Toronto has long been a haven for all manner of things that go bump in the night. From popular tourist destinations like Gibraltar Point’s lighthouse, the Distillery Historic District, and the ROM to government buildings like Old City Hall, Queen’s Park and the old Don Jail, In fact, if you live in Toronto, chances are you’ve encountered your share of unexplained phenomena. Fortunately, while our relationship with the supernatural is long and complicated, navigating the season doesn’t have to be. Here are some of our favourite local haunts for you to explore and enjoy with the family this Halloween season.

 

LEGENDS OF HORROR 

Casa Loma — October 2018

www.legendsofhorror.ca

 

Explore a two kilometre trail that begins in Casa Loma’s lower gardens and continues through the castle’s underground tunnels and darkest spaces. You’ll be immersed in a variety of theatrically designed sets, each introducing the most recognized characters from the horror genre. Brought to life by over 70 actors, characters include Dracula rising from his crypt, the Creature from the Black Lagoon slithering in the swamp, the Phantom of the Opera in the bowels of the boiler room, and a final tribute to one of the greatest monsters of all time on its 200th anniversary.

 

TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL  SCOTIABANK THEATRE — October 13-19

www.torontoafterdark.com

 

The Toronto After Dark Film Festival is one of the world’s leading showcases of new horror, sci-fi and action movies. This year marks the 13th edition, and 50 thrilling new feature films and shorts will be showcased over nine nights. Beyond film screenings, there are also Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, the Zombie themed night, and Pub After Dark, a nightly after-screening social event where fans get to mingle with filmmakers and other guests.

 

HAUNTED HIGH PARK

Colborne Lodge — October 13-14, 18-21, 25-28

www.highpark.org

 

For those looking for scares in the city’s west end this Halloween, enter Toronto’s High Park after dark and discover the chilling legends and ghostly tales that have been spooking visitors for decades in the candlelit rooms of Colborne Lodge. Learn about Victorian funeral traditions and experience a period séance. Advance tickets are required; this annual event does sell out fast so be sure to order them soon. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

 

This is a condensed version of an article  published in our Fall 2018 issue of  The Collection. To read the full article, visit harveykalles.com/blog