9 Spooky Activities You Can Do during Ottawa’s Halloween

All Hallows Eve is quickly approaching, and you can expect to see plenty of spooky decorations to show up around the city. While the idea of Halloween can be frightening to some, we Ottawans use this as a time to show off our community spirit. 

The season is ripe for plenty of spine-chilling activities that you can enjoy with both your friends and family. Here are a few activities you can do to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit in Ottawa.

Explore Ottawa’s eerie landmarks with Haunted Walk Tours.

Ottawa is Canada’s charming and historic capital, known for its long past and beautiful buildings. But there’s a darker, more strange side to the city that you can explore with Haunted Walk Tours.

Believe it or not, Ottawa has a bit of history, myth, and the supernatural in it. It’s going to be a fascinating trip into the dark past of the city, regardless if you believe in ghosts or not.

The trip explores quite a lot of places, but the Ottawa Jail Hostel is one of my favorite landmarks to visit. This historic house has a spooky past owing to its history as a place that contained some notorious criminals. 

You’ll get chills when you hear stories about its inmates and the strange things that happen inside its walls. It’s not just a walk; it’s a trip back in time to the haunting past of the city.

The Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa is another interesting choice. This walk takes you through downtown Ottawa and shows you some of the most haunted places in the city. 

From the spooky Bytown Museum to the ghost stories of Parliament Hill, it’s a trip you will never forget.

The guides on the Haunted Walk Tours are really what really makes the trip such an exciting experience. The way they explain the history of these buildings really shows just how passionate and knowledgeable they are about the city. 

These speakers are very good at mixing history and ghost stories, so you feel like you’re living a ghost story at every step of the tour. 

Their excitement and desire to give people a unique experience give the tour a personal touch that makes it even more enjoyable.

Take part in the Ottawa Zombie Walk.

I want you to picture this: hundreds, if not thousands, of participants from all walks of life, dressed in their best zombie attire, converging on Ottawa’s streets. 

The transformation is astonishing, as people go all out with gruesome makeup, tattered clothing, and an undead-inspired swagger. It’s a sight to behold!

That is the Ottawa Zombie Walk, an event that’s become a thrilling tradition here in the capital.

It is a delightfully eerie and macabre gathering that takes place annually, usually in the lead-up to Halloween. It’s a unique and somewhat ghoulish way for Ottawans to embrace their inner zombies and let loose in the heart of downtown.

The event typically kicks off at a central location, often somewhere iconic like Parliament Hill or City Hall. 

Participants gather, and as the sun sets, they embark on a “zombie march” through downtown Ottawa. The streets come alive with the undead, creating a surreal and haunting atmosphere that draws crowds of spectators and photographers.

What makes the Ottawa Zombie Walk truly special is the creativity on display. People don’t just throw on a pair of fake fangs and call it a day. 

No, they go all-in, with elaborate costumes, convincing makeup, and a commitment to staying in character throughout the event. You’ll encounter zombies of all kinds – from classic Romero-style undead to pop culture-inspired creatures.

The best part? The event often has a charitable component. 

Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make donations to support local charities. This further emphasizes the community spirit that makes Ottawa such a special place.

So, if you’re in town during the Halloween season and want to experience something truly unique and a bit spine-tingling, don your best Walking Dead attire and join in the Ottawa Zombie Walk. 

It’s an unforgettable experience that adds a thrilling twist to our city’s vibrant culture. And who knows, you might just stumble upon your own “zombie apocalypse” adventure in the heart of Ottawa!

Join the pumpkin carving events.

As the autumn leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, Ottawans can’t wait for Halloween. 

One of the most popular activities that we love to do during this season is to carve a pumpkin. There’s something magical about turning a regular gourd into a scary or funny piece of art.

Now, pumpkin-carving events happen all over the city, and they are for people of all ages and skill levels.

Many local farms in and around Ottawa host these activities for families. These are perfect for both you and your kids to have fun with one another. 

You can typically purchase your pumpkin right from the farm’s patch, and they often provide carving tools and a space to carve. Plus, these events often come with added attractions like corn mazes, hayrides, and delicious fall treats.

Some neighborhoods in Ottawa organize friendly pumpkin carving contests. It’s a fantastic way to bond with your neighbors and show off your artistic skills. 

Participants can display their masterpieces on their front porches, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the community.

Now if you’re looking to up your pumpkin carving game, keep an eye out for workshops and classes hosted by local artists and community centers. These sessions provide expert guidance, tools, and a chance to learn advanced carving techniques.

So whether you’re a seasoned pumpkin artist or just looking for a fun family activity, Ottawa’s carving events offer something for everyone. 

And the best part? Once your creation is complete, you can proudly display it on your doorstep to welcome trick-or-treaters and add a touch of autumn magic to your home.

Go on a spooky walk at the Experimental Farm.

The Central Experimental Farm is a well-loved place in Ottawa that is known for its lush greenery, research buildings, and educational programs. But when Halloween comes, the farm changes into a beautiful scene with ghosts, goblins, and other creepy things. 

The farm’s expansive grounds provide the perfect backdrop for this event. The towering trees, open fields, and old farm buildings take on an enchanting, almost eerie quality as they’re bathed in the soft glow of Halloween lights.

While walking through its pathways, you will find them lined with creatively carved pumpkins, casting a warm and inviting glow that leads you through the experience. It’s a fantastic showcase of local artistic talent and adds a touch of Halloween whimsy.

The spooky walk is designed with families in mind. It’s not about terrifying scares; instead, it’s all about creating a magical and slightly eerie atmosphere that’s suitable for children of all ages. 

You’ll find costumed characters, friendly witches, and even some gentle surprises along the way.

Throughout the walk, you’ll encounter interactive exhibits and displays related to Halloween and agriculture. These often have an educational twist, making it a great opportunity for kids to learn while having fun.

Lastly, the farm also has live entertainment such as musical plays and storytellers to make the atmosphere even more exciting.

One of the things I like about the spooky walk is that it’s a community-wide event. Volunteers and groups in the area give their time and ideas to make this Halloween really special.

I’ve been able to take my family on the spooky walk, and it’s always a night to remember. It’s a chance to celebrate the season, enjoy the cool air, and make memories with people you care about. 

Visit the Saunders’ Farm’s “Sawmill.”

Saunders Farm is renowned for its seasonal events, and come October, it undergoes a spine-chilling transformation. The Sawmill is one of the standout attractions during their Halloween celebrations.

Here’s what you can expect should you dare take the challenge.

You are tasked with exploring this major location as it could present some revolutionary finds for Ottawa. However, once you step foot into the dark corridors, you feel a sense of dread overtake you as you realize there’s a malevolent presence with you. 

This exploration trip soon turns into a struggle to survive as you and your friends try to make it out alive. Just make sure that you avoid the nightmarish creatures stalking you. 

If the description of the attraction hasn’t clued you in yet, the Sawmill is not for the faint of heart. This is a hair-raising journey through dark corridors, eerie scenes, and encounters with unsettling characters. 

The experience is designed to keep you on your toes and your heart racing as you try to find your way out of this chilling maze.

Compared to other similar activities, Sawmill is set apart by its incredible attention to detail. 

Saunders Farm goes all out to create a genuinely terrifying atmosphere. The combination of impressive set design, spine-chilling special effects, and dedicated actors in horrific costumes make for a Halloween adventure you won’t soon forget.

Every year, the theme changes to give everyone a unique and spine-tingling experience. You can check the Saunders’ Farm website to learn what you can expect from it this year.

Also, take note that this is NOT recommended for kids, especially those ages 12 and below. Some of the props and imagery that are shown in the maze can be on the more extreme side, so it’s best to look for a different activity for them. 

Take on Ottawa’s Escape Manor.

Throughout the year, Escape Manor is known for its exciting and fun activities. But as Halloween gets closer, it takes it to a whole new level, making the atmosphere electric with excitement.

As soon as you walk into Escape Manor on Halloween, you’ll feel the air change. The lobby and waiting areas become spooky, with eerie decorations, dim lighting, and maybe even a few scary treats that will send chills down your spine.

But when you step into one of their Halloween-themed escape rooms, that’s where the real magic happens. Here, you don’t just solve problems; you step into a world of horror, suspense, and mystery that was carefully made. 

When you take the challenge, you will be stuck in a haunted house, having to solve a creepy murder mystery, or going on a spine-tingling ghost investigation. 

Each room is a doorway into a different kind of scary world, so each one promises a different and exciting journey.

The best thing about Escape Manor is the way it tells stories. In its Halloween-themed rooms, you’re not just a player; you’re a part of a carefully crafted story. 

Your choices and actions become a part of how the story develops, which keeps you completely involved in the experience.

It’s amazing how well thought out everything is. The adventure feels more real because it has real props, real soundscapes, and even players in scary costumes. 

It’s like being in your own horror movie, and as you work through the obstacles, the lines between fiction and reality start to blur.

From my own experience, the Halloween-themed rooms at Escape Manor are a fun and exciting way to celebrate the season. 

It’s not just about scaring people; it’s also about the rush of adventure, the thrill of working as a team, and the pleasure of solving complicated puzzles under the pressure of the unknown. 

So, if you’re in Ottawa during Halloween and want a unique and maybe a little scary trip, you should go to Escape Manor. Just remember to book your spot ahead of time, because these rooms are quite popular around Allhallows Eve.

Go on a Halloween Pub Crawl.

The Ottawa Halloween Pub Crawl is a fun and lively event that makes our capital city feel festive and a little bit scary.

At this event, you can expect to join a huge crowd of other partygoers, all dressed up in the most creative and scary costumes you can think of. The Ottawa Halloween Pub Crawl is all about having fun and getting together to enjoy the season.

This event usually happens on the night of All Hallows Eve, and it’s a great way to enjoy the lively nightlife in Ottawa while getting into the mood. People go to a number of different pubs and bars around the city, each with its own atmosphere and drink deals.

What truly makes this event special are the participants themselves. You can expect to see partygoers in amazing outfits. 

Ottawa’s citizens and tourists really go all out for Halloween, and you’ll see everything from classic monsters to pop culture stars mixing and having a good time at the party. It’s a show that makes the night even more exciting to watch.

You will find many places that are decorated for Halloween and have live music. DJs will be playing some spooky music, and dance floors full of people moving to the beat in their creative costumes. 

Sooner or later, you’ll get caught up in the excitement of the night because the excitement is simply contagious.

One of the best things about this bar crawl is that it brings people together. It’s part of the fun to talk to other partygoers, and you’ll probably make new friends along the way. 

It’s a reminder of how Ottawa is known for being a place where people are friendly and helpful to each other.

I’ve been to the Halloween Pub Crawl before, and I can tell you that it’s a night full of dancing, laughing, and memories you’ll never forget. 

Whether you live in our city or are just visiting and want to celebrate Halloween here, this event is a fun and memorable way to do so.

Just make sure to plan your transportation wisely, because safety should always be your top goal when you’re out on the town. So, get your friends together, put on your scariest outfit, and join the Ottawa Halloween Pub Crawl for a night of scary fun!

Come and visit Cannamore Orchard’s ‘Acres of Terror.’

Acres of Terror is a chillingly delightful Halloween attraction nestled right here in Ottawa. 

Located at the Cannamore Orchard, this attraction is a must-visit for those who crave a good scare during the Halloween season. 

This family-owned orchard has been a cherished local institution for years, and it truly knows how to put on a hauntingly good show.

The star of the show at Acres of Terror is the haunted hayride. It perches you on a wagon, pulled by a tractor, and meandering through the eerie orchards in the dead of night. 

As you make your way through the moonlit apple trees, you’ll encounter a series of spine-chilling scenes and terrifying characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

But that’s not all – Acres of Terror offers a host of other creepy attractions to keep your heart racing. 

From a petrifying haunted house to a bone-chilling fog maze, it’s got it all. Each attraction is meticulously designed to provide a unique and unsettling experience that’s perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.

One of the aspects that make Acres of Terror so special is the passion and dedication of the Cannamore family and their team. 

They go above and beyond to create a truly immersive and terrifying experience. Their attention to detail is astounding, from the hauntingly realistic sets to the committed actors who bring the nightmares to life.

The first time my friends and I tried the Acres of Terror, I can tell you that it was an unforgettable adventure. 

We were screaming at the top of our lungs every time we encountered one of the terrifying ghosts, and our hearts were racing a hundred miles per hour as we navigated around the place. 

Not only that, the orchard takes on an entirely different persona at night, and you’ll find yourself both terrified and delighted by the spine-tingling surprises that await.

Go trick-or-treating with your kids and some friends.

Ottawa loves Halloween, and neighborhoods all over the capital city get into the spirit of the holiday. The porch lights, jack-o’-lanterns, and scary decorations on houses show that they are open for all trick-or-treaters.

The sense of community is one of the things that makes trick-or-treating in Ottawa so fun. 

Neighbors often meet up on Halloween to say hello, praise each other’s costumes, and share in the fun of watching kids get candy. It’s a warm-hearted event that gets people together and makes them feel like they belong.

As you walk through the many different parts of Ottawa, you’ll see a huge range of outfits. 

Trick-or-treaters in Ottawa come dressed as everything from witches and ghosts to superheroes, princesses, and even some cleverly made costumes they made themselves.

But Halloween isn’t only about costumes; it’s also about food! Residents of Ottawa are known for being kind, so you’ll probably get a variety of candies, chocolates, and maybe even some special treats from the area, like maple candies or home-baked goods.

Safety is the most important thing in Ottawa on Halloween. Many neighborhoods and police departments offer safety tips and rules for trick-or-treating to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time. 

Parents and guardians often walk with their young children to make sure they stay safe on the streets.

So, whether you live in Ottawa or are just visiting, if it’s Halloween and you’re there, put on a costume and go trick-or-treating. It’s an event that makes people smile, laugh, and feel like they belong in our great city.