Looking for the spookiest things to do in for Halloween in Toronto? Trust this local goth girl to give you the best tips!
8 minute read
If you’re new to the Halloween tradition in North America, what started as a kids’ ritual of going door-to-door “trick or treating” for candy has evolved into an entire season of haunted attractions, costume parties, horror-themed events, and other fun for adults. Which makes Halloween in Toronto an excellent time to visit the city.
As a grown-up who prefers a dark aesthetic, scary stories, and all things macabre, Halloween is definitely my favourite time of year. The only trouble is trying to choose from all the cool things to do in Toronto at Halloween. While I highly encourage everyone to celebrate on the actual night of October 31 for the most authentic experience, you’ll find there are so many events and experiences happening throughout the month of October, and even in September.
In this post I’ll share the top events and must-visit spots for adults to celebrate Halloween in Toronto, the Halloween haunts, spooky themed bars and restaurants, and the famous Church street parade to help get you into the spirit of the season. Dates change every year so see the official websites for current schedules. And note that the weekend just before October 31 is when people go out, and you’ll want to get tickets or make reservations in advance for those.
Oh, and if you need a costume? I highly recommended shopping at retailers who operate year-round, and not the pop-ups that breeze in for October only. Try Theatrix Plus on Yonge Street or take a drive to Party City in Etobicoke. For rentals, Thunder Thighs may have what you need. Or check out my list of Toronto Goth shops, they have great stuff too!
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Halloween Haunts in Toronto
Legends of Horror at Casa Loma
One of my favourite things to do in Toronto at Halloween takes place at an actual Gothic castle in the heart of the city. Legends of Horror is a 2km nighttime walking tour through the gardens, into the tunnels, and other spaces not normally open to the public, all transformed with sophisticated theatrical sound, light and decor. You can follow the story, or just enjoy the macabre vibes. It takes about an hour to walk through, but you can stop for drinks or snacks half-way. Early evening is reserved for families and scaredy cats, when there are no live actors. This one is not accessible.
Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt
Toronto’s biggest amusement park gets a spooky makeover for the month of October. Multiple mazes with live actors are the main draw but you can also ride some of famous roller coasters and other thrill rides. Watch out for surprises around every corner. This is the closest Canada gets to a Universal Halloween Horror type attraction—from the high-quality scares to the long line-ups (skippable with an expensive Fast Pass.) Not cheap, but a memorable night out for real horror fans. Note that Canada’s Wonderland is 50km north of downtown Toronto in Vaughan, you cannot wear costumes or make-up, and this isn’t recommended for kids.
Yes, it’s in ALL CAPS because you’ll be SCREEEEAMING in these scary walk-through mazes featuring more than 100 live actors. Admission also includes unlimited rides on the Midway of Madness. There are food trucks and a licensed Vampire Lounge. Fast pass avail. SCREEMERS is a teenage rite of passage in these parts. Assembly Park in Vaughan. Parking is free. Four of the seven haunts are accessible.
A neighbourhood gem out in Etobicoke, just west of Toronto. This smaller Halloween attraction is an indoor house and outdoor maze. No advance tickets just pay at the door, first-come, first-served. Ages 14 and up.
Halloween Tours in Toronto
One of the coolest things to do near Halloween in Toronto during the day is a guided tour through one of our beautiful cemeteries like Mount Pleasant (uptown) and Necropolis (near Cabbagetown). Of course, you can always visit on your own, but I learned so much on my tour with Chantal, a local history enthusiast who has created different tours such as The Women Who Built Canada, Death, Disease, and Doctors in Victorian Toronto or Escaped Slaves and African-Canadians in Victorian Toronto. And it’s free! (Tips are courteous.) Schedules change every year so check the Facebook page for what’s coming up.
Ghost hunters and history buffs visiting Toronto at Halloween will love this guided evening walk around the Distillery District, one of Toronto’s most popular areas. Follow your leader by lantern through the narrow cobblestone streets and hear all about the macabre and supernatural stories behind this Victorian-era neighbourhood. I’ve found this highly entertaining and good spooky fun. Dog friendly. Also available in French.
Ghosts of the Village at Black Creek
Black Creek Pioneer Village, the recreation of an 1860s country village, is normally a children’s/family attraction. At Halloween they partner with Haunted Walks to offer a guided small group ghost walk of their heritage buildings for (adult) paranormal enthusiasts. Guests have exclusive access to investigate haunted heritage buildings including the infamous Halfway House.
Free Community Events
Church Street Halloween Parade
It’s free. It’s fabulous. And it’s on actual Halloween! Church Street north of Carlton is closed to traffic on October 31 for a massive costume party. This is the heart of the Gay Village, and festivities started as a place to dress in drag and be seen. I have fond memories of strolling leisurely, admiring elaborate costumes, maybe popping into a bar. In recent years, it’s exploded in popularity and I’m sad to say gawkers who don’t even bother to dress up far outnumber the costumes now. Also claustrophobes should steer clear, it’s shoulder-to-shoulder. That said, times change, and I’d rather have a Halloween street scene than not!
A Toronto tradition: Clay and Paper Theatre Co invites everyone to gather to mock and banish your fears. Embrace the dress code (Black and White) and join their night-time parade through the streets, accompanied by giant puppets, followed by a performance of live music, fire spinning, circus acts and other soul cleaning rituals in Dufferin Grove Park.
Pumpkin Parades
Don’t let the name fool you—the pumpkins don’t walk. No, this is what happens on November 1, the night after Halloween, when residents all take their carved Jack o’ Lanterns to a local park instead of tossing in the trash. One of the best pumpkin parades is at Sorauren Park in the West End, thousands of lit pumpkins line the pathways, many of the outstanding creations. It’s a most wonderful way to keep the energy of Halloween going. Go just after dark for maximum effect.
Costume Parties and Nightlife
Most nightclubs have some kind of costume party where you can wear your sexy zombie outfit. So do pubs. And even boat cruises. They change yearly so I recommend checking Eventbrite for the latest to find one that suits your music taste and budget. Here are just a few I can recommend.
The Royal Ontario Museum’s monthly adults-only party takes a terrifying twist for October. Access galleries and exhibits like the dinosaurs, bat cave, and suits of armour while also enjoying live music and food stations, plus special Halloween themed performances, projections, and a scavenger hunt.
This one is for the kinksters: Art, Fetish and Dance with a Halloween theme. Includes DJ, performances and dungeon play area. Zero photos allowed. Dress code enforced: Latex, leather, PVC, cosplay, cyber, goth, and lingerie are some example of appropriate wear. No effort, no entry!
Where the Elder Goths go to dance to retro new wave and post punk faves. Some of my favourite costumes ever have been spotted at these retro DJ nights. If you look like Dave Gahan, Tim Burton, Elvira or the like, you can make some money in their costume contest for sure.
Spooky Dining and Drinks
This bar is out of the world. No, really, it’s an outer space themed bar on Queen Street West with creative cocktails and mocktails and in October it’s transforming into Hellbar with Saints and Sinners theme and deep red everything.
A very cool addition to the Halloween scene in Toronto is this pop-up horror-themed bar. It’s like the Spirit Halloween store had a secret speakeasy, with mood lighting, lots of skeletons, and custom creepy concoctions. Sometimes hosts drag performances or other events. For 2024, find it in the basement of Bar Mordecai on Dundas Street West.
Hungry? Toronto geeks hang out at Storm Crow Manor, a mansion turned pub on Church Street with theme rooms, secret passageways and a menu inspired by horror and sci-fi classics. It’s fun any time of year but Halloween season is an especially great time to order some Tater Tots of Terror and a glow-in-the-dark cocktail.
Scary Music and Movies
Each Halloween in Toronto, our world-class symphony hosts a special event playing scary movie music to visuals on a big screen. I’ve attended a few of these and they are great! In 2024, it’s performing Danny Elfman’s score for Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas! If you like fancy dress-up and classical music I can think of nothing better for a special night out. Only a few performances, get tickets in advance.
First thing first: it’s not real candles. Maybe that’s obvious but for a Goth Girl it’s an important detail! Nevertheless, these classical-musicians-do-pop-covers surrounded by candlelight has become very popular in this city. October programming includes horror soundtrack faves in a church. Also Coldplay (very scary.)
Scary Movie Night
Toronto loves horror movies. So you’re sure to find a scary film screening throughout October and around Halloween, from B-grade schlock to cinematic terror. Check out what’s playing at one of the great independent cinemas like The Royal and The Paradise.
Prefer to stay in? Don’t rely on Netflix. You can still find an excellent selection of classics and cult faves on DVD, Blu-ray or even VHS at Eyesore Cinema on Bloor Street in the Annex and Vinegar Syndrome on Roncesvalles in the West End.
Note: Toronto After Dark, Toronto’s horror-themed festival, is on hiatus for 2024.
Halloween Road Trips from Toronto
Pumpkins After Dark (Milton, Ontario)
Would you like to see a larger-than-life Freddy Krueger made out of Jack o’ Lanterns? Do you have a car? This attraction is for you! A family-friendly walkthrough of more than 10,000 illuminated (plastic) pumpkins creatively arranged to form giant movie monsters, mythological creatures and cute seasonal displays, Pumpkins After Dark is pretty impressive. Self-guided, takes about an hour. Tickets much be purchased in advance, for a specific timeslot. Check for dog-friendly nights and group ticket discounts. Located on a farm in Milton, about 60km west of downtown Toronto.
Frightmare in the Falls (Niagara Falls)
A three-day convention for horror film fans in Niagara Falls. Meet celebrity guests, attend panel discussions, shop for Tshirts and merch, and watch film screening surrounded by your nerdy brethren.
Hope this list of fun things to do in for Halloween in Toronto has inspired you. Season’s grievings!
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