10 Halloween events not to miss
We're rounded up Canada's best haunted houses, spooky parties and ghostly gatherings for family fun this Halloween.
10 hairy Halloween events across Canada
Halloween fun, city by city
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to revel in all the electrifying events of the season. Since scary holidays don’t always sit well with wee-ones, we’ve found some fun activities that work for the whole family. Now you won’t feel haunted by organizing your own fete.
Calgary
The ghosts of Heritage Park come out to play each autumn for Ghouls' Night Out at this historical village. Families looking for a fun, safe night out with their little ghouls will find a Halloween dance, creepy crafts and a pumpkin patch.Admission: $6-$10, ghouls two years and under get in free
More information: Heritage Park
Ajax, Ont.
Pumpkinville is a spooktacular all day event boasting a haunted house, horse-drawn wagon rides and a pumpkin-carving contest. Live performances by Splash 'N Boots and Mental Floss Slideshow add to the rousing atmosphere.Admission: Free
More information: Ajax
Ottawa
Saunders Farm — a tricked-out amusement farm — offers several spooky activities as part of its Haunting Season, including the March of the Monsters Parade, puppet shows and a haunted hayride.Since you're in the nation's capital, might as well trick-or-treat at 24 Sussex Drive and Rideau Hall where staff (and occasionally heads of state) distribute treats to visitors of all ages.
Admission: $16.50-$28, kids two years and under get in free
More information: Saunders Farm
Quebec City
The Plains of Abraham, the site of Canada's most famous military battle, is worthy of a peaceful pilgrimage with curious kids. Head here for a haunted walk, hairy scavenger hunt and bewitching tours that give an age-appropriate introduction to this historic site.Admission: $2 per person, kids five years and under get in free
More information: Quebec Region
Winnipeg
Golden sheaves of corn rustle in the wind as wee-ones terrorize the labyrinth-like trails of Winnipeg's A Maze in Corn. At the Haunted Forest, goblins will lure you in with their haunting humour, but expect to hear some moaning and groaning as forest creatures come alive. Daytime is geared towards families, but very tiny tots might prefer the Pumpkin Barn or a hayride to celebrate the season.Admission: $13-$15
More information: A Maze in Corn
Burnaby, BC
Spooks of all ages are encouraged to put on their costumes and visit the Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum to enjoy unlimited carousel rides and trick-or-treating. Don't miss ghouls groove at The Bone Shaker Ball or snacking on "tasty toes" from the Butcher's Block Café.
Admission: $9-$14, kids two years and under get in free
More information: Burnaby Village Museum
Banff, Alt.
Bring your flashlights for an eerie evening designed to delight all family members. While the massive Halloween Bonfire might tempt witches carrying cauldrons, they're more apt to tuck into hot dogs and hot chocolate with the rest of us.Keep the sugar high going till 8 p.m., when the fireworks start.
Admission: Free
More information: Town of Banff
Fredericton, NB
This popular 'low scare' Hounted Tour takes place at New Brunswick's only science centre. Formerly the old provincial jail, Science East offers a haunting backdrop as mini-monsters wander the historic building, sussing out the jail cells on the lower level.Admission: $5 per child, free for adults
More information: Haunted Tour
Oakville, Ont.
Halloween is a big tradition in Ontario Parks along the lower Great Lakes. Campsites are decked out and trick-or-treaters learn all about creepy-crawly creatures that skulk about the province. Head here for at least a day, so little ones can participate in the Halloween Coyote Howl, visit barnyard critters and romp around the children's Play Barn.
Admission: $16 per car for a day permit
More information: Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Victoria, BC
This working family farm turns into a kid-friendly ghost town come autumn. From hay rides to a u-pick pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo and haunted house, kids will love the frightfully fun activities of Pumpkinfest at Galey Farms.Admission: $10 per adult, $7 per child for first venue. All other venues add $5 more each.
More information: Galey Farms
Check out these festive Halloween snacks
Halloween: 13 spooky recipe ideas> Fuel up for a day of Halloween adventures with these spooky snacks.
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Jody is a an award-winning features, travel and lifestyle writer based in Calgary, Alberta. She is currently an on-air personality for Global News and a wellness columnist for Calgary Herald. Her work can also be found in The Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Sun, and many more.