2024 B.C. Treat Count: Which neighbourhoods gave out the most treats?

British Columbians dispensed thousands of pieces of candy to costumed visitors Thursday evening for the classic Halloween pastime of trick-or-treating. 

CBC News tracked the number of trick-or-treaters across the province in partnership with the SFU City Program. Respondents were asked how many trick-or-treaters came knocking on Halloween night, among other questions.

The annual trick-or-treat count survey had received almost 600 responses as of Friday morning. 

Andy Yan, director of the SFU City Program, said the neighbourhoods that usually get many trick-or-treaters, including Douglas Park and Trinity Street in Vancouver and Queens Park in New Westminster, continued to see high numbers. 

But he said more trick-or-treaters were reported in neighbourhoods farther out, with over 1,000 trick-or-treaters reported at some homes in Abbotsford and Langley. 

"I think it covers where folks are able to find affordable family-sized housing," said Yan. 

Wondering how your neighbourhood did? Use our interactive map to zoom in and find out:

He said the data from the trick-or-treat count shows interesting trends in communities, including where people feel comfortable having their children participate and where people are willing to open their doors to give treats to strangers. 

"That marks a sense of community, a sense of social trust that's underneath trick or treating." 

Participants were also asked if inflation affected their Halloween experience, with 75 per cent of those polled saying it did not. Those who reported it did affect them said it led to fewer decorations and less candy. 

This year's trick-or-treat count included an additional question asking respondents if they voted in the recent provincial election. Yan said over 97 per cent of respondents self-reported that they voted. 

"Trick or treating is one of the more whimsical metrics," said Yan. "I think underneath it all is the idea of civic engagement and community spirit." 

He also said there is a movement toward some neighbourhoods offering daytime trick-or-treating to allow children living in nearby apartment buildings more time to participate, particularly in business districts like downtown Vancouver's West End and Yaletown.