As the sun sets on October 31st, Toronto’s streets will be filled with little eager ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and witches as they go door-to-door for the ultimate candy haul. But as any seasoned trick-or-treater knows, not all streets are created equal.
To guarantee a successful Halloween night of spooktacular fun complete with impressive decorations and a heavy pillow case filled to the brim with candy, try heading to one of these tried-and-true neighbourhoods that have gained a reputation as the city’s most festive destinations.
Here are the best neighbourhoods in Toronto to go trick-or-treating:
1. Leaside
If a neighbourhood was built for trick-or-treating, it’s Leaside. This area is a favourite for young families as the sidewalks are wide and stroller-friendly and the houses are close together, maximizing the amount of candy you can acquire per minute. Homes here also tend to go all-out with elaborate decorations, especially along Hanna Road.
2. Forest Hill & Heddington Avenue
If you want to see Halloween decorations with Hollywood-level production value, head to Forest Hill. The grand, stately homes provide the perfect canvas for jaw-dropping displays, like 20-foot skeletons, professional lighting, and entire front-yard graveyard scenes. The rumour is that the candy is just as premium as the properties.
3. Cabbagetown
Cabbagetown’s stunning Victorian Gothic homes make trick-or-treating here extra special. This historic neighbourhood leans into its natural “gothic flair,” with residents decorating their heritage houses with cobwebs, skeletons, and pumpkins that look perfectly at home.
4. High Park North & Roncesvalles
The neighbourhoods surrounding High Park offer a perfect blend of festive spirit and cozy charm. Roncesvalles, called “Roncey” by locals, is known for its family-friendly, close-knit community vibe, while the streets of High Park North feel like something out of a Halloween storybook. Don’t miss Glendonwynne Road for its decorations and enthusiastic residents.
5. The Beaches
The Beaches has a small-town warmth that transforms into a massive, celebratory block party on Halloween. Residents in this tight-knit community are known for their creative and fun-themed decorations. The lake breeze just adds to the spooky autumn chill. Be sure to scope out the decorations on Beech Avenue and Glen Manor Drive.
6. Leslieville
Quickly becoming a favourite for Toronto’s young families, Leslieville is one of the city’s best-kept Halloween secrets. The residents here compete with friendly enthusiasm to create unique and impressive displays, and the vibe is exceptionally welcoming. Woodfield Road just north of Queen St. E is often called out as a “hidden gem” for its fantastic decorations and generous candy.
For those planning to go trick-or-treating this year, be sure to go early, as the most popular spots get crowded by 7 p.m. As the sun will set around 6 p.m., be sure to bring a flashlight, add reflective tape to costumes, and remind kids of the road safety rules. Also, be sure to check your candy before eating it!