It’s officially spooky season! Which means all kinds of Halloween festivities are happening this month in and around Toronto! Halloween isn’t just for the kids, either. There are so many adult-friendly things to do to celebrate the spookiest time of the year. From actual scary haunted houses to ghost tours around the city, we’ve rounded up the best activities to indulge in spooky season – the right way.
Here’s where you can get spooked this month!
Halloween Haunt
Every year, it’s pretty much mandatory to go to Canada’s Wonderland’s infamous Halloween Haunt! The theme park turns into a scream park filled with Halloween attractions, including haunted houses, multiple mazes, thrilling rides and roller coasters, and hundreds of monsters strolling around waiting to scare you. Get your tickets for Halloween Haunt here!
Legends of Horror at Casa Loma
Every year in the month of October, the Casa Loma castle gets transformed into an immersive theatrical experience known as Legends of Horror. Throughout the hour+ experience, guests are immersed in a variety of sets throughout the gardens and chambers below the castle, including tunnels and spaces never before open to the public! From now until Halloween, Legends of Horror will be happening daily, and you can get your tickets here.
Toronto Ghost Tours
Toronto is full of history, so naturally, there are plenty of ghost stories to be told throughout the haunted locations in the city. The Haunted Walk has a ton of different ghost tour options that you can choose from here, all ranging in price and length.
Hanes Corn Maze – After Dark
About an hour drive from Toronto is Hanes Corn Maze in Dundas. Although it isn’t really a haunted attraction, walking through the maze at night with some friends can definitely get pretty spooky. The maze itself is made of 20 acres of 12-foot-tall cornstalks; be sure to bring a flashlight!
Escape Manor Escape Room
What better time to participate in a scary escape room than October? Escape Manor in Toronto currently has six escape rooms available to book, including Death Row, The Asylum, and Devil’s Advocate – all of which sound especially spooky. You can check out the rooms and book here!
Pumpkins After Dark
Okay, Pumpkins After Dark isn’t particularly scary, but nonetheless, it’s totally worth a visit during the Halloween season! The event, located in Milton (under an hour away from Toronto), features over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins in displays. This year, there will also be fall treats to enjoy, as well as live pumpkin-carving demonstrations! Get your tickets here.
Martino Manor Haunted House
Martino Manor Haunted House is like no other. It’s a 3-story haunted house filled with authentic Victorian and Depression Era decor. It also has an outdoor maze featuring a well house, mausoleum, morgue, chapel, and solarium! That’s not all though. Throughout Martino Manor, there are live actors, cutting-edge animatronics, and film-quality set design. Prepare to get scared!
Screemers
Sceemers is celebrating 30 years of haunting this year, so its safe to say they know what they’re doing. At Screemers you’ll find seven haunted mazes, over 120 live actors, the Midway of Madness Ride, and food trucks! You can find tickets for different dates here!
Fear Farm
Fear Farm, located at Snyders Farm is a must-visit with friends during the Halloween season! You can enjoy its world-famous hayride and visit the six of its “haunts”. The hayride includes actors, live-action, and a spooky atmosphere. There’s also plenty of food and drinks to enjoy at the farm, so you’re sure to leave feeling full and spooked.
Hallowalk at Friday Harbour
Enjoy a chilling night of luxurious fun during Hallowalk at Friday Harbour Resort, just an hour north of Toronto! You will get to go on a journey through Friday Harbour’s Nature Preserve, travelling through the woods along a path adorned with spooky decor and themed zones. The event runs from October 13th to 15th, 20th to 22nd, and 27th to 30th. If you decide to go on October 28th, there will also be an After Dark party at the Lake Club to celebrate Halloween! For more info, click here.
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Hello, summer! The sun and heat has officially made its presence known in our city and what better way to celebrate the season by checking out all the fun (and free) activities Toronto has to offer? One of the joys of living in Canada’s biggest city is that there isn’t ever a shortage of excitement to be had. If you’re looking to get out and have a good time without spending a dime, then you’re in the right place.
Keep reading for a list of 8 super fun Toronto events that are all free!
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show Free Movies, July 4-25
Instagram/@topictureshow
With how expensive movie prices are, it’s important to hit up the cinema whenever there’s a deal happening, or when admission happens to be free. This month at Corktown Common, grab your friends, a blanket, and snacks and indulge in the magic of movies under the stars all for zero cost thanks to Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, a non-profit that presents outdoor cinema in Toronto’s public spaces.
Beaches International Jazz Festival, July 5-28
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Attention all jazz fans, the city’s beloved Beaches International Jazz Festival is back from July 5 – 28 and it’s sure to be a big one this year. With over 100 performers, this month long jazz extravaganza is completely free so if you haven’t checked it out, this year is your year!
Salsa On St Clair Street Festival, July 6-8
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Feeling the summer heat? It’s about to get even spicier up here in TO thanks to the Salsa On St Clair Festival happening on July 6 – 8. This free street festival takes over midtown Toronto by transforming a stretch of St. Clair Avenue West from Winona Dr. to Christie St. into Canada’s biggest salsa party, plus you can even take lessons for free!
Get Fresh. Stay Clean. Ice Cream Party at Harbourfront, July 6
Joe Fresh x Tide
What’s more refreshing than a cold treat on a hot summer day? Joe Fresh and Tide have partnered and to celebrate, the brands are giving out free nut-free frozen treats while supplies last on July 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Bentway Block Party, July 7
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Located right under the Gardiner is The Bentway and it’s a gorgeous park, and one of Toronto’s most notabke outdoor gems. This month on July 7, head on down to experience the Block Party which boasts free concerts, scavenger hunts, a DIY art project, and more!
Music In The Orchard at Spadina Museum, July 7
Instagram/@withcamera
If you can’t make it down to The Bentway, a little further uptown is Music In The Orchard that’s happening at Spadina Museum (next door to the more famous but equally majestic Casa Loma). Pull up a lawn chair and tuck in to enjoy the music stylings of the 1920s, when the museum was the Austin family home.
Yoga In the Square – June 10 to September 2
Instagram/@ydsquare
Who doesn’t love a good yoga class? How about a free yoga class? That’s right — from June all the way into September, take part in free yoga happening at Yonge & Dundas Square. Happening every Monday from 12 to 1 p.m, grab a few pals for a free yoga class right in the center of one of Toronto’s busiest intersections.
Featured Image: Instagram/@arjsun
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Make room in your stomachs – Toronto is being blessed with some tasty new and soon-to-come restaurants! From international chains to favourite local champions, we’re sure more than a few of these will make you drool. Take a look at the most anticipated restaurant openings in Toronto below and start adding to your foodie bucket list.
Jollibee
Earlier this year it was announced that Jollibee would be opening their first Ontario outpost in Mississauga. Shortly after, news about a second location slated to open in Scarborough followed. The fast-food joint has been dubbed the McDonalds of the Philippines, so there’s no doubt hungry foodies looking to have a cheat day will be flocking to the chain restaurant. While the Mississauga location was originally scheduled to open this spring, it looks like Jollibee fans will have to wait until the fall to get their hands on the Filipino favourite.
The Cheesecake Factory
Canada is getting an American import this fall, too. The Cheesecake Factory, known for massive servings and, of course, a wide variety of cheesecake, is set to open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre this fall. Expect everything from pastas and pizzas to burgers and sandwiches.
Sud Forno
The Queen West go-to bakery for coffee, pastries, and Italian eats, Sud Forno, is set to open their second location in Financial District by Yonge and Temperance. While not an entirely new restaurant, folks in the neighbourhood have much to be thrilled about; no more transiting to get your hands on their drool-worthy Bombolone.
Sud Forno (Image: Instagram/@sudforno)
Blue Blood Steakhouse
Ready your steak knives! Casa Loma is about to become a food destination for both tourists and Torontonians alike. Liberty Entertainment group, the people behind the Magical Winter Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast, are planning to open Blue Blood Steakhouse inside the castle walls later this year – keep your eyes peeled.
Ku-Kum
The owners of Snakes and Lattes will be opening Ku-Kum, an indigenous restaurant on Mount Pleasant Rd., in the near future. Diners can expect two different tasting menus along with a la carte options. It will definitely be a fresh way to experience Canadian indigenous cuisine.
Kiin
If you’re among the many Torontonians who experience Sukho Thai cravings on the regular, you’ll be thrilled to know that Chef Nuit Regular has opened a new venture, Kiin on Adelaide St. W. The restaurant promises to offer up some new Thai flavours that will no doubt leave us wanting more. See their soft launch hours here.
Kiin (Image: Instagram/@foodismto)
Copetin
Fans of MasterChef Canada are about to go wild. Judge Claudio Aprile will open his latest Toronto venture, Copetin, in mid-June. Expect a patio, bar, and dining area, filled with a lot of different tastebud-teasing flavours and cultures.
Drake Commissary
The Drake Hotel’s latest project, Drake Commissary, is definitely something to be excited about. Set to open in the Junction Triangle, the new property will be the home base for Drake catering, as well as a community hub during the day with a bakery, cafe, and larder. Evenings will top off with licensed table and bar service, and weekends will include brunch.
Hollywood Cone
At SD we are firm believers that Toronto can never have enough ice cream! Hollywood Cone definitely fits the bill with their over-the-top, outrageous creations. While the dessert cafe is already open on Queen West, you can expect that the hype won’t die down anytime soon – it will definitely be an Instagram-worthy stop all summer long.
Hollywood Cone (Image: Instagram/@ayeshamanulla)
Nobu
Earlier this year, it was announced that celebrity-favourite Nobu would be opening up a Toronto location, the first Canadian outpost for the Japanese-fusion chain. While no exact dates have been announced yet, it’s likely we won’t see the restaurant open for a couple of more years, as the brand is building a hotel and residence to accompany the high-end eatery.
Which restaurant openings in Toronto are you most excited about? Did we miss any?
Featured Image: Flickr/Jason Lam
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Clear your schedules this Family Day weekend because from February 17-20th, Casa Loma will be transformed into Belle and the Beast’s castle in celebration of the live-action Beauty and the Beast movie.
Throughout the course of the weekend, there’ll be tons of activities to take part in. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse nine costumes worn in the film, participate in interactive exhibits, view performances, and more. Plus, the event will be the only one in Canada to showcase original props used on the film set.
Image: Instagram/@DisneyStudiosCanada
Explore the beauty of the 103-year-old castle, commissioned by Sir Henry Mill Pellatt in 1914, while immersed in the story Beauty and the Beast.
During the Beauty and the Beast event, Casa Loma will be open from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm daily. Admission is $25 for adults 18-59, $20 for youth 14-17, $15 for Children 4-13, and $20 for seniors 60+.
Visitors can purchase tickets at the event or in advance here.
Featured Image: Instagram/@fransanglo
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