October means a lot of things to do in The Peg. Picture-perfect foliage, rocking your winter wardrobe, and pumpkin-spiced everything are just some of the ways to leap headfirst into the fall season. But there’s one thing in particular that we are fond of, and that’s a good scare. Luckily, Winnipeg has all kinds of spook-tacular settings that will get you jumping out of your skin. Halloween isn’t just for kids, thanks to some of these terrifying experiences.
Cornfields, clowns, and killers: Heebie Jeebies
Scare-masters Heebie Jeebies are bringing the fright with three different haunted walkthroughs, all geared up to make you scream. You’ll find a variety of ghouls including creepy clowns, a cornfield full of monsters, and a family with cannibalistic tendencies. In the light of day, you have to be impressed at the next-level detail of these costumes and sets, which show just how much work this crew puts into providing a top-notch tour. But really, the best way to experience this show is to dare yourself through each of their three tours.
If you’re ready to test your courage, check the Heebie Jeebies website for when they’re open. Keep in mind that this event isn’t for kids under age 13, and there are strobe lights throughout.
Murders, zombies, and coffins: Fear Winnipeg
For the past 3 years, Fear Winnipeg has been terrifying the city with its gruesome interactive events. This year, their Fear 4 Your Life event includes four separate experiences. Ever wanted to try escaping from a locked coffin? How about a Saw-inspired puzzle, where you work with (or against) others to make your escape? Maybe you’re just in the mood for avoiding zombies in an abandoned warehouse, or solving a grisly murder in an experimental laboratory. Pick your poison, because there promises to be no shortage of shrieks in this (secret) near-downtown location. (In fact, the location is so secret that rumour has it you just wake up there, and the game starts... kidding, or are we?)
Tickets are available now, and run every Friday and Saturday in October, as well as the 30th and 31st. This is another non-child event (they recommend ages 16+), and be warned that you might get dirty.
Slaughterhouses, circuses, and psychos: Six Pines
One of the city’s longest-running haunted houses, Six Pines has been a tradition for scare-seekers for two decades. This year, you can experience three different haunted houses all in the same location, with a variety of frights to choose from. Consistently billed as one of the scariest things you can do in Winnipeg all year, this one is a can't-miss for thriller and jump-scare fans.
Six Pines also has kid-friendly entertainment during the daytime (although once the sun goes down, it’s adults-only). The hauntings start October 5th and run weekends, including the 30th and 31st. Daytime haunts run Saturdays and Sundays the whole month. One ticket will get you into all three adult tours, so you can really get your adrenaline going in style.
Séances, ghosts, and hauntings: Supernatural city tours
Did you know that some of the country’s most haunted buildings are right here in Winnipeg? Look no further, because Heartland Travel and SquarePeg Tours have teamed up to provide an in-depth exploration of some paranormal landmarks in the city. Their Talking to the Dead bus tour will not only take you to some of these venues, but will also attempt to communicate with spirits on-site. SquarePeg Tours also offers in-depth looks at some haunted buildings, including the Dalnavert Museum and Walker Theatre, as well as a ghost walk through the Exchange District with Matthew Komus, author of Haunted Winnipeg.
Twists, turns, and terror: A Maze in Corn
Fall-favourite A Maze in Corn are bringing their classic haunted forest back to their outdoor venue. In addition to their absolutely incredible corn maze, this farm offers you a spooky trail, complete with a few thrilling surprises. Great for kids during the day, while the evening offers a more adult-appropriate experience, where the fear factor is cranked up considerably.