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 43rd 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 and supermarkets.
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 5:15 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.
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.
- Avoid costumes that have long trailing fabric.
- 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.
At home:
- Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns instead of real candles.
- Keep dried cornstalks, leaves, crepe paper and other decorations away from candles, heaters and light bulbs because they ignite easily.
- Check smoke alarms are working and keep exits clear of decorations.
- Teach children to stay away from open flames and make sure they know to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if their clothes catch fire.
View National Fire Protection Association’s Halloween electrical safety guidance.
Wildlife Attractants
During the fall, bears are in hyperphagia, an intense feeding period that occurs before winter denning. During hyperphagia, their drive to find food becomes extremely intense, making them more likely to travel through neighbourhoods, parks, trails and other developed areas in search of easy calories. This is when the actions of residents and visitors matter most.
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
Halloween Family Fun
Join the Whistler Public Library for Spooky Storytime and Halloween-themed crafts. This program is for all ages, and no registration is required! Sunday, October 25 from 1:30 t0 3:30 p.m. Full event details here.
Halloween Craft Drop-in: Beaded Bones
Create spooky skeleton and skull beaded bag charms. This program is for all ages, and no registration is required! Thursday, October 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Whistler Public Library.
Halloween Baby Bash!
Celebrate Halloween with a not-so-spooky Halloween Baby Bash! Enjoy songs, books and rhymes inspired by the season with this warm and cozy community social. This program is for babies ages 0-23 months, and no registration is required. Saturday, October 31 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Whistler Public Library. 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 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more at whistler.ca/skate.
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 watch your pumpkin drop from the top of the fire truck ladder and watch it go splat! This event is by donation, and all money raised benefits the Whistler Children’s Centre. Spring Creek Fire Station (1505 Spring Creek Drive) on Sunday, November 1 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