Things to do in Toronto: Black Creek Nightlife

By José Gonzalez

One of the oldest heritage sites in the city is paired with some of Toronto’s biggest trends as Black Creek Nightlife transforms Black Creek Pioneer Village at dusk throughout the summer and into the fall. Although the event banner brings together some familiar favourites like axe throwing and archery dodgeball, the new draw is the giant escape game Where Dark Things Dwell  that tasks up to 60 people to free the village from an ominous curse. [Photo credit: courtesy of Secret City Adventures by Max Wellander]

A nighttime setting in a rustic 19th Century-style village is fertile ground for a horror-themed escape game, and this one takes full advantage of this unique venue to give participants not just an engaging game, but a spooky experience unlike any other escape game out there.

What brings you and your team into this game is the premise that the fictitious village has been overrun by cultists clad in black hoods. By solving a series of puzzles to uncover a few arcane spells, you might be able to return the village back to its quiet 19th Century self.

The participants in this game are split up into smaller groups of about five. Each group has its own unique set of tasks, so while you can walk through a large swath of the village, you'll only need to go into a handful of the buildings available. Although that might seem limited, especially considering the 90-minute time length, the puzzles you given are challenging enough to fill the time. It also adds a bit of replay to the game, as another trek can place you in different parts of the village with a completely different set of puzzles. Just remember to let the staff know ahead of time, so you can be placed in the right group, and don't forget the handy 30 per cent off code you'll get after finishing your first time through.

The puzzles here are challenging, even if you're a veteran of escape games. Although unlike other games, the atmosphere here is turned up so high that you might find yourself getting distracted from your quest by cultists peering through windows or wandering into a house your group is working to free from the curse.

In addition to the escape game, you can also take part in a haunted walk, learning about the supernatural history of Black Creek Pioneer Village. The walk itself is filled with a mix of village history and some of the spooky occurrences that have happened on haunted walks there in the past. Aspiring ghost hunters will have plenty to fuel their imagination, and it serves as a fun way to learn about the village.

Black Creek Nightlife also throws axe throwing and archery dodgeball into the mix. All four activities (escape game, haunted walk, axe throwing and archery dodgeball) are booked separately, so keep that in mind if you're hoping to experience more than one of the attractions.

Click here to buy tickets and for more information