10 plus Alberta, BC Halloween events to scare you silly
Costume up, scream queens and horror fiends, Halloween is right around the corner! Here in the "after times" you could say Halloween events are “returning to normal”—if there is such a thing as “normal” when it comes to Halloween. Mwa-ah-ah.
Halloween is intentionally one of the least normal times of year. Paranormal, by definition. A time when we are free to be weird. To embrace the spooky, occult and outlandish. From expressing creativity to releasing tension—a little scream therapy anyone?—Halloween frees us to be ourselves (or literally anyone else!), embrace our inner kid and reframe our fears.
After the rollercoaster of the last few years, what better time to embrace that?
Six Scary Halloween Events in AB & BC
Despite what some might think you’re never too old for Halloween fun. (We don’t judge.) So here are some Halloween events to check out in Alberta and BC.
Edmonton Ghost Tour, Edmonton AB
What do you know about Edmonton’s paranormal history? Heard about the ghost scientist who haunts the U of A labs? Or the spooky past of the Princess Theatre? Taken a haunted trolley tour? The University of Alberta brings to light Edmonton’s haunted past, with an experience that earned it a nod as a Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice for 2022. Find details here.
Prairie Gardens Pumpkin Patch, Bon Accord
Just 45 minutes northeast of Edmonton in Bon Accord, Prairie Gardens really celebrates the fall, pumpkins and Halloween. Each year the farms host pumpkin picking with exotic varieties and some spooky decorations. This year includes a haunted house! Event details here.
Here's a sample of what to expect, from a previous visit I made to the farm.
Field of Screams, Vernon BC
This Vernon tradition has four different themed fields full of scary surprises, from retro classics like zombies and vampires to sci-fi horror akin to Stranger Things. To paraphrase the hit show, if we should “open any curiosity door we find” then we dare you to open these ones… Check out event details here.
Pumpkins after Dark, various AB & BC locations
Okay, this one isn't so scary, but this pumpkin carving extraordinaire is Insta-gold and you can catch it if you’re in or near Edmonton, Calgary, Milton or Burnaby. Event details here.
Fright Nights, Vancouver BC
Heads up horror fans: there will be no more sequels! This fright franchise, famed as one of Canada’s most popular Halloween events, is wrapping up after the 2022 Halloween season - so catch it now or miss it forever! Event details here.
Train of Terror, Aspen Crossing AB
Billed as “Canada’s only moving haunt.” So… enjoy the… ride? Kind of like a Hotel California on wheels, you’re stuck on this train with your haunted hosts until it reaches the… terminal. Event details here.
These are just a few of the unique events that will take your Halloween experience beyond the standard candy-at-the-door, trick or treat fare. Wherever you are this October, take a pause to embrace your fear and find some thrills this Halloween. Happy Halloween!
More Halloween & fall-themed events
Carnevil - Victoria BC, boasting three “chicken exits” for the faint of heart.
Screamfest - Calgary AB, Calgary’s biggest Halloween event.
Deadmonton - Edmonton AB, celebrating 10 years of fear.
Pumpkin Picking Festival - Vernon BC, try your own hand at carving with a pumpkin from Davison Orchards.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Jasper AB - get cozy under the night sky (it's not always scary!).
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