Spooky Season Is Here
Upper Bayview Halloween House a local tradition, open tonight
It's no surprise to Astrid Lalonde's friends and neighbours that Halloween is her favourite time of year.
Lalonde and her family have lived on Upper Bayview Road since they moved to the Village, and this will be her 14th year hosting Lions Bay's spookiest haunted house.
"Lions Bay is a beautiful community, and this is my way of giving back," she says. "Halloween is my favourite time of year. Some people really like Christmas but I love all the magical horrors of Halloween."
Visitors to Lalonde's haunted house can expect a giggle and a treat — and maybe a shriek or two. There is no age limit and all visitors are welcome. However for those worried it might be too scary, she has a special bell that can be rung to request a tamer experience.
"It’s usually the adults that ring the bell," she says. "The kids in Lions Bay are so courageous!"
Lalonde and her family don't get the house ready until Halloween morning, and the display is always the product of a lot of thought.
"I begin planning the morning of November 1," she says. "After the post-Halloween wave of sadness washes over me."
Her favourite memory is from a Halloween two years ago when a former resident of Lions Bay brought her significant other to the house. "She wanted him to experience one of her childhood Halloweens."
Want to see it for yourself? Lalonde says all visitors are welcome to 565 Upper Bayview Road this evening, as soon as darkness falls.
"The more who know, the more I can scare, the more joy it brings."
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