Follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns deep into the Hendrie Valley, with live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities, and thousands of real pumpkins on display. The Great Pumpkin Trail is back at Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington, running October 15 to 18 and October 23 to 25, 2026. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Great Pumpkin Trail in Burlington: dates, timeslots, ticket prices, the trail itself, food, entertainment, parking, accessibility, and tips for a smooth night.
This is a popular event, and tickets are pre-purchased and time-specific, so check RBG's ticketing page for what is still available before you plan your visit.
Great Pumpkin Trail 2026: Quick Facts
Dates: October 15 to 18 and October 23 to 25, 2026
Location: Hendrie Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington (enter through RBG Centre)
Entry times: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in 15-minute timeslots
Event ends: 10 p.m.
Tickets: pre-purchased and time-ticketed only
Parking: included at RBG Centre
Scare level: scare-free and family-friendly
What Is the Great Pumpkin Trail?
The Great Pumpkin Trail is RBG's signature Halloween experience. Guests roam through Hendrie Park at their own pace, interact with roaming entertainers, take part in pumpkin-themed activities, warm up by the campfires, and walk the one-kilometre trail through the Hendrie Valley nature sanctuary, lined with hundreds of carved pumpkins glowing by candlelight. Dressing up is optional but encouraged, and the event is supported by TD.
The event is described as a scare-free experience with a focus on seasonal fun, so expect traditional Halloween props, décor, and roaming costumed characters rather than frights. RBG notes that most of the children attending will be 10 and under, and asks that costumes stay fun and family-friendly.
Tickets and Prices
Pre-purchased tickets are required, and the event does not include access to RBG's other garden areas, which require separate garden admission.
Category | Ticket price |
|---|---|
Adult (ages 13 and up) | $25 to $27 |
Child (ages 3 to 12) | $18 to $20 |
Infant or toddler (ages 0 to 2) | Free, but a registered ticket is required |
Prices are plus HST and a $2 online service fee, and booking for after 8 p.m. on October 15, 18, or 25 costs less. A few ticket rules to know:
Tickets are final sale and non-refundable, but full-price tickets can be transferred to someone else.
Timeslots cannot be changed after you register.
There is a maximum of 15 tickets per transaction.
RBG membership discounts do not apply to this event.
Tickets are emailed as a PDF, and you can show them printed or on your phone.
Entry Timeslots and Timing
The 2026 entry timeslots run every 15 minutes from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Plan to arrive no sooner than 15 minutes before your timeslot, and expect to spend at least an hour on the trail. Sunset is around 6:30 p.m., and the event wraps up at 10 p.m.
The Pumpkin Trail
The trail is about one kilometre long. It begins in Hendrie Park, winds down into the Hendrie Valley along the South Bridle and Kicking Horse trails, and returns to Hendrie Park at a different location from where it started. The Hendrie Park section is a one-way route, with volunteers posted along the way to guide guests.
This is a real hiking trail, so expect hills and rough ground. It is also dark in places, lit only by jack-o-lanterns, so RBG recommends bringing a flashlight and wearing sturdy footwear.
Accessibility and Strollers
Only a quarter-kilometre loop within the garden is fully wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, starting and ending at the same point. The rest of the trail has uneven ground and hilly areas, and strollers and wagons are not recommended on it. Because the trail ends in a different part of the garden, any strollers or wagons left at the start need to be picked up there. For accessibility questions, RBG's phone number is 905-527-1158.
The Pumpkins
RBG features about 15,000 pumpkins, squash, and gourds in artistic displays and installations throughout Hendrie Park. They come from farms in Norfolk and Elgin Counties, and the mix includes Orange and White Jacks, Warty Goblin, Red Warty Thing, Porcelain Doll, One Too Many, Flat White Boer, Fairytale, Cinderella, and Blue Doll pumpkins, as well as acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash.
After the season, the pumpkins get a second life. RBG donates them to local food banks, including Burlington Food Bank, Compassion Society, and Food For Life, and some go to local farmers as animal feed.
Donate a Carved Pumpkin
Ticket holders can donate a carved pumpkin to the trail for the weekend of their tickets. Drop-off is at RBG Centre on the first Thursday morning of your weekend, and ticket purchasers receive an email with the details and entry form about a week before their event date.
Entertainment and Activities
The Witches: an immersive performance rooted in folklore, magic, and transformation by Northfire Circus, at 7 p.m., 8:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.
Nocturnal Birds of Prey: get up close with fascinating birds of the night.
Roaming entertainers: performers from Incirque wander the garden.
Campfire songs: Gareth Bush plays October 15 and 16, and Mo Guzman plays October 17 and 18 and October 23 to 25.
DJ: Presswood Entertainment brings upbeat music and family fun.
Mad Science: Pumpkin Power!: a hands-on activity about how a pumpkin can help create electricity.
Lawn games: self-guided pumpkin-themed games and activities for the whole family.
Entertainment details are subject to change.
Food and Drink
Seasonal favourites and snacks are available for purchase at stations throughout the garden, and the bar in the Atrium at RBG Centre is a good place to start your walk. After the trail, the food trucks include Greedy Bites, Beaver Tails, and Sweets and Whimsy on all dates, Pressed! Sandwich on October 15 to 18, and Galaxy Burgers on October 23 to 25. Outside food and drink are not permitted.
Parking and Getting There
Parking is included and available in the large lot at RBG Centre, 680 Plains Rd. W. If that lot fills up, RBG lists these alternatives:
Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd.: a complimentary shuttle runs continuously between the Rock Garden lot and RBG Centre.
Street parking along Botanical Dr. and Spring Gardens Rd., then walk across the parking lot to the RBG Centre main entrance.
The staff parking lot and Classroom 5, on the south side of Plains Rd. W. at Botanical Dr.
RBG also notes that the Cherry Hill Gate parking lot is closed on event dates, so don't plan to park there. Construction closures at Highway 6 and Old York Road may affect your trip, so check alternate routes before you leave. RBG Centre is also accessible by public transit.
Weather, Pets, and Other Rules
Weather: the event is held rain or moonshine and is entirely outdoors in an uncovered area. RBG may postpone, reschedule, or cancel because of inclement weather and will email ticket holders.
Pets: only service animals are allowed. Personal dogs, cats, and other animals are not permitted.
Photos: RBG may use photos and video taken at the event for promotion.
Looking for a 19+ Option?
RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail takes place on October 22 for adults only.
Tips for the Best Night
Check ticket availability on RBG's site and be ready to book the first time, since you can't switch timeslots later.
Choose a later timeslot for a lower ticket price and a darker, more atmospheric walk.
Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
Dress for the weather, in layers, since you'll be outdoors for at least an hour.
Skip the stroller on the main trail, or use the short accessible loop.
Arrive within 15 minutes of your timeslot, no sooner.
Plan dinner around the food trucks or the stations in the garden.
Looking for more fall outings? See our picks for escarpment fall hikes near Burlington.
Great Pumpkin Trail FAQ
When Is the Great Pumpkin Trail in 2026?
October 15 to 18 and October 23 to 25, 2026, with entry times from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where Is the Great Pumpkin Trail?
In Hendrie Park at Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd. W. in Burlington. Enter through RBG Centre.
How Much Are Tickets?
Adult tickets are $25 to $27 and child tickets (ages 3 to 12) are $18 to $20, plus HST and a $2 service fee, with free tickets for ages 0 to 2. Later timeslots on select nights cost less.
Can I Buy Tickets at the Gate?
No. Pre-purchased tickets are required, and the event typically sells out quickly, so check RBG's ticket site for availability.
Is It Scary?
No. It is a scare-free, family-friendly event with traditional Halloween décor and roaming costumed characters.
How Long Is the Trail?
About one kilometre, and RBG suggests spending at least an hour at the event.
Is the Trail Stroller-Friendly?
Only a quarter-kilometre loop is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. The rest of the trail is uneven and hilly, and strollers and wagons are not recommended.
Is Parking Included?
Yes, parking is included in the lot at RBG Centre, with a free shuttle from the Rock Garden if the lot is full.
Explore More of Burlington
The Great Pumpkin Trail is just one of the ways to enjoy the fall in Burlington. Follow Burlington 365 for local events, seasonal outings, and things to do across Burlington and the surrounding area.
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