When is the Witchilano Paddle 2027?

The 2027 date has not been announced. The sixth Witchilano Paddle took place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, launching from Kitsilano Beach around 11:30 a.m.

Does it cost anything to join the Witchilano Paddle?

No. It is free for paddlers and spectators; organizers ask for packaged food or cash donations for SHARE Family & Community Services.

Can I rent a paddleboard for the Deep Cove Halloween paddle?

Yes. In 2026 Deep Cove Kayak offered kayak and paddleboard rentals for an extra fee, with $10 from each rental going to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Do I need a lifejacket on a paddleboard?

Yes. Transport Canada requires a lifejacket or PFD on board, so pick a costume that fits over it.

Where can I watch the Witchilano paddlers?

Kitsilano Beach for the launch, then the seawall near Vanier Park and the Granville Island waterfront as the paddlers head up False Creek.

Halloween Paddle Events 2027 Vancouver: Witchilano & More

Every October, paddlers in pointed hats, capes and full costumes take to the water around Metro Vancouver. The two best-known Halloween paddles are the Witchilano Paddle at Kitsilano Beach and Dreadful Deep Cove on the North Shore. Both are free to join, both raise money or food for local charities, and both are as much fun to watch from shore as to paddle in. 2027 dates have not been announced yet. Below are the 2026 details as a reference and the timing to expect for Halloween 2027 (Sunday, October 31, 2027).

Halloween paddle events 2027 at a glance

Event	2027 status	In 2026	Cost	Link
Witchilano Paddle, Kitsilano Beach	Not announced usually an early-October weekend	Saturday, October 3, 2026 (sixth annual), launch about 11:30 a.m.	Free; donations for SHARE Family & Community Services	Facebook event
Dreadful Deep Cove Halloween Paddle Fundraiser	Not announced in 2026 it was the Sunday before Halloween	Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Free to join; suggested $10+ donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank; rentals extra	Deep Cove Kayak

Witchilano Paddle at Kitsilano Beach

Witchilano is the paddle that made Vancouver’s witches famous: hundreds of costumed stand-up paddleboarders, mostly dressed as witches and warlocks, gliding from Kits Beach into False Creek. It started in 2021 and reached its sixth edition in 2026.

2027 date: not announced yet. It is held on an early-October weekend rather than on Halloween itself: the 2026 edition was on Saturday, October 3.
Where: the start is at Kitsilano Beach near Cornwall Avenue and Yew Street. Paddlers gather on the beach in front of the main washroom building.
Timing (2026): arrivals from about 10 a.m.; boards launch by about 11:30 a.m.
Route: out of English Bay and up False Creek to Granville Island. You can finish there or paddle back to Kits.
Cost: free for paddlers and spectators. Bring packaged food or a cash donation for SHARE Family & Community Services.
Best viewing: Kitsilano Beach for the launch, then the seawall around Vanier Park and the Granville Island waterfront as the group heads into False Creek.
Getting there: buses along Cornwall Avenue and West 4th Avenue stop a short walk from Kits Beach. There is pay parking at the beach, but transit or cycling is easier on a busy weekend.

Watch the event’s social media pages from late summer for the 2027 date.

Dreadful Deep Cove Halloween Paddle

Deep Cove Kayak runs this costume paddle as a fundraiser in the sheltered waters of Deep Cove in the District of North Vancouver.

2027 date: not announced yet. In 2026 it took place on Sunday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: joining is free, with a suggested donation of $10 or more to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Boats: bring your own, or rent a kayak or paddleboard from Deep Cove Kayak for an extra fee. In 2026, $10 from each rental went to the food bank.
Registration: pre-registration was encouraged but not required.
Getting there: Deep Cove is reached by bus from Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver. Parking in the village is limited on weekends, so arrive early or take transit.

Check deepcovekayak.com in early fall for the 2027 date.

Tips for a Halloween paddle in October

Dress for cold water, not just for the costume. Ocean water around Vancouver is cold in October. Wear a wetsuit or quick-dry layers under your costume and bring a full change of dry clothes.
Wear a PFD. Transport Canada requires a lifejacket or PFD on board a paddleboard. Choose a costume that fits over it, or a belt-pack PFD.
Keep costumes paddle-friendly. Long capes, skirts and wide hat brims catch wind and get heavy when wet. Secure hats with a chin strap or clips.
Check wind and tides. Events can be cancelled for high winds. Look at Environment Canada’s marine forecast for Howe Sound and the Strait of Georgia on the morning of the paddle.
Stay with the group and keep clear of boat traffic in False Creek and the Indian Arm channel.
New to paddling? Rent from a local shop and ask for a short lesson first. October weekends book up quickly.

What to bring

Your board or kayak, paddle, leash and PFD (or book a rental well ahead).
A dry bag with a phone, a warm layer and a snack.
Gloves or pogies for cold hands, and a toque for after the paddle.
A towel and a complete change of clothes left on shore.
Your donation: packaged food or cash for the charity the event supports.
Battery-powered lights rather than anything with a flame if you want to decorate your board.

Watching from shore

You do not need a board to enjoy these events. At Witchilano, spectators line Kitsilano Beach for the launch, when the paddlers gather in costume, and many people walk or cycle the seawall toward Granville Island to see them arrive in False Creek. In Deep Cove, the waterfront park beside the village gives a good view of the bay. Bring a camera, dress for rain and give paddlers room at the launch area.

More Halloween fun near the water

After the paddle, Granville Island is a natural next stop. The Granville Island Kids Market has run free Halloween trick-or-treating in past years. For haunted houses, Fright Nights at Playland and city events, see our main Halloween 2027 guide. For other October events, check the October events calendar and upcoming events, and browse Vancouver and North Vancouver city pages.