October is the perfect time to revel in autumn leaves, eerie encounters, haunted pathways and unforgettable frights. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly Halloween fun, heart-pounding haunted attractions, magical markets, ghostly adventures or the latest Hollywood horror movie, Vaughan is packed with ways to celebrate the scary season.

When it comes to Halloween, there’s no better place to start than Canada’s Wonderland (1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr.). Canada’s premiere theme park is hosting two major Halloween events between Friday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 1. The family-friendly Tricks and Treats and the higher intensity nighttime Halloween Haunt offer something for everyone!

Running on select days between Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Nov 1, Tricks and Treats is a family‑friendly daytime Halloween event. Guests can celebrate the season with festive activities, seasonal treats and Halloween‑themed fun throughout the park. The event features activities for all ages, including a Halloween costume parade, live shows, meet‑and‑greets with Halloween characters, seasonal food and candy, select rides and more!  It’s a perfect way for families to trade October chills for tasty thrills.

For the older crowd, running on select nights between Friday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 1, Halloween Haunt returns to Canada’s Wonderland! The theme park transforms into a scream park filled with unforgettable thrills like The Conjuring: Beyond Fear immersive attraction. Face your fears in terrifying scare zones and haunted mazes, encounter hundreds of monsters, enjoy thrilling night rollercoaster rides and amazing live shows. Haunted mazes require a Haunted Attractions Pass. All season options will also be available for Season Passholders and Members.

Scary eats? Absolutely! If all those thrills have helped work up an appetite, Canada’s Wonderland serves up a frightfully fun menu during Halloween Haunt, featuring creepy creations and themed cocktails.

Celebrate the Halloween spirit with frightful activities at Kortright Centre for Conservation (9550 Pine Valley Dr.). Kreepy Kortright features a haunted house, an eerie forest walk, Halloween activities, a bonfire and more. It’s blood-curdling fun for children 10 and under (children must be accompanied by an adult). Be sure to come dressed for the weather. It runs from Friday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 18, Thursday, Oct. 22 to Sunday, Oct. 25, and Thursday, Oct. 29 to Friday, Oct. 30 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Visit Kortright’s website to get your advance tickets.

Hotel haunt? Even without spider webs or haunted hallways, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Vaughan (231 Cityview Blvd.) makes a fantastic October getaway thanks to its comfortable accommodations and convenient location near Kortright and many other Vaughan attractions.

Do you dare to explore Toronto’s most iconic haunted village? After dark this fall, The Village at Black Creek (1000 Murray Ross Parkway) transforms into a place of shadowy figures, phantom footsteps and chilling encounters. The Ghosts of the Village at Black Creek  is a 75-minute guided tour where you’ll step inside historic buildings and hear the true stories of those who never left. Climb the stairs of Second House, where something still lingers. Enter the Manse (if you dare), where an angry presence makes itself known. And brave Burwick House, where a grieving spirit may still be searching for her child. Flashlights are provided. Nerves are not. Not recommended for young children or easily frightened adults. Tickets are vanishing now.

Seeking a monstrous meal? No problem, you can grab a quick bite at the on-site pavilion food and drink or snack shack before venturing on your ghost walk. The real feast at Black Creek is the atmosphere.

Now, if getting scared isn’t your thing, something magical is brewing this Samhain season on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to  5 p.m. Gather your witchy friends and experience a magical day of community, creativity and seasonal fun! It’s the Halloween Witches Market at The Village at Black Creek Museum. This event is a festive indoor market filled with magical vendors, tarot and intuitive readings, spiritual and wellness offerings, and free magic all day long. There’s even a themed Halloween photo wall, along with live workshops and magical experiences.

Scary snacks? You bet! No Halloween outing is complete without a few seasonal treats. While you browse the Halloween Witches Market, warm up with cozy fall drinks and indulge in a tempting selection of faint-worthy snacks for your little ghosts and goblins.

SCREEMERS pop-up at Assembly Park (80 Interchange Way) includes seven haunted walk-through mazes featuring more than 120 live actors. Admission includes unlimited rides on the Midway of Madness, along with a Food Truck Eatery area to satisfy your hunger pains. And just in case you’re scared of rain…it’s not an issue. Screemers is housed under a huge 15,000-square-foot open tent, featuring realistic props and stage shows to entertain you. Running from Friday, Oct. 9 to Saturday, Oct. 31, it’s a high startle, high scare event that is recommended for “victims” 10 years of age and older. Costumes are welcome, but please note costume masks will not be allowed inside mazes.

Perfectly positioned for the scares! The Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Vaughan (150 Interchange Way) puts you just minutes from the heart of the action. Located near Assembly Park, it’s an ideal home base for anyone planning a night at Screemers.

Not every Halloween adventure needs haunted houses and jump scares. Sometimes, you can celebrate the season by settling into a plush theatre seat, grabbing a bucket of popcorn and letting Hollywood do the terrifying. Whether you’re revisiting a horror classic, catching the latest blockbuster or introducing someone to their very first scary movie, Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan (3555 Highway 7 W.) and Imagine Cinemas (1 Promenade Circle) are the perfect places to enjoy a few cinematic chills. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself checking over your shoulder on the way back to your car.

Spine-tingling scares! Family-friendly fun! Magical markets!  Vaughan is the place to celebrate Halloween this season. Gather your favourite little ghouls and goblins, make some unforgettable memories and enjoy a hauntingly good time. And always remember to check out visitvaughan.ca for information everything Vaughan has to offer.

As you explore all that Vaughan has to offer, don’t forget to tag us at #VisitVaughan and follow us on Instagram at @visitvaughan!