Most Canadians to Celebrate Halloween on October 31

Nearly 60 percent of residents across Canada plan to participate in Halloween festivities this year.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Canada

Most Canadians to Celebrate Halloween on October 31

Live Poll

Do you plan to participate in Halloween celebrations this year?

Data indicates that approximately 60 percent of Canadians plan to participate in Halloween celebrations on October 31, 2026. Participation is notably high among parents and young adults.

Why it matters

Understanding regional and demographic participation helps clarify how the holiday is observed across diverse Canadian markets. High engagement levels among specific age groups and families suggest a widespread cultural commitment to the seasonal event.

Participation rates range from 48 percent in Toronto to 65 percent in Surrey, with 76 to 85 percent of parents with children under 18 reporting plans to participate. Additionally, 65 to 79 percent of adults aged 18 to 34 plan to join the festivities.

The players

Canada Pulse Insights

This research organization is responsible for conducting the survey on Canadian Halloween participation habits.

Sago

Sago is the company that manages the online panel platform used to collect data for the study.

The details

Canada Pulse Insights conducted surveys using identical questions across multiple regions between September and October 2026. The findings highlight significant engagement in cities including Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, where rates range from 56 to 63 percent.

September 14 to September 25, 2026: Survey period for Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
September 28 to October 14, 2026: Survey period for the British Columbia region.
September 30 to October 9, 2026: Survey period for Calgary and Edmonton.
October 31, 2026: The date of the Halloween holiday.
November 1, 2026: Daylight Saving Time ends in Canada.

Travel Outlook

This holiday engagement trend fits into the broader seasonal tourism and social cycle that defines Canadian autumn activity. It mirrors established patterns of localized celebration that influence domestic movement and regional hospitality demand during the final quarter.

Travellers and residents should expect increased social activity on October 31, 2026, especially in high-participation regions. Those observing the holiday on November 1 will gain an extra hour of time due to the end of Daylight Saving Time.

The takeaway

Halloween remains a major cultural event for the majority of Canadians, particularly for families and younger demographics. Residents can anticipate a busy evening on October 31 followed by a shift in local schedules when clocks change on November 1.