At least a century of stories spill from the shadows and dark corners of some of our region’s most historic sites and they’re hosting some very special events this Halloween to tell their tales (and have some fun).

Britannia Mine Museum

• What: Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween Weekend
• Where: Britannia Mine Museum (1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach)
• When: October 29 & 30, 2016 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
• Tickets: Special event pricing is $15 (general), members and kids age 3 and under get in free (plus applicable taxes). The Museum’s regular train tour is not included in special event pricing; however, a special Halloween train ride is included with event admission.

The special train ride will have spooky stories inside the old underground tunnels. Check out the Spooky Science Show with all the smoke, fire and fun of last year’s show, plus a new batch of potions and tricks to wow the crowd. Take a peek inside the Witch’s House and the Insect Emporium, dress up at the photo booth, and explore the Village Fair.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery

• What: Halloween at the Cannery
• Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery (12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond)
• When: October 22 & 23; October 29 & 30, 2016
• Tickets: Adults $10.20, Youth (6-16) $6.30, Seniors (65+) $8.95. Tickets may be bought in online in advance, in person at the Cannery Front Desk, or by phone (604) 664-9009. Society members receive 20% off ticket prices (discount available only through the Cannery Front Desk).

Solve the Mysterious Case of the Haunted Cannery, a spooky, family-fun mystery inside the 122-year old historic building, for all those who dare to enter.

This year, on Saturday October 22nd only, join an after-hours presentation by Northern Paranormal Investigations, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, in a discussion of the paranormal discoveries uncovered at the Cannery when it’s closed to the public. You will also have a chance to join a guided tour of areas where the research was conducted, and to ask questions about their investigations. Tickets $10 each (or $6, with a Halloween ticket) and can be purchased online. *Please note that it is not recommended for children under 16 years old to attend the paranormal presentation.

Fort Langley National Historic Site

• What: Grave Tales
• Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site (23433 Mavis Ave, Langley)
• When: Youth Edition (for youth accompanied by adult) $13.30 + service fee
  October 14-16 & 19-30, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  Adult Grave Tales (ages 17+ only) – $17.10 + service fee
  October 14-16 & 19-30, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm or 8:00pm to 10:00pm
  Enhanced 3-hour Adult Grave Tales (ages 17+ only) – $20.60 + service fee
  October 14-16 & 19-30, from 9:00pm to 12:00am
  Grave tales adult overnight experience
• Tickets: Advance tickets are required. School group tours are available in the afternoons by phone reservation (604) 513-4799.

The popular Grave Tales historic walking tours are back! Join expert storytellers for a two-hour or three-hour program of spine-chilling stories, as you walk through the Fort Langley village at night. What would be creepier than Grave Tales tours? Try sleeping in historic Fort Langley after listening to the mysterious and tragic stories of its past. This October, they’re offering an in-depth 19+ Grave Tales tour and oTENTik overnight package. To book the overnight Grave Tales experience, please phone (604) 513-4777.

• What: Halloween Hoot at the Fort
• Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site (23433 Mavis Ave, Langley)
• When: October 29 & 30, 2016 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
• Tickets: On sale now. Age 17+ $11.70, age 3-16 $6.30, age 2 and under free. free for valid annual pass holders at the door. If you purchase advance tickets, reserved numbered seating for the magic shows will be designated. Tickets at the door will include general seating, as available. Annual pass holders get free door admission, but for reserved seating, online tickets must be purchased.

Celebrate Halloween with Pirate Magician Gary Savard inside Fort Langley National Historic Site. Watch a family-friendly magic show at 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm. Before or after your show, trick-or-treat at four of the fort buildings, make a craft, visit the Spooky Servants Quarters, and get your face painted in the Cooperage. Geared toward young families – wear your costumes for great photos.

* All prices are as of time of publishing of this blog post and are subject to change. All prices on online ticket sales or in person at these venues are the final and valid amounts.

Run and give in the spirit of Thanksgiving at the annual Granville Island Turkey Trot. This annual event brings together community in a celebration of Thanksgiving – demonstrating our gratitude for sport and our commitment to supporting others.

A hallmark event, the Granville Island Turkey Trot features a fun 10KM race on Thanksgiving Monday, October 10th, plus a Kids Run a day earlier.

Enjoy free food, drinks, entertainment, awards, medals, and more, as you run, walk or stroll around Granville Island! Even if you don’t feel like running, stop by to watch the fun and bring a donation to support the event’s local charity partners.

Granville Island Turkey Trot

Sunday, October 9, 2016 Kids Run at 12:00pm
Monday, October 10, 2016 10KM at 8:30am

Included in Registration

• Brand new 10KM medal for all finishers
• Free Stanley Park Beer valid at Mahony & Sons for those of legal drinking age
• $20 Gift Card (no minimum spend) from Rackets & Runners on New Balance product
• Free yoga session with Ocean Breath Yoga
• Race bib with built-in timing chip
• Free, convenient and secure gear check
• On-course services including water, Clif Bar, Ultima Replenisher and toilets
• Exciting Finish Line on Granville Island
• Free Expo at Performance Works with yoga and music
• Post-race celebrations with holiday-themed food and lively entertainment
• Age category and fun team prizes are up for grabs
• Plus your race entry supports local charities!

All abilities welcome. Participants are encouraged to run, walk, or even stroll with baby strollers. Great food will be available post-event and we encourage people to stay and mingle with free parking on Granville Island until 1:00pm on race day, Thanksgiving Monday. Kids will receive a ribbon, snacks, and fun activities including face painting.

Community Challenge

The Community Challenge, presented by Chevron, will recognize and reward communities that support the event: $500 will be awarded to the team with the largest numbers of runners; $250 will be awarded to the Best Team Costume – runners or spectators; Prizing for Team Captains of largest teams.

All participants who donate to one of the charity partners will be entered to win draw prizes donated by Granville Island merchants. Volunteers will also receive a free $20 Gift Card from Rackets & Runners valid on New Balance product with no minimum spend, plus other benefits including a shirt, food, and great group camaraderie.

For each $20 Gift Card redeemed by runners and volunteers, Rackets & Runners will also donate a pound of non-perishable food to our charity partner, Quest Food Exchange.

Benefitting Charities

Arts Umbrella: Art can change the lives of children in incredible ways, which is why Arts Umbrella helps students cultivate creativity through high-quality Performing, Visual, and Media Arts programs. Since 1979, the not-for-profit arts training centre has opened the doors for all kids to find and explore their artistic voices. More than 21,500 young artists ages 2 to 19 discover the magic each year – with two-thirds participating at little to no cost to their families.

Quest Food Exchange: A non-profit organization that provides dignified access to a variety of affordable and healthy foods to individuals facing food security challenges in British Columbia. Their primary objectives are to reduce hunger with dignity, build community and foster sustainability. Not open to the general public, Quest Food Exchange works in collaboration with food suppliers who donate their surplus food, and social service agency partners who refer their clients.

Register today! Follow the Granville Island Turkey Trot on Twitter and Facebook, plus RunVan on Twitter and Facebook #runvan #runandgive for more information.

Now in its 12th year, the Canuck Place Gift of Time Gala has raised over $8 million in support of children and families at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. One such family are the Evanows. Their daughter, Florence had Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 and passed away at Canuck Place the evening before Mother’s Day 2015.

Michaela Evanow will be the featured speaker at the Gift of Time Gala, sharing her family’s experience at Canuck Place. “Never in a million years did I imagine I would lose my first born daughter the day before Mother’s Day,” explained Michaela.

“Canuck Place gave us the opportunity to feel comfortable in a home-like environment and let Florence be with her mama and daddy under the same roof.”

“What really blew me away was the end-of-life care. There is absolutely no way we could have done it on our own. The team guided us with a steady hand through the most agonizing moments of our lives. As a mother, I can’t fully express how much gratitude we have for this place.”

The Evanow family continue to be regular guests at Canuck Place, attending bereavement sessions and family events.

“Our son gets to spend time in a place that was so special to his sister and to us. And because she passed away at Canuck Place, being involved with the program allows us to feel closer to her,” said Michaela. “Some days are incredibly hard, and all I want to do is hold Florence in my arms. I cannot do this, but I can walk into the doors of Canuck Place, sit down, and talk about it.”

The 2016 Gift of Time Gala is sold out, but you can still support by donating to the Friends of Gift of Time fund. Follow Canuck Place on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Enchant is a brand new event coming to Vancouver this holiday season, with the promise of illuminating the city with the world’s largest Christmas light maze.

Enchant Vancouver Christmas Light Maze

Where: West 1st and Crowe Street (between Olympic Village & Cambie Bridge)
When: November 25th to December 31st, 2016 4:00pm to 10:00pm daily
Tickets: Starting at $20 for adults (or $5 for the Christmas Market only)

Enchant will have 55,000 square feet of brilliantly illuminated sculptures along with the light maze. The market will have over 40 local vendors, 12 food trucks and a licensed eating area where guests can enjoy their favourite holiday drink. There will also be a VIP Christmas Party area.

Tickets are available now online for specific dates. Season passes are sold out. Follow Enchant on Twitter and Facebook for more information leading up to the holiday event.

UPDATE December 8th and 22nd are fundraising nights at Enchant Christmas where you can support Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC. You can also use code VCC2016 to automatically donate 20% of your ticket purchase!

UPDATE Enter to win tickets here!! <<

It’s a Thanksgiving Weekend tradition at the Birthplace of BC! The 21st annual Fort Langley Cranberry Festival returns October 8th, celebrating the harvest and history of the cranberry in the region.

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

Where: Fort Langley Village (free) & Fort Langley Historic Site (admission)
When: Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Unique vendors, free entertainment, pancake breakfast, and family activities await everyone for what is always a great day in the centre of Fort Langley. Join over 60,000 other people from all over the region for this community celebration.

Over at Fort Langley National Historic Site, experience the popular cranberry stomp, and play a host of cranberry and farm related games. Admission rates apply.

About BC Cranberries

I researched cranberries around the region for a piece I wrote for Tourism Vancouver a few years ago and found all kinds of interesting facts:

• The cranberry is one of only three commercially-grown fruits that are native to North America.
• Traditionally, cranberries were hot trading commodities at Fort Langley (aka the Birthplace of BC) as local First Nations used them for food, dyes, and medicine. They would trade cranberries for HBC blankets, beads, and other items. In fact in 1858, cranberries were actually worth more than salmon.
• Of all the cranberries harvested in Canada every year, about 60% are grown for Massachusetts-based Ocean Spray, to which most BC cranberry growers belong as a cooperative — as a result 90% of BC cranberries are shipped to the USA.
• Approximately 50% of BC’s crop is used to make sweetened dried cranberries, 40% is made into juice, 9% is sold whole frozen and 1% is sold fresh, according to the Government of BC.
  » Read more…

Follow the Fort Langley BIA on Facebook for more information.