Halloween House Party: Two Amazing Halloween Haunts in North America
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The best haunted attractions are those in authentically spooky spaces—real settings that trigger our deep-seated fears. Toronto and Philadelphia offer two such places that become seasonal haunts each October.
Casa Loma, Toronto
What better place for a haunt than in a castle? Casa Loma sits atop an escarpment overlooking Toronto. Built by electric energy baron Sir Arthur Pellatt in 1914, the sprawling structure combines disparate styles to create the fantasy of a Gothic Revival castle. Its luxurious interior and medieval exterior have made it a popular filming location for numerous movies and TV shows.
Throughout the year, Casa Loma offers visitors an interesting look into wealthy lifestyles from a century ago. Then, each October, staff transforms the castle into “Legends of Horror.” Starting at dusk, visitors walk a two-kilometer path through the lower gardens, terrace, corridors, castle tunnels, and carriage house. As in most haunts, you encounter eerie décor, jump scares, and spooky scenes featuring live actors. One year, I was chased by a 10-foot-tall monster across the terrace—maybe the scariest but most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had at a Halloween haunt. My favorite scene was the subterranean boiler room, which had been converted into the Phantom of the Opera’s lair with an unexpected jump scare.
Halfway through the walk, you reach the castle’s lounge and bar selling themed cocktails and snacks. Here you can take a break from the onslaught of frights before gathering your courage to proceed. The lounge made the experience extra enjoyable.
Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was the world’s first penitentiary, built in the 19th century as a bold experiment in justice reform. It’s difficult to imagine that this once represented the epitome of compassionate incarceration. The guided tours throughout the year are fascinating, but the five haunted houses that run from October through early November take the experience to the next level.
“Dark Tides” is an aquatic-themed haunt featuring deep-sea creatures, sirens, and a creepy fishing town
“Big Top Terror” recreates a funhouse with disturbing clowns
In the “Machine Shop” you’ll encounter an industrial-themed maze filled with clanking machinery
“Nightmares” features a psychological haunt that brings classic fears to life
Filled with vampires this time around, “The Crypt” winds through subterranean maze
Being inside the prison corridors and cell blocks creates a chilling mood for the frights that unfold. An atmosphere of dilapidation and decay hangs over the faux medieval complex, heightening your anxiety. Themed bars and lounges (such as the Speakeasy in Al Capone’s actual cell), live performances, and exhibits enhance the experience.
I like to go early when the venues open, book tickets for the middle of the week on a date not close to Halloween, and pay the extra fee to avoid waiting in line. This helps ensure fewer crowds and better scares. If you can get to Philadelphia or Toronto in October, I recommend checking out these extraordinary haunted attractions.
Jon O’Bergh is a Canadian-American author and musician with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California at Irvine. He has written three horror novels, short stories for anthologies, and several non-fiction books. Aurealis Magazine listed his novel “Shockadelica” as one of the Reviewers’ Picks of 2022. His latest novel, “The Yōkai,” about demons in contemporary Japan, has been serialized on Substack.
