Things To Do For Halloween 2023 in Ontario

Adults and children alike enjoy a treat of candies and snacks and exciting games on this popular holiday. Halloween activities and organized events near you bring the entire neighborhood community together no matter the ages. Adorning spooky, creative, and funny costumes designed exclusively for this day is the norm. 

Halloween, which means “hallowed evening” marks the beginning of winter and the close of the harvest season. Each year, celebrating it on Oct 31 is a tradition, and a host of fun Halloween events 2023 await you. 

You can indulge in trick-or-treating, wear unique costumes, carve jack-o-lanterns, and make the most of festive gatherings.

From among the Ontario Halloween events in the pipeline, be a part of those that most excite you. These are the most popular (and Halloweenie) of our website calendar Halloween events. 

Hallowalk @ Friday Harbour Resort
Innisfil

• Enjoy a chilling night of fun!
• The Hallowalk will take visitors on a journey through the many wonders of Halloween in the Nature Preserve.
• Travel through the woods along a lit path with spooky décor and themed zones
• Hallowalk returns for it’s second year, taking visitors along a new, terrifying path.
• Day of fun on October 28^th with Trick or Treat on the Promenade. Crafts, costume contests and of course candy!
• Vampires Ball at Lake Club and After Dark at Beach Club for the older crew also on Oct 28^th

Date: Opens Friday the 13. Open Oct 13-15, 20-22 and 27-30 from 6pm to 9pm

Halloween @ Wye Marsh
Midland, Ontario

Calling all Ghosts, Goblins, Fairies, and creatures of the night! Put on your Halloween finery. Teleport to Wye Marsh. Explore the trails. All things spooky, silly, and sparkly are invited in costume to celebrate Halloween in the marsh! Collect stamps in your Halloween passport. Show your passport for a sweet treat at the Visitors’ Centre! 

Date: October 29, 2023

Stalking Dead
Otonabee, Ontario

Last year we thought we found the cure to the corn farmer zombie virus. There were many examples of prevention of zombie turns and we thought we were on the road to recovery from this zombie outbreak. This year the new data is telling us a very different story. Now we are discovering that it’s no longer the zombie contact that is leading the zombie apocalypse.

New zombies are appearing where no zombie contact was made and the new host did not die first. Puzzled scientists from around the world have returned to ground zero to research this new phenomenon under the guidance of the governing enterprise, Human Advancement Research Medicine. Once again, a call has been made for volunteers to help scientists with their very important work.

This experiences opens September 30th. 

Dark Waters @ Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Toronto, Ontario

There is something lurking in the deep this Halloween at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. On October 27, 2023, spend the evening under the sea with creatures from the deep as you explore the depths of the aquarium. Make sure to dress for the occasion with our costume contest, sip on a drink while you dance the night away with our live entertainment and discover what lies beneath.

Age 19+ event.

Pumpkins after Dark
Milton, Ontario

Prepare to be entranced by Pumpkins After Dark, Canada’s largest and most acclaimed outdoor Halloween event, where jack-o’-lanterns come alive at night.

Sample tantalizing fall treats while you embark on a 1 km walkthrough adorned with hand-carved pumpkins, spooky sculptures and live pumpkin carvings. Look for the escaped pumpkin twins for a chance to win a weekly prize.

This experience opens September 21, 2023. 

Pumpkin Mania
Elmvale, Ontario

Bring your family and join Rounds Ranch for pumpkin fun this fall. Enjoy ranch land fun including crazy pumpkin games such as, pie eating contest, pumpkin toss, pumpkin sack races and more. Take a tractor rides out to the pumpkin patch to pick your own FREE any size pumpkin to take home. Pumpkin Mania happens on the weekends ONLY & Thanksgiving Monday.

This experience opens September 16, 2023. 

Flashlight Cornmaze
Elmvale, Ontario

Can you solve the interactive maze puzzle to find the secret…in the dark? Bring your flashlight and try to navigate your way through the twists and turns. Try not to get lost! The Flashlight Corn Maze package also includes a Campfire. Come early to enjoy a wagon ride out to the patch and PYO pumpkin ANY size.

Date: In October the event is open on Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Hamilton

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Hamilton. Get your tickets now to discover Halloween-inspired music at The Cotton Factory under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Date: October 25, 2023

Candlelight: Friday the 13th Special – Favorite Halloween Movie Themes
Hamilton

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Hamilton. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Friday the 13th at The Cotton Factory under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Date: October 13, 2023

Halloween Spooktacular
Midland

 

It’s the debut of a side-splitting Halloween production, guaranteed to fill your night with fright and laughter!  Get ready for an unforgettable evening of improvised skits at this spooktacular play/comedy show. There’s no better way to get into the Halloween spirit!  General admission tickets are available now at the spooktacular price of only $20 + taxes and fees! Don’t miss out on this hauntingly hilarious night.

Grab your tickets before they vanish into thin air!

Happy Howl-O-Ween
Haliburton

Head to Haliburton Forest for alternative Howl-o-ween fun at Haliburton Forest. Start the evening with a delicious dinner at The Cookhouse featuring some ghoulish themed foods.

Wear your best costumes (a great way to dress up your required mask mask/face covering), for a chance to win our costume contest and a special dessert! Bring your flashlights – after dinner our staff will guide you on a haunted hike to the Wolf Centre, with some spooks and scares along the way. Inside the centre, use your flashlights to hunt for individually wrapped, peanut-free treats and sweets to take home while still following physical distancing practices! Last but not least, to end off the evening, howl alongside our staff in hopes of getting a reply from our resident wolf pack.

2023 TBA

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest

Saugeen Shores Award Winning Port Elgin Pumpkinfest. Welcome to Port Elgin Pumpkinfest! One of Ontario’s most unique events. Featuring two GIANT Vegetable Weigh Offs, one of Ontario’s LARGEST two day outdoor Car Shows, craft & marketplace vendors for all your Shopping needs and tons of FAMILY FUN Attractions, Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is THE place to be! Held in downtown Port Elgin.

Kreepy Kortright

This outdoor event is organized by the Kortright Centre for Conservation from October 21 – 28, 2023. To celebrate the spirit of the festival, get set for scary Halloween events from 8:30 pm onwards.

A haunted house tour and a frightening forest walk with live owls are some of the store’s activities for you. Families with children can together enjoy this creepy experience.

Howling Hootenanny

Black Creek Pioneer Village is planning a spooktacular fun treat in October. They are taking measures to limit visitors’ flow in one go so you can have an intimate family outing.

While in this historic village, you can treat yourself to a wacky science show, and brave the haunted maze. Challenge your family members by competing against each other in a pumpkin bowling competition. 

Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland

This fall, Halloween Haunt returns to Canada’s Wonderland on select nights September 22 to October 29 with a sinister transformation, turning the theme park into a scream park filled with Halloween attractions that offer unforgettable thrills and unspeakable horror.

Charity Halloween Events in Ontario

Looking to have some Halloween fun while giving back to the community or to a local charity? The following events are Halloween themed events that are not-for-profit or are fundraising for charities. 

Grosvenor’s Haunted Lodge
London, Ontario

Grosvenor’s Haunted Lodge in London Ontario is an annual fundraising event run the last 2 weekends in October for adults and student over 12 years of age. The event allows guests to see how the historical home can be transformed for a Halloween haunt, with this year’s theme of ‘Waking Nightmares”. All proceeds go to Heritage London Foundation (HLF, an innovative charitable organization founded that advocates for the preservation of significant heritage properties. HLF now provides viable contemporary uses for two beautiful houses, the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate and Grosvenor Lodge, to preserve, protect and promote London’s built heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Charity: Heritage London Foundation
Also accepting donations for the Western University Student Food Bank.

More information: https://www.grosvenorshauntedlodge.ca/

Attractions & Activities in Ontario with Spectacular Fall Colour Views 

It’s a proven fact that Ontario is beautiful in all four seasons. However, if you’re looking for a time when Mother Nature is showing off, Fall is your season. Leaf colour change can be seen all over Ontario making any road trip ‘easy on the eyes’. 

Use the list below and the Fall Colour Report as your Ontario Fall Guide. These two tools will help you plan a fun fall colour road trip at the most beautiful time of the year. 

Your Ultimate Ontario Fall Colour Guide

Besides hiking Ontario’s picturesque parks and trails, there are attractions and other experiences that offer something ‘to do’ that is both exciting and fun. We’ve compiled a list for you of places to visit that will offer equally amazing fall colour views. 

No matter if you’re active or chill, there is something for you to do. There are things to do for families, couples and groups of friends. The following activities are perfect for any day trip or fall weekend getaway. 

The only items essentials to bring are your sense of adventure and a camera. 

Best Attractions & Experiences with Stunning Views

Where: Midland

Georgian Bay Driving Food Tour

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ToDoOntario (@to.do.ontario)

Enjoy the delicious flexibility of this scenic self-guided driving tour. Take in the rural fall colour views as you drive around Midland, Coldwater and Tiny Township. From cute downtowns to sweeping farmscapes, the views on this delicious tour are worth the drive. 

Where: The Blue Mountains

Blue Mountain Resort / Blue Mountain Village

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Blue Mountain Resort (@bluemtnresort)

Apples, Adventure, Après…all things you do can at Blue Mountain Resort and Blue Mountain Village this fall. Golf, mountaintop tours, Apple Pie Trail, a private beach and beautiful walking Village provide endless options for adventure without stepping foot off the Resort. 

—

ON NOW FOR 2023

AGORA: PATH OF LIGHT

AGORA is an unusual and magical space inspired by storytellers and cycles of life in nature. As participants walk this circular path, they will encounter a series of interactive lighting installations based on the five elements of air, space, earth, water and fire. 

Take a gondola ride or park at the top of the hill at Blue Mountain Resort and take in the fall colours and view of Georgian Bay or Collingwood. 

Where: The Blue Mountains

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Scenic Caves Nature Adventures (@sceniccavesnatureadventures)

Adventure lies in the heart of nature at the top of the Niagara Escarpment. Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is home to a centuries old series of caves and caverns, carved by glacial ice, Southern Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge, all offer stunning fall colour vistas and views. 

Where: Muskoka (Bala)

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery (@johnstons_cranberries)

Cranberry harvest is the most exciting time of the year in Bala. You can plunge into a small lake full of cranberries and finish off with spectacular views from the restaurant patio. 

Where: Barrie Brampton, Ganaraska, Hamilton, Huntsville, Stouffville

Treetop Trekking

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Treetop Trekking (@treetoptrekking)

Treetop Trekking has 7 zip line and aerial game parks in Ontario to take you into the fall leaves. Furthermore, it is Ontario’s original and most exciting tree top zip line adventure. Treetop Trekking is the perfect outing for adventurous families, groups of friends and couples.

Where: Haliburton

Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Haliburton Forest (@haliburton_forest)

Wilderness adventure activities, forest and wildlife education in stunning forest surroundings. Ride through the forest by bike or take to the treetop canopy tour that includes a canoe paddle through a private lake.

Where: Minett

Hydrospa Muskoka

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by HydroSpa Muskoka (@hydrospamuskoka)

This 4 season hydrospa is set on a granite bluff overlooking tranquil Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. If you have never seen Muskoka in full fall leaf colour glory, this is your sign.

Where: Parry Sound

Island Queen Cruises

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 30,000 Island Cruise Line (@30000islandcruiseline)

These award winning Georgian Bay cruises will have you relaxed and amazed at the beauty of Georgian Bay. If it can inspire painters from the Group of Seven, it’s worth putting on your fall to-do list. 

Where: Port Carling

Sunset Cruises

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sunset Cruises Muskoka🌅 (@sunsetcruisesmuskoka)

This year Sunset Cruises is providing helpful and timely updates on the colour changes. Stay tuned to their Instagram account and fall cruise schedule announcements and take a tour on one of Muskoka’s most popular lake cruises. 

Where: Various

Ontario’s Beautiful Golf Courses

Golf courses across Ontario not only offer stunning fall colour leaf views but some are even award winning. Here are five golf courses that have rolling hills with valleys, lake views and of course restaurants and clubhouses with patios. 

Nottawasaga Golf Course
Hockley Valley Resort
Deerhurst Resort
Eganridge Resort, Country Club & Spa
Monterra Golf
Cobble Beach

No matter your activity this fall, we hope you enjoy the leaf colour change from wherever you are. 

When is the best time to see fall colours in Ontario? The first few weeks of October are generally the peak time for many regions in Ontario. Depending on weather, heavy rains can bring the leaves down quickly. Pay attention to our fall colour report to book your experience. 

If you’re looking for more fall fun events and activities, check out the following pages on ToDoOntario.com:

Best Halloween Events
Best Fall Activities
Treetop Adventures

When the summer heat subsides and the leaves change their color, it’s a great time to have fun outdoors. Ontario has some of the best activities for you to make the most out of this season. Here are things to do in the fall 2023.

Couple these ideas with the ToDoOntario Fall Leaf Colour Progression Report to help plan your activity, and your views and photography plans! 

Hit up an Ontario Golf Course

Ontario has no shortage of beautiful golf courses for any level of golfer. Whether it’s a familiar course near you or you’re up for a fall colour road trip adventure to check out a new course, our blog of Ontario Golf Courses has every thing you need to plan a fun adventure on the links. So surprise your partner, or plan ahead for a fun weekend away with friends and read the blog to find the perfect golf course or golf vacation package to help you save.

Go On a Hike

Photo: Huskey Hike at Haliburton Forest Wildlife Reserve

Hiking is one of the best outdoor fall activities you can enjoy. Get lost in nature and explore the abundance of fantastic trails Ontario has to offer. The picturesque aerial view waiting for you at the top is surely worth the hike. On the right trail, you’re apt to find a spectacular lookout spot too! 

Places ‘To Do Hiking’ (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details and to book)

Haliburton Forest Wildlife Reserve, Hiking Trails | Haliburton Highlands Trails | Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Farm and Winery | Orillia & Lake Country Trails | Algonquin Highlands Trails | Scenic Caves Natures Adventures | Blue Mountain Resort | Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

Try Treetop Aerial Walking

If you’re in for some adventure-filled fall activities, treetop aerial walking may be for you! Surround yourself in nature and enjoy its spectacular views. Whether you’re with family or friends, this is an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Places ‘To Do Treetop Walking’ (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details)

Treetop Trekking Adventure Park Locations:
1000 Islands, Barrie, Brampton, Ganaraska, Hamilton, Huntsville, Stouffville

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve Canopy Tour |Scenic Caves Nature Adventures (Suspension Bridge) | Blue Mountain Resort Timber Challenge High Ropes

Chase Waterfalls

Chasing waterfalls is a fun thing to do, especially in the fall. Ontario is home to the world-renowned Niagara Falls, the most powerful waterfall in North America. It is the perfect time to visit these pristine waterfalls and see the stunning colors of the season.

Places ‘To Do’ Waterfalls (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details and to book)

Click here to read the Finding Waterfalls of Ontario blog. 

Experience Cranberry Harvest

Fall is an exciting time for cranberry harvesting and there are lots of activities you can try to celebrate a fruitful harvest. Make the most out of this by doing all things cranberry, from wagon tours and trying fresh cranberries to experiencing the famous cranberry plunge.

Cranberry Harvest Season begins September 23, 2023.

Places ‘To Do’ Cranberry Activities (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details and to book)

Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery

Enroll in a Painting Class

Unleash your inner artist by taking a painting class. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, this activity will take your skills to the next level. It’s time to take out your paintbrush and get your creativity flowing this season.

Places ‘To Do’ Painting Activities (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details and to book)

Yours Outdoors Painting With Wolves 

Enjoy a Boat Cruise

Thinking of fall activities for couples? Boat cruises are a romantic way to spend time with your partner while taking in the natural scenery. You can explore Ontario through its myriad of waterways and rivers. From short boat trips to luxury cruises, there are plenty of options for you.

Places ‘To Do’ Cruises (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details and to book)

Island Queen – Parry Sound
Sunset Cruises – Bracebridge

Join a Winery or Microbrew Tour

There are many reasons why you should visit vineyards and brewhouses during the fall. Aside from fewer crowds, you have a gorgeous autumn backdrop while enjoying a glass of wine or sampling a flight of beers. Ontario has great wineries and craft breweries that offer wine, beer and cider tasting and delicious food pairings. If you’re new to the craft beer scene, read the 5 Tips on Visiting Microbreweries blog for some help.

Places ‘To Do’ Winery Tours (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details and to book)

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Adamo Estates Winery
Yours Outdoors

Go Kayaking or Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing are not just for the summer; they are two of the best fall activities in Ontario. Discover some of Ontario’s endless waterways through self-guided adventures or guided tours. When planning your next getaway, kayaking or canoeing is definitely a must!

Places ‘To Do’ Kayaking & Canoeing (click on the partner links below to visit their website for more details and to book)

Yours Outdoors Canoe Like a Canadian Experience
Yours Outdoors Path of the Paddle

Click here for Kayaking & Canoeing Getaway Packages

Take a Fall Road Trip

During this leaf-peeping season, road trips are great fall activities for families. There are several parks or conservation areas in Ontario that are perfect for family excursions and day trips.

Visit Fall Fairs & Fall Harvest Festivals

Ontario has a multitude of fairs and festivals to celebrate the season. These fairs are held by the region’s agricultural societies. You can take advantage of the freshest produce, pick up some artisan products, and enjoy various amusement rides.

Stay tuned to the Fall Fairs page for fair dates and announcements. 

Explore Ontario Today

No matter what you’re looking for, Ontario has many scenic views and fun things in store for you.

In case the activities above aren’t for you, golf, biking and fishing weren’t mentioned above but are three great ways to be outdoors doing something and enjoying the fall leaf colours as your backdrop. 

Places ‘To Do’ golfing, biking or fishing

Deerhurst Resort golf course
Rocky Crest Golf Resort
Blue Mountain Resort Golfing
Blue Mountain Resort Biking

Fishing Getaway Packages

In the event you’re looking for something completely new and different, consider one of these experiences:

Mill Pond Activity Centre @ Blue Mountain Resort

Haliburton Sculpture Forest Guided Tour @ Yours Outdoors

Pumpkin Mania @ Rounds Ranch

Check our website to discover more about Ontario. Thank you!