The Witchilano Paddle is a Halloween event where people dress up as witches and paddleboard from Kitsilano to Granville Island on the first Saturday in October.

In 2025 the fifth annual edition of the event is likely happening on Saturday, October 4th, though exact details are to be confirmed. Admission is free. Donations of cash or non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated though. Funds and food collected benefit SHARE Family & Community Services which is a great organization.

Halloween Witchilano Paddle

The Witchilano Paddle begins at Kitsilano Beach near Cornwall Avenue and Yew Street. Participants and onlookers typically start to arrive at around 10:00 am and the witches head off on their paddleboards by about 11:30 am. The flotilla of witches paddles up False Creek to Granville Island. Witches have the option of finishing at Granville Island or paddling back to Kitsilano.

Both witches and warlocks of all ages are welcome to participate, but only if they are experienced paddlers. Last year around 300 witches participated.

If you’re joining the group for the trip in the water, wear your best black witch costume and a lifejacket, and have a leash to attach yourself to your board. For people who know how to paddleboard but don’t have their own board, equipment can be rented from Vancouver Water Adventures.

The Witchilano Paddle is an informal event. There is no lifeguard or supervision. That means that participants do so at their own risk.

Event Video

Check out the video below for an idea of what to expect at the next Witchilano Paddle. The video shows scenes from the 2024 event at Kitsilano Beach.

Tips & Advice

Below are some suggestions and extra things to keep in mind.

TIP #1: When designing your costume, remember that you’ll need to wear a lifejacket over it. Also, don’t make your skirt so long that it’ll drag in the water when you get on and off your board.

TIP #2: If you don’t know how to paddleboard, don’t make this your first time. Paddleboards can be hard to stand up on and the water is cold in October!

TIP #3: Even if you don’t know how to paddleboard, you can still go as a spectator. It’s a fun sight to see!

TIP #4: Don’t forget to take food items or cash to donate to SHARE Family & Community Services.

TIP #5: Take warm clothes and a towel to dry off with in case you fall in the water. Also, take a friend or family member to hang on to your stuff and have that person follow you on land so they are ready in case you need them.

TIP #6: Don’t forget to take a camera (but maybe don’t have it with you while you’re paddling).