10 Spooky Things To Do For Halloween In Ontario In 2025
Introduction
Autumn in Ontario brings crisp air, orange leaves and a calendar full of Halloween events. If you want to swap candy-hunting for spine-tingling experiences, there are plenty of ways to lean into the eerie side of the season. This guide highlights ten spooky things to do around Ontario in 2025, from historic ghost tours to immersive haunted attractions. Each entry includes what to expect and sensible tips so you can decide which level of scare fits your style.
Haunted Walks and Ghost Tours in Toronto
Toronto's history is layered and sometimes dark, and local companies run nightly haunted walks and ghost tours through old neighborhoods and historic sites. Tours commonly visit former hospitals, old theatres and Victorian streets where participants hear stories of unexplained events and tragic lives. Guides mix documented history with oral folklore to create an unsettling but informative evening.
Expect moderate walking and small-group settings. Tours range from family-friendly to seriously spooky, so check the age guidance before booking. Wear comfortable shoes and a jacket; temperatures can drop quickly in October.
Fort Henry’s After Dark Events in Kingston
Fort Henry in Kingston is famous for its military past, but in October it often hosts after-dark events that play up the fort's spectral reputation. Evening tours and reenactments can include candlelit walks, ghost stories and sensory elements that make history feel immediate and uncanny.
These events are historically informed but theatrical. If you prefer atmosphere over jump scares, Fort Henry after-dark offerings are a good fit. Accessibility can vary depending on the program, so review the event notes if stairs or uneven terrain are a concern.
St. Thomas Elgin Theatre and Local Legends
Small towns in Ontario have their own haunted corners, and St. Thomas has several local legends connected to historic buildings and old rail infrastructure. Community-run night walks and occasional private investigations let you explore lesser-known stories with local historians.
Participating in a community-led event gives a quieter, more intimate experience than commercial attractions. Bring a flashlight and a sense of curiosity; you may come away with a new appreciation for how local memory shapes haunting narratives.
Niagara Falls Haunted Attractions and Seances
Niagara Falls leans into the theatrical at Halloween. Alongside traditional haunted houses, you might find immersive dinner events, séance nights and themed escape rooms with paranormal storylines. These combine spectacle with high production values for a dramatic night out.
If you want full immersion, opt for a theatrical or escape-room style event. For a more grounded experience, look for small-group séance evenings led by experienced facilitators who emphasize historical context and participant safety.
Nighttime Cemetery Tours with Historians
Several Ontario cities organize respectful evening tours of historic cemeteries that focus on the lives of notable residents, the symbolism of grave markers and the social history tied to burial practices. These outings are less about frights and more about encountering the past in a quiet, reflective setting.
Cemetery tours are often best in smaller groups with a guide. They can be surprisingly moving and are ideal for people who prefer atmosphere and storytelling over theatrical scares. Dress for the weather and follow any site-specific rules.
Immersive Haunted Houses and Scream Parks
For adrenaline junkies, Ontario has several large-scale haunted houses and scream parks that crank up the intensity with actors, special effects and elaborate sets. These commercial attractions vary in theme from classic haunted mansions to apocalyptic scenarios.
These are designed to startle and disorient, so they are not suitable for very young children or those with certain health concerns. Review warnings and consider daytime or early-season visits if you want a slightly tamer experience. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Ghost Hunting Nights and Paranormal Investigations
If you want to take a hands-on approach, look for public paranormal investigation nights at supposedly haunted locations. These events usually provide basic equipment like EMF meters and recordings devices, and are led by teams who explain investigative technique and etiquette.
Expect a blend of skepticism and belief: many investigators emphasize documentation over dramatic claims. Be prepared for late-night waits and lots of silence. These nights are ideal for curious skeptics and true believers who want to try controlled, respectful fieldwork.
Historic House Tours After Dark
Many historic houses and museums offer special after-dark programming in October, featuring candlelit tours, dramatic readings or staged historical scenes. These experiences bring architecture and faded domestic lives into a new light and can feel quietly eerie in the best possible way.
These events tend to be rich in context and grounded in real history. They are suitable for those who want a haunting that's more contemplative than sensational. Check ticket availability in advance, as limited-capacity tours can sell out.
Rural Haunted Hayrides and Corn Mazes
Outside the cities, seasonal farms combine autumnal fun with spooky elements: haunted hayrides, nighttime corn mazes and illuminated pumpkin patches. These are often family-friendly earlier in the season and ramp up the scares after dark for older visitors.
These attractions are practical for groups that want a mix of socializing and scares. Bring layers, and expect uneven walking surfaces. If you’re sensitive to loud noises or strobe lights, ask about attraction specifics before purchasing tickets.
Overnight Stay at a Haunted Hotel or Inn
For a memorable Halloween, spend a night at a historic inn or hotel known for strange occurrences. Many of these properties lean into their reputations with special packages, storytelling evenings and guided nocturnal walks. Waking up in a place with a backstory adds a unique layer to the Halloween experience.
Book directly through the property and read guest reviews to get a sense of the atmosphere. Some establishments emphasize ambiance over genuine paranormal claims, while others have long-running stories that guests enjoy discussing. If you plan to investigate, always respect the property, staff and fellow guests.
Final Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Halloween Season
Plan ahead. Popular events fill up quickly in October, and many have age restrictions or advisories about physical demands. Dress in layers and wear suitable footwear for outdoor walking. If you're attending an intense haunted attraction, know your limits — it’s fine to opt out or take a break.
Bring a charged phone and, if you’ll be out late or in rural areas, share your itinerary with a friend. Respect private property and follow the guidelines provided by event organizers. Whether you want theatrical jump scares or historical chills, Ontario offers a broad spectrum of Halloween experiences in 2025, and with a little preparation you can have a memorable and safe spooky season.