Canada’s largest botanical garden, Royal Botanical Gardens, will take on a warm autumn glow this October as The Great Pumpkin Trail returns, illuminating the grounds with hundreds of candlelit jack-o’-lanterns.

Running October 15th to 18th and 23rd to 25th, the experience invites visitors to follow a glowing trail through Hendrie Valley, with live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities and seasonal flavours adding to the evening.

Through its beautiful gardens, thousands of real pumpkins will form artistic displays and installations, celebrating the colours and textures of fall. Sweet and savoury treats will be available along the way, giving guests a reason to linger and enjoy the surroundings.

For families and friends, it’s an opportunity to spend an autumn evening outdoors and discover the gardens from a new perspective.

The Gardens After Dark: An Adults-Only Halloween Evening

Alongside the family-friendly trail, RBG will offer a dedicated evening for adults looking to make a night of the seasonal celebration. On October 22nd, RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail will welcome guests aged 19 and older for a Halloween outing beneath the garden canopy.

Come dressed in your Halloween best and follow the candlelit glow of jack-o’-lanterns into Hendrie Valley. Music, entertainment, and pumpkin-themed activities will fill the evening, with bites and drinks available as you explore the autumn landscape after dark.

Running from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the event offers an atmospheric setting for a fall date night or an evening with friends.

Plan Your Autumn Evening

Whether you’re visiting with family or joining the adults-only celebration, you’ll need pre-purchased tickets. Guests attending should reserve their preferred time slot in advance.

Book tickets for The Great Pumpkin Trail or RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail. RBG recommends securing tickets early, particularly for the adults-only evening, which often sells out fast!

As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.

RBG Great Pumpkin Trail

When: October 15th to 18th and 23rd to 25th, 2026

Where: Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington

Admission: Ticketed

RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail (19+)

When: October 22nd, 2026, 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

Where: Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington

Admission: Ticketed