RBG Pumpkin Trail After Dark Returns for Adults on October 22
A one kilometre trail through the Hendrie Valley lit only by carved jack-o-lanterns is the centre of RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail, the 19 and over version of the Royal Botanical Gardens' Halloween night. It runs Thursday, October 22 from 6 to 11 p.m., with last entry at 10 p.m.
Hendrie Park is the setting, and 10,000 real pumpkins are going into displays across RBG's largest garden this fall. Costumes are encouraged, live musicians and roaming performers work the grounds all evening, and food trucks park on site alongside the RBG kitchen. Tickets are $27 plus HST and a $2 service fee, and they have to be bought before you arrive.
The trail itself counts as a hike. It begins in Hendrie Park, drops into the valley along the South Bridle and Kicking Horse trails and comes back up at a different point, over uneven and hilly ground lit only by the pumpkins. RBG recommends sturdy footwear and a flashlight. Only a quarter kilometre loop inside the garden is fully wheelchair accessible.
Parking is included with the ticket, and entry is through RBG Centre at 680 Plains Road West. That lot fills up, so a school bus shuttle runs every 10 minutes from the Rock Garden lot at 1185 York Boulevard between 6 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
Good to know
Photo ID is required at the door. The event is outdoors with no cover and runs rain or shine. Pets are not allowed, service animals excepted. There is a daytime family version, the Great Pumpkin Trail, for anyone bringing kids.
The pumpkins get a second life once the season ends. RBG donates them to the Burlington Food Bank, the Compassion Society and Food For Life, and sends the rest to local farms for animal feed. Wear boots you do not mind getting muddy!
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