A Fright-Full Fall: Spooky Halloween Experiences in the Fraser Valley

For 11 months of the year, the Fraser Valley is a wondrous and colourful place full of joy, laughter and smiles. However…in October, a brooding and ominous cloud front sweeps in over the Fraser River…

Gone is the warm ambience of a bustling community, replaced by the sound of restless trees swaying in the wind, and long shadows that stretch across the landscape, delivering a chill to all who pass by. In other words… It’s super refreshing! The stuffy air of summer has thinned out to make way for a brisk atmosphere, perfect for following your sense of adventure and indulging in your dark side! And to further bolster the Halloween season, the Fraser Valley is filled with unique opportunities to get into the spirit of things. 

Wherever you’re at on the spooky spectrum, we’ve prepped a ghastly itinerary that goes from 1 (mildly unsettling) to 10 (full-on, terror-filled, out-of-body experience followed by uncontrollable weeping). Just a few casual options, you know! Have a look (if you dare) and see which of the following ghastly locales might be up your (dark) alley.

Sasquatch Museum – Harrison River Valley

Scream Scale: 1/10

Easing right into things, this visitor centre/museum offers an informative tour of local history and heritage. Among the stories you’ll hear are firsthand accounts of Sasquatch’s sightings! The elusive creature that has baffled experts for generations is the subject of a dedicated exhibition profiling witness testimony, local legend, and scientific speculation. Whether Sasquatch is friend or foe, you can survey the evidence and draw your own conclusions!

Agassiz-Harrison Museum – Harrison River Valley

Scream Scale: 2/10

We’re tiptoeing into the paranormal now…

While the Agassiz-Harrison Museum (a former Canadian Pacific Railway station built in the late 1800s) might not seem like a typical spooky attraction, it is said that a restless spirit has set up shop at this otherwise friendly and informative museum. There have been numerous accounts of “Maude” (believed to be the spirit of a former cleaning woman of the since-demolished Bella Vista Hotel), spreading an eerie atmosphere with her presence within the museum.

While nobody knows what Maude wants, she seems particularly interested in the placement of certain items. As staff members detail, a framed photo was repeatedly knocked down, even after they rehung it multiple times. This led them to conclude that they had better take it down altogether to appease the restless spectre. Is Maude real? Perhaps. But thankfully, she more often seems to quietly linger among the memories of the museum, possibly to stay close to the artifacts that remind her of her husband, a deceased CP station agent. Stop by for a visit, and see if you can detect her presence!

Black Casket Cafe – Abbotsford

Scream Scale: 2.5/10

More of a crossroads for wandering souls than a restaurant, this foreboding eatery has year-round Hallows Eve vibes. Filled with an ambience that can only be called elegantly macabre, Black Casket is an immersive experience of bold flavours, cursed decor, and mood lighting. Halloween costumes are always welcome!

Witchy Boo – Chilliwack

Scream Scale: 3/10

If you’re a witch, warlock, or you just happen to dabble in the dark arts from time to time, consider this a one-stop shop. From books on the occult, to tarot cards and all manner of gothic decor, Witchy Boo has everything you need to spruce up your den, keep, or dungeon.

Williams St – Chilliwack 

Scream Scale:  5/10

Head down a rabbit hole of Chilliwack’s most spirited stories and unexplained events! One of the area’s most cursed streets awaits with all kinds of unnerving phenomena like cursed paintings, spontaneous fires, and phantom footsteps. Explore at your own risk!

Reapers Maze of Terror – Chilliwack

Scream Scale:  7.5

We’re getting into darker territory now. A seemingly innocent corn maze by day; by night, this shadowy labyrinth becomes a portal into nightmares! As soon as you enter, the gauntlet will be thrown down and all manner of creatures will take to the maze as well. Definitely not for the faint of heart!

Terror at Tanglebank – Abbotsford

Scream Scale:  8/10

For a few nights a year, the immaculately kept nature trails at Tanglebank Estate grow over with unkempt foliage. With each new layer of cover comes more dark comfort for the creatures that lie in wait. This tour through a haunted forest is filled with a tangible sense of dread as you encounter horrific scenes lit by the soft glow of jack-o’-lanterns, and mingle with maniacal characters who feed on fear! If you’re arriving with little ones, there is of course, a more family-friendly version of the event that dials down the nightmare fuel. A wonderfully atmospheric prelude to trick or treating!

Kilby Historic: Bumps in the Night (Oct 24 & 25) – Harrison River Valley

Scream Scale:  9/10

With over 120 years of history, this historic general store and hotel has undoubtedly seen a few dark days. With the help of a supernatural team of experts, you’ll stalk the shadowy grounds of this storied attraction, looking for signs of foul play and post-mortem activity. Not recommended for kids under 10, this dastardly tradition is bound to send a chill up your spine. Thankfully hot apple cider will be served to calm your nerves!

Maan Farms: Scariest Corn Maze in Canada – Abbotsford

Scream Scale:  10/10

Only the SCARIEST corn maze in the country. If you can make it through this trip through pure terror, then you have proven there is no fear you cannot conquer. While the Maan family looks warm and welcoming on their website, it has us suspecting that it’s all a well-manicured front for their true agenda—making the Fraser Valley SHUDDER. With incredible attention to production and atmosphere, the Maan’s outdo themselves year after year. An experience unlike any other!

Feature image: Maan Farms