Monster Month: A Complete Visitor's Guide to Elora, Ontario [2022]
Few places in Canada celebrate Halloween quite like Elora, Ontario.
Monster Month is a month-long festival celebrating all things monster-related. You'll find unique outdoor lantern sculptures of monsters, ghosts, goblins and even a nine-metre-long Loch Ness Monster.
In the months before the launch of Monster Month, over 70 volunteers and participants do secret work repairing monsters for the start of Monster Month. These creatures are from the imagination of local artist Tim Murton.
Monster Month has become a big deal in Centre Wellington and draws thousands of visitors from across Ontario!
In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about visiting Monster Month in Elora, accommodations, important information and resources for visitors for your best visit to "Ontario's Most Beautiful Village!"
Let's take a look!
During October, the quaint village of Elora transforms and comes alive with incredible sights, sounds, tastes and monsters. It's a festival that's grown into neighbouring Aboyne and the Town of Fergus, Ontario.
Halloween-themed events are everywhere in Centre Wellington!
We've assembled a comprehensive guide for hotels, dining, local attractions, and Monster Month essentials.
Here's what we'll cover:
Elora & Fergus are located in the Township of Centre Wellington.
Here are additional helpful information and links we'll cover, click any link to jump to the section you need.
Let's take a look at Monster Month in Elora!
October in Centre Wellington has grown into a massive celebration that draws thousands from all across Ontario.
Monster Month and the Twilight Zoo have been decorating the streets of Elora for twenty years.
The festival is more than just an exhibition of mysterious lantern monsters that decorate the village. It's exploded into a month-long celebration of events, activities and Halloween fun, including magic shows, monster parades, ghost tours, zombie invasions, plus unforgettable sights of the Elora Gorge, Tooth of Time and Grand River.
Monster Month is a perfect daycation with friends, family, photographers, hikers and adventure seekers! Let's take a look at Monster Month dates and how it all started!
30 Days Of Monsters
Monster Month is an annual celebration in Elora that happens every October. Visitors from near and far come to Monster Month, where they can see the 80+ lantern monsters any time of day or night!
Monster Month takes place in Elora from October 1 - 31 every year.
It's a great way to get out and enjoy Elora's beautiful scenery, Halloween and the beautiful fall colours.
Village of Lantern-Halloween Sculptures
Elora's monster tradition began in the late 90s with four monsters in the front yard of creator Tim Murton. Tim is an acclaimed artist and painter. At the time, Tim was working in the Toronto film industry. He has accumulated scenic art credits on more than 45 feature films in Canada, US and England.
A stressful industry and lifestyle.
Tim's doctor suggested he do something creative to deal with the anxiety and pressure of the film industry. Fast-forward twenty years, 80+ lantern monsters haunt Ontario's most beautiful village, attracting thousands of inspired visitors.
The collection of lantern monsters has grown from its creation in the late 90s to attract tens-of-thousands visitors across Ontario. Tim Murton titled his creation the Twilight Zoo.
Read: How a Small Village in Ontario Became Canada's MUST-SEE Halloween Destination
Tim Murton's Twilight Zoo was purchased in 2017 by the Elora non-profit organization Sensational Elora. Sensational Elora is known for year-round events that focus on our five senses.
Is Monster Month free?
Monster Month is absolutely FREE.
You can spend hours in Elora and Fergus walking from window to window without spending a dime. The lantern monsters of Tim Murton's Twilight Zoo are haunting the village all month long.
There are independently run events throughout the month, many are free or low cost. We'll cover a few highlights below.
Events At Monster Month
Monster Month is a celebration of all the things that go bump in the night.
It's a chance for you and your family to get out and enjoy the fall weather with some good, old-fashioned monster-themed fun.
Helpful Links
Here are some of the most exciting events at Monster Month. You can also find the complete event list here. Most of the events are FREE with admission to the party!
Monster Month Official Website - Spooky Happenings in Elora & Fergus https://monstermonth.ca
The Twilight Zoo Facebook Page - See the 80+ lantern monsters all month long https://www.facebook.com/twilightzoo
Monster March - The parade of demons happens the second last weekend in October. This is a non-motorized parade for the whole family.
Elora & Fergus Studio Tour https://elorafergusstudiotour.com
Zombie Walks & Invasions - A few days each month, zombies invade the downtown centre for all your social media desires! From the minds of Elora Community Theatre http://www.eloracommunitytheatre.com
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at the Fieldstone Barn - A corn maze, sunflowers and seasonal events. Not to be missed! https://thefieldstonebarn.com
Spooky Stables at the GrandWay Events Centre - An evening of Halloween events at the Grand River Raceway https://centrewellington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/spooky-stables-volunteering/
OWOW Magic Festival - Witness incredible magic shows throughout October! That's us! :)
Cemetery Tours at the Wellington County Museum https://calendar.wellington.ca/museum/Month
Halloween Haunt Street Walk
Al & Gary's Ghost Walk Tours
and much more!
Next, let's take a look at how to get the most out of your visit to Monster Month!
Monster Month Map
Monster Month isn't quite like your traditional town fair or haunted house—it's an interactive experience all over the city that comes to life in the streets. From pumpkin carving contests to costume contests and magic shows, there's no shortage of events happening during Monster Month.
You can find out what kinds of events are happening and where on the Monster Month Map! It's an interactive Google Map you can access on any device:
Check out the Monster Map here https://monstermonth.ca/map
Every year Monster Month shares the location of all lantern monsters and other helpful features around town on their website and interactive Google Map.
You'll discover:
A list of participating businesses and attractions hosting monsters
A complete listing of live events
Deals and specials by local Centre Wellington businesses during Monster Month
Many businesses hold special events that benefit local organizations, such as food banks and animal shelters.
Elora and Fergus are located in the Township of Centre Wellington and are a short drive from many major cities in Ontario. Here's a look at Elora's location and important driving information.
Where is Elora Ontario
Elora, Ontario, is a charming town in the Township of Centre Wellington.
The Township in southern Ontario is home to the communities of Elora and Fergus. Roughly 30,000 people call this scenic area home. It's about an hour and a half from Toronto and a 20-minute drive from Guelph. The village is known for its picturesque limestone buildings, fantastic food, and unique Halloween celebrations during October!
The area has many year-round trails and hiking opportunities through the towns of Elora and Fergus. It's a great place to take a walk or ride your bike.
Here is a list of typical driving distances and driving times for many of the cities and towns in Ontario.
Driving Times to Elora from Major Ontario Cities & Towns
Public Parking in Elora
The village can get very busy on weekends.
There are plenty of municipal parking lots around Elora for your vehicle, but we recommend coming early to make sure you get a good spot.
The village closes the two main downtown streets for pedestrian access only on weekends.
There are four Municipal parking lots in downtown Elora.
Geddes Street at East Mill Street
MacDonald Square at the Centre Wellington Civic Centre
Metcalfe Street
Carlton Street at Metcalfe Street
Downtown Elora Parking Lots
Public Washrooms
Public washrooms are available downtown at the visitors centre (10 East Mill) or Bissel Park (127 E Mill St).
There are also portable washrooms located in Victoria Park.
Visit the Elora Information Centre
Stop in and visit the Elora Information Centre located downtown Elora for maps, local restaurant guides, information, etc.
The Elora Info Cente is open from 11–4 pm.
Elora Information Centre 10 East Mill Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 Open seven days a week. Toll-free: 1.877.242.6353 Email: tourism@centrewellington.ca Map of this Location |  |
Free WiFi
Free WiFi is now available throughout downtown Elora and Fergus!
Dining in Elora & Fergus
Here is a list of local downtown Elora restaurants.
Restaurant Name | Address | Site | Map | Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Cellar's Pub & Grill | 13 Mill Street East | Wed - Sun | ||
The Evelyn | 130 Metcalfe St | Fri - Mon | ||
The Elora Mill | 77 Mill St W | Daily | ||
The Friendly Society | 8 Mill St W | Daily | ||
Shepard's Pub | 5 Mill St E | Tue - Sun | ||
Elora Brewing Company | 107 Geddes St | Daily | ||
The Wild Tart | 61 Metcalfe St | Daily | ||
Box Social | 103 Geddes St | Tue - Sun | ||
Elora Distilling Company | 102 Metcalfe St | Daily |
Accommodations & Hotels
Hotels Near Elora
Hotel Name | City | KM | Map | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Elora Mill & Spa | Elora | 0 | Map | $400 - 700 |
The Village Inn | Elora | >1 km | $100 - 150 | |
Best Western Plus Fergus Hotel | Fergus | 6 km | Map | $170 - 200 |
Comfort Inn Guelph | Guelph | 21 km | $120 - 150 | |
Super 8 by Wyndham Guelph | Guelph | 18 km | Map | $75 - 120 |
Hampton Inn & Suites Guelph | Guelph | 22 km | $150 - 200 | |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Guelph | Guelph | 20 km | $170 -200 |
We've gathered all the essential local accommodations and hotel information here.
Things to Do in Elora During Monster Month
Here is a list of tips and suggestions for your visit to Elora this fall.
Local Must-See Attractions
If you are coming to Elora & Fergus for the first time, these are the things we highly recommend you see during your visit.
Elora Gorge Lookout & Trails
Wellington County Museum & Archives
Templin Gardens (Fergus)
Elora Centre for the Arts
Trestle Trail Bridge
Be sure and visit the neighbouring Town of Fergus, filled with even more Halloween shopping and displays.
Self-Guided Monster Month Map
Take a self-guided Monster Tour through the village and meet our monsters, businesses and local attractions.
See a map https://monstermonth.ca/map.
Monster QR Codes: Learn and Interact!
You'll find Monster QR Codes located throughout the Township.
We filmed several videos with Sensational Elora's, Elora & Fergus Tourism and included clips from Tim Murton and MonsterMentary.
Monster QR codes can be scanned at many locations—a fun way to learn fascinating stories about the Monsters, the village and other Secrets.
Monster March
Monster March is a Halloween parade in downtown Elora, the second last Saturday evening in October. It's like a regular parade, but it's all monsters instead of vehicles, floats and candy!
Bring the whole family to Monster March—it's a safe and fun event that you won't want to miss!
Learn more about the Monster March here.
Magic Festival
The magic isn't just in the Halloween costumes this month—it's everywhere!
In addition to the usual spooky fun, during Monster Month, you can also catch world-class magicians, and magic shows throughout October.
Make sure to check out our schedule of events so you can plan your trip around seeing your favourite magicians and monsters!
Learn more about magic shows here.
Monster Month Photo Gallery
The month of October is unique in many ways. In addition to the monsters, visitors can expect to find food trucks, craft vendors and performers.
It's Canadian Thanksgiving, the official start to the holiday season, and a favourite time of year for many visitors. The views in Centre Wellington are spectacular, especial in autumn. The changing colours and cooler evenings are a perfect platform for the county-wide Halloween display.
Takeaway
Whether you come to see the monsters or one of many Halloween-themed events, October is a fantastic time to visit Elora. The fall season in Centre Wellington is spectacular. You'll find Halloween celebrations taking place in neighbouring communities Aboyne and Fergus. Plan your visit this October.
When planning your trip, there are plenty of dining and accommodation options in the area. Pick your favourite and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Come spend an afternoon or entire weekend adventuring!
Monster Month is the perfect way to cap off the Halloween season by celebrating the spooktacular sights and sounds the Township has to offer. The month-long event draws thousands of visitors to Elora each year, and if you've never experienced it before, you're in for a treat.
Share your questions in the comments.
