1. On the two Saturdays leading up to Halloween, the Toronto Zoo presents the inaugural Halloween Howl. As the sun sets, the zoo comes alive with a showcase on wolves and how they communicate. First Nations members teach guests about the howling creatures through stories, song and traditional drumming. Participants are asked to howl at the end of the presentation and see if the real Arctic wolves respond. This outdoor event has limited space and takes place at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on both October 23 and 30. To register for the Halloween Howl, click here.
Boo at the Zoo also takes place this October, with entertainment at the Halloween Harvest Stage, a critters and costumes parade and a taste of the Boo Brew out of a cauldron.
2. Pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or decoration. Brooks Farms, located in Mount Albert, has pick-your-own pumpkins throughout the month of October. They also have markets with fresh seasonal fruit like apples and berries, veggies like sweet corn, asparagus and onions, tarts, pies and more. For other pumpkin patches around the GTA, check out our Pumpkin Picking guide.
3. Hands down, the best part of Halloween is designing or picking out that perfect costume. For some, costume choices were thought up last Halloween. If you’re still unsure and need some inspiration, check out Malabar in the Queen West neighb. Become a terrifying witch or gargoyle with their large selection of makeup and latex wounds. Though, I have no doubt that there will be many Michael Jacksons and Snookis roaming the streets. Spooky!
4. Instead of dining somewhere with a creepy décor, chow down on something terrifying. Dare your friends to have a taste of Banu's Don Balan -- translation: lamb testicles marinated in vodka and shallots. The unique fare will have your pals squirming in their seats. The noteworthy nuts aren't always available so make sure to call ahead. For other unusual delicacies, check out Jessica Pollack's article on creepy Halloween eats. For dessert, head over to Soma for some fall-inspired roasted pumpkin gelato. Jackelyn Crawford is hunting down some seasonal delights in her article, Halloween gourmet and specialty treats (Jackelyn’s article link here).
5. Candy cravings are easily filled on Halloween. Every drug store and supermarket around is stocked with goodies. In order to get the most cavity-inducing bang for your buck I recommend Bulk Barn. A few of the tasty creations are candy corn, pumpkin face and spook eyes gumballs, hard candy skulls, creamy caramels, juicy brain gummies, chocolate on a stick in the shape of ghosts, skulls, pumpkins and witches and a whole lot more. Check out the line up here.
6. In celebration of the brand new TIFF Bell Lightbox, the venue hosts a Halloween celebration with film screenings (of course), crafts and other family-friendly activities. Get your scare on with professional makeup artists on hand to create bloodcurdling looks and teach you how to do it at home. The Costume Factory is also around to help add zest to your Halloween costume. Watch freaky films like the silent, German classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Planet of the Vampires. Prices vary by activity, click here to learn more.
7. Scare yourself silly with one of Toronto's ghostly walking tours. The Exhibition Place definitely has a spooky history with the Horticulture building that was once used as a temporary morgue and the CNE midway, once a bloody battlefield during the War of 1812. Who knows what you will find lurking in the shadows. For more information, click on Haunted Walking Tour. Or, head over to the Distillery and listen to stories about ghost sightings and the horrifying history of the site. A Halloween treat is on offer at the end of the tour -- if you can make it to the end! For more information, click on Segway Distillery Ghost Tour.
8. If you like to feel the hair on the back of your neck rise, check out the blood-curdling mazes and 300 monsters roaming Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland. New this year is the Blood on the Bayou maze. People living along the Louisiana Bayou know what horrors lie within the water and on the surrounding banks. Exhibition Place is also hosting the popular horror theme park, Screemers, in the "Screem" Elizabeth building. The attractions include a haunted house, skull castle, an asylum for the criminally insane, a black hole, a manic maze and a 3D clown house. Curtain Chaos is the newest attraction and, let's just say, once you enter you'll wish you never had!
9. Try and keep your eyes on the screen with films about a game where even the winners are close to death, a supernatural presence that's captured on camera or a town with a returning serial killer. These movies can only be described as gruesome, gory and just plain disgusting. Some of the popular movie choices available at your local theatre during the month of October are: My Soul to Take, Paranormal Activity 2 and Saw 3D. Keep up to date with scary movies coming to a theatre near you,
10. For those who can't wait for October 31, celebrate the undead by participating in the Toronto Zombie Walk on October 23. More than 6,000 guys and ghouls wander the streets of Toronto looking for tasty brains. Costumes are a must as you drag your carcass around town. If you don't have your own fake blood, Bloody Mary is on hand to donate. So do what zombies do best: lurk around and drag your limbs to find your next meal.
11. Enter Toronto's real haunted castle for evil events starting on October 22. Dracula - A Love Story, based on Bran Stokers Dracula, takes place throughout Casa Loma. Follow the characters from room to room as they tell the gothic tale. If the story doesn't have you shivering, explore the estate with renowned ghost trackers Michelle Desrochers and Patrick Cross. There's an information session about ghost tracking, a look at the equipment used and then the hunt is on! Lastly, children are invited to a pumpkin carving contest. Contestants are asked to bring their most frightening and comical designs. Pumpkins, markers and craving knives are provided and everyone receives a trick or treat loot bag. For more information click here.
12. Sail around Toronto's harbour on a Halloween cruise ship hosted by Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines. The four-hour party starts right when your crew boards the boat. Make your way up the stairs to the Royal Salon & Bar to toast the night's festivities and then prepare for an evening of celebration with an onboard DJ. Finger foods are available like pizza, spring rolls, veggies and dip and chips and salsa. Costumes are encouraged as the best costume wins a prize. Learn more about this monstrous merrymaking by clicking here.
13. Celebrate Halloween like they did in the 19th century at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The historic village hosts Howling Hootenanny, a scary good time with a haunted maze and a creepy creature show. Other activities include pumpkin decorating, an apple slingshot and create-your-own trick or treat bag. The main stage hosts Dracula and a fire juggling act. Or, check out All Hallows Eve (not recommended for children under eight). This event is all about urban legends, with illusions, mind readings, channeling the dead and drinks like pumpkin beer.
Happy Halloween!
source: http://www.toronto.com/guide/halloween
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