Things are getting a little spooky around Whistler and residents are turning their homes into haunted displays with little ghosts and goblins busy preparing their costumes for the big day.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a few helpful things below. No tricks here, just helpful tips to make your Halloween fa-boo-lous!
Halloween at Tapley’s Neighbourhood
Trick-or-treaters are invited to Tapley’s neighbourhood for the 42nd annual Halloween celebration. The neighbourhood will be closed to non-resident traffic from 4 p.m. on, with trick-or-treating starting at 5:30 p.m.
Support this event by making a candy donation in the collection boxes located at local schools, daycares, Nesters Market, The Grocery Store, Fresh St. Market, The Independent and Creekside Market.
We Scare Hunger campaign
Once on site, you can support the Whistler Community Services Society through their ‘We Scare Hunger’ campaign by making a cash or non-perishable food donation at the Tapley’s neighbourhood entrance during the festivities.
Monetary donations to the campaign can also be made online.
Fireworks
A fireworks display will start at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtle Philip Field. Fireworks have been generously sponsored by Nesters Market and will be presented by the Whistler Fire Rescue Service.
Getting Around – ‘Park and Spook’
Transit
BC Transit, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Fastpark are providing a free shuttle to get all the little ghouls, zombies and princesses to Tapley’s Farm for trick-or-treating on October 31.
Starting at 5:07 p.m., the free ‘Park and Spook’ shuttle will depart from the Marketplace parking lot and head to Tapley’s Farm. The last shuttle will leave at 8:25 p.m.
Whistler Transit, BC Transit and the RMOW would like to extend a special thank you to the students and teachers of the Whistler Waldorf School for decorating the buses!
Marketplace Parking
Parking at the Marketplace parking lot is free for trick-or-treaters between 5 and 9 p.m., courtesy of the Marketplace merchants.
Halloween Safety Tips
When heading out for Halloween, some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Young children should be accompanied by an adult or responsible older child.
- It is important to be seen, so carry a flashlight and/or incorporate LED lights or sew reflective strips into costumes.
- Full masks can make it difficult for a child to see where they are going: eye-safe makeup is a good alternative.
- Always cross at intersections, crosswalks or street corners. Remind all trick-or-treaters to stop at the curb, look both ways, and listen for oncoming traffic.
If you plan to drive on Halloween, please keep in mind, all side streets in Whistler have a speed limit of 30km/hr. Drivers should be prepared to slow down even more as trick-or-treaters take over the streets.
Wildlife Attractants
As much as pumpkins make festive decorations, bears also LOVE pumpkins.
Real pumpkins are an attractant for wildlife and must not be left outside your home unattended. If you would like to keep a pumpkin on display, consider placing it indoors in a window or use a decorative non-edible alternative.
Consider limiting the time your pumpkin is outdoors by keeping it indoors until Halloween. Be sure to dispose of it properly.
While it’s a nice gesture to leave a bowl of treats on your step if you plan to be away, this can also attract wildlife; consider asking a neighbour to hand out your candies on your behalf.
Creating an Accessible Halloween
Certain features around your home like steps, gravel driveways, or dim lighting can make it harder for children with disabilities to join in the Halloween fun. Check out these great resources to help you make this Halloween accessible for as many children as possible.
Rick Hansen Foundation: Trick-or-Treat: Tips to Creating an Accessible Halloween
Treat Accessibility: How Can You Help Make Halloween more Accessible? | Treat Accessibly
Other Spooky Events
Pumpkin Patch Visit
Join the Whistler Pemberton Newcomer Service for a fun and family-friendly autumn outing to the pumpkin patch. This special event is designed to welcome newcomers and immigrants to our community with a taste of local fall traditions. North Arm Farm, but we will meet at the Pemberton Library for those who need a ride, Thursday, October 23 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Everyone welcome. Full event details here.
Grade 5-6-7 Creative Club: Spooky Tales
Gather ’round the campfire and write your scariest tales and spookiest stories. Registration is required. Thursday, October 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Full event details here.
If you miss the October session, kids can join in November for the equally spooky session, Slime Time.
Grade 1 to 4 Creative Bugs: Halloween Pipe Cleaner Crowns
Create pipe cleaner crowns with a spooky twist! Mold your pipe cleaners into spiders, ghosts, pumpkins, even skeletons – the only limit is your imagination. Registration is required. Friday, October 24 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Full event details here.
Halloween Disco Skate
Dress in costume and skate under the disco lights at Meadow Park Sports Centre. All ages welcome. Saturday, October 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more at whistler.ca/skate.
Grade 1-to-7 After School Club
The After School Club gets a little spooky with Halloween crafts and activities. Registration is required. Tuesday, October 28 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Full event details here.
Halloween Spider Webs Craft Drop-in
Make spooky spider webs, just in time for Halloween! No registration required, drop-ins welcome. This program is for all ages. Thursday, October 30 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Full event details here.
Pumpkin Drop + Bake Sale
What do you get when you drop a pumpkin? Squash!
Don’t throw away those old pumpkins; join the Whistler Fire Rescue Service team and drop your pumpkin from the top of the Spring Creek Fire Hall and watch it go splat! This event is by donation, and all money raised benefits the Whistler Children’s Centre. Spring Creek Fire Station. Sunday, November 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will also be a bake sale and hot dogs available.
Top photo credit: Tourism Whistler/Jo Hawkins