Toronto 
If you’re looking for something fun to do this Halloween, why not trade crowded haunted houses for a drive through the countryside, where giant spiders, funny characters and quirky hay bale creations might be waiting around the next bend?
Credit: Amaranth Township
Just about an hour from Toronto, you can take a free road trip through the rolling countryside of Amaranth Township in Dufferin County, where residents have been busy turning ordinary farm bales into imaginative roadside sculptures.
The Amaranth Bale Trail is back for its sixth year, and with Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, you have one last weekend to enjoy this charming fall tradition.
And the best part? It won’t cost you a thing!
A Halloween Treasure Hunt Through the Countryside
Credit: Amaranth Township
Pack a few snacks, grab a warm drink, bring the kids or your favourite road-trip companion, and head out to see what you can discover.
Instead of visiting a single attraction, you’ll follow a self-guided route along Amaranth’s rural roads, looking for decorated hay bales displayed at farms, homes and other properties.
You might spot a giant spider, a silly animal or a familiar character brought to life with hay, paint and a little imagination.
Over the years, the trail has featured everything from playful creations to Halloween-themed displays. You never quite know what will appear around the next corner, which is half the fun.
If you’re travelling with children, give them the map and let them help navigate. You can turn the drive into a little treasure hunt, counting how many sculptures you find and choosing your favourites along the way.
Don’t forget your camera. You’ll probably want a few photos!
The displays are part of a friendly community competition, with entries in four categories: Animals/Bugs, Food, Characters and Flowers/Plants. Winners are selected based on creativity, construction, appearance and materials, with results announced in November.
Make a Day of It
Credit: Amaranth Township
You don’t need tickets, reservations or a strict schedule to enjoy the Bale Trail. Simply download the map, pick your route and explore at your own pace.
You’ll get to enjoy peaceful country roads, farmland and autumn scenery as you travel between stops. You may even come across a farm stand where you can pick up some fresh local produce.
If you have a little extra time, why not stretch your outing into a full fall day trip?
You could enjoy a scenic hike at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, take a peaceful lakeside walk at Island Lake Conservation Area, or explore the wetlands and birdwatching opportunities at Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area. All three are located approximately 20 km from central Amaranth, though in different directions.
Or, if you’d rather keep things leisurely, enjoy the bale displays, stop for a bite to eat and take the scenic route home.
It’s a lovely way to enjoy the last days of October without spending much money or planning an elaborate outing.
Plan Your Halloween Bale Trail Road Trip
Credit: Amaranth Township
Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive family outing, a relaxed fall date or simply an excuse to get out of the city, the Amaranth Bale Trail is a fun little adventure to add to your Halloween weekend.
Remember that many displays are on private properties, so admire them from appropriate public areas, drive carefully on country roads and respect the residents who have put so much effort into creating them.
So grab your favourite warm drink, put on a cozy sweater and head out for one last October road trip. You never know what you’ll find waiting beside the next country road!
When: Throughout October 2026, including Halloween, Saturday, October 31.
Where: Various locations throughout Amaranth Township, Dufferin County, Ontario
Cost: Free
Getting there: Approximately one hour from Toronto, depending on your starting point and traffic
How to visit: Download the trail map and follow the participating locations on a self-guided drive.
Map: 2026 Amaranth Bale Trail Map
