Halloween activities and events look a bit different this year. This includes how we partake in the festivities at Vancouver Island pumpkin patches. For most locations, one needs to book well ahead of time. And exactly why this article is coming to you now!
From the south to the north, the following is a list of Vancouver Island pumpkin patches and what they offer. (And only those that are operating this year).
Victoria
Galey Farms – 4150 Blenkinsop Road, Saanich
The corn maze, train, pumpkin patch, and haunted house are all open this year, with safety protocols in place. Hayrides have not yet been approved by VIHA, so you may have to walk down to the pumpkin patch.
Tickets MUST be purchased online!! And the main pumpkin patch is only open to the corn maze and train ticket holders.
If you are just wishing to get a u-pick pumpkin, they are opening a second pumpkin patch at Blenkinsop and Allison Road (for non-ticket holders). This area will also have photo op displays, as well as parking.
Galey Farm festivities are open weekends only from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Ocean View Estates – 7979 Central Saanich Road, Saanitchton
A family run farm since 2010, Ocean View Estates prides itself in providing a range of agricultural experiences through events, festivals, u-pick fields and farm stand.
Get lost in the twists and turns and dead-ends of their corm maze. And then pick your pumpkin from the field.
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. You can buy them here: Saanichton Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Nanaimo
Mcnab’s – 4613 Yellow Point Road
The corn maze is open 7 days a week this year, from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. The last tickets are sold at 6:00 pm in order to ensure everyone is out by 7:00.
You are able to purchase your tickets online (and should, to ensure you get a spot!).
The pumpkin patch will also be open once the pumpkins are ready for picking.
Please note: there are no gumboot rentals this year, nor are group bookings allowed.
Parksville
Silver Meadows Farm – 1019 Errington Road
The pumpkin patch and corn maze are open with COVID-19 precautions in place. Unfortunately, this means hayrides won’t be happening this year. They are open 9:00 am until 6:00 pm every day in October.
Port Alberni
Arrowvale Campground & Farm – 5955 Hector Road
Instead of wagon rides this year, pumpkin hunters will drive right down to to the field to find that perfect pumpkin. The farm is open rain or shine so boots, coats and umbrellas are recommended. There will be a small admission fee for entry and pumpkins can be purchased right in the patch.
Hours of operation are every Saturday and Sunday from October 3rd until the 25th from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm.
Comox
Shamrock Farm – 2276 Anderton Road
The pumpkin patch and barnyard are open! As always, this farm has an astonishing number of rare and heirloom pumpkins and squashes. If you are looking for an heirloom pumpkin or squash, visiting early in the season is advised as they typically sell out quickly.
In order to respect physical distancing, they have extended their hours and limiting the number of people allowed to visit the barn (to a maximum of 9) and fields at any one time.
Please note: there are no washroom facilities available this season.
Hours of operation: October 1 – 31 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Creek
Coastal Black – 2186 Endall Road
Their annual Pumpkin Fest is in operation, but definitely different this year. Ticket sales have moved to an online format only. Tickets are available on their website the Wednesday prior to the weekend of attendance.
The festival has been redesigned this year to be a stroll-through experience. Many of the much-loved events of past years aren’t available due to COVID-19 Health Regulations. This includes the Hay Bale Maze and Fall Games, Barnyard Animals, Food Services, Corn Cannons, Hay Wagon Rides, and Trebuchet.
Entry to the fields will only be available through designated time slots selected during the online purchase of your ticket. Guests will not be permitted entry outside of their prearranged time slot to ensure compliance with health regulations. The recommended visit time is around 1 hour.
Tickets are $10 per person with kids 5 and under free. You receive a free pumpkin with the purchase of a ticket.
Campbell River
Holly Hill Farm – 2311 Ida Road
The Pumpkin Petting Farm event is happening again this year. For $8 you get to snuggle bunnies & chicks, feed alpacas and horses, and give the mini goats, sheep, and mini donkey a good pat. PLUS you can stroll into the pasture to pick a pumpkin for only $2. Fees are paid by cash (exact change is preferrable) or e-transfer.
Free tractor rides (weather dependent) and fun photo op areas are available.
The Pumpkin Petting Farm runs Saturday’s & Sunday’s through the month of October from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
If you feel I’ve missed a beloved Vancouver Island pumpkin patch, it might be because I couldn’t find any updated information about it this year. Or, due to health concerns, they decided not to open. However, please let me know if you think one should be added to this list.
