the adventure for you.
Being a mom one of my first thoughts was “what about children who are a bit sensitive to these things?”. There are matinee train rides that are recommended. These rides are during the day light, and there are also no live performers. Matinee train rides run Friday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. If you child loves trains, and you are looking for a different Halloween option this may be a good one as then your child can see everything going on, and what is displayed, but does not have to be concerned about the dark. Otherwise, parental guidance is recommended.
This years theme is Horror Classics. Think Frankenstein and Phantom of the Opera. The goal of the theme this year being to take everyone back in time to when classic movies portrayed what was lurking in the shadows.
The Ghost Train happens from October 9th to November 1st. With live theatre performances happening in the evenings from 5:30 to 10pm depending on the day you go. The train ride is 14 minutes long and features lights sounds, and live performances. You do need to buy a ticket to ride, and it is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance in order to avoid the disappointment of a sold out ride time. A portion of tickets are however held for same day sales on-site.
Ticket Prices:
Adults (18-64 years) $11.00
Seniors (65+ years) $8.00
Child/Youth (3-17 years) $8.00
Children 2 years and under FREE
Matinee Train $6.00
There are also a few other attractions available to check out while there, such as the Spooky Barn for $2. If you find yourselves getting hungry there are snacks, hot and cold drinks, and light meals are for sale at the Railway Café concession stand. Hot buttered popcorn is offered at the Stanley Park Ecology Society’s Cob House in the plaza.
I will be going this Thursday night (so long as baby girl hasn’t arrived before then) and will be sharing photos over on my Instagram, be sure to check them out.
We have a pass (admits 4) to the Ghost Train in Stanley Park for Thursday, October 15th to give away to one Discovering Parenthood reader. The pass is good to ride the train any time between 7 and 9pm that evening. This contest is open to residents of the Lower Mainland, winner must be able to attend the train that evening of October 15th, 2015. Enter below…
We have never been but would love to! Baby girl stay put so mom can check it out! Good luck!
I’m hoping she stays put, and half hoping she doesn’t.
I have been before! It was probably 8 or so years ago now, and I was terrified!
Oh great, I am totally going to be freaked out aren’t I? You know the whole fight or flight thing, I’m fight normally. This could be interesting.
Would love to go try
Best of luck to you Maria, thank you for entering.
We went for the first time last year! It was so much fun!
This makes me look forward to it!
We got a sneak peek of the ghost train at door open Vancouver this past weekend. Looks like it’s gonna be a spooky ride! Halloween always = lots of candy!
Lucky that you got to go for Door Open Vancouver! We were out that way, but were walking the sea wall. So you’re telling me to be ready to jump out of my seat?
Not the Haloween one, but we love it at Christmas time!
The treats are my favourite.
We are full fledge Christmas regulars, I’ve gone pretty much every season since I was a little kid. This is new to me, and I’m looking forward to checking it out. I just love riding the train around.
I have been to the Hallowe’en train, several times!
I love Hallowe’en for the creativity of the costumes!
What’s your favourite part of the Halloween train Barb? I haven no idea really what to expect. Is someone going to jump out at me?
Never been on the train before. I love doing pumpkins with the kids.
I love the train at Christmas time, it’s a huge tradition for us. The Ghost Train is new to me, but I’m hearing lots of great things.
I have never been or heard of it, so it would be fun to win some tickets 🙂
It’s my first time going this Thursday… so long as baby isn’t on her way. I’m intrigued to see, making it a date night with my husband hopefully.
Never been before! I love Halloween because of the childhood memories that I have and also how excited my kids get to dress up and pick what they want to be. This year we have a Ninja Turtle, A unicorn and a little mermaid! The hubby and I are dressing up as Rick and Lori from The Walking Dead!
We’ve never been to the Halloween train but it looks like a lot of fun! My husband and I went to the Christmas train once and we really enjoyed it!
I have not been to the Ghost Train but have done the Christmas one and we really enjoyed it! Would love to take my nephews, thanks for the chance!
I have never been! My favorite part of Halloween is seeing the kids get so excited.
I’ve never been before but it looks like fun. My favourite part if Halloween is seeing the kiddos all dressed up.