The Blog

A scary sampling of events, destinations and activities around the province from October 26 to November 8, 2009.

#1 EVENT: Macbeth – Stratford Festival | Stratford, ON | October 28 or 31, 2009 | from $36

Take in The Bard’s chilling tale of ghosts, witches and murder in one of last two performances of Macbeth at this year’s edition of this world-renowned theatre festival. The tale “plunges [us] into a nightmare world of eternal darkness and terror” – a fitting theme for this Night of Spirits. If theatre is your thing, you can also arrange backstage or warehouse tours and get a behind the scenes look at the festival’s costumes, props and inner workings.

#2 EVENT: All Hallow’s Eve| Toronto, ON | October 30-31, 2009 @ 7-11pm | $25

Find out what spirits lurk in the dark corners of Black Creek Pioneer Village - a 19^th century village in the heart of Toronto – as this GTA tourism mainstay takes a somewhat hokey yet fun approach to Hallowe’en. Enjoy the cornerstones like ghost stories and haunted mazes along with a few twists like tarot card/tea leave readings, ghost photography or learn about death – Victorian style. Also, visit the newly established on-site brewery, Black Creek Brewery, and saddle up to their “Corpse Bar” to sample or take home a growler of Pumpkin Ale.

#3 EVENT: Tim Murton’s Twilight Zoo | Elora, ON | through October 31, 2009 | Various

Visit this quaint town in October and celebrate “Monster Month” featuring a number of intimate attractions like the rather eerie creations of accomplished artist and movie set designer Tim Murton. Also, experience the town at dusk on a guided lantern walk to hear spooky tales of the area’s past or take in the curious public art display, the Shadow Project. Cap off the night with drinks at the historic mill or catch the Rocky Horror Picture Show playing at the Gorge Cinema, just steps from the thundering Elora Gorge.

ACTIVITY: Old Fort Erie Ghost Tours| Fort Erie, ON | October 30, 2009 | $9.25

Fort Erie is the site of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. This circa 1700s armament has historical significance for Canadians throughout the 7 Years War, War of 1812, Underground Railway and was even briefly base for 500 Irish Republicans who invaded Canada in 1866. All Hallow’s Eve is brought to “life” at this storied National Historic Site by the “Ghosts of the Old Fort”. Tour reservations are recommended.

PLACE: Inn At The Falls – William Mullock Room | Bracebridge, ON | $89-119

What better way to enjoy your stay at this comfortable and picturesque inn and spa than with some ghostly company. Rated by OntarioGhosts.com as one of Ontario’s top 13 haunted locations, Inn at the Falls embraces its spirituality. Book a stay in the William Mullock Room – reportedly the Inn’s most haunted – for a night of eerie encounters or, if you don’t dare, read about one ghost-hunter’s experience here.