Your Guide to Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland 2024

Welcome, fellow thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts! If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping, spine-chilling experience this October, you’re in the right place.

As a long-time Toronto resident, I have been to Canada’s Wonderland many times, but I had always wondered if Halloween Haunt was worth visiting.

So this year, I decided to head up there and find out all the details. In this article, I’ll share my review and all you need to know about visiting Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt in Toronto, Canada.

What is Halloween Haunt Wonderland?

Starting in October every year, Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto transforms from an amusement park in the day into a haunted wonderland at night.

While you will want to confirm specific dates and Halloween Haunt hours on the Canada’s Wonderland website, Halloween Haunt runs Thursday-Sunday evenings throughout October from 7 p.m. to midnight.

The last day to attend Halloween Haunt 2024 is Sunday, November 2.

A trip to Halloween Haunt includes access to many of the traditional roller coasters and amusement park rides at Wonderland, Halloween-specific attractions, mazes, and Scare Zones. Actors dress up in costumes and wander the park, scaring visitors and creating a fun ambiance.

While I did find Halloween Haunt to be surprisingly busy, I had a lot of fun walking through the park and checking out the wide variety of mazes, scare zones, and interactive rides designed to send shivers down your spine.

What Can I Expect at Wonderland’s Halloween Haunt?

This article will give you all the details for your visit to Halloween Haunt, but in summary you can expect.
✓ Wonderland transformed into a Halloween events including mazes, scare zones, shows, and rides
✓ 21 rides including several roller coasters
✓ Fog machines to create an eerie ambiance
✓ Staff dressed in zombie-like characters that jump out and chase visitors throughout the park
✓ Long lines and lots of teenagers and young adults
✓ Recommended for those age 13+

What is Included in the Halloween Haunt Wonderland Event?

1. Rides are Open During Halloween Haunt

Visitors to Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt often wonder, “Are rides open during Halloween Haunt?” The answer is yes!

Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland doesn’t just offer scares; you can also enjoy 21 rides, including roller coaster favourites like Tundra Twister, Yukon Striker, Behemoth, and Leviathan. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping coasters and spooky attractions.

While not every ride is open, you will be able to enjoy most of the rides during Haunt.

Splash Works water park, water rides, and the kids areas are closed during this event.

2. Halloween Haunt Mazes

There are a number of haunted mazes throughout the park, each with its own unique theme and terrifying surprises lurking around every corner.

When I visited, the lines were quite long, although they moved very quickly. I went through The Crypt, which was fun but not particularly spooky. The scariest moments came when someone jumped out at you.

I did not get a chance to go through the Cornstalkers or The Ruins, but I heard from other visitors to the park that these attractions are better than The Crypt.

3. Halloween Haunt Scare Zones

As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter lots of scare zones scattered throughout. These are mostly found at entrances to different areas of the park. Staff dressed in zombie-like costumes roam these zones, and fog machines create an eerie atmosphere that’ll keep you on edge.

I found the Scare Zones to be my favourite part of Halloween Haunt. I thought the actors did an excellent job scaring visitors and staying in character. The costumes were great, and these monsters would sneak up and scare you (or chase you) at the most unexpected times.

4. Halloween Interactive Rides

There are several immersive rides, like “Zombies!” that appear to be a lot of fun! I did not, however, get to go on these rides as the lines were so long! C

learly, most visitors felt it was worth waiting in very long lines for these haunted Halloween experiences.

If I were to go again, I would head directly to these Halloween attractions as soon as I arrive and try to ride them before the crowds get too big.

5. Halloween Entertainment

Beyond the rides and haunted attractions, Halloween Haunt offers a wide variety of entertainment options.

From live shows to spooky performances, there are some excellent shows. Be sure to check out the times of each show in the Wonderland app, as the schedule varies depending on the day.

So, whether you’re seeking heart-pounding coaster thrills or spine-tingling scares, Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt has it all.

Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt Tickets

Now, let’s talk about how you can get your tickets for Halloween Haunt at Wonderland.

Halloween Haunt Ticket Options

There are a few ticket options to choose from, depending on your preferences. You can typically purchase a single-night admission ticket, which grants you access to all the haunted attractions, rides, and entertainment for one evening of spine-tingling fun.

Individual tickets can be purchased online for $49.99 plus processing fees. Season Pass holders can purchase a “Bring-A-Friend” ticket online for $39.99. They must enter their Season Pass number when they purchase the ticket.

Buy Your Halloween Haunt Ticket Online

The best time to buy your Halloween Haunt Tickets is if you purchase your 2025 Gold Season’s Pass between August and September, 2024. Not only do you get the 2025 season, you will get unlimited visits to Wonderland, Halloween Haunt and WinterFest for both 2024 and 2025. It’s great value!

If you don’t have a season’s pass, you will want to buy your tickets online in advance. This not only guarantees your entry but can also save you some money compared to purchasing tickets at the gate. The gate price is currently listed as $85.

Season Pass Holders: If you’re a season pass holder for Canada’s Wonderland, you might be in luck. Sometimes, there are special offers or discounts available exclusively to season pass holders for Halloween Haunt.

For those holding a Gold Pass, unlimited Halloween Haunt entry is already included with this pass.

Fast Lane Pass Tickets

If you want to make the most of your visit and minimize wait times for the popular attractions, consider adding a Fast Lane Pass to your ticket. This pass lets you skip the regular lines on some of the rides and haunted attractions, ensuring you experience more thrills in less time.

The Fast Lane passes are an additional fee on top of your entry ticket. Fast Lane passes for Halloween Haunt cost $110 on Thursdays and $125 on Fridays and Saturdays.

If you are going to Halloween Haunt on a Friday or Saturday and you can afford it, I would certainly consider the Fast Lane pass for this event.

I believe lines for Haunt are longer than the lines for rides during the regular season at Wonderland, and it will be impossible to go through all the mazes and many rides in a single night without the Fast Lane pass.

If you do purchase the pass, you will need to line up inside the park to redeem your ticket for a lanyard. This line was also long, so I recommend getting to the park early and heading straight inside the park to line up and pick up your fast passes.

Parking at Halloween Haunt

Halloween Haunt parking costs $30 in the Wonderland parking lot.

Halloween Haunt Age Restrictions

A common question is if there are age restrictions for Halloween Haunt. Canada’s Wonderland does not recommend this event for children under the age of 13. However, it is up to the parents’ discretion. Keep in mind that Halloween Haunt is known for its intense scares and horror themes.

In my personal opinion, I do not feel Haunt is appropriate for younger children, and I think the recommendation of 13 years is an appropriate one. There may be some exceptions for 10+, but if you are thinking Haunt is a Halloween party where children can dress up in costume for Halloween, you may have the wrong impression of this event.

Beyond the scare factor, there are a lot of young adults wandering through the park. They are being teens – screaming, laughing, being silly, having fun – and they are not watching out for young children. It’s one of the few Halloween events in the city that is ideal for teenagers.

For much younger children, Camp Spooky is open during regular park hours in the daytime. I highly recommend visiting Canada’s Wonderland Theme Park during regular hours for children under the age of 10.

Halloween Haunt Operating Dates and Times

Halloween Haunt typically runs on select nights throughout the spooky season, from late September through October.

Halloween Haunt generally runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. It usually opens at 7 p.m. and closes at midnight. It is important to check the official website for specific dates and times.

On dates where Wonderland is open to guests in the daytime, the park will close at 5 p.m. and everyone will need to exit the park. Haunt is considered a new event and will require a specific Halloween Haunt ticket to enter.

Visitors can enter the park for Halloween Haunt 30 minutes before the rides open, so arriving early is highly recommended. When I spoke with the security guards during my recent visit, they highly recommended arriving at 6:30 to go through security and get on the rides and attractions early.

Be sure to check the park’s official website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and dates before you head out for a night of thrills and chills!

Rules and Guidelines to Enter Halloween Haunt

Before you head to Halloween Haunt at Wonderland, it’s essential to be aware of some important rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Halloween Haunt Bag Policy

Halloween Haunt enforces a very strict bag policy. You cannot bring bags or backpacks into the park during the event. However, small clear bags smaller than 2”x12”x6” are permitted.

Very small, non-clear clutches no larger than 5”x8”x2” are also allowed. There are no exceptions to this rule, so plan accordingly.

I observed many visitors turned away at security for bringing bags and having to find alternative storage since there are no lockers available outside of the park.

Can you Wear Costumes to Halloween Haunt?

No. While dressing up is a big part of the Halloween spirit, guests are not allowed to wear make-up or costumes at Halloween Haunt.

If you arrive at the park in costume or with a painted face, you will not be permitted entry. This rule ensures the safety and security of all guests.

No Re-entry to Halloween Haunt

Unlike the regular daytime ticket, once you leave the park during the evening, you cannot re-enter. I saw several people who had made this mistake and were forced to stand outside the gates waiting for friends to exit.

You will want to make sure you have everything you need before you enter, as leaving for any reason will mean you won’t be able to return to the event.

Last Entry

It’s important to arrive at Halloween Haunt prior to 11 p.m. (10 p.m. on Thursdays). This ensures that you have enough time to enjoy all the attractions and experiences the event has to offer before it concludes for the night. Guests arriving after this time will not be permitted entry to the park.

Is Halloween Haunt Wonderland Scary? 

The level of scariness at Halloween Haunt can vary from person to person. One of the most frightening aspects of the event is the staff, who dress up in various costumes and actively engage with guests by chasing or surprising them as they explore the grounds.

Wonderland staff members are often dressed as zombie-like monsters and can provide intense jump scares.

Additionally, some of the haunted mazes at Halloween Haunt can be quite terrifying for certain individuals. Inside these mazes, characters often jump out at you from behind props and deliver startling screams to heighten the fear factor.

It’s important to note that everyone has a different tolerance for scares, and what one person finds frightening, another might not.

To accommodate varying comfort levels, Halloween Haunt offers “No Boo” necklaces for purchase. These necklaces serve as a signal to the actors not to directly yell at or chase individuals wearing them, allowing guests to enjoy the event at their own pace and comfort level.

In summary, while Halloween Haunt does have elements that can be genuinely scary, your experience will depend on your personal tolerance for fear and your willingness to embrace the spine-tingling atmosphere of the event.

How Long are the Lines at Halloween Haunt?

The length of lines at Halloween Haunt can indeed vary, but it’s not uncommon for them to be quite lengthy. During my visit, the lines for some rides, particularly the Halloween attractions, were so long that I did not want to wait in them.

I did find that the lines for entry and some of the mazes tended to move relatively quickly, so guests didn’t have to wait too long. However, the lines for the rides and the haunted attractions were considerably longer and slower.

In some cases, wait times for rides and haunted attractions ranged from approximately 30 minutes to as long as 90 minutes. It’s worth noting that wait times can vary depending on the night you visit and the popularity of specific attractions.

Planning your visit strategically, such as arriving early or using a Fast Lane Pass, can help you make the most of your time at Halloween Haunt despite the long lines.

Is Halloween Haunt Worth It? 

My answer to the question, is Halloween Haunt worth it is maybe. The answer largely depends on your preferences and expectations. It’s important to consider a few factors before making your decision.

Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland can be a very busy event, with notably long lines for rides. While the scare zones provide a thrilling experience, some visitors may not find the mazes as impressive.

If you’re a fan of the park’s regular season, which includes access to all rides and Splash Works for one entry price, you might see more value in visiting during the regular day and season.

However, Halloween Haunt can be a great choice for teens and young adults who enjoy being scared and going on rides.

There are limited Halloween events in Toronto that cater specifically to this age group, making Halloween Haunt a unique experience for them. During my recent visit, I spoke with some teenagers who were having a blast and weren’t bothered by the lines at all.

If you decide to attend Halloween Haunt, arriving early, prioritizing haunted attractions, and using the Canada Wonderland app and guide to plan your visit can help you make the most of your time.

While it may not be for everyone, Halloween Haunt can provide a fun evening of entertainment for those seeking a unique and spooky experience. Ultimately, whether it’s worth it depends on your personal preferences and the kind of Halloween adventure you’re looking for.

Spooky Fun at Wonderland’s Halloween Haunt

In conclusion, Halloween Haunt at Wonderland offers a fun and thrilling experience for those seeking spine-tingling scares and spooky entertainment. The level of scariness can vary, with some visitors finding the scare zones and mazes genuinely frightening. Long lines for rides and haunted attractions are common, but early arrival and strategic planning can help you make the most of your visit.

From the eerie attractions to the haunted mazes to the thrilling rides and entertaining shows, this hauntingly good event is a must-see.

Now that you’re informed about what to expect and what’s expected of you, get ready for a night of spine-tingling thrills and chills!

So, grab your tickets, prepare for the fright of your life, and spend the night uncovering the secrets of Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland!

Before You Go: Learn More About Canada’s Wonderland

Now that you’ve read this post and have decided to visit Halloween Haunt, you may be interested to learn more about Canada’s Wonderland Amusement Park and Wonderland’s water park, Slash Works.

WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland is also a fantastic annual holiday event worth visiting with friends, family, or even a first date.

And for those coming from out of town, you may want to consider booking accommodation close to Wonderland. My post describing where to stay near Wonderland will give you my top hotel picks for the area.