Kingston 
Walking through a haunted attraction is one thing. Doing part of it blindfolded, with little more than your other senses to tell you what is ahead, raises the stakes considerably.
Credit: Fort Henry
That is the idea behind The Following, the major Halloween attraction at Fort Fright 2026, running on select nights from October 2 to 31 at Fort Henry in Kingston.
The setting does much of the work here. Instead of a temporary haunted-house structure, visitors move through the 18th-century garrison and National Historic Site’s outdoor grounds, uneven pathways and Dry Ditch Maze, with animatronics, immersive sets, costumed scare actors and effects creating the scares.
What is new for 2026?
The Following is a new haunted maze within the Interactive Parade Square and is restricted to visitors 16 and older.
Participants enter a trial to join a secret society, but there is a catch: you complete it blindfolded. The 3-to-5-minute experience involves following a handrail with your right hand, navigating ramped elevation changes and walking while crouched in some sections.
Consider that physical component before joining, especially if you have mobility concerns.
Want it scarier, or considerably less scary?
Thursday is the night for visitors who want to increase the difficulty. Dark Nights, held October 8, 15, 22 and 29, switch off the attraction lighting. Visitors navigate using only a flashlight issued by Fort Fright.
At the opposite end, a $5 Scare Shield tells actors not to direct scares at you. It can be switched off if you change your mind.
The regular event itself is not recommended for children. Guests under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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What is included?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the main experience, though you can stay longer in the Interactive Parade Square.
Your ticket covers the full haunted attraction, including activities in the Advanced Battery Waiting Area, Dry Ditch Maze and Interactive Parade Square. There are also games and experiences to try while waiting, plus the rather less threatening opportunity to chat with Dora the Talking Skeleton.
Fort Fright uses a virtual queue. Scan the QR code onsite and you will receive a text when it is time to enter, leaving you free to explore the waiting-area activities rather than simply standing in line.
Photography is permitted in the Advanced Battery Waiting Area and Interactive Parade Square, but not inside the Dry Ditch Maze.
Can you eat there?
Yes. BeaverTails and Mrs. Henry’s Treat Shop provide food and treats onsite, while the Commissariat Store Gift Shop is also open.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted, so factor onsite purchases into the evening if you expect to eat during your visit.
You may like to visit Pumpkinfernos: Lighted Pumpkin Displays
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What should you know before going?
Treat this as an outdoor October activity rather than an indoor haunted house. Fort Fright operates rain or shine, and much of the route follows uneven gravel pathways. Dress for the weather and wear footwear suited to uneven ground.
Wheelchairs are available from Fort Henry, although an all-terrain wheelchair is recommended for guests who require one because of the terrain.
Costumes, face masks, face paint, fake weapons and backpacks are prohibited. Groups enter the attraction with up to five people, and there is no re-entry.
What You Need to Know – Fort Fright 2026
What:
The Fort Fright scare attraction presents a nightmarish realm of creatures and monsters through the use of more than 50 movie-style, quality animatronics, dynamic special effects, intense sound and lighting and a large number of costumed scare actors.
Dates: October 2 to 4, 8 to 11, 15 to 18 and 22 to 31, 2026
Hours: Opening times vary between 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; the event runs until 11 p.m.
Dark Nights: Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22 and 29. General admission is $35 plus HST.
The Following: New for 2026 and restricted to ages 16+.
How long: Allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for the experience. Visitors may remain in the Interactive Parade Square longer.
Admission: General admission is $25 plus HST from October 2 to 11 and $30 plus HST later in the month. Military admission is $20 or $24 depending on the date.
Local Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College and RMC students pay $20 with valid ID.
Scare Shield: $5 plus HST.
Tickets: Online only, non-refundable and non-transferable.
Weather: Runs rain or shine. Extreme weather may result in cancellation.
Where: Fort Henry, 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston, Ontario
Accessibility: The experience is primarily outdoors on uneven gravel. Fort Henry wheelchairs are available, while an all-terrain wheelchair is recommended for guests requiring wheelchair access.
Important: Fort Fright is not recommended for children. Guests under 13 require a parent or guardian.
Do you have a boxoffice or buy in advance?
https://www.forthenry.com/event/fort-fright/