Toronto 
If wandering through the woods lit only by glowing jack-o’-lanterns sounds like your kind of October night, the Royal Botanical Gardens has you covered.
Credit: RBG
The Royal Botanical Gardens is bringing back one of its most popular fall traditions this October, with two pumpkin-filled events designed for all ages.
The Great Pumpkin Trail will once again wind through Hendrie Valley, where hundreds of glowing jack-o’-lanterns will guide visitors along a one-kilometre route. The path begins in Hendrie Park and loops back after weaving through wooded trails. A shorter, accessible loop will also be available.
Beyond the pumpkins, visitors can expect towering seasonal displays, giant gourds, and entertainment scattered throughout Hendrie Park. Performers will take the stage under the Rose Garden tent, while games and activities keep families busy on the lawn. And because no fall evening is complete without food, vendors will be serving snacks, drinks, and full meals for purchase. Costumes aren’t required, but they certainly add to the fun.
Credit: Royal Botanical Gardens
The family-friendly event runs October 16–19 and 24–26, with timed entry starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25–27 for adults, $18–20 for kids, while toddlers get in free (registration still required).
For grown-ups looking to lean into the eerie, RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail offers an adults-only spin on October 23. From 6 to 11 p.m., Hendrie Park becomes a Halloween playground for the 19+ crowd, with music, entertainment, and seasonal sips served under the watchful eyes of glowing pumpkins. Tickets are $27, or $25 for students.
Both events are based at Hendrie Park, located at 680 Plains Road West in Burlington, with parking available at the RBG Centre. Overflow parking options will also be available nearby.
Tickets for the adult-only event are already on sale, while access to the Great Pumpkin Trail opens September 9 for members and September 11 for the public.
