Posted : October 14, 2022
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Something wicked is on the way. It is the much anticipated Cannington Haunted Trail. For those seeking Halloween adventure, this attraction is NOT to be missed. It is a horror themed exhibit like none other. You will absolutely love the frights awaiting you at this signature experience. Those that enjoy the thrills and fun that Halloween brings rave about this venue. It is like a fear festival. This annual event guarantees you a terrifying adventure, so scary it is only for the brave of heart’. This is a wonderful community event. They are preparing to entertain you with all sorts of ghoulish pranks and mischief.
To provide a bit of background, I had the pleasure of speaking with Angela Canavan who is one of the project leaders. She explained that the haunted trails event has been going on for 14 years. There is a core planning group of 12-15 people and they have over 100 dedicated volunteers. They all work in different capacities and enjoy it so much they come back year after year. The volunteers start to gather in February each year, and it becomes a real community event. Some of their group attend annual fright style conventions (and who knew there was such a thing) and they bring back new ideas to add to the venue. As a result, each year they change the theme which helps keep it fresh and exciting. This is terrific for repeat customers. It is recognized as being on par with a professional level fear festival. One key feature is they use scare actors who are placed throughout the venue. These actors do a terrific job in keeping the excitement flowing. The volunteers are known for their dedication and their passion. Angela explained that some of the revenue each year goes back into the community via to the Lions Clubs of both Beaverton and Cannington. They also donate to the local Historical Society, Horticultural Society, and the animal shelter. They have created a bursary for the Cannington High School and bring students in to volunteer as well. It is a real team effort, has terrific community support and a huge volunteer base which gives it such great success year after year. There are multiple community sponsors (see website) and it is 100% volunteer based and non-profit.
The haunt takes place in two wooded trails and in a barn maze. There is also a decorative museum, axe throwing and a photo booth. They have thought of everything and have included food vendors as well. They sell approximately 3000 tickets for four nights, and give away another 400+ tickets to donors, the food bank, committee members and such.
You will find the Cannington Haunted Trail at 91 Elliot in Street Cannington, at Macleod Park. People come from as far as Orillia, Peterborough, Toronto, Whitby, and Oshawa. The dates for this year’s event are Friday October 21st , Saturday October 22nd, Friday October 28th and Saturday the 29th. They are open from 6:30- 9:30 each night. Tickets cost only $20.00, and the venue is appropriate for ages 10 and up.
Thrill seekers will not be disappointed and will be talking about this experience for quite some time. Many people are repeat customers, and the venue has been very well received by the community and surrounding area and continues to get terrific reviews.
If you are brave enough, gather up your friends and family, take your lanterns and head into the darkness, the unknown. Follow the trails and prepare to be impressed(AKA frightened out of your skin). Join those who love the Halloween spirit, and head to the Cannington Haunted Trail. This will be a Halloween you will never forget.
EAT DRINK AND BE SCARY
