At Harvey Kalles Real Estate, we’re typically in the business of dream houses—not haunted houses. However, every October, when the leaves turn and temperature drops, we like to get into the spirit of the season by channeling all things spooky.
Because of Toronto’s rich history, there are a slew of supposedly haunted houses, presided over by the ghosts of early Torontonian lords and ladies. And because of the city’s crackling artistic scene, we also get actors, performers, set decorators, and directors working tirelessly through October to create the scariest haunted houses this side of Transylvania.
Yes, the Six goes big on Halloween. Whether you’re chasing a genuine jump scare on your next date night (not the kind from a pricey restaurant bill!) or looking for family fun this October, we’ve got the ultimate guide to Halloween events in Toronto.
Legends of Horror at Casa Loma
The legendary Legends of Horror is back again. Featuring an immersive, two-kilometre-long trail through Casa Loma’s vaunted tunnels, gardens and darkest corners, this Toronto institution takes haunted house to a whole new level. For sheer production value, you can’t beat it.
That said, the main event is pretty scary—perhaps too bloody and jumpy for kids. Thankfully, Casa Loma hosts a milder, family-friendly version earlier in the evening that (hopefully) won’t keep the kids up at night.
Finally, if you want an even more immersive fright, Casa Loma also offers its “Zombie Apocalypse,” a four-room escape game set in the abandoned Biolux medical facility. If you’ve ever wondered how you’d fare in the zombie apocalypse, here’s your chance to test your chops.
When: October 3rd – November 3rd, 2024
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Screemers at Assembly Park
Billed as Toronto’s original Halloween event, Screemers celebrates its 30th birthday this year. If you thought the event might have mellowed with age, think again. Its massive, 15,000-square-foot tent in Vaughan plays host to realistic jump scares, convincing actors, chilling midway rides, and plenty of bloody set pieces.
As the bottom of their website warns, “SCREEMERS is not recommended for children under the age of 10, those with heart conditions, or snivelling cowards!” Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
When: October 11th – November 1st, 2024
Where: Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
Another Vaughan institution, Canada’s Wonderland hosts its Halloween Haunt this October. The theme park gets a spooky makeover with eight haunted mazes, various scare zones, and plenty of night rides. Halloween Haunt does contain some photorealistic frights, but it also has zones that aren’t quite as scary, making it a secure choice for families (or anyone needing an excuse to go on rides this Halloween season).
When: Various dates from September 27th – November 2nd, 2024
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan
Haunted Walk of Toronto
Sometimes, all you need for a good scare during the Halloween season is your imagination. That’s the premise behind Haunted Walk of Toronto, a bone-chilling ghost tour through the city, where attendees learn about Toronto’s haunted buildings, unsolved mysteries, and eerie histories. If you needed further convincing, their website contains this gem of a sentence: “Our outdoor tour will take you on a hair-raising paranormal adventure, departing from the courtyard in front of the Hockey Hall of Fame.”
When: Various dates
Where: 10 Front Street W, Toronto
Halloween on Church Street
Canada’s biggest Halloween block party is back this year, taking over the Church-Wellesley Village neighbourhoods in Toronto with costumes, themed events, and a lively atmosphere. If you’re all dressed up with nowhere to go this October 31st, the largest Halloween party Toronto has to offer is your spot. It’s a boisterous, welcoming, and frequently wild party that every adult ought to experience at least once.
When: October 31st, 2024
Where: Church-Wellesley Village
Exhibition Place Ghost Walk
“Exhibition Place is commonly known for its bright lights, dramatic shows and large events, but lurking below the surface are a few well-kept secrets known only to staff who work the late shift.” As far as hooks go, this one from ghost walk guide Steve Collie is pretty compelling. Join him as he uncovers well-kept secrets and ghastly stories tied to the Ex’s landmark buildings. If you live in the West End, and are feeling the Halloween-shaped hole left by Toronto West Halloween Fest, this is a great, nearby alternative.
When: Various dates
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
Boo at the Zoo
For all the readers with little monsters, Toronto Zoo hosts a trick-or-treating event where kids can collect candy, meet animals, wander through a mesmerizing pumpkin patch, and meet some costumed superheroes. Their website encourages parents to bring rainforest-friendly treats (i.e. no palm oil products) but doesn’t spell out exactly how parents will use those treats. In fact, a lot about the event seems mysterious. One thing they do make clear, though: Kids in costume get 50% their price of admission—not such a scary idea.
When: October 19th – 20th and October 26th – 27th, 2024
Where: Toronto Zoo
Pumpkins After Dark
Just outside Toronto, in Milton, you can catch over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins and light displays at Pumpkins after Dark. (Words don’t really do it justice; check out the photo gallery on their website for a full view of the impressive landscape). The event features live pumpkin carving demonstrations, free candy samples, a medieval dungeon maze, and more. If you’re dressing up your furry friend this Halloween, there’s even a pet friendly Wednesday night event.
When: September 28 – October 30, 2024
Where: 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton
Hopefully, these haunted houses, ghost tours, and chill-inducing Halloween festivals help you meet your fright quota for the year. The eight events above represent the biggest Halloween events Toronto has to offer. However, for more smaller, closer-to-home events, consult sites like Eventbrite and Secret Toronto to see what’s happening.
Finally, if you thought the prospect of buying a home in Toronto was frightening, come chat with the expert team at Harvey Kalles Real Estate. We’ll put your mind at ease, deftly navigating the intimidating real estate landscape to find you a dream home.
