With traditional trick-or-treating and Halloween party plans looking a little different this year, you may choose to spend your Halloween tucked into your couch watching old horror movies and eating boxes of candy.
But before you press play, consider getting in the spooky spirit with your household by checking out the creepy haunts close to home. Ontario may not be the first place to come to mind when you think of haunted mansions, abandoned asylums and ghost stories, but rest assured, there are plenty of spots ready to give you a scare.
Most of these Halloween attractions are too scary for young visitors, and the haunted landmarks may be more than they can handle. However, little ones can still take part in Halloween tradition when they visit their nearest ONroute this October 31st. Kids under 12 accompanied by a parent will receive a special Halloween treat!
And don’t forget to carve a few Jack-O-Lanterns! You can still grab locally grown pumpkins at the King City, Innisfil, Port Hope, Barrie, Cambridge North and South, and Newcastle plazas.
Fear Farm – Bright, ON
Fear Farm has adapted their annual haunted corn maze and outdoor Halloween adventure this year into a Haunted Campfire experience. You and your household can book a two-hour VIP campfire experience featuring terrifying scares at the farm. The package includes exclusive access to the haunted corn mazes and other outdoor fun.
Kingston, ON
Kingston may very well be the perfect city to visit in Ontario if you want to truly embrace the spirit of Halloween. You can make a full day of spooky tours and haunted sites. Start by visiting the infamous Kingston Penitentiary, where you can take a tour and learn about its dark, grim history. You may have an unexpected visitor on your trip – legend has it the ghost of a former inmate haunts its halls.
At night, you can walk the grounds of Fort Henry transformed into a haunted house version of the former military base called Fort Fright!
Canoe Lake – Algonquin Park, ON
For the more fright-sensitive adventurers, a visit to Algonquin Park may prove a more enjoyable and unique Halloween experience. You can paddle through Canoe Lake, which was once the home of famed painter Tom Thomson, and the site of his untimely death. Much mystery, speculation, and romantic drama still surrounds the circumstances of Thomson’s life, drowning and burial. There are several books and knowledgeable locals in the area that can provide you with the truly Canadian ghost story.
If you are venturing into the park this fall, make sure you do your research and are well prepared, as the cold weather poses risks to inexperienced campers.
Bingeman's Screampark – Kitchener, ON
Bingeman’s Screampark in Kitchener is jam packed with scary fun. Attractions include a variety of outdoor haunted walks, zombie paintball, and a creepy overnight camping experience. If you don’t go running out of there after the horrifying walk, you can also catch a horror movie double-feature at the drive-in!
PRZ Paintball – Picton, ON
Whether you’re an experienced player, or always wanted to try it, paintball at PRZ in Picton is a perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping this fall. The site was previously used as a Canadian Forces base, and later a hospital, before closing in 1999. PRZ has since transformed the location into a well-equipped paintball field. Weekly events include themed games, including the upcoming “Asylum Horror Story.”
The Haunted Airbnb – Penetanguishene, ON
If you’re feeling daring and looking for a real scare – you can spend the night in a real haunted house. Originally owned by a prominent local business man and his family, this old Victorian Beck House is full of stories. Spend the night if you dare. You may never find a better time to bring out the Ouija board!
Don’t worry if you’re out late into the night this Halloween… ONroute plazas are open 24/7! Whether you need to fuel up, grab a Tim Horton’s coffee for the drive, or a late-night snack from Freshii, ONroute has you covered.