It’s the last week of September and it’s finally starting to feel like sweater weather out there. Now that we’re officially on the cusp of October, we can dive shamelessly into our favourite spooky season activities. But, if you’re not quite ready for haunted houses and pumpkins, have no fear — there’s a lot more fun to be had in the city this week that isn’t Halloween-related. Toronto’s two-week dining event is still going strong and there’s a fun Berlin-themed wine pop-up to kickstart your Friday night, not to mention all the ongoing exhibits and attractions we have to enjoy.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Toronto this week!
HALLOWEEN HAUNT
The “scariest Halloween event in the Toronto area” is making a terrifying return at Canada’s Wonderland, and let this be your warning that this is not for the faint of heart. New attractions this year include the Kingdom of Carnage, Streets of the Undead, and The Farmstead, in addition to all the terrifying attractions from years past and of course, nighttime rollercoaster rides. You can book your tickets online here.
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr
When: September 24th — October 31st
DINE TOGETHER TORONTO
The city has kicked off a new local dining initiative with over 270 restaurants in Toronto participating. These eateries will be offering special feature menus for the next two weeks only and it’s the perfect chance to try something new. The prices range from $15 to $50 per person, not including drinks, taxes, and tip. You can even see a map of all the participating restaurants and the deals they’re offering.
When: Until October 3rd
Where: Various locations
PUMPKINS AFTER DARK
Drive your way through an enchanting tunnel filled with thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns. These pumpkins are hand-carved and there are live carving demonstrations so you can see how the pros create their masterpieces. If you want to get a head start on your Halloween bucket list, this award-winning annual tradition is a must!
Where: Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd
When: September 17th to November 7th
BEYOND MONET
This breathtaking exhibit is now open for the first time in the world — here’s a sneak peek so you know exactly what to expect. Over 400 of Claude Monet’s works come alive before your eyes through vivid 360-degree displays that swirl all around you, enhanced by sound effects and music. Forget the world and get lost the mind and masterpieces of this great painter.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
When: Hours vary
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FALL INTO FITNESS
Get moving in the fresh air with this fitness class among the fall foliage. These gentle exercises are accessible to everyone and are designed to help relieve your aches and pains while also improving your agility and strength. The classes will take place on the beautiful grounds of Toronto’s Botanical Garden, which is an ideal spot to enjoy the last of the warm weather.
Where: 777 Lawrence Ave
When: Every Tuesday from September 14th to October 19th
HALLOWEEN NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Back by popular demand, Nights of Lights is an immersive Halloween experience that promises to be even bigger and better than last year. You’ll get to drive through 2.2 kms of glowing laneways featuring over 1.5 million LED and RGB lights synchronized to your favourite spooky tunes. You’ll make your way through Trick or Treat Lane, a glowing “neighbourhood” filled with lights while costumed actors hand out candy from a safe distance.
Where: 6 Newkirk Rd
When: October 1st — October 31st
TORONTO BLUE JAYS VS. NEW YORK YANKEES
Show our Jays some love in the stands while you still can! There are different seating options to choose from, depending on whether you prefer to sit closer to the action or with social distancing measures in place. Now that baseball season is coming to a close, it’s about time you and the crew hit up a Jays game and cross it off your bucket list.
Where: Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way
When: Tuesday, September 28th — Thursday, September 30th
GO ON AN APPLE PICKING DATE
Nothing says “hello fall” like a trip to the apple orchard, and there are so many great apple picking spots and around Toronto. Make your way to the iconic Fill up on Gala and Cortland apples at Chudleigh’s in Halton Hills, and go for a cute tractor ride while you’re at it. Or if you’re looking for someplace extra scenic, Albion Orchards in Caledon was recently rated one of the best in Canada.
Where: Various locations
MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
Are you ready for an adventure? Enter the fascinating world of illusions which will trick your confidence in your own senses, but will also amazing you by doing so; the world that will confuse you completely, but also educate you. You will be thrilled because nothing is what it seems, especially not in the Museum of Illusions.
Where: 132 Front Street East, Toronto, ON
When: Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
BERLIN BAR DJ NIGHT
Get ready to toast to the weekend at this Friday night wine tasting bar, furnished with graffiti from the Berlin wall and cozy lounge seating. This bar will host a monthly DJ series in the courtyard, so you’ve got plenty of time to check it out. Plus, 50% off bottles of wine! Doesn’t get much better than that.
Where: 28 Bathurst St
When: Friday, October 1st
Let’s make it a good one, Toronto!
