What to do in Montreal for Halloween 2024: Our 5 best outing suggestions

Halloween is approaching; it’s time to get both young and old Montrealers ready for the candy hunt... but not just that! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, the city transforms into a festive playground filled with thrills, chills, and delightful surprises. Beyond the excitement of trick-or-treating, Montreal offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that invite everyone to embrace the spirit of the season. It's the only time of year where you can visit the haunted history and live the eerie legends of Montreal with your friends and family members. From haunted walks to creative workshops, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and enjoy this spooky time of year. Here are some of the best family activities to get everyone in the Halloween spirit before the big day is perfect for making memories and having fun together!

 

• Meet a witch at Île-des-Moulins in Terrebonne : A nighttime walk with a witch. That’s what awaits the brave who dare to visit Île-des-Moulins in Terrebonne on Friday and Saturday night. The horror theater production, 'The Dead Have Told Us: Witches,' is a walking play designed for horror story enthusiasts aged 13 and up. The event will take place rain or shine on an indoor and outdoor route. Reservations are required. When? On October 25 and 26, at 7 PM and 9 PM. Departures will take place from the bridge at Île-des-Moulins in Terrebonne."

 

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  Horror on the big screen : In addition to costumes and candy, Halloween is also synonymous with horror cinema. Several venues will be showcasing themed films in the coming days. First, Cinéma Public, located in Casa Italia on Jean-Talon Street in Montreal, offers a horrifying trio consisting of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Kaïro, and Mahakaal. Cinéma Moderne (5150 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal) will present classics such as Young Frankenstein, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Hour of the Wolf, and Carrie. Six other reliable favorites will be shown for free at Ciné-Parc Saint-Eustache on October 25 and 26 as part of !!Patloween!! IV. Six screenings of another favorite, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, are scheduled for October 31, November 1, and November 2 at the Rialto Theatre and Décarie Theatre. Finally, the SPASM Great Horror Night will take place on October 31 at Club Soda.

 

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  Chills at the Botanical Garden : The family is invited to the Montreal Botanical Garden to meet intriguing characters and discover the secrets of wand handling and potion-making. This year, there are two new additions to the Halloween Frights program: a show featuring Blandine, a little pattypan who wants to be scarier, and an enchanted outdoor maze. The Great Greenhouse, meanwhile, transforms into a magical place where two sorcerers, Kalbacius and Pétiole, teach plant magic to young and old alike. At the Montreal Botanical Garden, until October 31.

 

• The Addams Family is back at Espace St-Denis : The public can reconnect with the Addams clan just in time for Halloween. The musical, directed by René Simard, takes us into the eerie mansion of the family, whose members are more eccentric than the others. We find our favorite characters: Wednesday (Alexandra Sicard), her mother Morticia (Rita Tabbakh), and her father Gomez Addams (this time played by Bryan Audet). At Espace St-Denis, from Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, November 3.

 

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  A temporary (and spooky) village at Jean-Drapeau Park : Jean-Drapeau Park is transforming this weekend to offer an immersive Halloween experience. Join us in the shade of the Hélène-de-Champlain Pavilion and at the foot of Mount Boullé to discover the Black Moon village. Several family activities are on the agenda during the day: pumpkin decorating, candy distribution, and carnival games. In the evening, the bravest can enjoy a darker atmosphere, with food trucks and themed bars. Don't miss The Last Walk, an immersive haunted trail in the forest where you’ll discover the story of Angèle, a 7-year-old girl who mysteriously disappeared in 1934 during a carnival at Jean-Drapeau Park. This activity is for ages 16 and up, but younger children can walk the trail accompanied by a parent. At Jean-Drapeau Park (in the garden of the Hélène-de-Champlain Pavilion), from October 25 to 27. Access to the site and activities in the village are free. The Last Walk costs $15.

 

Montreal truly comes alive during Halloween, offering an impressive variety of activities that cater to all ages and interests. From haunted houses and theatrical performances to family-friendly events, the city provides an enchanting backdrop for both spooky thrills and delightful celebrations. Our five best outing suggestions highlight the unique charm and creativity that Montreal has to offer. Whether you're exploring the eerie corridors of a haunted mansion, enjoying a chilling outdoor experience, or partaking in community festivities, each option promises an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit. For those seeking a fright, the city's haunted attractions deliver a perfect blend of scares and entertainment. Meanwhile, family-oriented events ensure that even the youngest ghost hunters can partake in the fun, with activities designed to spark their imagination and creativity. Moreover, the vibrant arts scene in Montreal adds an extra layer of excitement, as local theaters and cinemas showcase horror classics and innovative performances that engage audiences in thrilling narratives. As you plan your Halloween festivities, remember that the magic of the season lies not just in the scares, but in the connections you make with friends and family. So grab your costumes, carve some pumpkins, and dive into the myriad of experiences Montreal has to offer. This Halloween, let the city be your playground as you create lasting memories that will keep you talking long after the season has passed. Embrace the spirit of Halloween and celebrate in style—Montreal is ready to welcome you with open arms and a few delightful frights!