Even if you don’t have kiddies to take trick-or-treating, there are plenty of ways that you can participate in Halloween hijinks.
It doesn’t have to involve expensive costumes or house parties either. How about midnight cocktails in a haunted factory? Or a Rocky Horror Cabaret Show? Whatever you fancy, here are some spooktacular ways to celebrate Halloween in the Greater Toronto Area:
Start with Dinner at The Keg Mansion with a Side of Ghosts
The Keg Mansion has long been considered one of Toronto’s most haunted buildings. In 1882, it was purchased by the Massey family; it was converted into a restaurant serving steak and seafood in 1976. Many patrons have reported sounds of children running and playing on the upper floors. But most terrifying is the women’s washroom — guests have reported strange occurrences and an eerie presence. Others have seen the spirit of a maid who hanged herself after Lillian Massey died. Apparently, her apparition appears dangling from a rope in the oval part of the main foyer. Make a reservation for the spookiest night of the year, and ask your waiter about the logbook — a record kept by management of all the hauntings reported by patrons.
Join the Halloween Party on Church Street
The Village goes all out for Halloween, with a huge party spanning 3 blocks. Tons of pubs and clubs participate, and costumes are a must.
Take a Haunted Walking Tour
For a slightly less pee-your-pants scare, consider going on a ghost walk. These outdoor walks visit ominous sites to learn about their haunted past. Muddy York Walking Tours offers two tours: the Haunted Streets of Downtown Toronto tour and the Ghosts of the University of Toronto. Both are a scream! The Haunted Walk offers two different Toronto tours, as well as tours in Kingston and Ottawa.
Outside of Toronto, Ghost Walks offers tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hamilton and the surrounding area. These stories of “true” events will delight even the most skeptical in your group.
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
For those who really enjoy a thrill, Canada’s Wonderland has their annual Halloween Haunt throughout October and into November. Offering numerous “maze” attractions and shows, filled with monsters, music, lighting and props, Halloween Haunt has become a super popular choice for those seeking a scare.
The Rocky Horror Cabaret Show
Speaking of cult classics, Halloween wouldn’t be complete without The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While there are numerous screenings across the city, I prefer to attend something a little bit special. The Lower Ossington Theatre features live, musical performances of Rocky Horror and encourages viewers to participate, sing along, shout responses and dress up!
Midnight Cocktails in the Distillery District
Toronto’s Distillery District is swarming with spirits – and not just the drinking kind.
The Distillery is such a hotbed for paranormal activity that the Toronto Ghosts & Hauntings Research Society keeps an active file on the site, recording unusual events from witnesses. There have been numerous reports of doors opening and closing, strange banging sounds, lights flickering, as well as other poltergeist activity experience by workers and film crew onsite.
On Halloween night, head down to the Distillery District for a night walk through the shadowy cobblestone lanes, or for a midnight cocktail at El Catrin — the site of many unexplained paranormal events. Read more about the haunted Distillery District here.
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