Ottawa families head to spook-tacular early Halloween events

Halloween is right around the corner, and some families are getting an early taste of spooky season at events across Ottawa. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

It’s this last weekend before Halloween and many events are taking place across the capital to celebrate the spook-tacular holiday.

At the Halloween Hijinks event at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, children and adults taking the opportunity to grab some extra candy and sport costumes ahead of the frightful day.

“We have hundreds of children here,” said Tabitha Renaud, Museum Administrator of the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.

“All our villagers are in costume. And you can come explore all the houses, trick or treating, and you’re able to see inside all the heritage houses.”

During the year, the heritage village is open as a living history site and recreated village but this weekend it’s transformed into all things spooky and fun for Halloween.

A maze, a witch’s cauldron, entertainment, crafts, stilt walkers and more are available at the museum for the whole family to enjoy.

“They’re having so much fun because there’s so many thoughtful activities that we wouldn’t be able to do with this at home,” said Ivy Cawley, who Halloween Hijinks with her daughter and friends.

“For someone else to think of such extensive activities for the kids to do and enjoy, it’s wonderful.”

“I always just feel it’s really well organized. It’s a great kind of family spirit here, and it’s a lot of fun. Kids are having a lot of fun. They’re grabbing candy today. They’re playing all the games and activities and it’s been a great time overall,” said Patrick Desrochers, who attended the spooky event with friends.

More Halloween fun is happening this weekend at the Billings Estate National Historic Site for Halloween Heist.

For this event, families had the chance to explore the museum grounds with Halloween adventures, scavenger hunts, mask making, apple bobbing, trick-or-treat, bag decorating and more.

“We love doing Halloween activities with the kids. They can run around and do whatever they want,” says Jason Poirier, who Halloween Heist with his children.

“It’s a beautiful day to be outside and Billings Estate is always wonderful. They put on a really, really fun time for the kids. They get to dress up. They have so much fun here. We love coming. There’s so many stations and activities,” says Julie Wilson, who also attended Halloween Heist with kids.

Halloween Heist and Halloween Hijinks will run Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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