The Resort Municipality of Whistler reminds the public to celebrate safety

This October 31, don’t forget to bring along your Halloween safety essentials to ensure a safe and spooky time.

Before COVID-19, Tapley’s Farm was Whistler’s main go-to neighbourhood for Trick-or-Treating but you can now expect to see Trick-or-Treaters in many other neighbourhoods, particularly Cheakamus Crossing, Rainbow, Spruce Grove and Bayshores. Remember that all side streets in Whistler have a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour. On Halloween night, slow down even further when driving through neighbourhoods and be ready to break for Trick-or-Treaters.

Trick-or-Treating Tips:

• Light up the night: Wear bright clothing and bring a flashlight, glow sticks and reflectors so you are seen after dark.
• Face the traffic: When in areas that do not have sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.
• Respect ‘lights out’:  If a porch light is off, move to the next house. 
• Avoid porch crowding:  Only one small group of trick-or-treaters at a time.  Line up away from the front door if necessary.
• Wear a non-surgical mask when in close proximity to other people: A costume mask is not a substitute for a face-covering
• Halloween hand hygiene:  Wash your hands before you go out, when you get home, and before eating treats.  Bring hand sanitizer, in the event you want a snack while trick-or-treating.
• Take the ‘Park and Spook’ free shuttle to Tapley’s Farm from the Marketplace parking lot. For more shuttle schedule, route and parking information visit whistler.ca/Transit

Ghoulish Gatherings

• Take the celebration outdoors and avoid large indoor gatherings.   Stick with a small group of close friends and/or family.
• Wear a non-surgical mask when indoors.  COVID-19 and influenza transmission happens most commonly during indoor gatherings.
• Avoid buffet-style food.  Bring your own snacks or offer up pre-packaged treats.
• Sign your Silo Cup.  If using single-use cups, be sure to label the cup with your name on it.
• Consume beverages responsibly. RCMP will be out. Don’t drink and drive and plan a safe way home. Download apps for Whistler’s taxi and ride share companies or have a friend call you a cab if you lose your phone. The last Whistler Transit buses leave the Village at 12:22 a.m., bring along $2.50 for fare or pre-purchase bus tickets at Municipal Hall, Meadow Park Sports Centre, the Visitor’s Centre, Nesters, Creekside Market, HI-Whistler Hostel and Forecast Coffee.

Shelling-Out Shoulds:

• Use tongs and a baking sheet, or make a “candy slide”
• Hand out individual treats instead of offering a shared bowl
• Wear a non-medical mask when handing out treats
• Sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose
• Give out candy outdoors, if possible
• Turn the porch light off if you are not giving out candy or have run out

Lastly, the municipality encourages everyone to have fun this year! 

Tour de Pumpkins is back for a second year! Get in the Halloween spirit with a free walking tour of artistically carved pumpkins on display throughout Florence Petersen Park on Saturday, October 30 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.  For more information, visit artswhistler.com.

While we are still living with COVID-19, we can celebrate Halloween 2021 in creative and safe ways.  Happy Halloween!

For more safety tips for walking at night, visit whistler.ca/WalkSafe.