Dark at Fort Edmonton Park

DARK HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

Is the prospect of being haunted by pumpkin-headed ghouls at a historical park your idea of a good time? Then Dark at Fort Edmonton Park is the Halloween festival for you! This was my third year attending and it continues to freak me out without fail and that says a lot considering I grew up in a haunted house. But more on that later!

Many thanks to Fort Edmonton Park for hosting me!

THE HAUNTS

There are four main haunts to check out with Acid Trip being a new addition this year. My routine is often to start at the end and work my way back. Sadly, I didn’t realize I was allowed to take photos within the haunts with my press pass….. so you’ll have to do your best to imagine.

THE SCARE ZONE

The “scare zone” was our first stop, with the scarecrow barn and pumpkin head creeps! This area doesn’t have lineups, it’s a walkthrough. If you let your guard down, random characters will shadow you until the perfect moment to shriek while sidling up. Can confirm these jump scares work well on me.

[Map courtesy of Dark]

ACID TRIP

Acid Trip “rave to the grave” was what I imagine a deranged netherworld version of the Berghain must be like. Zombies raving among the train car shed. They really nailed the costuming and lighting on this one and makes for an excellent addition. 10/10.

UNDEAD MILE

Undead Mile is a rush to escape a zombie apocalypse. They reversed the direction of the haunt this year and I may be biased, but I prefered the arrangement from the previous year especially since it included interpreters ushering you through the journey. That added to the experience.

However, this haunt passes behind my old house that my family donated to Fort Edmonton in the 90s. I’ve talked all about growing up in the Haunted Firkin’s House before, so I’ll spare you the repetitive details here.

3:00 AM

The set design of this haunt blows my mind every year. There’s a room completely filled with stuffed animals which sounds like it should be cute, but in this particular context its horrifying. I find myself jumping from the unhinged places the actors hide in. I guess that’s why it’s tagline is “the final nightmare” – this is the boss of all nightmares.

CURSERY RHYMES

Located in the tented area at the midway, this haunt takes already creepy fairy tales and turns up the heat. Hansel and Gretel is already unsettling without the intervention of a horror treatment. 

CAPITOL THEATRE HORROR MOVIE TRAILERS

Had I heard of Dinosaurus before attending this event? No. Do I need to absolutely see it now? Yes. The Capitol theatre is a great spot to sit and recoup without having to look over your shoulder. The campy movie trailers are full of admirable practical effects and hilarious titles. Plus the theatre interior is lovely. AND if you aren’t into port-a-potties, there’s indoor washrooms here.

Need halloween movie inspiration? Check out my Not Scary Halloween Movies list.

FOOD & DRINKS

There are ample food and drink options throughout the main areas. A couple years back they had a ticket set up but that has, thankfully, been done away with. Nothing is more frustrating than getting up to the front of a food truck line and realizing you’re short a ticket to pay for a green onion cake.

Additionally, the Selkirk Bar is also open to get a cocktail at!

STAYING AT THE HOTEL SELKIRK

ROAMING CHARACTERS

As I mentioned before, there are several roaming characters around the park that are hoping to catch you off guard to spook you. It’s all in good fun! Mr Dark, however, is a charming chap who will happily indulge anyone in getting portraits with him.

CITY OF CHAMPIONS CEMETERY

Ever wanted a place to mourn the fallen favourites of this fair city? The faux graveyard at Dark is the perfect spot. Lay some flowers at the Rathole grave or pour one at for Cosmo. Side note: I recently saw Cosmo at West Edmonton Mall, so…. was that his ghost? 

DEAD DISCO

DARK FORT EDMONTON TICKETS

Dark runs every weekend for the duration of the witching month. This year, the dates are October 2nd to November 2nd. And from what I’ve seen, tickets sell out fast the closer to Halloween. Visit the Fort Ed Park website for additional ticket information and packages

photographs - sandy joe karpetz