Just a few kilometres south of Quesnel is Australian Ranch’s Corn Maze. Several year’s ago, the Yorston family created the first corn maze on a nine-acre section close to their home. Always designed as a fun activity, they were ready to share with the public. The Corn Maze has become a North Cariboo attraction with hundreds of visitors every year.
This year, in celebration of the ranch’s 110 years of continuous operation, Bob and Lenore Yorston chose to create something special.
Planting of the maze’s corn begins in May and with the use of a rototiller they carve out the trails, which entertain visitors all season long. The 2013 maze includes the circle Z which is the ranch’s cattle brand and now part of the corn maze logo. Below the logo, the text Australian Ranch Ltd. 110 years is also inscribed. Viewed best from the cockpit of a plane, the design is still enjoyed from the ground and visitors have the added pleasure of finding eight red barn doors containing farm related trivia questions.
Much of the season, Bob and Lenore rely on the honesty of visitors and it seems to be working very well.
Open from dawn to dusk until mid-October, visitors need only to drop a toonie for each member of their party in the coin drop at the entrance to the corn maze, then enjoy.
Although they expect a definite code of conduct, the family still manage to create a fun environment.
“Please act like you’re visiting your grandma’s house. Be respectful, watch your language, don’t throw any corn cobs, do not come intoxicated and try to leave the corn stalks upright. We don’t want to have to chase you with a wooden spoon,” their website suggests.
As autumn settles in, the family are preparing for their corn maze finale. The Haunted Corn Maze and Haunted House, Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 13. Admission for this extravaganza is $5 each and the special events run from 7 – 9:30 p.m. They also offer a daytime event for small children and sensitive adults from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 6 and 13.
In addition to the spooky, they offer tractor wagon rides and families are encouraged to roam the farm to look at the chickens, turkeys, guineas, pigs, mini horses and cows as well as the onsite concession.
This activity is not available during the evening activities as this poses a safety risk.
The haunted corn maze began eight years ago and is one of the area’s premier fall family events, not a drop off of your children or teens event.
So, whether you are looking to enjoy a challenging, enjoyable afternoon in the corn maze or frightening your friends and family at the haunted event, now is the perfect time to visit Australian Ranch.
For full information, visit australianranch.ca.
