Spooky Season in Nova Scotia

Fall

Fall in Nova Scotia is best known for majestic colours, apple and pumpkin u-picks, winery visits and bountiful harvests. But as Halloween approaches, so do eerie experiences to help get you in the spirit of the season… if you’re brave enough. Here are a few spine-chilling favourites to check out if you dare!

Ghost walks and tours

Nova Scotia is steeped in mysterious tales and folklore, including a few ghost stories. Head out after dark and dare to be scared as you hear local stories about creepy occurrences. Explore the historic streets of Lunenburg on a Haunted Lunenburg Tour or let Jerome the Gravekeeper guide you during Valley Ghost Walks. In Pictou, your tour guide shares stories of spooky goings-on during a Pictou Ghost Walk. Hear haunted tales of the town and county during a lantern-lit Haunted Walk in Antigonish.

In Halifax, explore dark tunnels and hear haunted history by candlelight during Halifax Citadel Ghost Tours, or walk the spooky streets with The Halifax Ghost Walk. Set sail on Tall Ship Silva for a spooky Ghosts of Halifax tour where you’ll hear tales of shipwrecks and ghost stories. If you’re in Cape Breton, be sure to enjoy the seriously sinister North-End Wicked Walk with Haunted Sydney Ghost Tours. For a bonus fright, dine at The Five Fishermen Restaurant in Halifax, long said to be home to multiple ghosts that have been seen by staff over the years.

Head to Sherbrooke Village Museum to experience The Ghost Light. The Ghost Light of Sherbrooke Village tells the eerie tale of children lost to a mysterious poisoning, their spirits still tethered to the stage by a ghost light that never goes out.

Haunted houses, trails and wagon rides

If you’re looking for bone chilling fun, check out the haunted house at Noggins Corner Farm. Tour the Haunted Mansion at Alderney Landing, or be scared stiff at The Haunted Barn in North Sydney. Brave the haunted barn at Nichols Farm Market for a delightfully spooky adventure.

Traipse through terrifying trails during Fright Night at Two Rivers Wildlife Park and while visiting Brine Farm’s Haunted Halloween Trail. Pay a visit to the Fear Farm where the (fictional) Bloodfield family seeks revenge for the deaths of their children at Riverbreeze Farm near Truro OR, head to Shelby Ranch in Scotsburn for haunted wagon rides through fields of fright.

Halifax Halloween Party Cruise

Experience a Halloween party like never before–on the water! Set sail around Halifax Harbour on the Harbour Queen during this unique event happening on Halloween night. As night falls, the DJ will get the adults-only (19+) party started during this two-hour cruise of spooky-good fun. Amp up the festive spirit by wearing a costume (encouraged but not required).

Festivals, events and Halloween activities

Kentville Pumpkin People Festival
October 3–25, 2026
For a not-so-spooky family friendly outing, head to Kentville and check out the Pumpkin People throughout town.

Spooktacular Splash at Atlantic Splash Adventure
Weekends in October 2026
Check out costume contests, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunt, spooky decorations and more.

Alderney Landing Bluenose Ghosts Festival, Dartmouth
October 4–31, 2026
Explore a haunted mansion, haunted escape room and a simulated casket ride. Have a spiritual reading with a medium and snap a selfie at the Haunted Selfie Park.

Fright Night at Two Rivers Wildlife Park
October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31 (Family Day), 2026
Take a walk along this haunted trail if you dare. Twenty-five scary scenes in the dimly lit woods around the Mira River will get your blood pumping.

Haunted Village at Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Lower West Pubnico
October 16–17, 2026
Enjoy a haunted tour of the Village decorated for Halloween. Reservations required.

Haunted House, Westside Community Centre, New Glasgow
October 16–17, 2026
Get in the Halloween spirit at this community haunted house. Best suited for ages 10+, $5 entry.

Pumpkin Trail Walk, Bible Hill
Experience the magic of Halloween surrounded by glowing pumpkins, dazzling lights, and activities the whole family can enjoy. Come in costume!

Halifax Paranormal Symposium
October 17–18, 2026
Join researchers, investigators, and curious minds for two days of presentations, discussions, and immersive experiences exploring paranormal phenomena at Atlantic Canada’s premier paranormal symposium.

Esther Fest, Amherst
October 21–31, 2026
Check out this annual celebration of the paranormal inspired by the Great Amherst Mystery!

Annual Haunted Trail Twisted Fairy Tales, Blandford
October 24, 2026
Take a guided spooky stroll to celebrate the Halloween season.

Jack o’ Lantern Walk – Nine Mile River
October 24, 2026
Bring the family to stroll this looped trail (20-30 minute walk) and take in the pumpkins along the way. Visit after dusk for a magical glow of jack o’ lanterns along the trail.

Witch Craft Fair and Witch Walk and Haunted House, MacDonald Museum, Middleton
October 24, 2026
Stop by during the afternoon for an afternoon of handcrafted treasures, then, head out on a witchy walk to celebrate the Halloween Season, costumes recommended! Don’t miss the haunted house following the walk back at the museum.

Sinister Soiree at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
October 24, 2026
Dress in costume for this Halloween party of historic proportions. Explore the historic streets of Louisbourg while enjoying ghost hunting, dancing, and a Tarot Card reading. 19+ only.

Oidhche nam Bòcan | Night of the Spirits at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum
October 23–24, 2026
Explore the village by lamplight during this family friendly Halloween event. Enjoy storytelling, skits, fuarag and oatcakes.

Halloween Fun at Museum of Natural History, Halifax
October 25, 2026
Put on your costume and join us for some not-too-spooky Halloween fun! There will be something for every little ghost and goblin from puppet shows and creepy crafts to spooky stories and bug cooking.

Haunted Night Market at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
October 25, 2026
Take in some local shopping with a spooky, Halloween vibe. Spooky vendors, haunted house, and costumes welcome!

Haunted Hike – Forchu River Trail, Yarmouth
October 30, 2026
Wander eerie trails packed with spooky scenes, creepy characters, and jump-worthy surprises. Enjoy family-friendly hours or dare the scarier version if you’re feeling brave.

Halloween Weekend at Bluenose Lodge
October 30–November 1, 2026
Spend Halloween weekend at Bluenose Lodge in Lunenburg with included dining, a haunted walking tour, seasonal experiences, and exclusive paranormal presentations with expert Kim Moser in one of Nova Scotia’s most historic towns.

Halloween at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax
October 31, 2026
Celebrate Halloween at the Maritime Museum with a family-friendly day of spooky maritime tales, sea superstitions, and ghostly stories tied to Nova Scotia’s nautical past. Visitors can enjoy themed tours, dress up in the Days of Sail gallery, watch creepy short films, and take part in scavenger hunts with prizes throughout the museum.

updated October 9, 2026