The absolute madness that hits Toronto every October – the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. As someone who’s attended for three straight years (and still sleeps with the lights on afterward), I can confirm this celebration of Canada horror movies is unlike anything else. 

From October 15-19, 2025, the Scotiabank Theatre at 259 Richmond St West transforms into horror Canada’s holy ground. Forget your typical movie night, Toronto – this five-day scream-fest features everything from indigenous folklore terrors to AI-gone-wrong nightmares.

Canadian Horror Film Festival Essentials: What You Need to Know

Timing & Location

Mark your calendars: October 15-19, 2025, at Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond St West). Screenings kick off at 7 PM nightly, but the real magic happens during the midnight shows. Trust me – watching Canada horror stories unfold while the city sleeps is different.

Ticket Tips

• Full Festival Pass: $149 (worth every penny for hardcore fans)
• Single Tickets: $18.50 via Ticketmaster
• Secret Perk: Volunteers get free access – my cousin did it last year!

Why This Year’s Special

2025 marks founder Adam Lopez’s farewell after 18 years. The guy practically invented horror Canadian culture – they’re even screening his favorite film (Star Trek II) as a tribute. Bring tissues.

2025 Lineup: Canada Horror Movies & Global Nightmares

Homegrown Horror Heaven

• Prairie Phantoms: Indigenous shapeshifter folklore that made me check my locks twice
• Don Valley Demon: Shot right here in Toronto – recognize those ravine locations
• Québec Frostbite: French-Canadian winter terror that’ll make you grateful for summer

Not-To-Miss Events

• Midnight Madness: Where I discovered last year’s breakout hit, Lakeside Fear.
• Costume Throwdown: $500 prize for best outfit (saw an incredible Ginger Snaps cosplay in 2023).
• Filmmaker Pub Crawl: Best chance to chat with directors over local craft beers.

Retro Rewinds

• Black Christmas (1974) 4K restoration—the OG Canadian slasher
• Cube (1997) with live director Q&A – still gives me claustrophobia!
• Ginger Snaps anniversary screening—werewolf sisters forever.

Getting There Without Losing Your Mind

Downtown parking during festival week is its own horror story. After three years of trial-and-error, here’s what works:

Public Transit Hacks

• Pro Move: Take the 504 streetcar to Duncan St—avoids subway chaos.
• Late Nights: The 320 Yonge bus runs till 3 AM (packed with fellow horror fans!).
• Avoid: King Street streetcars during rush hour – total gridlock.

Driving & Rideshare Tips

• Parking Secret: Impark Lot 55 ($25 if booked early)
• Drop-Off Spot: Richmond & Peter St (west side) – tell your driver.
• Uber Warning: Prices triple after 11 PM—left me paying $65 last Halloween.

Why This Fest Matters for Canadian Horror Movies

Beyond the screams, Toronto After Dark is changing horror in Canada forever:

Launching Local Talent

• My friend’s short film played here last year—now it’s on Shudder! This festival launched careers like
• Pontypool director Bruce McDonald
• The Void creators Steven Kostanski & Jeremy Gillespie

Economic Booster

• Restaurants near the theatre see 70% sales bumps – try Burger Drops’ ghost pepper special.

Preserving Our Legacy

• Where else can you see 35mm prints of Canadian classics back-to-back with discoveries.

FAQs:

Are these films too intense for my 16-year-old?

Most screenings are 18A+ – they card aggressively. Saw them turn away three teens last year. 

Maybe start with retro films.

Can I meet the directors?

Absolutely! I accidentally spilled beer on Blood Glacier’s director last year—he laughed it off.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes—email access@torontoafterdark.com ahead. They reserved great seats for my friend’s mobility scooter last year.

Will they show classics like Shivers?

Cronenberg’s always represented! This year features Dead Ringers and a surprise 35mm print (rumor says Videodrome).

Make Your Night Epic: Ditch the Transportation Nightmare

Remember my $65 Uber horror story? Never again. After three years of transit failures, I discovered Top Gear Limo – a total game changer for enjoying Canada horror movies stress-free. Here’s why:

Luxury Ride Perks

• Spacious Escalades fitting 6 friends + costumes
• Chill zones with phone chargers and AC
• Punctual pickups even at 2 AM (they track screening end times!)

Ready for a Killer Night?

Reserve Your Premium Ride Here

Use code SCARE25 for 15% off – tell ’em the horror nerd sent you!