It’s now officially October, which means it’s not only time to start thinking about your Halloween costume, but it’s also the time of year when spooky attractions become a lot more popular. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, there are more ghost walks, more haunted tours, and more creepy events to check out. Most of them only have a running time of a few weeks and they tend to book up fast, so if you’re looking for a spooky way to spend a Friday night, now is the perfect time to try out these haunted attractions in and around the GTA.
Legends of Horror at Casa Loma
For the second year in a row, Casa Loma has been transformed into a haunted wonderland complete with theatrical interpretations of all the classic horror figures including Frankenstein and Dracula among many others. If you purchase tickets (which are available in advance or at the entrance), you’ll experience a one hour, 2 km self-guided walking tour starting in the lower gardens of Casa Loma and winding through the darkest tunnels of the castle. There will be plenty of monsters jumping out of the shadows to follow you down dark paths so if you’re into that kind of thing, this one is a can’t-miss.
Toronto Island Stories: Murder at the Lighthouse
If you feel like you missed out on a lot of island time this summer, there’s still time to experience it like never before thanks to Spooky Lagoon’s evening boat rides through the Island waters. The tours will include stories of an old sunken ship, Babe Ruth, hurricane Hazel, diving horses and of course, the Island’s most infamous ghost J.P. Radelmüller The experience offers a theatrical retelling complete with performers and live narration as the boat sails towards the Gibraltar Point lighthouse which is rarely open to the public. The ride is approximately one hour long and tickets cost $25 each.
Haunted High Park
High Park might be idyllic during the day, but it can be pretty creepy at night—especially if you know about its history of hauntings. Stories include the ghosts of drowned soldiers who patrol the foot paths, a bloody phantom horseman who comes out of Grenadier Pong and a “gentleman in black” who has been spotted near the streetcar loop as far back as the 1950s. The Haunted High Park ghost walk and tour will take you through all the legends and you get to participate in a real seance in Colborne Lodge, also thought to be haunted. It’s only taking place October 19, 20, 22, 27, 28 and 29, so book your spot now to avoid disappointment.
Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt
For a tried and truly terrifying experience, check out Canada’s Wonderland’s annual Halloween Haunt. For 14 nights in October (weekends and the night of the 31st), the park is transformed into what can only be described as a horror-lover’s dream come true. Walk through creepy mazes and scares zones and catch some live—and sometimes interactive—shows along the way while you dodge the 700 monsters, ghosts and ghouls who wander the park. Buy tickets online to save on the price of admission.
Where the Dark Things Dwell at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Escape games are all the rage in Toronto right now and Halloween is the perfect time to check out one with an extra creepy theme. Secret City Adventures teamed up with Black Creek Pioneer Village to launch their Where the Dark Things Dwell escape game back in July and it’s set to continue through the end of October. In a team of 6, you’ll explore the ground of the Pioneer Village, solving puzzles to escape a group of strange cultists who are trying to awaken an ancient evil force. If you succeed, you’ll get the glory. If you don’t… you might be stuck at Black Creek forever. Spots are selling out fast so book your spot as soon as possible to try your luck at the spookiest escape game in town.
