Torontonicity was recently invited to check out Nightlife at Black Creek Pioneer Village, an event featuring activities set on their historical grounds that runs most Thursday to Saturday evenings throughout the summer! Thanks to the new subway extension on Line One, it’s never been easier to hop on and ride north to start your evening of exploration. Just don’t expect the quiet educational sessions from your elementary school days, as this programming is 19+ and includes things like axe throwing, a séance, an escape game, and drinks from the Black Creek Brewery!
If you’re a fan of outdoor spaces, history, and active evenings, then this is a night out that you and your friends will enjoy. The axe throwing is organized by Far Shot Recreation, the winners of the 2017 World Axe Championship title! If that sounds a bit too intense, and you would prefer to ease into your evening, you could always try Yoga with goats: light yoga combined with animal therapy, where the cutest baby goats roam around and bring you cuddly joy during a deep stretch. They’re seriously adorable and will make you research what the acceptable home pet list is in Toronto (or maybe that was just me?).
Maybe the yoga isn’t for you, but you’d like to explore the Black Creek grounds and its history? Head out on a Haunted Walk! This was one of my preferred activities, because it gives you a chance to learn about the major buildings, you get an opportunity to walk through the spaces that are normally off limits to guests. One of the guests on our tour had clear memories of feeling uneasy in Burwick House during a school trip years ago; our guide said that was quite common when schools visit, as there have been sightings of a woman on the second floor who is believed to be a mother mourning the loss of a child. I was thankful to be out of that space shortly thereafter!
If you’ve brave enough, you can participate in one of the authentic Victorian-style séances led by mentalist Jaymes White. These give you an opportunity to experience the Black Creek spaces in a very different light, and I have to say that it doesn’t get much creepier than the Halfway Home. Pioneer Village staff themselves admit that it’s their least favourite building, as many share stories of unusual activity like radios randomly turning on, doors mysteriously opening, and unusual sounds of movement coming from the lower level.
As if all of that wasn’t enough to make my hair stand on end, we then took part in an escape game hosted by Secret City. I admittedly scare easily, so I was a bit nervous about having to explore the village itself without a guide, but this was hands down my favourite activity of the evening! Where Dark Things Dwell invites guests to break the curse over Black Creek, by solving riddles and puzzles hidden throughout the many houses and shops. The game only intensifies as daylight disappears, so make sure to work quickly solving your clues or you’ll be left in the dark exploring the far corners of the Black Creek village.
After solving some seriously challenging clues, jump scare screams, and saving villagers, our team lifted the Black Creek curse and won! Everyone on our team worked closely together, and you’ll need that if you’re going to try and win this game, as some of the clues are quite challenging. I enjoyed Secret City’s game so much that I plan on checking out some of their other locations. Comment down below if you’ve tried one and have a recommendation for me!
If you’re looking for a fun evening out with friends that involves more outdoor adventures, and less waiting in line for a patio time, check out Black Creek Pioneer Village’s Nightlife activities! You can pick one or a few for one evening or return multiple times to experience all they have to offer. Whatever you do, make sure not to miss out on their Where Dark Things Dwell escape game as I’m sure you’ll leave the grounds like we did: pumped and looking for the next adventure! Check out Nightlife at Black Creek Pioneer Village for full details and enjoy!
Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, North York, 416-736-1733
Wow,certainly sounds like a great place to visit.Thanks for sharing!
Comments are closed.