By Steve Hubrecht 

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The living green plants stretch high, twice the height of the kids, and even over the heads of the adults. Green surrounds you in all directions, almost enclosing you as you walk down the twisting, narrow path, wondering if you’ll be able to find your way out.

Lost in the jungle? Not at all. Those green plants are corn stalks and you’re about halfway through the maze at the Columbia Wetlands Outpost near Parson. 

If you think corn mazes are for kids, well you’re right. Kids — small kids and big kids — love this maze. But so do grown-ups, teenagers, toddlers and grandparents.

The buzz around this particular corn maze is justified. First of all, rather than just a few random paths through a cornfield, Columbia Wetlands Outpost has made a genuine, proper zig-zagging maze that rambles, weaves and turns with thrilling unpredictability. On top of that, as participants proceed through the course, they are also trying to find clues and crack codes in order to solve a puzzle. It’s like an escape room and a maze all rolled into one.

The puzzle changes each year – this year’s theme involves Garfield, Smurfs, and Care Bears. Some parts of the puzzle are perfect for youngsters, but some other parts will easily keep curious adults engaged for hours. If you’re in a rush or prefer not to attempt to crack the code, you can blaze through the maze in an hour. But if you’re eager to put your thinking cap on and tackle the puzzle, you’ll probably be occupied for two and a half to three very enjoyable hours.

Children love the corn maze and solving puzzles.
PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT

The maze attracts up to 100 people on busy days.

“They really do love it. It’s a bit magical with the sunflowers,” said Outpost co-owner Marie-Pier Desfosses. “It’s become a great community thing.”

The Outpost first launched its corn maze in 2018 (when a surprise snow storm blanketed the corn stalks with 20 centimetres of snow) and has done it most years since.

“People do call us each year asking if we are going to do the corn maze this year,” said Desfosses, adding that part of what makes the maze a hit is that “there’s something for everyone.”

Desfosses begins making the maze when the corn is still very small, walking through and breaking the stalks, so that when the corn grows it will leave clear pathways in between.

She admits this year’s maze is “pretty good.” So good in fact that “I got lost myself in the maze. And I’m the person that made it.”

The corn maze is open until October 27, Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. On long weekends the maze is also open on Mondays (including Monday, Sept. 30 and Monday, Oct. 14) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry into the maze is at 3 p.m. Entry is $12 if purchased in advance online, and $14 purchased onsite. Kids age three or younger are free.

On Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 there will be a special evening ‘haunted’ corn maze from 7 to 10 p.m. Be brave, bring a flashlight and expect to be startled by costumed volunteers lurking about. The haunted section, which is recommended for those ages 12 or older, is $25 if purchased in advance online, and $30 if purchased onsite.

The Columbia Wetlands Outpost has plenty more fall fun on tap too, including a pumpkin patch, boardwalk tours, a slip and slide, disc golf, camping and (on weekends) food and beverages.

To find out more visit: www.columbiawetlandsoutpost.com/activities/corn-maze.