Illustration of a fall festival scene (The Great Pumpkin Trail)

The Great Pumpkin Trail

Visitors follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of carved jack-o'-lanterns along a trail through Hendrie Valley and view thousands of pumpkins arranged in artistic installations throughout Hendrie Park. The evening includes live entertainment such as folklore magic performances, campfire songs, and roaming costumed entertainers. Families can also take part in self-guided pumpkin-themed games on the lawn and enjoy seasonal food and drinks from garden snack stations and visiting food trucks.

Oct 15 – Oct 25, 2026 All ages Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Adult tickets (ages 13 and up): $25–27, plus HST and a $2 service fee. Child tickets (ages 3 to 12): $18–20, plus HST and a $2 service fee. Infant/toddler tickets (ages 0 to 2): free, but registration and a ticket are still required. Book for after 8 p.m. on October 15, 18, or 25 and save A membership discount does not apply.

Hours

Entry timeslots: 5:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:30 p.m. The event concludes at 10 p.m.

Food & Drink

Enjoy a selection of seasonal sweet and savoury delights.

Parking

Parking is included in the large lot at RBG Centre. If it fills, alternate options include the Rock Garden lot with a complimentary shuttle running continuously between the lot and RBG Centre, the Cherry Hill trailhead lot, street parking along Botanical Dr. and Spring Gardens Rd., and the Staff Parking Lot / Classroom 5. Guests must enter through RBG Centre; entry through the Rose Garden Service gate is not allowed.

Accessibility

Only a ¼ km section of the trail, a loop within the garden, is fully wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly.

Pets

Personal dogs, cats, and other animals are not permitted; service animals are excepted.

Location

Hendrie Park · 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, ON Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Candlelit and autumnal

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy footwear, as the main 1 km trail is dark, hilly, and unpaved.
  • Avoid bringing strollers or wagons onto the nature trail, as it navigates rough terrain and concludes at a different spot from where it begins.
  • If the main parking lot at RBG Centre is full, take advantage of the free continuous shuttle bus running from the Rock Garden lot.

Special Events & Promotions

  • RBG Membership cardholders can access a presale starting September 9 at 11 a.m.; a membership discount does not apply to this event.

Links & Contact

Run by Royal Botanical Gardens

Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a scary or horror-themed event?

No, it is a scare-free, family-friendly event featuring traditional Halloween décor and roaming costumed performers.

Can visitors wear Halloween costumes?

Yes, dressing up is encouraged, but costumes should remain fun and family-friendly for an audience primarily aged 10 and under.

Are pets permitted?

Personal pets are not allowed; only service animals are permitted.

Can guests bring outside food and beverages?

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed, though food vendors and drink stations are available on site.

Can ticket holders submit their own carved pumpkins?

Yes, ticket holders have the opportunity to donate a carved pumpkin to display along the trail on their event weekend.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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