15 Spookiest Holiday Events In Canada Revealed (Most Are Family Friendly)
15 Spookiest Holiday Events In Canada Revealed (Most Are Family Friendly)
As the nights start earlier and signs of fall start to emerge, Halloween is almost with us. As we get ready for a busy season of fall fairs and spooky events, we want to know - what top Canadian fall events should everyone be marking on their calendars?
Event insurance experts Duuo shortlisted some of the best Halloween events across Canada so whether you’re looking for spooky family-friendly fun or scary attractions to enjoy with friends, there’s something for everyone to take part in this Halloween season.
Which of these 15 spooktacular events will you be attending this fall?
1. Fright Nights at Playland, Vancouver
If you’re looking for a night of terrifying fun, don’t miss out on Fright Nights at Playland.
Friday Nights at Playland is one of the most popular Halloween carnivals in Canada. Open to adults and children over 12, the Halloween-themed experience includes haunted houses and scare zones complete with spine-tingling live actors, rides and live performances.
Fright Nights run throughout October so visit if you dare! Tickets cost between $45-$54 depending on the entry date if you book in advance.
https://frightnights.ca/?_ga=2.213552988.934336263.1663154005-579098630.1663154005
2. Spooks and Spells Halloween Market, Ontario
Head over to the Burlington Centre Mall On October 29th-30th for a little hocus pocus at the Spooks and Spells Halloween Market. Support local businesses by shopping among the wide selection of stalls, get dressed up and even have some Halloween or fall-themed photos taken by the on-site photographer. Admission and parking are free!
https://hunthalloween.com/event/spooks-andamp-spells-vendor-market-eid4a7bk58mb4
3. Fantômes Montréal Ghosts, Montréal
Explore a different side of Old Montreal after dark on a Fantômes Montréal Ghosts guided tour. A local guide who will tell you terrifying stories about ghosts, crime, and witchcraft in the local area. You’ll learn new history and soak up the creepy atmosphere every step of the way. Take part in a spooky ghost walk or ghost hunt –tickets start at $29 for adults.
4. Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest, Ontario
Join Waterford’s 40th Pumpkinfest, running from the 14th-16th of October. This town takes pumpkins very seriously, having provisioned three areas of their town specifically for the event! There’s something for everyone including the decorating contest, parade, soapbox derby, beer garden, firework display and more. You won’t be totally creeped out here but you will experience family-friendly Halloween fun!
5. Train of Terror, Alberta
On the Train of Terror at Aspen Crossing, guests experience a thrilling yet nightmarish ride complete with real-life performers! The two-hour experience begins at the train station where you’ll be faced with a menacing maze of horror before boarding the train for yet more chilling experiences. Sit tight as this is no ordinary train ride. Performers jump out, scream and frighten you throughout as you embark on a truly terrifying journey. This experience is designed for 18+ audiences and is not for the faint-hearted. Tickets are priced at $36.66 per person for the “sneak peak” event and $85 for the “full experience”.
https://www.trainofterror.com/
6. Got Craft Market at the Vancouver Fall Home Show
If you’re heading to the Vancouver Fall Home Show, check out the Got Craft Mini Market. Here you can find a collection of crafty goods including jewellery, clothing, food, drink and homeware that’s perfect for getting your place ready for fall. Keep a watchful eye for unique Halloween decorations and costumes for a spooky makeover this October.
https://gotcraft.com/markets/vancouver-fall-home-show
7. Haunted Carleton County Jail Tour, Ottawa
Take a chilling journey to the old Carleton County Jail, one of the most haunted buildings in North America where your guide will show you around the prison on a chilling tour. Will you see one of the many ghosts said to roam the corridors? Take a look around the historic cell blocks, follow the final footsteps of those sentenced to Death Row and hear the gruesome tales of infamous killings. Tickets start from $19.99 for youth and $24.99 for adults.
https://hauntedwalk.com/experience/haunted-ottawa-jail-tour/
8. Festival of Fear at Galey Farms, Victoria
Galey Farms Festival of Fear offers a family-friendly Halloween experience.
Hop on a train ride through spooktacular light displays, or visit The Haunted Mansion, Pirates Island or Addams Graveyard before finding your way through the corn maze.
Get in the Halloween spirit without being completely terrified! A family tradition for all ages. Visit the farm throughout October with tickets ranging from $15 - $21.82.
https://www.showpass.com/o/galey-farms/
9. The Howland Inn Séance, Toronto
Are you a fan of all things supernatural and ghostly? Jaymes White invites you to a chilling evening where he recreates an authentic Victorian séance. Located in one of Toronto’s oldest and most haunted inns, this soul-shaking psychological experience will leave you spooked, curious and entertained. His sell-out show is restricted to ages 18+ and runs from October through to November at $66.66 a ticket.
https://www.jaymeswhite.com/seance/
10. Fear Farm: The Legendary Haunted Farm Tour, Ontario
Fear Farm will have you looking over your shoulder all night. The farm is home to six haunted attractions including Hillbilly Hike, Hiller House, The Hayride and The Stalking Dead complete with live actors. Test your nerves throughout the farm tour and end the night in the beer garden with a drink and some delicious food. Tickets start at $49.99 for general admission and the event runs from the end of September right through until the end of October.
https://fearfarm.ca/haunt-attractions/
11. Haunted Forest Trail, Oshawa
Heading out into the woods during the Halloween season…what could go wrong? If you dare, gather your friends and immerse yourself in your very own horror film by heading deep into the forest on the trail with nothing more than a flashlight. Also, join a game of Zombie Laser Tag (complete with live actors) and test your survival skills! Tickets are priced from $13.27 for the haunted trail and $10.62 for laser tag.
https://www.battlecity.ca/halloween-haunt-attractions/
12. Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland
Halloween Haunt returns to Canada’s Wonderland with unforgettable thrills, horrors, and monster encounters when darkness descends upon the theme park. Prepare to be terrified with haunted attractions, horrifying mazes, immersive scare zones, and thrilling live entertainment. Tickets start from $29.99 per person.
https://www.canadaswonderland.com/events/haunt
13. Vancouver Fall Home show
The Vancouver Fall Home Show is a thriving marketplace where you can shop for home-related products, services, and perhaps some spooky Halloween themes. See stunning displays to inspire your next home project, network with industry experts, and listen to informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.
https://www.vancouverfallhomeshow.com/
14. Morgue Ghost Tours, Vancouver
Are you a lover of true crime and the paranormal? This Halloween the Vancouver Police Museum takes visitors on a chilling ghost tour through the building. The guide will share haunting stories of unfinished lives, coupled with findings from NPI's most recent paranormal investigation conducted on museum property. You’ll see areas not normally open to the public and hear tales of murders and disappearances in Vancouver's history. Tickets are $40 and tours take place on October 29th.
https://www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca/morgue-ghost-tours
15. OAAS - Rockton Fair
Committed to agriculture, education, and entertainment, Rockton World’s Fair will certainly get you in the fall mood. Ideal for families, you can enjoy great food, entertainment, rides and more. You won’t find any jump scares here – this is a wonderful family-friendly event for Halloween-themed sweet treats if the spooky season isn’t for you. The fair also runs across Thanksgiving weekend where you can experience the 170th edition of the event!
https://www.rocktonworldsfair.com/
Commenting on how businesses can prepare for a fall event or market Sunni Shannon Partnerships Manager at Duuo:
“We created this list to show off all the amazing spooky events taking place around Canada this year, but it also showcases how hosting an event around Halloween is a fantastic opportunity for businesses. These events capture new customers and create community spirit.
“If the events featured in our calendar inspire you for next year, we recommend prospective hosts get ahead of the game and start planning now, especially when it comes to landing a venue. Most venues require hosts to purchase a form of event insurance before hosting events in their space. Our philosophy is to make event insurance quick and easy to manage – it’s completely online and free of service or cancellation fees.
