A spooky Halloween trail is back in Greater Sudbury

2022: The Haunt Heights Trail returns to Sudbury In the lead up to Halloween, a Sudbury family has converted their backyard into a haunted trail to raise donations for the food bank.

The Haunted Heights Trail, located in Val Caron, north of Sudbury, is back for a third year. Mike and Sarah Gauthier wanted to share their love of Halloween with others in the community, while helping out local charities in need.

After months of preparations, Mike and Sarah Gauthier have converted their backyard on Kathleen Street into a haunted trail for the month of October.

“Once they get back there, it’s in the bush so there’s uneven terrain, you have to watch your step a little bit. If anyone gets too spooked, they can chicken out half way through or carry on till the end. It does get a little scarier after that point,” said Sarah.

Last year, just over a tonne of non-perishable food was collected for the Sudbury Food Bank and this year’s goal is to bring in two tonnes.

“We’re running every Friday and Saturday of the month of October,” Mike told CTV News.

“The entry fee is $10 per person or $7 plus two non-perishable food items.”

In addition to non-perishable food items being collected, Gauthier says they are also collecting food and treats for both dogs and cats. The pet food will be donated to a local animal shelter.

The Sudbury Food Bank told CTV News the donated food items will go a long way.

“It’s a very good time for us because it’s right after we come off the summer and we don’t have much and it’s right before Christmas where hopefully we’ll get support from the community. Everything they do is important to us,” said Dan Xilon with the Sudbury Food Bank.

This trail is open; weather permitting, and people are asked to look at the Haunted Heights Trail on Facebook before heading out.