While you may know Kingston for its grand 19th-century architecture and historic charm, you may not know that it’s also the perfect getaway for spooky season.
The ‘Limestone City’ is pretty all year round, but it really shines brightest in autumn. Visualize picturesque boulevards strewn with leaves, brightly coloured trees along a moody coast, and carved pumpkins in gilded storefronts.
Aside from its Hallmark movie set appeal, there’s a spooky side lurking under the surface. Take a tour on the dark side and discover haunted hotels, abandoned asylums, and an old military fort with some unsettling inhabitants.
Kingston in fall has loads of activities that are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit – some scarier than others.
Here are 5 things to do across Kingston in fall for ghostly vibes and spooky fun.
Pumpkinferno
We’ll start things off with an attraction that’s suitable for all ages! Kingston’s third annual Pumpkinferno will be transforming the historical site of Kingston Penitentiary into a mesmerizing world of light and wonder.
Take a stroll through the exhibit of over 7,000 glowing artificial pumpkins in dazzling shapes and sizes. You can visit this enchanting exhibit from September 29th to October 29th.
Fort Fright
Have you ever been to a haunted house – inside a historic fort? Test your courage at Fort Fright, taking place at the national historic site of Fort Henry. Explore dark tunnels and hidden chambers with scare actors poised to make you jump at every turn.
In addition to the haunted house experience, there will be Dark Nights on Thursday, October 19th and Thursday, October 26th – which plunge Fort Fright into near-complete darkness! We’d recommend leaving the kids at
The Haunted Walk
With a historic city like Kingston, there’s bound to be some skeletons in the closet. Uncover the secrets behind haunted hotels, hidden burial grounds, grave robbings, courthouse hangings, and the famous haunted courtyard.
It will give you a new appreciation for history, and maybe you’ll even spot a spirit or two. This experience is great for all ages, whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or just there for a little bit of Halloween fun.
Ghost and Mystery Trolley
Take a trolley ride and journey through Kingston’s mysterious past. The Ghost and Mystery Trolley is a 90-minute evening tour that explores notorious sites & neighbourhoods off the beaten path.
Hear all about the horrors of Kingston Penitentiary, and even see if you can spot the fair maiden ghost at Cedar Island. It’s a great way to learn about Kingston’s ghostly history up close and personal.
Ghost and Mystery Cruise
That’s right, you can still go on a cruise this fall! All aboard the Island Queen and set sail on a 90-minute mysteries of Kingston cruise. Get a fresh look at some of Kingston’s chilling monumental sites, like Kingston Penitentiary and Rockwood Asylum, from the water while you hear dark and spooky tales of macabre involving death, murder, wreckage, and mystery.
On select Fridays in October, the Ghost and Mystery cruise will transform into a party with music, dancing, and finger foods. But don’t be fooled! It still gets pretty spooky at night.
If you’re the kind of person who looks forward to Halloween all year long, then a trip to Kingston this fall is the perfect way to start your celebrations early.
Be careful, though. You wouldn’t want to bring anything – or anyone – back with you.
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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