2023 Vancouver Island Halloween Activities

When rounding up all the spooktacular Halloween activities here on Vancouver Island, I’m constantly amazed by the incredible diversity of options available. We Islanders sure know how to embrace this pumpkin-infused extravaganza! Whether searching for a ghoulishly good time or a family-friendly event, rest assured that you’ll discover something captivating in your neck of the woods!

This article is fully updated as of October 10, 2023

Victoria Halloween Events. Vancouver Island View
Galey Farms

South Vancouver Island Halloween Activities and Events

The Greater Victoria area has the most variety of activities to choose from. If you are looking for spooky ways to get into the Halloween spirit, the South Island is the place to be!

Galey Farms Pumpkinfest

Location: Saanich (4150 Blenkinsop Road, Victoria)

Join Galey Farms for their Pumpkinfest and kid-friendly ghost town. It is a great place to bring your family for Halloween fun and adventure.

  • Enjoy a hayride out to the pumpkin patch
  • Lose yourself in the 6-acre corn maze.
  • Explore the animated ghost town and haunted mansion
  • Take a ride on the farm train
  • Grab a snack at the Market

Enjoy the ‘ Festival of Fear ‘ for the older crowd (PG 13). This evening event adds extra spookiness to the Corn Maze and Farm Train. The pumpkin patch closes during the evening.

And for the really brave souls out there, purchase your tickets to Carnevil.

Carnevil terrifies visitors as they wander through a 5,000-square-foot Haunted House! This is a PG-13 event with three chicken exits for those who need it.

Pumpkin Fest Hours of Operation: October weekends, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Festival of Fear/Carnevil:

  • October 12 through to the 15 from 6:00 – 10:00 / 7:00 – 9:30 pm
  • October 19 – 31 from 6:00 – 10:00 / 7:00 – 9:30 pm

Head to the Galey Farms website for ticket prices and further information.


Ghostly Walking Tours

Location: Entrance to Market Square (560 Johnson Street, Victoria)

Hear ghostly stories as you go on a guided walking tour through the streets and alleys of Victoria. Although this tour is available year-round, a special Halloween route happens in October.

The Ghostly Walks are family-friendly and operate rain or shine.

Drawing from personal experience, I can attest that these ghostly walking tours are exceptionally well done!

For more information and to book your tour, please visit Ghostly Walking Tours.


Ghostly Pedicab Tour

Location: Government Street, outside the Visitor Center

Discover hidden alleys and local curios in Victoria’s Old Town and Chinatown districts on a 75-minute pedicab tour.

As you’re guided through the city in a comfortable pedicab, you’ll listen to hair-raising ghost stories from centuries past and gain insight into the city’s colourful history.

For more information and to book your tour at the lowest price guaranteed, please visit Chinatown and Hidden Alleys Peditour.



Halloween Market

Location: Da Vinci Centre – 195 Bay Street, Victoria

The Halloween Market returns for a second year on October 14, 2023. Admission is $5.00, with kids 12 and under free.

Shop for handmade items ranging from spooky to sweet at 50+ vendors. There are food trucks, and Howl Brewing is onsite for a fun sip-and-shop feature.

A DJ will be spinning a selection of favourite tracks mixed in with spooky tunes throughout the day.

Costumes are encouraged!


Halloween Express

Location: Heritage Acres – 7321 Lochside Drive, Saanichton

Explore the past by visiting this unique museum packed with historical artifacts. Walk through the heritage buildings and learn about life in bygone times. There are collections of antique vehicles, carriages, farming equipment and steam engines.

And on October 20 & 21, ride the Halloween Express. The public can enjoy a ride on a miniature railway, Halloween-style.

Check Heritage Acres’ website for exact times.


Frankenstein Comes to Craigdarroch Castle

Location: Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria)

Back by popular demand, actor Jason Stevens returns to Craigdarroch Castle with a one-man show of Mary Shelley’s horror story.

Join Jason in the Castle on Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings in October starting at 6:00 pm. Each evening has another time block at 8:00 pm as well.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. His performance will be in the dance hall on the 4th floor. (Please note, that there are 87 stairs and no elevators).

To find out more information and to purchase tickets, visit Craigdarroch Castle.


Halloween Haunted House and Skate

Location: Kerry Park Recreation Centre – 1035 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay

Date: October 27

  • 6:00 – 6:50 pm – This is an everyone-welcome skate.
  • 7:15 – 8:05 pm – A youth event only

Head to this fun skating event for a spooky night of Halloween Howls!

Wear your costume and go through the haunted house before you step on the ice. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

If you bring a decorated pumpkin, there is free admission to the ‘everyone-welcome event.’ Otherwise, the cost is $5.00.

Pre-registration is required.


Monster Mash

Location: Burnside Gorge Community Centre – 471 Cecelia Road, Victoria.

One-day Event: Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

For great family-friendly fun, head to the Monster Mash. This Halloween celebration is filled with smiles, treats, and not-so-scary thrills. Guests are encouraged to dress up in costume. Don’t forget your Halloween costume.

Cost: $5/family or $2/person, and the price includes hot dog, chips and drink.

Pre-registration is required. To register, call 250-388-5251 or email info@burnsidegorge.ca.


The Rising Circus Haunted House

Location: Victoria Centre for Circus Arts -1047 Langford Parkway #140 Victoria.

This family-friendly Halloween walk-thru event is filled with games, spooky (but not too scary) characters, an aerial photo op, candy, and a special guest.

This haunted house is designed to provide a fun, immersive experience for the whole family. Guests are encouraged to wear a costume to get into the Halloween Spirit. There is a costume parade with prizes.

This is a one-day event on Sunday, Oct 29, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:30 pm.

Tickets are sold in advance.

The admission fee gives you access to the Haunted House for 30 minutes. So, it’s best to arrive promptly at your entry time.

Adults Only Rising Circus Haunted House

From 7:00 – 9:30, continue the fun of a spine-chilling evening at the Rising Circus Haunted House. Prepare for an evening of aerial wine pouring, spooky characters, photo ops, contests, and more. This hair-raising event is exclusively for adults 19+ who dare to get in the Halloween spirit. 

Tickets are sold in advance.


The Big Shop of Horrors Haunted House

Location: Cowichan Exhibition Park7380 Trans-Canada Highway Duncan

Dates: October 13-15, 19-22, 26-29

This spooky attraction features various themed rooms, live actors, strobe lighting, dark hallways, and jump scares to provide a thrilling experience for visitors.

Running since 2017, this annual haunted house event supports local community charities.

Advance tickets are sold online through Eventbrite.


Duncan Halloween Skate

Location: Cowichan Community Centre – 2687 James St, Duncan 

Date: October 28, from 1:00 – 2:20 pm

This is an ‘everyone-welcome-skate,’ costing $2.00 per skater.

Throw on your best costumes and join the fun at this Halloween skate. Expect scary music, treats, and prizes.

Spooktacular (Early) Trick-or-Treating

Location: Station Street Commons (downtown Duncan)

Date: Saturday, October 28, from 10:00 am-noon

Calling all little goblins, witches, and superheroes! Downtown Duncan is brewing up some spooktacular fun for you and your family.

Explore Downtown Duncan and collect sweet treats from participating merchants. Look for the friendly pumpkin decals displayed in store windows. These shops are your golden ticket to ghoulishly good candy!

It’s a morning filled with laughter, costumes, and delicious treats. So, dress up in your spookiest or silliest attire and join the fun!

Stop by Station Street Common to pose for photos for the Spooky Photo Contest!

Halloween Spooktacular Train

Location: BC Forest Discovery Centre – 2892 Drinkwater Rd, North Cowichan

When: Oct 20 – 22 and 25 to 30.

The Halloween Spooktacular Train is coming to Duncan’s BC Forest Discovery Centre!

Halloween magic is happening with an exciting event for families with nine nights of Halloween fun.

Doors open at 3:30 pm, and trains run every half hour from 4:00 pm until 8:30 pm, with the Centre closing at 9 pm. If you’re on a later train, you may wish to arrive an hour or so earlier to take in all the events around the Centre.

Activities each evening include crafts in the schoolhouse, train rides, trick-or-treat stations for the little ones, and live entertainment by Andy McCormack and the popular Kathy White Zombie Dancers. There will be lots of hot chocolate, coffee and hot food available to purchase so you can sit back, watch the fun and enjoy the warmth of our popular fire pits.

This is a family-friendly event, but it can be a little scary for very young children. So it’s suggested that you bring them early before the sun sets.

Don’t forget to dress up in your best costume!

The Halloween Train and most displays are covered so that you can have fun Rain or Shine!

Tickets are non-refundable and ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE at www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com

Prices – Adults $16 Seniors $16 Youth (13-18yr) $16 Children $14 Children 2 years and under are free.

Nanaimo Halloween Events. Vancouver Island View

Mid Vancouver Island Halloween Activities and Events

Nanaimo Halloween Events

Friday Night Social

Location: Country Club Centre – 3200 North Island Hwy, Nanaimo

When: Oct 13, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Head to this free family drop-in event hosted by Nanaimo Science.

You will learn about scary things – from skeletons and slippery sensory stations to glow-in-the-dark activities and more.

There will also be awesome discounted dinner specials from MOD Pizza and board games in Centre Court.

Parent participation is required.


Huard’s Haunted House

Location: 1702 Timberlands Rd, Ladysmith (Cassidy) 

Dates: October 13, 14, 19-22, 25-31, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm.

Cost: $5.00 per person

Enter this backwoods home to meet Mama’s family, but be careful they can smell your fear!

This event is for adults only!

They take great pride in making adults scream and soil themselves. It is definitely not for the faint of heart.


Halloween Spooktacular

Location: The OV Arts Centre – 25 Victoria Road, Nanaimo

This is a one-day event: Sat, Oct 28, 2023, from 1:00 – 3:00, 3:30 – 5:30, and 7:30 – 9:30 pm.

This all-ages festival of fear helps raise funds for Risebridge.

Reconciliation Family Theatre performs a chilling ghost story, and the SFU Snuneymuxw Nation Hulquiminum Institute shares a shadow-play, entirely in Hulquiminum.

The truly brave can exit through the terrifying haunted basement on the way out if they dare. This basement is not for the faint of heart.

Tickets can be purchased online via Eventbrite.


Lantern Tours

Location: Nanaimo Museum

Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, October 6-28, 2023. 6:30-8:00 pm.

The Haunted Nanaimo Lantern Tour includes tales of unexplained phenomena, mysterious apparitions, and spooktacular stories.

If you aren’t into the supernatural, join the Crime & Punishment Lantern Tour instead. On this tour, you hear stories about some of Nanaimo’s most notorious outlaws and daring heists.

These are mostly outdoor walking tours of downtown to hear about the darker side of Nanaimo’s history while visiting local landmarks.

Cost: $15 per person

Age: 12 years+ recommended (mature content)

Duration: 90 minutes – rain or shine

Please visit the Nanaimo Museum for more information and to book tickets. This is a very popular event and sells out each year.


Haunted Halloween Yard Walk

Location: 55 Mill Street, Nanaimo

Date: Oct 27, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Brought to you by the Van Isle Clean Team, this fun, FREE haunted Halloween walk is for the entire family. If you are brave enough to make the whole walk, candy and hot chocolate will await you at the end.

If, for some reason, you don’t want the full effect, let the people at the gate know, and they will take it easier on you (less scary).

However, this is the right place for you if you want a good scare!


Hauntvilles Horror

Location: VIEx Show Office Barn – 2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo (Beban Park)

Dates: October 27, 28 & 31 from 7:00 -11:00 pm

Hauntvilles Horror has partnered with the Vancouver Island Exhibition for the 2023 Halloween Season. And this year’s event is sure to be fun!

Everyone is welcome to this haunt; however, the event consists of loud noises, flashing lights, and dark and confined spaces.

The cost of entry is by donation, with all proceeds going towards the VIEx to help rebuild their barns.

Vancouver Island Halloween Activities and Events. Vancouver Island View

Parksville & Qualicum Area Halloween Events

Nanoose Bay Halloween Walk

Location: 2525 Northwest Bay Road

When: October 27th, 28th & 29th 2023, from 2:30-4:30 pm or 6:30-9:30 pm

The much anticipated Halloween Walk in Nanoose is back again this year!

There are three ways to buy tickets this year:

  • Advance Printed Ticket sales: Oct 10th – Oct 20th. Printed tickets – $10 each or a family pack of (5) $45.
    • These tickets can be picked up at the following businesses with cash only:
      • Nanoose Bay Elementary School
      • Rusted Rake
      • Springford Farm Market
      • Soak Essentials
      • Pharmasave (Parksville)
  • After October 20th, Online tickets are $15 each while quantities last.
  • Tickets at the gate are $15 each while quantities last. (Saturday Tickets sold out last year).

Your ticket is good for ONE TIME around the walk. The Walk takes 20-30 minutes to complete.

No refunds on tickets once purchased.

Please park at 1945 Stewart Rd at Stone Tree Farm and walk the short 3-minute walk to the Halloween Walk entrance. There will be a light tower providing light at the parking lot.

There is a light concession stand, with thanks to Nanoose Bay Lions Club.

This is a fundraiser for The Ballenas Whalers Football Society & NBES School!

Please note the earlier times, 2:30-4:30 pm, are reserved for anyone to enjoy the walk during the daylight. And although no scary monsters will pop out during this daytime walk, Esmerelda the witch will welcome you.


Trick or Treat (Early) at Parksville Museum

Location: Parksville Museum – 1245 E Island HighwayParksville

Dates: Friday, October 27, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Head to the last Autumn Artisan Market at the Museum, and costumed trick-or-treaters can go door to door in the cozy little lit-up village.

There are food trucks and vendor booths to shop at, and you can listen to some live music while your kiddo’s trick-or-treat.

This is a family-friendly event with free admission.


Scarecrow Spectacular

Location: Milner Gardens – 340 Whitmee Rd, Qualicum Beach

Dates: October 27th – 29th, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, with viewing until 3:30 pm.

Cost: $7.00/Adult | $5.00/Youth | Children, VIU Students, and Milner Members are free.

Milner Garden’s all-new Scarecrow Spectacular brings more fall fun to the community. This event provides another occasion for families to come together and make memories.

Visitors are encouraged to dress up in costume, wander the Scarecrow Lane through the Haunted Gardens and vote on their favourite spooktacular scarecrow!

Accompanied by a menu of harvest-themed food and beverage offerings and other festive activities, it’s sure to be a Graveyard Smash.


Pumpkins on the Drive

Location: Resort Drive, Parksville

Dates: October 28 – November 1

Walk or drive along Resort Drive in Parksville for a spooktacular family fun night!

Jack-o-Lanterns will be lit in front of Tigh-Na-Mara Resort for five nights starting October 28.


Coombs Candy Walk

Location: 1014 Ford Road, Coombs

Date: October 31, 2023

This year’s Coombs Candy Walk is “Magical Places”. For all those littles 0 – 5 years of age, join the fun on October 31st from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

  • This is an indoor and outdoor event
  • Candy walk
  • Haunted House put on by BSS Grads.
  • Concession
  • Fireworks (start at 8:00 pm) – still tentative at this point

The whole event is by donation. For up-to-date information, please visit the Coombs Candy Walk on Facebook.


Vancouver Island Halloween Events in Comox Valley. Vancouver Island View

Comox Valley Halloween Events

Coastal Black Pumpkin Fest

Location: Black Creek (2186 Endall Road)

Visit this winery for their 10th annual Pumpkin Fest, perfect for the whole family.

Activities include a Hay Wagon Ride, 2 Corn Mazes, Fall Festive games in the event barn, a Jumping Pillow, a Hay Bale Maze, Live Music and visiting the Barnyard Animals. 

When: Fridays – Sundays in October (including Thanksgiving Day Monday), from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Please visit Coastal Black’s website for further information and purchase event tickets.


The Great Pumpkin Race

Location: Saratoga Speedway – 2380 Macaulay Road, Black Creek

Date: October 28, starting at 4:00 pm

Featuring many fun activities, including:

  • Kids Costume Contest
  • Pumpkin Carving Contest
  • The Great Pumpkin Race
  • Crash to Pass
  • Kyte Delivery Systems Hornet A and B

This is a RAIN OR SHINE event.

Cost: Adult: $20.00 | Seniors and Veterans: $17.50 (ID Required) | Youth: 4-12: $15.00 (ID Required) | Children 3-under free with parent/guardian.

Book your tickets in advance, online.


Fall Harvest Market

Location: Shamrock Farm (2276 Anderton Road, Comox)

Hours of Operation: Open six days a week (closed Mondays) from October 1 – 30, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (unless otherwise noted).

Visit the Barn Shop bursting with bundles of heirloom garlic, onions, shallots, delicious winter vegetables, and unique squash, all harvested from their fields. Shop their goat milk soaps, dried flower bouquets, farmhouse preserves, and lavender beauty products. Everything sold is grown or made on the farm.

If you are looking for a particular variety of pumpkins, they most likely have it! Over 50 favourite heirloom varieties are grown in the fields each year. Go early in the season for the best selection.

Further information can be found by visiting Shamrock Farm’s website.


Monster Madness Swim

Location: Comox Valley Aquatic Centre – 377 Lerwick Rd, Courtenay

Date: Sunday, October 29 – 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Join this Halloween-themed swim for some great fun.

The afternoon will include the following:

  • Pumpkin Bowling
  • A skeleton relay in the dyed red hot tub
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Pumpkin bobbing
  • Pumpkin decorating
  • Food challenges
  • Other gooey slime-based fun

Please Note:  They are dying the hot tub red with special pool dye. There may be temporary red colour transfer onto skin and bathing suits.

Regular admission rates apply.


Vancouver Island Halloween Events and Activities Port Alberni. Vancouver Island View

Port Alberni Halloween Events

Pumpkin Patch Tours

Location: Arrowvale Campground and Collins Farm (5955 Hector Road, Port Alberni)

When: Weekends in October from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

Celebrate the fall harvest with outdoor spaces and fewer faces. Instead of wagon rides, this year, pumpkin hunters will drive right down to the scenic farm for a chance to scour the fields for the perfect Jack-O-Lantern or pie pumpkin. Open rain or shine, so boots, coats and umbrellas are recommended. There will be a small admission fee for entry and pumpkins for sale in the patch.

Please check Arrowvale Campground’s website for more information.


Halloween Howl & Spooky Trail

Location: Beaver Creek Community Hall – 8505 Beaver Creek Road, Port Alberni

Date: Saturday, October 28, from 12:00 – 3:00 pm

Come for a spooky walk on the decorated trail. There are free games and concessions inside. You have a chance of winning a cake at the cakewalk, too.


Halloween Costume Skate

Location: Alberni Valley Multiplex – 3737 Roger Street, Port Alberni

Date: Sunday, October 29 – 2:45 to 4:15 pm

This is an everyone-welcome skate with no cost!

Take your costume for a test skate and enjoy spooky music, treats and plenty of fun on the ice.

There are prizes for the most creative costume.


More Vancouver Island Pumpkin Patches

For a full list of pumpkin patches found on Vancouver Island, read Vancouver Island Pumpkin Patches. Or check out our Vancouver Island Fall Bucket List for some other amazing fall activities.


Do you know of any other Vancouver Island Halloween Events or Activities?

If you know of an event that should be included in this list, please contact me or leave it in the comments below.

This post will continue to be updated as I become aware of more events. So make sure to keep checking back!

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One Comment

  1. Kaitlyn Deliva says:

    Hi there. Can you please add the Coombs Cabdy Walk to this event list! 🙂 the write up is below

    For one night, and one night only come join the circus! The Coombs Candy walk is having their annual Halloween Candy Walk. Come join the fun! October 31st from 6-8 1014 Ford Road

    – Circus themed candy walk
    – Consesion
    – Little Ghouls haunted house
    – Cake walk
    – Fire works start at 8 pm

    Our whole event is by donation so we can keep putting on this great family event for our area every year!

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