Halloween Spookloops in Kamloops Events for Adults and Teens 2018
Ghost Train
October 26, 27, 29 | Kamloops Heritage Railway
Embark, if you dare, on a dark and mysterious journey into the mists that separate the living and the dead. A cast of unsavoury characters will fill your night and your nightmares. All aboard as these dark and gruesome tales of love, betrayal, and insanity unravel. There are more scares and creepy characters than ever before this Halloween. So be careful not to lose your head… or your mind. PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED.
Tunnel Theatre – Padova: The Untold Story
Thursday’s, Friday’s + Saturday’s in October | Tranquille Farm Fresh
Tranquille Tunnel Theatre is back for a season of underground adventures this October. Kids have gone missing, and the police refuse to help. And there’s a report of an armed groundskeeper and strange activities in the abandoned tunnels underneath the former TB Sanitarium. Can you help find the missing teens in the dark tunnels of Padova? Presented in partnership with Chimera Theatre, Padova: The Untold Story will take you back in time to Padova City in the 1990’s. (Note: My teen loved this immersive theatre experience. I was terrified, see above.)
Nights of Fright!
October 27-29 | Sunset Valley Farm
The Nights of Fright haunted corn maze will have you looking over your shoulder as you walk or run your way through eight acres of terror. Wait, did you hear that corn rustle?!
Cirque Sinistre
October 22-31 | Sahai Mall Parking Lot
The Laughing Stock Theatre Society is back once again to host their haunted Cirque Sinistre circus and maze at Sahali Mall. The child-friendly day is Saturday, October 28th from 1 pm to 5 pm with a tiny haunted house for trick-or-treaters and lots of child-friendly games and free snacks for the little ones.
Escape from Padova
Thursday’s, Friday’s + Saturday’s | Tanquille Farm Fresh
An escape room from which you may not exit… The Escape from Padova is an escape room experience in the abandoned tunnels of Tranquille. It’s Canada’s only tunnel escape rooms with actors.
Here’s the story; there’s an abandoned sanitarium outside of town has just been purchased, and they’re now calling it Padova City. You heard that there is something strange about the new owner and wanted to check it out for yourself.
Late one night, you find an entrance to the tunnels under the deserted facility and break in. The cold, dark tunnel that stretches out in front of you seems endless. Suddenly, an echoing slam rings out around you. You turn back and find the door has been shut and locked. You’re trapped underground…and you’re not the only one. Others have been down here for days, and they tell you about strange symbols and machinery that fills the chambers beyond. You’ve snuck into Padova; now you have to find a way to get out. The pressure is on to solve this complicated escape room experience in time. (I’ll proudly note that our group of 20 escape artists were the fastest recorded group to solve and escape the room, in 57 minutes.)
Halloween Spookloops Events for Kids
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
October 1-31 | Sunset Valley Farm
This haunted corn maze will have you getting lost in over 8 acres of twists, turns, and dead ends. Don’t give up you will find your way out even if it’s right back at the beginning. If you’re bringing younger kids who may scare easily, this maze is best done in daylight. After the maze, check out the vast selection of pumpkins and pick a few to take home.
Trick or Treat Train
October 21, 28 | Kamloops Heritage Railway
Nothing scary about this ride! A kid-friendly train packed with costumed characters, candy, and the chance to pick your own perfect pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch. Jump on the 2141 Steam Train for a fun family outing in the fresh fall air.
BOO at the Zoo
October 26-28 | BC Wildlife Park
Get ready for another Halloween extravaganza at the BC Wildlife Park. Pack up the kids and get them involved in a scavenger hunt, haunted maze, and Halloween carnival games. Hours of fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to wear your best costume.
Kamloops Museum Halloween Fun
Various dates | 207 Seymour St.
Visit the Museum and kick off the fun with the family-friendly Victorian Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There’ll be spooky stories by candlelight, the chance to pass around a fortune ball, and make Halloween masks.
If ghosts are graveyards are more your speed, the museum will hold a tour of the Pleasant Street Cemetery on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For the older crowd: The Museum will pair with Chimera Theatre to host an adult, Halloween themed escape-room scenario. Described as part puzzle and part scavenger hunt, participants need to solve the mystery before attacked by a madman. Held at the old courthouse, it takes place Oct. 29 to Oct. 31 with two timeslots per night.
Where to Feed that Frightful Hunger
It’s important to keep little ghosts and ghouls fed and watered while you’re out and about exploring mazes and pumpkin patches. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly noshing spots.
Noble Pig – This popular restaurant is dedicated to deliciousness. Hand-crafted brews, and locally sourced meals and condiments made from scratch.
Red Beard Cafe – This former cafe turned local hangout and dining spot on the way to Tranquille features lots of local yumminess, with many vegan and vegetarian options. Don’t miss the fantastic weekend brunch, or the chance to dip your grilled cheese or fries into the homemade blueberry ketchup. They need to bottle that stuff…
Hello Toast – The breakfast of your dreams awaits at this bustling downtown restaurant. Eggs benny, veggie scrambles, or my fave, Cayenne in the Rain (spicy eggs and potatoes – YUM), you’ll be spoiled by the choice and the excellent service.
Happy Spookloops!
Photo Credits: Tourism Kamloops, Kelly Funk, Peter Olsen, Claudia Laroye.
Disclosure: The writer thanks Tourism Kamloops and Thompson Okanagan Tourism for the opportunity to experience Spookloops. As always, the writer’s opinions and fear of dark tunnels are entirely her own.
