🎃 Aurora’s Haunted Forest: 20 Years of Spine-Tingling Fun
Two trail options, 180+ volunteers, haunted cabins, ghost stories, crafts — Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals & Events
Date
Sat, Oct 25
Hours
6pm–9pm
Yellow Band
$5
Red Band
$6
For 20 years, Aurora’s Haunted Forest has transformed Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area into a macabre wonderland every October. Over 180 volunteers work tirelessly to create decorated trails, haunted cabins, and spine-tingling encounters. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly Halloween fun or genuine frights, Aurora’s Haunted Forest delivers. Step through the gaping jaws of an enormous reptile sculpture, navigate dimly lit trails illuminated only by jack o’lanterns, and experience ghost stories that echo through the dark autumn forest.
👻 Haunted trails
🎪 Scary cabins
🧟 Ghost stories
🎨 Crafts & games
🏆 Ontario’s Top 100: Aurora’s Haunted Forest has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario — a testament to 20 years of delivering unforgettable Halloween experiences that communities return to annually.
Choose Your Adventure: Family or Frightful
💛 Yellow Wristband — Family Trail ($5)
Perfect for families with younger children or anyone who wants festive fun without intense scares. The family trail guides you through decorated paths, access to the family-friendly cabin, and engaging ghost stories told in a fun (not terrifying) way. Enjoy Halloween atmosphere and entertainment without the jump scares.
🔴 Red Wristband — Full Experience ($6)
For thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts. Full access to ALL trails, including the genuinely scary paths. Experience haunted cabins with spooky encounters, navigate dimly lit forest passages, and hear ghost stories designed to chill your spine. This is the authentic haunted forest experience — atmospheric, immersive, and undeniably creepy.
Wristbands are required for ages 2+. Sales begin October 1. Purchase at Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Aurora Town Hall, Aurora Town Square, or the Joint Operations Centre.
The Haunted Forest Experience
🌲 Decorated Trails & Jack O’Lanterns
Walk through Sheppard’s Bush transformed by 180+ volunteers. Grimacing jack o’lanterns light your path. Themed displays and décor turn familiar forest trails into an otherworldly landscape. The contrast between the normal daytime forest and the haunted-at-night version is genuinely striking.
🏚️ Haunted Cabins
Historic and decorated structures become part of the experience. Encounters, surprises, and atmospheric design make each cabin a destination. Red wristband holders access scarier variants.
👻 Ghost Story Pavilion
Gather around to hear captivating tales of the supernatural. Local storytellers craft narratives that range from enchanting to genuinely spine-tingling, depending on your wristband choice.
🎨 Crafts & Games at AFLC
Start your evening at Aurora Family Leisure Complex with spooky crafts, interactive games, and indoor activities. A great warmup before the forest, or a place to recharge between adventures.
🍖 Charitable BBQ
A charitable BBQ operates on-site. Grab food and support a good cause while fueling your haunted forest adventure. Perfect for families who want to make a difference while enjoying the event.
Before You Go: Essential Info
🚐 Parking & Transit
Park at Aurora Family Leisure Complex (135 Industrial Parkway North). Limited parking around Sheppard’s Bush, so AFLC is the recommended starting point. Complimentary shuttle buses transport visitors from AFLC to Sheppard’s Bush. Easy return shuttles after your forest experience.
👟 What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes (trails can be muddy or uneven). Layers — October nights are cool, but walking builds warmth. Dress for the weather; ghouls don’t care about your comfort!
⏱️ Timing
The event runs 6–9 PM. Arrive by 7:00 PM for best experience. Earlier arrival means shorter waits and more time to explore at your pace. Lines may build closer to 9 PM.
🎟️ Wristband Purchase
Sales begin October 1, 2026. Purchase at Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Aurora Town Hall, Aurora Town Square, or Joint Operations Centre. Ages 2+ require a wristband for forest access and indoor activities.
🐕 Pets
Aurora’s Haunted Forest is not suitable for pets (service animals excepted). The experience — noise, unfamiliar people, spooky scenes — isn’t comfortable for dogs. Leave your furry friend at home for this one.
A 20-Year Legacy
For two decades, Aurora’s Haunted Forest has been a rite of passage for thousands of Ontarians each October. Generation after generation returns to Sheppard’s Bush to experience the magic of transformation — how a familiar forest becomes a haunted realm at night. The commitment of 180+ volunteers, the creative direction of Marquee Theatrical Productions and the Knuth Family, and the enthusiasm of the Town of Aurora have made this event endure and grow.
What started 20 years ago as a small community event has evolved into Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals & Events — a testament to the genuine, locally-driven spirit that makes Aurora’s Haunted Forest special.
Details may change — confirm on aurora.ca/hauntedforest before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsSheppard's Bush Conservation Area & Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Aurora, ON, Aurora, ON
