Guide to Halloween Paddle Events in Metro Vancouver (2026)

Guide to Halloween Paddle Events in Metro Vancouver 2026

Every October, witches, warlocks and the odd paddling skeleton take to the water around Metro Vancouver. Halloween paddle events have become one of the region's favourite fall traditions. Locals dress up, launch their paddleboards and kayaks, and paddle together in costume, all while raising food and money for local food banks.

This guide covers all three Halloween paddle events in Vancouver and the surrounding area for 2026: the Witchilano Paddle at Kitsilano Beach, the Witch Rock Paddle in White Rock, and the Dreadful Deep Cove Paddle in North Vancouver. You'll find dates, meeting spots, routes, what to bring, and tips for paddling safely in cold fall water.

2026 Halloween Paddle Events at a Glance

Witchilano Paddle at Kitsilano Beach

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: Meet at 10:00 AM, on the water around 11:30 AM
Location: Kitsilano Beach, in front of the main washroom building
Cost: Free, with food or cash donations for SHARE Family and Community Services

Now in its 6th year, the Witchilano Paddle kicks off Halloween paddle season in Vancouver. Stand-up paddleboarders dressed as witches and warlocks gather on the sand at Kits Beach for group photos before launching together at about 11:30 AM.

Route

The group paddles from Kitsilano Beach toward Granville Island and back. If you'd rather skip the return trip, paddling one way is also an option.

What to Wear

Witch or warlock costumes are the theme, and mostly black looks best on the water. Thrift stores are a great place to find affordable, sustainable costume pieces. Choose items that won't get in the way of your stroke or wrap around your leash.

Donations

Organizers ask everyone to bring a small "price of admission" for SHARE Family and Community Services. The most needed items are nutritious canned goods, whole grain rice or legumes, and baby formula. Food should be packaged, non-perishable and in good condition. Cash donations are also welcome.

Parking

A pay parking lot is available at the beach off Arbutus Street near the tennis courts. It fills up quickly, so arrive early, carpool, or get dropped off.

Safety and Experience Level

The Witchilano Paddle is for experienced paddlers only. All skill levels are welcome as long as you're comfortable on a board, but this shouldn't be your first time paddling. A PFD and leash are required. There's no official instruction, leadership, lifeguard or supervision, and everyone paddles at their own risk.

View the Witchilano Paddle event page →

Witch Rock Halloween Paddle in White Rock

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: West Beach Boat Ramp, Bayview Park, 14586 Marine Dr, White Rock
Cost: Free, food bank donations encouraged

The day after Witchilano, the witches head south of the Fraser. The Witch Rock Halloween Paddle brings a costumed community paddle to the White Rock waterfront, with the town's famous pier as the turnaround point.

Route

Paddlers launch from the boat ramp at West Beach in Bayview Park, head out to the White Rock Pier, and return to the starting point. It's a short, scenic loop, and the long pier makes a perfect backdrop for photos.

Costumes

Witches' robes are the classic choice, but any spooky-season outfit is welcome.

Donations

The paddle is completely free, but everyone is encouraged to bring donations for the local food bank.

Make It a Witchy Weekend

With Witchilano on Saturday and Witch Rock on Sunday, you can paddle Kitsilano and White Rock back to back for a full weekend of Halloween fun on the water.

View the Witch Rock Halloween Paddle event page →

Dreadful Deep Cove Halloween Paddle in North Vancouver

Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Deep Cove, North Vancouver
Cost: Free to join, $10+ donation recommended
Hosted by: Deep Cove Kayak

Held the weekend before Halloween, the Dreadful Deep Cove Paddle is a costumed fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. With forested shoreline and often misty fall mornings, Deep Cove is a perfectly eerie place for a Halloween paddle.

Paddleboards and Kayaks Welcome

Of the three Halloween paddle events, this one is the most open. Both paddleboards and kayaks are welcome, and you don't need your own gear. Deep Cove Kayak offers paddleboard and kayak rentals for an extra fee, with $10 from every rental donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. You're also welcome to bring your own boat or board.

Donations

Joining is free, with a recommended donation of $10 or more. All proceeds go directly to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Registration

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Sign up in advance on the Deep Cove Kayak website or simply show up on the day. If you're planning to rent, book early, since boards and kayaks can run out on event day.

View the Dreadful Deep Cove Paddle event page →

Tips for Halloween Paddleboarding in Vancouver

Dress for Cold Water First

The ocean around Vancouver is cold in October, and falling in can be a real shock. Wear a wetsuit, drysuit or quick-drying layers under your costume, and avoid cotton, which stays cold and heavy once wet. A cape or robe fits easily over a wetsuit.

Keep Your Costume Paddle-Friendly

Long sleeves, trailing fabric and bulky props can catch your paddle or leash. If you're wearing a pointed witch hat, a chin strap or a few bobby pins will keep it from blowing away. Leave anything you'd hate to lose on shore.

Always Wear a PFD and Leash

A PFD and leash are required at Witchilano and are a smart choice at every fall paddle. Wear your life jacket over your costume, or tuck a slim inflatable PFD under a loose robe.

Check the Forecast

Fall weather on the coast changes quickly. Check the wind and marine forecast the morning of the event, and sit it out if conditions are beyond your comfort level.

Protect Your Phone

A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag will keep your phone safe while you take photos on the water.

Pack Your Donation the Night Before

All three events support local food security, so get your canned goods or cash ready ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Paddle Events in Vancouver

Are Halloween paddle events in Vancouver free?

Yes. All three events are free to join. Each one encourages donations: food or cash for SHARE Family and Community Services at Witchilano, food bank donations at Witch Rock, and a recommended $10+ donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank at Deep Cove.

Can beginners join a Halloween paddle?

The Witchilano Paddle is for experienced paddlers only and shouldn't be anyone's first time on a board. The Dreadful Deep Cove Paddle offers kayak rentals, which can be a steadier option if you're less confident on a paddleboard. At any event, you should be comfortable handling your board or boat on open water.

Can I rent a paddleboard for a Halloween paddle?

Yes, at the Dreadful Deep Cove Paddle, where Deep Cove Kayak rents paddleboards and kayaks and donates part of each rental fee to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. For Witchilano and Witch Rock, bring your own board or arrange a rental from a local shop ahead of time.

Do I have to wear a costume?

Costumes aren't required, but they're half the fun. Witchilano and Witch Rock have a witch and warlock theme, while Deep Cove welcomes any Halloween costume.

Can kids join?

None of these events are set up as supervised family activities, and Witchilano has no lifeguard or supervision. If you're thinking of bringing children, check with the organizers first, and make sure every young paddler is confident on the water and wearing a properly fitted PFD.

Paddle Into Spooky Season

From the sea of witch hats at Kits Beach to the loop around the White Rock Pier and the misty waters of Deep Cove, Halloween paddle events are one of the best ways to celebrate fall in Metro Vancouver. And every stroke helps put food on the table for families in our community. Pick your event, grab your broomstick (or paddle), and we'll see you on the water.

For more Halloween events and fall things to do around the region, keep exploring Vancouver Page.