Stanley Park Ghost Train cancelled yet again, this time by mechanical issues

Stanley Park's popular Ghost Train ride has been cancelled again after trains failed a recent inspection.

The attraction, which normally runs evenings from mid-October through Halloween, has not taken place since 2019. Two years ago it was stopped in its tracks by the COVID-19 pandemic anditwas cancelled last yeardue to concerns over coyotes in the area.

Last winter, the train,which runs on a tracknear the Vancouver Aquarium and Lumberman's Arch, was plagued with service issues.

The City of Vancouver said mechanical issues affecting the antique engines and passenger cars derailed this year's event after the train failed safety tests during a recent inspection by Technical Safety B.C.

"Best analogy is sort of an old, old car that you've been doing everything you can to try and keep them running along as long as you can because you love it dearly, but sometimes they just get to that point where they need those major fixes," says Steve Jackson, director of business services with the Vancouver Park Board.

Repairs to the train will take some time, the city said, adding thatthere are few mechanics who know how to fix the vintage equipment.

"The distinctive engines, some more than 60 years old, require unique and hard-to-access parts, in addition to highly specialized service and maintenance, both of which are in short supply," the city said.

The city said it hopes to fix the mechanical issues ahead of its Bright Nights holiday event.

The city isalso working with an engineering team from Simon Fraser University to look at ways to update its aging fleet, including exploring sustainable alternatives such as electric engines.

Those looking for an alternative family-friendly Halloween event can considerVanDusen Garden'sHarvest Days, the city said.