A family in McCrea Heights has converted the woods in their backyard into a haunted trail that is sure, at the very least, to creep out anyone who dares to enter.
Sarah Gauthier said she has loved Halloween her whole life and her husband, Mike, loves to make robotics that scare people. Naturally, the couple came up with a way to share their passion with the rest of Greater Sudbury.
"Since we moved here, because of the bushes in the back, I've always thought it would make a cool spot for a haunted trail," Gauthier said. "I went to one when I was a kid and I loved it but I never found another one after that."
Last year, the couple decided to clear a trail on their property and put up a few decorations to spook their friends.
"We were putting so much work into it we thought 'Why don't we just open it up to the public and maybe other people will be interested.'"
Turns out, a lot of other people were interested.
The Haunted Heights Trail was open to the public for one night only and 82 people got in line to check it out.
This year, the couple are going even bigger. They began planning in January and Mike has been building props ever since.
"We hope that people have fun and get scared," Gauthier said. "They can expect to be creeped out at minimum."
The Haunted Heights Trail is open every Friday and Saturday night in October (excluding Halloween night) from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is located at 1764 Kathleen St. in Val Caron (McCrea Heights).
Admission is $7 per person, $5 with one non-perishable food item (human or pet) to be donated to a local food bank and animal shelter. Patrons can get in for free with the donation of two non-perishable food items (human or pet) and a voluntary tip for the crew.*
You must be 8 years or older to enter.
In response to the tightened COVID-19 restrictions, 25 people are allowed on the property at a time but you are encouraged to wait in your vehicle on the street.
Masks are mandatory in the entrance only.
"Please be patient and remember to keep your group at least six feet away from others."
"We are going to make the very best out of this pandemic season while keeping everyone safe and a little scared."
For more information follow Haunted Heights Trail on Facebook.
*Pricing and donation options mentioned in this article were updated on Oct. 5 to include the option to donate two non-perishables for entry with an optional tip for crew members.
