Last Updated: January 15, 2026
As the harvest moon rises over the Ottawa Valley and the morning mist clings to the cornstalks in Munster, a transformation begins. In Ottawa, October isn’t just a month; it is a theatrical season where the city’s historic jails, sprawling orchards, and quiet suburban streets trade their daytime charm for a darker, more delicious sense of dread.
The Halloween season in the National Capital Region is a robust ecosystem of “Scream Parks,” illuminated art installations, and psychological ghost tours that draw visitors from across the province. You can choose the high-production intensity of Saunders Farm’s Frightfest, the artistic wonder of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins at Pumpkinferno, or the spine-tingling history of a lantern-lit walk through the city’s downtown core. Whether you are a parent seeking a toddler-friendly corn maze under the autumn sun or a dedicated horror enthusiast looking for an industrial-grade scare, Ottawa’s Halloween lineup offers an experience for every level of courage.
In this guide, we navigate the “Big Three” attractions that anchor the season, explore the hidden neighborhood haunts that locals cherish, and provide the practical logistics you need to survive the legendary October crowds. From costume layering tips for -5°C nights to the local secret for booking the cheapest tickets, we’ve gathered the insights to ensure your Halloween in the capital hits the bullseye.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s Halloween scene is anchored by Saunders Farm (The Flagship), Pumpkinferno (The Artistic Choice), and Cannamore Orchard (The Traditional Haunt). Saunders Frightfest is the most intense, while daytime sessions at all farms cater to families. Book early—major events sell out weeks in advance. For the best value, watch for the Saunders Farm “early bird” sale in January/February.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎃 Top Attractions | Saunders Farm, Pumpkinferno, Cannamore Orchard |
| 💰 Price Range | $25 (Daytime) – $75+ (Nighttime peak) |
| 🚗 Distances | 30 min (Munster) to 90 min (Morrisburg) |
| 📅 Best Window | Late September to November 1st |
| 🥾 Essentials | Warm layers and waterproof boots for muddy farms |
| 🎟️ Booking | Pre-booked time slots mandatory for most |
The Big Three: Ottawa’s Halloween Giants
The region’s Halloween landscape is dominated by three major destinations, each offering a distinct “flavor” of fall entertainment.
Saunders Farm: The Ultimate Scream Park
Saunders Farm Frightfest features seven distinct haunted attractions and professional “Ghoul School” actors.
Located 35 minutes southwest of downtown in Munster, Saunders Farm is the undisputed heavyweight of Ottawa Halloween. Now in its 33rd year, the farm splits its season into the family-friendly “Haunting Season” (daytime) and the intense “Frightfest” (nighttime).
The Experience: Frightfest is an immersive ecosystem. The “Barn of Terror” is the crown jewel, consistently praised for its cinematic set design and narrative depth. The “Haunted Hayride” is a white-knuckle journey through the dark woods where costumed actors interact directly with the wagon. Unlike smaller haunts, Saunders uses professional actors trained through their own “Ghoul School,” ensuring the scares are theatrical rather than just “jumpy.”
Local Insight: “Saunders feels packed with long wait lines in late October,” is the most common review. To actually see all 7 attractions, you either need to visit on a Thursday night or invest in the “Fast Track” pass. Also, keep an eye out in January and February—the farm typically runs a flash sale where “anytime” tickets are sold for as low as $15-20.
- Location: 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster
- Best For: Thrill-seekers, teenagers, and high-production value fans.
- Warning: Frightfest is not recommended for children under 12.
Pumpkinferno: The Illuminated Masterpiece
Pumpkinferno features over 7,000 hand-carved, glowing pumpkins in a historic setting.
Located at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg (about 75-90 minutes from Ottawa), Pumpkinferno is the artistic soul of the season. It is a one-kilometre walking tour through a 19th-century village illuminated by thousands of intricately carved pumpkins.
The Experience: This is a “no-scare” event, making it the perfect choice for date nights and families with young children. The pumpkins are arranged into massive themed displays—from zodiac signs and underwater scenes to historical portraits. It is a sensory experience defined by soft orange glows and atmospheric music rather than chainsaws and screams.
Pro Tip: Because it is a timed-entry event on the river, it sells out weeks in advance, particularly for Saturday nights. Check the weather before you go; the wind off the St. Lawrence River can make it feel 10 degrees colder than it is in the city.
Cannamore Orchard: Acres of Terror
Cannamore Orchard’s ‘Acres of Terror’ is known for its traditional, high-intensity farm scares.
Located in Crysler (45 minutes east of Ottawa), Cannamore Orchard offers a more traditional, “raw” farm haunt experience that many locals prefer over the polished nature of Saunders.
The Experience: “Acres of Terror” features four main attractions: the Spooky Wagon Ride, House of Terror, Fog Maze, and Spooky Village. It is widely considered one of the scariest hayrides in the region because the actors are allowed to get much closer to the wagon.
- Best For: Families (Daytime), High-Intensity Thrills (Nighttime).
- Tip: “Bring a flashlight for the walk back to the parking lot—it gets truly dark out in Crysler.”
Downtown Chills: The Haunted Walk
If you prefer your ghosts to have a historical pedigree, the Haunted Walk of Ottawa is a must. Cloaked guides lead lantern-lit groups through the city’s most notorious spots.
Top Tours:
- The Jail Hostel Tour: Walk through the corridors of the old Carleton County Gaol, once the site of public executions and now considered one of the most haunted buildings in North America.
- The Original Haunted Walk: Explores the ghosts of the Bytown Museum and the hidden “dark side” of the downtown core.
- Vibe: Psychological and historical. It relies on storytelling and atmosphere rather than mechanical scares.
Regional Favorites: Skreamers & Neighborhoods
Skreamers (Proulx Farm)
Located in Cumberland (30 minutes east), Skreamers is the east end’s answer to Saunders. It is a charity-focused haunt that features a terrifying hayride and a haunted house. It is often praised for being more affordable than the larger farms while still delivering high-quality scares.
The “Halloween Houses” of Ottawa
Just as Taffy Lane is the king of Christmas lights in Orleans, several neighborhoods have developed legendary status for Halloween.
- Orleans: Look for elaborate displays near the Convent Glen area.
- ByWard Market: Hosts annual “Zombie Walks” and Day of the Dead celebrations (Oct 31–Nov 1).
Beginner’s Guide: Surviving an Ottawa Halloween
October weather in Ottawa is notoriously unpredictable. Here is how to prepare like a local.
1. Costuming for -5°C
“Build your costume around your coat, not the other way around.”
- Layering: Wear thermal underwear (long johns) under your costume.
- Footwear: Mud is the constant enemy at Saunders and Cannamore. Boots are mandatory; do not wear your favorite white sneakers to a farm haunt.
2. Safety and Etiquette
- Reflective Gear: If you are trick-or-treating in residential areas (The Glebe, Rockcliffe Park, or Westboro), use reflective tape on your costume or carry a glow stick. Ottawa drivers aren’t always expecting costumed kids on dark side streets.
- Neighborhood Timing: Trick-or-treating in Ottawa usually peaks between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Comparison: Ottawa Scream Parks at a Glance
| Feature | Saunders Farm | Cannamore Orchard | Proulx Farm (Skreamers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Vibe | High-Production/Theatrical | Traditional/Intense | Charity/Community |
| Best For | Immersive Sets | Scary Hayrides | East End Locals |
| Crowd Level | Very High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Scare Level | High | Very High | High |
| Daytime Option | Yes (PumpkinFest) | Yes (Acres of Terror) | Yes (Pumpkin Fest) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which event is best for toddlers? A: Saunders Farm “Haunting Season” (daytime) and Pumpkinferno are the top choices. They offer visual wonder and gentle farm activities without the intense scares.
Q: Do I need to book in advance? A: Yes. Since 2021, almost all major attractions (Saunders, Pumpkinferno, Cannamore) require pre-booked, timed-entry tickets. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated on October weekends.
Q: What happens if it rains? A: Most farm events are “rain or shine.” However, if conditions become dangerous (lightning or high winds), they may close. Check the venue’s social media pages—they are very active with weather updates in October.
Q: Is there a “cheap” way to experience Halloween? A: Neighborhood trick-or-treating in the Glebe or Rockcliffe Park offers incredible free decor. For attractions, the Haunted Walk often offers mid-week discounts that are much cheaper than weekend sessions.
Final Summary
Halloween in Ottawa is a season of spectacular duality: the cozy, cider-scented days of pumpkin picking and the pulse-pounding, lantern-lit nights of world-class scares. Whether you are marvelling at the illuminated artistry of Pumpkinferno or running from a chainsaw at Saunders Farm, you are participating in a local tradition that celebrates the best of our city’s autumn spirit. Dress warmly, book early, and embrace the spooky side of the capital.
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