There’s nothing better than a spine-tingling fright on Halloween and the folks at Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre go all out for a ghoulishly good cause.

Gillian Davidge is the Education Manager at Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre, but on special nights throughout October she and her team transform into something a little different. Disguised in masks and makeup and often hiding in the woods for maximum fright–delight, Davidge and co. transform the usual picturesque and tranquil trails into something much more spine-chilling for their annual Family Haunted Hikes.

thrill the entire family

Happening each evening between 6:30 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 27, 28, 29 and 30 (load and go, hikes happen every 15 minutes) these guided tours are sure to thrill the entire family.

‘‘The Haunted Hikes are really special events for us,” Davidge (witches mask off for the chat – thankfully!) explains. “There’s something fabulously Halloweenie about getting out on the trails at night, in the dark, in the fall, under the October moon. That experience about being out in the dark is thrilling, and we really enjoy sharing the magic of Halloween and the beauty of these trails with families. These hikes are about having fun, but they also connect to getting out on these amazing trails.”

While there’s a seven dollar cost per willing victim, the money goes towards a great cause; supporting the educational programs put off by the world-class centre.

“We love sharing what we know about nature and history and learning about the world around us. We like to do hands–on science education inside the Centre and then getting out into the environment that’s literally right on our door step. Exploring what we have around us is a big part of what we do.”

While these hikes only happen for a few fright-filled nights leading up to Halloween, there’s so much fun to be had for kids, and those young at heart, all year long at the Centre.

“We love having these fun events, and these Haunted Hikes are so enjoyable. It’s fun for the whole family and it supports such great community educational programming.”

For more, visit manuelsriver.ca