Inside Pumpkinferno: What to expect from Discovery Harbour’s glowing Halloween tradition

The glow of fall returns to Georgian Bay as Pumpkinferno lights up Discovery Harbour from October 1 to November 1, 2025.

This autumn tradition transforms the historic naval site into a wonderland of artistry, Halloween fun, and spine-tingling thrills for the whole family. And this year's event truly raises the bar.

Walk-through or drive-through: Choose your adventure

• Drive-Through Nights (Wednesdays): Enjoy Pumpkinferno from the comfort of your vehicle with dedicated times for community groups and accessibility needs, followed by general public tours at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 per person, with limited capacity and advance booking required.
  
• Walk-Through Nights (Thursday–Sunday): From 6–10 p.m., stroll among thousands of glowing, hand-carved pumpkins. This year introduces brand-new themes like Enchanted Forest, Area 51, and Jurassic Giants, plus nightly performances and seasonal snacks including glowing cotton candy and witch’s brew blue lemonade. General admission is $15 per person, with children 5 and under free.

A magical night at Discovery Harbour

Pumpkinferno is a seasonal staple for my husband and me — we go every October, no matter what. This year, we decided to visit earlier than usual, arriving while the sun was still dipping below the horizon. It turned out to be a great choice. Families with little ones could take in the sights before dark, when the atmosphere gets just a bit more chilling.

Our first stop was the new vendor market, a welcome addition for 2025. Though small, it was full of personality — local artisans, tasty snacks, face painting, and even a haunted ship display that fit perfectly with Discovery Harbour’s historic setting. The market and Bubbling Cauldron Café stay open all evening, offering themed treats like glowing cotton candy and “witch’s brew” lemonade.

Before the sun fully set, we made our way to Macabre Manor, located inside the Officer’s Quarters. There, we listened to stories about the building’s eerie past before venturing through a haunted SFX experience that let visitors explore at their own pace. The atmosphere struck a nice balance between spooky and fun — enough to get your heart racing without being overwhelming.

Afterward, we grabbed our drinks and treats and found seats in the dining tent — just in time for a surprise performance. Spencer Scurr, known as The Daredevil Magician, delivered a lively, interactive magic show filled with laughs, illusions, and fire tricks that captivated guests of all ages.

Thrills and chills around every corner

Once the show ended, the darker side of Pumpkinferno began to emerge. We tried out a few of the premium add-on experiences, including a Wristrained, which is a fast-paced, adrenaline-boosting mini-escape room with a slightly mature theme (parents of young kids, take note). My husband then braved the Coffin Ride, an enclosed attraction that simulates your own “burial” with plenty of eerie surprises.

From there, we wandered through the Toxic Swamp, a fog-filled haunted maze that’s reimagined every year, and stopped to chat with Dora the Talking Skeleton, a witty, interactive character who kept visitors laughing — and made for a perfect photo op.

The main event: The pumpkins themselves

Of course, no Pumpkinferno visit would be complete without the glowing sculptures themselves. This year’s displays included plenty of new designs and, for the first time, colored lighting. I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first heard about the addition — the warm amber glow of traditional pumpkins has always been part of the event’s charm. But the new colors added an unexpected layer of whimsy and even a touch of eeriness in places. The results were stunning, and I left pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the change.

While we didn’t have time to attempt the full escape room experiences (they’re best enjoyed with a group), we heard rave reviews from other visitors — and we’re already planning to come back with friends to try them.

Getting there

Pumpkinferno takes place at 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene.

Parking is free nightly, with complimentary shuttles available Friday, Saturday, and on Thanksgiving Sunday from Waypoint Centre, 500 Church Street.

Please note: only service animals are permitted.

A tradition that keeps glowing brighter

After experiencing it again this year, I couldn’t agree more.

Whether you’re strolling beneath the glow of thousands of pumpkins, watching fire-lit magic, or getting lost in a haunted maze, Pumpkinferno 2025 captures the perfect mix of artistry and Halloween fun. It's a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the spooky side of fall.

For tickets and details, visit discoveryharbour.on.ca.