Aspen Crossing’s Train of Terror offers an unforgettable adventure, blending mystery and suspense into Canada’s only moving haunted house experience. Two hours of spine-tingling excitement await those adventurous enough to board. Usually, I stick to less frightening pastimes, but I decided to embrace the fear alongside my horror-loving twin, Katie.
The story for this year’s ride centres on Professor Grim, who inadvertently opens a portal to unknown horrors in his quest for immortality. Starting at Grim Manor, the professor’s lifelong obsession with rare finds leads him to seek the remains of a powerful medieval witch. Hidden across various sites and guarded by formidable beings, these bones are protected to prevent their reassembly. Believing their unification would grant him eternal life, Grim’s actions trigger unexpected, terrifying results.
The night begins at the train station, where you check in and sign a waiver. This initial process builds anticipation for what’s to come. You can purchase pizza and drinks in the waiting area while getting acquainted with the eerie atmosphere. Performers wander around in full costume, ready to give you a scare—even before the real frights begin. Katie and I were followed by a murder clown who clearly enjoyed making us squirm.
Navigating the Mazes
As we lined up for the mazes, a performer dressed as a serial killer gynaecologist called us forward. Each maze had its theme, but the standout feature was how performers could physically interact with us—touching, grabbing, and following us throughout the experience. This brought the fear to a whole new level.
My favourite maze was the neon UV maze. Before we entered, we were handed 3D glasses, which threw us into a world of vibrant colours and creepy visuals that played tricks on our senses. It was terrifying, yet somehow fascinating, giving me a sensory experience like nothing I’d ever had before.
Settling In on the Haunted Train
After surviving the mazes, we boarded the train. The first half of the ride felt like a decompression zone—a time to relax and let go of the tension we’d built up earlier. With pre-purchased drink tickets, Katie and I quickly grabbed our beverages of choice.
The atmosphere onboard was electric and festive, much like a party bus, complete with music, dancing, and lively conversations among strangers who shared a passion for thrills. It was a perfect opportunity to unwind and briefly forget the horrors we had just experienced.
A Return to Darkness
Just when I thought the scares were behind us, the train suddenly shifted into an even darker experience. I was sipping my Diet Coke, feeling a bit more relaxed and convinced that the worst was over. Suddenly, the conductor’s voice pierced through the chatter, and before I knew it, he grabbed us by the arms and shoulders, pulling us into a hidden section of the train that had been off-limits until then.
We were herded into a series of dimly lit train cars, the train still moving beneath us. Sporadic, flickering strobe lights cast eerie shadows around us, making it feel like we had stepped into a horror film. As we cautiously walked through the narrow paths, actors jumped from the darkness, grabbing and startling us at unexpected moments. Their timing was spot-on with the strobe lights, making my heart race more each time.
Adding to the fear were the fake bodies and dismembered heads hanging from above, swaying gently and casting grotesque silhouettes on the ceilings and walls. It was a nightmare that tested my self-control not to flee, and at times, I found myself wanting to shout the safe word. These moments pushed my limits as a scaredy-cat and took me to a new level of fear. It was, without a doubt, the most alive I’d felt in fear, a sensation that would stay with me long after the night ended.
I felt relief and accomplishment as I stepped out of the dark train cars. The final car was brightly lit, and the staff applauded our arrival, creating a strange sense of victory after a night of intense fear. The actors also received praise for their incredible performances. There was even merchandise for sale, letting us take a piece of the experience home.
Arriving back at Aspen Crossing, I felt a mix of adrenaline and satisfaction. Despite my initial hesitation, I found the Train of Terror a horrifying experience worth trying. It is perfect for those eager to confront their fears and enjoy an adventure like no other. Running until November 2, it is a ride you will not want to miss!
Tips for Your Visit:
1. Bring a Brave Companion: Having someone with you makes facing the unknown less daunting and more fun.
2. Wear Comfortable, Supportive Footwear: You’ll be walking quite a bit, so choose shoes that will keep your feet comfortable and supported.
3. Dress Comfortably and Expect to Get Dirty: Wear clothing you can move in easily and aren’t afraid to get a bit dirty, as you might push up against the walls of the mazes.
4. Learn the Safe Word: Make sure you know the safe word, but try to only use it if absolutely necessary to fully embrace the thrill and challenge.
5. Interact with the Actors: Respectfully engage with the performers for a more immersive experience. Chat with them about their props and backstory—they might reveal some intriguing surprises.
6. Embrace the Thrill: Keep an open mind and let yourself enjoy the adrenaline rush.
7. Purchase a Drink Ticket at Check-In: To get your drinks quickly on the train, consider buying a drink ticket when you check in.
8. Grab Some Merchandise: Consider buying a souvenir to take a piece of the experience home.
