Train Trip through the Day of the Dead

Mexican ghosts are haunting the Stanley Park Miniature Railway for this year's Day of the Dead-themed Ghost Train. For those parents anxious about sending children out to trick-or-treat in a growing city, or those adults keen on doing something festive that isn't at a bar, the Halloween ghost train promises to be a smash hit. Now that the Halloween tradition Parade of Lost Souls has been cancelled, this is my pick for the festivities this year.

Every year the crew at the Ghost Train pick a new theme and out-do themselves on lighting, props and costume details, and I can't wait to see what they come up with for the Day of the Dead. Just inside the front gate I spotted a Central American looking altar with candles and carnations and slips of skull stationary to write the names of the dead on. Who knows what performance artists Mortal Coil will dream up. Stilted skeletons no doubt, and maybe a dead Frida Kahlo?!

Admission is $8.50 for adults and $5.00 for kids and seniors. Go to Stanley Park, follow the signs, and go early if you plan to go on Halloween night, because it gets busy.