The 27th annual BHP Enchanted Forest is illuminating Saskatoon with its spectacular holiday display, but time is running out for visitors who want to experience the magical light show on foot. This Friday represents the final opportunity for pedestrians to walk through the enchanting two-and-a-half-kilometer trail before the event transitions exclusively to drive-through viewing.
Final Walking Night Details
Friday, November 14th marks the last walking night at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Admission costs $10 per person or $30 for groups of up to seven people. The Saskatchewan Blue Cross will host walkers at the Forestry Farm Hall, providing complimentary hot chocolate to enhance the festive experience.
Parking for the walking night is available at Cathedral of the Holy Family or St. Joseph's High School. Organizers emphasize that pets are not permitted during the event, and children under five can enter free of charge.
Drive-Through Experience Begins Saturday
Starting Saturday, November 15th, the Enchanted Forest will operate as a drive-through display from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily until January 4th. The attraction will remain open throughout the holiday season, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Tickets for the drive-through experience cost $30 per vehicle when purchased in advance at any Co-op gas station, liquor store, or grocery store. Vehicles can accommodate up to seven passengers, with additional passengers charged $10 each. At-the-gate purchases will cost $35 per vehicle.
Unlike the walking nights, food and drinks will not be available for purchase during drive-through evenings, though visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments in their vehicles. The complete drive-through experience typically takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
New Display and Attendance Figures
This year's Enchanted Forest features a brand new light installation called Santa's Runway, which has been generating excitement among visitors. According to BHP Enchanted Forest marketing director Lesia Sorokan-Normand, the display creates a spectacular visual effect resembling airport runway lights during takeoff and landing sequences.
The event continues to draw massive crowds, with Thursday's opening night attracting approximately 10,000 visitors. Last year's total attendance reached an impressive 85,000 people, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this Saskatoon holiday tradition.
Charitable Impact and Future Plans
All proceeds from the Enchanted Forest are divided equally between two local foundations: the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation. The hospital foundation will use the funds to support equipment for 109 new acute care beds as part of the Saskatoon City Hospital expansion project.
The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation will apply its share toward maintaining and expanding zoo operations. Future development plans include creating a new habitat for bears and potentially welcoming polar bears to the facility, according to SCF chief executive officer Dawn Woroniuk.
The BHP Enchanted Forest remains one of Saskatoon's most beloved holiday traditions, combining festive entertainment with meaningful community support through its charitable partnerships.
