The Miniature Train in Stanley Park is located not far from the Vancouver Aquarium and from Lumberman's Arch. Just a few steps away is the Children's Farmyard, where kids can see goats, sheep, cows, giant pig, and snakes.
While the 10-minute Miniature Train ride is a nice activity year-round for little kids, twice a year the ride transforms into a popular night-time themed event. Even older kids enjoy the Halloween Ghost Train and the Christmas Train.
Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train
For the month of October, Stanley Park's Miniature Railway becomes the Ghost Train: lots of fun, but be warned that tickets sell out fast! Fortunately, you can buy online through the Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train site.
In 2008, the train ride runs from October 10 to Nov. 1, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
- ticket price includes entrance to the Children's Farmyard and Halloween Barn
- price is $9/adult, $5.50 for ages 2 to 18 (Canadian $)
- your ticket specifies a half-hour or one-hour time window when you can ride the train
- purchase in advance, if possible. If not...
- a portion of the tickets for each day are not sold in advance, and go on sale at 3 p.m. at the Train Plaza by the Miniature Railway. If you arrive early you'll have a good chance of riding the train that night. While waiting for the train ride you can play at a nearby playground or stroll the seawall.
Theme for 2008
The 2008 theme is pirates: Jolly Roger, galleon shipwrecks, pirate pumpkins, and more in that vein. Come in costume if you like. Activities on-site include pirate hat-making and face-painting.
Bonus: Creatures of the Night
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, take a Creatures of the Night Walk with the Stanley Park Ecology Society. (Separate admission.)
Also, Thursday through Sunday, kids can visit a Storytelling Tent.
