The Halloween Train
The spooktacular Halloween Train is back! Be prepared for a bone-chilling experience – fun for the whole family!
Get ready for a night of Halloween fun at the BC Forest Discovery Centre! Each evening is packed with fun, including Halloween crafts in the schoolhouse, train rides, trick-or-treat stations for little ones, and live entertainment by Andy McCormack.
Feeling hungry or need to warm up? Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and hot food available for purchase. Then sit back, relax, and take in the Halloween atmosphere around our popular fire pits.
There’s lots to see and do, so come ready for an evening filled with fun, laughter, and a little bit of spooky magic!
This is a family-friendly event, but some of the displays and activities may be a little scary for very young children after dark. For our youngest visitors, we recommend arriving earlier in the evening, before the sun sets.
And, of course, don’t forget to dress up in your best Halloween costume! Costumes are encouraged!
Rain or shine! The Halloween Train and most of the displays are covered, so a little rain won’t stop the Halloween fun.
Tickets
- Tickets will only be sold online and will not be available at the door.
- Ticket sales are non-refundable.
- Tickets are valid ONLY for the train date & Time purchased.
Hours of operation
| Dates | Times |
| October 16 to 20 | 3:30pm to 9:30pm |
| October 23 to 26 | 3:30pm to 9:30pm |
| October 28 to 30 | 3:30pm to 9:30pm |
- There will be one train per 30 minute time slot with limited tickets per train.
- The first train is at 4:00pm and the last train is at 9:00pm.
- Note: The centre closes after the 9:00 train. If you are booked at this time, please come early to enjoy the activities.
Ticket Prices
| Age | Price |
| Adults/Seniors/Youth | $20 |
| Children (3 to 12) | $18 |
| Children 2 and under | Free |
- Service fees and charges apply to ticket sales.
Plan your visit
Got Questions? Make sure to read our Halloween Train Event FAQs for everything you need to know about arrival times, costumes, and what to expect before you arrive at the Centre!
Halloween Train FAQ
How do I buy Halloween Train tickets?
Halloween Train tickets can be purchased online only through the BC Forest Discovery Centre website. Tickets go on sale September 21, 2026.
Tickets are for a specific train time, so please select your preferred date and departure time carefully when booking. Due to high demand, tickets sell out quickly. We recommend having an alternative option ready when booking.
When does the Halloween Train run?
The Halloween Train runs on:
- October 16–20
- October 23–26
- October 28–30, 2026
Trains run every 30 minutes, with the first train at 4:00 p.m. and the last train at 9:00 p.m.
Do regular admission prices or memberships apply?
The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit organization, and the Halloween Train is one of our major fundraisers for the year. As such, train tickets are a special event admission and memberships do not apply.
Halloween admission is $20 for adults/seniors/youth, $18 for children ages 3–12, and free for children 2 and under.
Please note: that toddlers must have a ticket booked even if they are free.
How will my tickets be provided?
After your tickets are purchased, you will be sent 2 emails. One is a receipt, the other a booking confirmation with a QR code.
You will need the QR code to check in at admissions when you arrive. You will then be issued boarding passes for the train. We recommend taking a screen shot of the QR code to facilitate check-in.
Are tickets refundable?
Halloween Train tickets are non-refundable, except where the BC Forest Discovery Centre cancels the event or a specific train time. Should this occur, you will be notified and a refund will be issued. No action is required on your part.
Because this is a timed event, please make sure you select the correct date and train time before completing your purchase.
Does the Halloween Train run rain or shine?
Yes! The Halloween Train is a rain-or-shine event. Please come prepared for Vancouver Island weather and dress appropriately. Most exhibits and activities are indoors, but rain jackets, warm layers and suitable footwear are recommended as going outdoors will be necessary to get to the train and between locations.
In the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, schedules may need to change. Please follow our social media pages for updates before travelling.
What happens if I miss my train?
Please arrive to the admissions desk at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
If you miss your scheduled train, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to board a later train, as trains may be fully booked.
Arriving early is the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free Halloween adventure!
Is parking available?
Yes! Free parking is available on site at the BC Forest Discovery Centre.
Parking can become busy during popular Halloween Train evenings, so we recommend arriving early and allowing extra time to park, check in and make your way to the train.
Where is the BC Forest Discovery Centre?
The Centre is located at:
2892 Drinkwater Road, North Cowichan, BC
It is just off Highway 1 in North Cowichan.
How early should we arrive?
We recommend arriving 20-30 minutes before your scheduled train departure. This gives you time to:
- Park your vehicle
- Check in
- Visit the washrooms
- Get your family organized
- Enjoy some of the Halloween activities before boarding
Can I come early and enjoy the activities before my train ride?
Yes! We recommend coming early if you are booked on a later train, especially the 9:00 train as the site closes shortly after the last train arrives back at the station.
We suggest planning for a minimum of 1 hour to enjoy all the activities before or after your train ride.
Is the Halloween Train suitable for young children?
Absolutely! The Halloween Train is designed as a family-friendly Halloween experience.
There are activities throughout the evening, but some areas may be spooky. Parents and caregivers should use their own judgment based on their child’s age and comfort level.
Can children wear costumes?
Yes! Costumes are encouraged! Come dressed as your favourite witch, ghost, monster, superhero or anything else you can imagine.
For everyone’s safety, please make sure costumes do not interfere with walking, visibility or boarding the train.
Can I bring my dog?
For the Halloween and Christmas events, the Centre asks that guests leave their pets at home because of the high volume of visitors. Certified guide and service dogs are permitted.
Is the Halloween Train accessible?
The train, main entrance, exhibit hall, schoolhouse, concession and walking paths are wheelchair accessible. Designated accessible parking is available. As wheelchairs must be loaded on the train first, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to boarding.
The BC Forest Discovery Centre is committed to being accessible to everyone. We gladly accommodate designated caregivers. To help us best support your visit, please contact the Centre in advance so we can arrange the details.
Will food and drinks be available?
Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event in the concession. Guests can enjoy refreshments while taking in the Halloween activities. Menu items include:
- Hot Chocolate, coffee, tea
- Cold water, pop and juice
- Hot Dogs
- Chili, chili dogs
- Popcorn, Chips
- Mini Donuts
Are there local restaurants for us to eat at before we come?
Yes, there are many wonderful restaurants in our community. However, please allow enough time to enjoy your meal, as they are often very busy on the nights of the Halloween Train.
What if I have a question about my ticket?
For ticket questions or assistance, contact the BC Forest Discovery Centre at:
- 📞 250-715-1113
- 📧 info@bcfdc.ca
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