Saunders Farm Ottawa: PumpkinFest, FrightFest & More

Last Updated: October 13, 2026

Saunders Farm is one of Ottawa's best-known fall destinations—a 100-acre farm in Munster with a huge hedge-maze collection and seasonal events like PumpkinFest, FrightFest, and A Country Christmas.

Every autumn, thousands of Ottawa-area families head to Saunders Farm in Munster for the classic fall day out. Founded in 1976 by Bill and Anne Saunders as a strawberry operation, the farm has grown into a seasonal lineup—daytime PumpkinFest, FrightFest after dark, and A Country Christmas later in the year. This guide focuses on the practical details: what each event includes, what tickets cost in 2026, what to book ahead, and tips to avoid the biggest lineups.

Key Highlights

TL;DR: In 2026, Saunders Farm runs PumpkinFest (daytime, weekends from September 26 to November 1, general admission from $30.99 per person, regular price $42) and FrightFest (night, Friday and Saturday from September 26, then every night October 21-31, general admission from $62.99, regular price $73.50). FrightFest has 7 haunted attractions and is not recommended for children under 12. Off-peak dates cost less, so choose an off-peak day or night if you can, and book a time slot ahead because both events sell tickets by date and arrival window.

What is Saunders Farm?

The pumpkin patch is part of PumpkinFest's daytime lineup

Saunders Farm is a family-owned 100-acre agritourism destination located in Munster, just southwest of Ottawa near Stittsville. Founded in 1976 by Bill and Anne Saunders, the farm began as a simple strawberry operation before growing into one of the region's biggest seasonal attractions.

Farm History & Evolution

The farm's transformation from strawberry fields to entertainment destination happened gradually over decades:

• 1976: Bill and Anne Saunders founded the farm as a strawberry operation
• 1992: Launched the fall festival that became FrightFest, now in its 34th year (2026)
• 2021: Launched Saunders Cider craft beverage production on-site
• 2026: Marks 50 years since the farm was founded

What Makes Saunders Farm Unique

Several factors distinguish Saunders Farm from other Ottawa-area attractions:

• Scale & Legacy: 100 acres of agritourism, with a program that runs from spring through December
• Hedge Mazes: The farm calls its hedge-maze collection the largest in the world, alongside labyrinths and puzzle mazes
• Production Quality: FrightFest pairs haunted attractions with street theatre and a fire-and-sword stage show
• Seasonal Programming: Summer Maze Days, PumpkinFest and FrightFest, then A Country Christmas
• Craft Beverage Integration: Saunders Cider is made on-site and served at MacIntosh's CiderHouse

PumpkinFest: Daytime Fall Fun (September 26 - November 1)

The farm calls its hedge-maze collection the largest in the world

PumpkinFest 2026 runs Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 to November 1, 10 AM to 5 PM, offering family-friendly daytime activities for all ages. Tickets are for a 30-minute arrival window, and you can stay for the day once you are in.

PumpkinFest 2026 Pricing

Each online order also carries a $2.99 processing fee. The farm lists "from" prices because off-peak days cost less than peak days, so the date you pick sets the price. Check the Saunders Farm ticket page for the price on your date and for what the Ultimate Kids ticket includes.

Money-Saving Tip: Pick an off-peak day, which the farm says is quieter, with shorter lines and lower prices. The farm has also held a big winter ticket sale (in January 2025 it offered up to 65% off), so join its email newsletter to hear about the next one.

World-Famous Maze System

The farm describes its hedge mazes as the largest in the world, and the collection also includes labyrinths and puzzle mazes, with something for every age. The farm's site is also promoting an Ottawa 200 corn maze this year.

The mazes are open during the day without scares, so they suit toddlers and adults alike.

Pumpkin Patch & Picking

The PumpkinFest ticket list includes a Pumpkin Patch Hayride through the pumpkins and farm fields. The farm did not post per-pound pumpkin prices on the pages checked for this update, so ask at the farm or check saundersfarm.com before you plan to buy.

Hayride & Wagon Experiences

Two distinct wagon rides operate during PumpkinFest:

Pumpkin Patch Hayride:

• Ride through the pumpkins and farm fields
• Family-friendly experience
• Listed among the things to do on the PumpkinFest ticket

Haunted Hayride (Daytime Version):

• Light scares suitable for families
• The farm says its daytime haunted attractions are not recommended for kids under 10
• Different experience than the nighttime FrightFest version

In summer, free wagon rides leave every hour on the hour from 11 AM to 2 PM from Farmer Bill's Treehouse.

Children's Play Areas & Attractions

The farm includes multiple unique play structures across 100 acres:

Pirate Ship:

• Playground structure for kids to climb and explore
• One of the farm's signature play structures

Farmer Bill's Treehouse:

• Climbing structure with a hay jump
• Starting point for the free summer wagon rides

Molly's Market:

• Play shopping experience
• Faux food and play money for little shoppers

Woodland Adventure:

• Nature-based play structure
• Forest-themed playground

Witch Mountain Slide:

• Slide on the PumpkinFest list of things to do
• Popular with kids and adults

Jumbo Jumpers:

• Inflatable jumping pillows
• Bring socks in case shoes need to come off
• On the PumpkinFest and FrightFest lists of things to do

Splash Pad:

• Water play area open in summer
• On-site change rooms for getting in and out of bathing suits

Additional Daytime Attractions (Extra Charges)

These attractions cost extra and are paid by credit or debit card only, because the farm is cashless:

Live Entertainment

Stage shows and strolling characters perform on the farm:

• The Pumpkin Princess: Strolling character
• Puppet Shows: Featuring "Mazey" the young maze tree and her friends
• New Productions: The farm says there are new surprises every year

PumpkinFest Hours

FrightFest: Haunted Attractions After Dark (September 26 - October 31)

FrightFest has 7 haunted attractions plus street theatre and a stage show

FrightFest is where Saunders Farm truly shines. Now in its 34th year (2026), it is a full-scale theatrical horror experience built around haunted attractions, roaming street theatre and a fire-and-sword stage show. The farm rates each attraction on a "Chainsaw-o-Meter," from Unsettling (creepy, no jump scares or blood) to Seriously Scary, so you can pick your intensity.

FrightFest 2026 Schedule & Hours

The farm's October calendar also lists Thursday, October 15 (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM). During Halloweek, October 21, 22, 26, 27 and 28 close at 10 PM, while October 23 to 25 and October 29 to 31 close at 11 PM.

Important: Tickets are sold in 30-minute arrival time slots, but they stay valid for the whole evening you bought them for, so running late is fine. Haunted attraction lines close 30 minutes before the farm closes.

FrightFest 2026 Pricing

Important Notes:

• Maximum 9 tickets per purchase for General Admission, RIP and Ultimate RIP
• Non-refundable tickets; the farm operates rain, snow or shine
• Prices are listed as "from" because off-peak nights cost less than peak nights
• Costumes are encouraged, but masks and face coverings are not allowed on the farm

Pro Tip: The farm has held a big winter ticket sale before (in January 2025 it offered up to 65% off), so join its email newsletter if you want a shot at the next one. Check the FrightFest ticket page for the price on your night.

The Seven Haunted Attractions (2026)

The farm's own FrightFest page lists these haunts, along with street theatre and the Ghost Town Stage show:

1. The Haunted Hayride: A dark tour of the Saunders grounds (and ghouls).

2. Barn of Terror: The farm's story is that Dr. Saunders had many failed experiments, and some of them still lurk in the barn. A light daytime version runs during PumpkinFest.

3. The Sawmill: A hidden world where a lost colony of millworkers, cut off for over a century, is now open for tours.

4. The Shambles: The farm's goriest haunt, where you escape genetically modified livestock on the loose, with chainsaws in hooves.

5. The Cemetery Scare Zone: A stroll through the farm's cemetery, with scares along the way.

6. The Coven: A witch-infested haunt the farm says will rattle your nerves and leave you spell-bound.

7. Circus Macabre: Step right up and face your fears. The farm hopes you are not scared of clowns.

Included with FrightFest Admission

• Access to the 7 haunted attractions (ticket holders are not guaranteed to visit all of them)
• Street theatre, with monsters that do not always stay inside the haunts
• The Ghost Town Stage show, with fire and sword swallowing
• Jumbo Jumpers

Additional Cost Activities (At FrightFest)

• Zipline (same as daytime)
• Arcade games
• Food booths, including What The Cluck (fried chicken sandwiches) and Pogos & Poutine (see the dining section)
• MacIntosh's CiderHouse & Tasting Room (wood-fired pizza, Saunders Cider)
• The Farmshop & Local Artisan Market

Scare Level & Age Recommendations

Official Recommendation: FrightFest is not recommended for children under 12. Children 2 and under are free and do not need a ticket.

What to Expect:

• Haunts rated on the farm's "Chainsaw-o-Meter": Unsettling, Creepy Crawly, Cut and Run, and Seriously Scary
• Roaming actors outside the marked attractions
• Darkness, fire effects on the stage and chainsaw props in the gorier haunts
• Nighttime is a different experience from the daytime PumpkinFest haunts

Daytime Haunts at PumpkinFest:

• PumpkinFest includes 5 haunted attractions: Circus Macabre, Barn of Terror, Haunted Hayride, The Coven Walk and The Cemetery
• The farm calls them "not-as-scary-as-FrightFest" and says they are not recommended for kids under 10
• A good way to test your group's scare tolerance before booking a night

Visitor Experiences Vary:

• Some 10-year-olds handle nighttime FrightFest well
• Others find it too frightening
• Know your group's tolerance level

FrightFest Tips for First-Timers

1. Pick an Off-Peak Night: The farm says off-peak nights tend to have smaller crowds, shorter lines and lower ticket prices

2. Consider Early-Season Fridays and Saturdays: Before Halloweek the farm is open only a few nights a week, so check the calendar for peak versus off-peak

3. Test Tolerance with the Daytime Version: Try the PumpkinFest haunts before committing to a night visit

4. Set Expectations: Ticket holders are not guaranteed to visit all 7 attractions, and haunt lines close 30 minutes before the farm does

5. Arrive Within Your Time Slot: Tickets are for a 30-minute arrival window, though they stay valid all evening if you are running late

6. Dress Appropriately: Comfortable walking shoes, layers for cold evenings, and a costume with no mask or face covering

7. Bring a Card: The farm is cashless, so credit or debit is the only way to pay for food and add-ons

What Locals Say About Saunders Farm

Visitor feedback changes every season, so this section sticks to what could be confirmed for 2026.

Reddit (r/ottawa) Highlights

Ticket cost is the topic that comes up most. An October 2025 r/ottawa thread titled "$63 for Saunders Farm" drew more than 230 comments, and the original poster called the tickets expensive. Prices have risen since: in 2026 FrightFest general admission is listed from $62.99 and PumpkinFest from $30.99, with regular prices of $73.50 and $42.

Google and TripAdvisor Reviews

Read the current reviews on the farm's Google and TripAdvisor pages before you book. We have not quoted them here because they change from season to season.

Common Criticisms (Legitimate Concerns)

• Peak Dates Sell Out: The farm itself says tickets sell out every year and that ticket holders are not guaranteed to visit every haunt
• Premium Pricing: FrightFest general admission has a regular price of $73.50, before food and add-ons
• Extra Activities Add Up: The zipline, gem mine, arcade, jeep rides and Bear Factory all cost extra
• Food Costs Extra: Meals and snacks are not included in admission, so budget for them

Common Praise

• FrightFest pairs 7 haunted attractions with a scare zone, street theatre and a stage show
• PumpkinFest has play areas, mazes, a hayride and several extra-charge rides and games, which suits a full day with children
• Free on-site parking, and children 2 and under get in free

Other Seasonal Events

Summer Maze Days (Summer)

A quieter, family-focused season with lots for young children. The farm posts each year's dates and prices on its Summer Maze Days page, so check there before you go.

Activities Include:

• Hedge mazes, labyrinths and puzzle mazes
• Zipline (extra charge, paid by card at the Farmshop)
• Jumbo Jumpers & Splash Pad with change rooms
• Wagon Rides (free rides leave every hour on the hour from 11 AM to 2 PM from Farmer Bill's Treehouse)
• Unique Playgrounds: Pirate Ship, Farmer Bill's Treehouse, Woodland Adventure
• Gem Mine & Mini Diggers
• Molly's Market
• Puppet shows

Admission: Children 2 and under are free, and everyone else pays regular admission. Check the farm's page for the current price.

On-Site Dining:

• Annabelle's (snacks & ice cream)
• Farmer's Table (burgers, hot dogs and other barbecue favourites; summer and fall only)
• MacIntosh's CiderHouse (wood-fired pizza, gluten-free and dairy-free options, Saunders Cider)

A Midsummer Night's Scream (August)

One night only, a preview of FrightFest. In 2026 it ran on Saturday, August 8, from 6 PM to 10 PM, with several of the farm's haunted attractions open, including Circus Macabre, The Sawmill and Barn of Terror. Watch the farm's site for next summer's date.

A Country Christmas (Winter)

A Country Christmas transforms the farm into an immersive holiday village

After FrightFest ends, the farm becomes what it markets as "Ottawa's only immersive Christmas experience," open both day and night. Ottawa Tourism lists the 2026 season as "dates to be announced," so check the farm's Country Christmas page for dates and ticket prices.

Daytime Activities (Country Christmas Days):

Nighttime: Holiday Light Stroll

• A walk through twinkling lights and festive displays, open day and night
• Snap holiday photos among the lights
• Check the farm's page for timed-ticket details once the 2026 season is posted

Dining & Shopping:

• MacIntosh's CiderHouse (wood-fired pizza, Saunders Cider)
• The Farmshop (cider, gifts, Christmas Crackle Popcorn)
• The Steaming Cauldron (soups) and BeaverTails

Admission: Not yet announced for 2026. See the farm's page above.

School Field Trips and Group Visits

Contact info@saundersfarm.com about school and group visits. For PumpkinFest and FrightFest, the farm sells group-rate tickets for orders of 10 or more.

Private Events & Birthday Parties

Birthday Parties:

• Birthday party packages include admission, lunch, snacks and loot bags
• See the farm's kids' birthday party page for current options

Private Events:

• Corporate picnics: exclusive access to the grounds from May to October, any day of the week
• Birthdays, retirements, anniversaries and other celebrations: contact events@saundersfarm.com

Getting to Saunders Farm

The farm is located in rural Munster, southwest of downtown Ottawa

Address

7893 Bleeks Road, Munster, ON K0A 3P0

From Downtown Ottawa

One local guide gives the usual route as follows:

1. Take Highway 417 West to Highway 416 South
2. Exit at Fallowfield Road (Regional Road 12)
3. Head west on Fallowfield Road to Munster Road
4. Turn left on Munster Road
5. Turn right on Bleeks Road and watch for the farm's signs

Check the route in Google Maps or Waze before you leave, because that guide is several years old and the farm does not publish step-by-step directions.

Distances from Major Areas

Munster is a rural hamlet on Ottawa's southwest edge, near Stittsville. The same guide puts the farm about 45 km from Parliament Hill and an hour at most by car, so plan well over half an hour from most of the city, and longer on busy weekends.

Parking

• Free, supervised and well-lit parking is available on site
• Arrive a little early on peak fall weekends, since your ticket is for a 30-minute arrival window

Transit Notes

• The farm's pages do not mention public transit
• Plan to drive, carpool or use a ride-share
• Waze and Google Maps both have the farm's address

Practical Tips for Visiting

What to Wear & Bring

Footwear is CRITICAL:

• Rain boots or waterproof hiking shoes are absolutely essential
• Ground becomes extremely muddy after rain
• Avoid sandals, white sneakers, or anything you can't get dirty

Bring These Items:

• Extra socks for the Jumbo Jumpers
• Rain jacket or waterproof layer (the farm is open rain or shine)
• Layers for changing temperatures
• A credit or debit card, since the farm is cashless

For FrightFest:

• Costumes are encouraged, but no masks or face coverings are allowed
• Skip long, flowing costumes, which are a trip hazard in dark attractions
• Comfortable shoes for a long evening of walking

Food & Drink On-Site

The farm's dining page lists many food booths, and which ones are open depends on the season. Food and drink are not included in admission.

Dining Locations:

• Annabelle's: Snacks, ice cream and apple treats (summer and fall)
• Farmer's Table: Burgers, hot dogs, hand-cut fries, poutine and veggie burgers (summer and fall)
• MacIntosh's CiderHouse: Wood-fired pizza, giant pretzels and snacks, with gluten-free and vegetarian options, open all seasons
• Pogos & Poutines: Poutine, including the Green Queen Poutine with pickles (fall only)
• What the Cluck?: Crispy chicken tenders and fried chicken sandwiches (summer and fall)
• The Bratwurst Haus, Tipsy Tombstone Tavern and The Steaming Cauldron: Sausages, local draft beer, chilli and soups (fall and winter)
• BeaverTails: Fall and winter only

Beverage Options:

• Saunders Cider, made on-site since 2021
• Local draft beer at the Tipsy Tombstone Tavern
• Hot drinks in fall and winter

Can You Bring Your Own Food?

Official Policy: The farm's ticket terms say no outside food or beverages are permitted, and that plenty of food and drink is on sale at the farm. Check with the farm if you have dietary needs.

Best Times to Visit

How Long to Spend

Accessibility

• All of the farm's buildings are wheelchair accessible, with accessible bathrooms near the entrance
• The site has some paved walkways, though some features are only reachable by more rugged terrain
• For specific accessibility questions, email info@saundersfarm.com

Pet Policy

• Dogs are not allowed on the grounds (the farm says this keeps the grounds safe and clean for everyone)
• Service animals are allowed

Comparison with Other Ottawa Area Farms

Quick Comparison Table

Detailed Competitor Breakdown

Cannamore Orchard (Crysler):

• Price: $37 + HST per person for regular night admission in 2026 (day admission is $25 + HST), versus Saunders' regular $73.50
• Attractions: Four main parts: a Spooky Wagon Ride, House of Terror, Fog Maze and Spooky Village
• Unique Feature: 2026 is the 34th year of Acres of Terror, which the orchard calls Eastern Ontario's most affordable Halloween attraction
• Booking: Tickets must be bought online in advance for a date and time slot, and groups leave every 15 minutes
• Verdict: Fewer attractions than Saunders, at a lower price

Proulx Farm "sKreamers" (1865 O'Toole Road, Cumberland):

• Price: $25 per person in 2026
• Attractions: One scary wagon ride and a tour of each of two houses of horror; run September 26 to October 31
• Advantage: A smaller outing, run as a fundraiser by the Kiwanis Club of Orleans
• Pumpkin Fest by day: Proulx Farm's Pumpkin Fest runs weekends from September 19 to October 31, with weekend visit tickets listed at $18
• Verdict: A lower-priced alternative with a different, smaller feel than Saunders

Miller's Farm (6158 Rideau Valley Drive North, south of Manotick):

• Price: The farm sells a wristband of about $5 to $6 per person for the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and the corn maze (its fall page lists both prices); children under one ride free
• Activities: Over 8 acres of pick-your-own pumpkins, a corn maze, play structures, a hay jump and farm animals
• Season: Pick-your-own pumpkins are open through October 31, 2026
• Verdict: A low-cost day for families with young children

Mountain Orchards (10175 Clark Road, Mountain):

• Price: The pages checked did not list an admission price, so confirm on the farm's site
• Activities: Wagon rides into the orchard to pick apples, a corn maze (the 2026 design is a tribute to the CNIB), a straw jump, a playground and forest trails
• Bonus: A farm store with doughnuts, butter tarts and pies
• Verdict: An apple-picking day with no haunted attractions

Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm (951 8th Concession South, Pakenham):

• Focus: Fall weekends from September 12 to November 8, 2026, then open daily from November 12 to December 24 for the Christmas season; Christmas tree sales begin November 20
• Activities: Cut-your-own or precut trees, a kids' play area, tractor rides, camp fires and a large Christmas shop
• Price: The farm says there is no entrance fee and no reservation needed
• Verdict: Worth the drive for Christmas tree season

Rosehill Ranch (2792 Concession Road 4, White Lake):

• Activities: A pumpkin patch, farm animals and farm products; the ranch's fall hours run weekends until October 31, 10 AM to 4 PM, with some Saturday nights extended for hauntings
• Price: Adults $10, children 4 to 12 $5 and two adults with two children $25; children 3 and under and seniors 65 and over are free
• Verdict: A small family farm with a lower price than the bigger attractions

Key Differences Summary

Saunders Farm stands out for scale, variety and production quality, but its regular prices are higher than the smaller farms nearby. Other farms fit specific niches:

• Lower-Priced Scares: Cannamore Orchard ($37 + HST regular night admission) and Proulx Farm's sKreamers ($25)
• Low-Cost Day for Young Kids: Miller's Farm (about $5 to $6 wristband) and Rosehill Ranch ($10 adults, $5 children)
• Apple Picking: Mountain Orchards
• Christmas Trees: Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm (no entrance fee)

For more fall activities, check our guides to hiking trails around Ottawa and Winterlude Ottawa.

Pricing Summary Table (2026)

Pricing Notes:

• Every ticket is date-specific, so peak and off-peak dates carry different prices
• The farm's winter ticket sale has offered big discounts before (up to 65% off in January 2025)
• All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable

Recommendations by Visitor Type

For Families with Young Children (Ages 3-8)

Best Season: Summer Maze Days or daytime PumpkinFest

Budget: PumpkinFest general admission from $30.99 per person (regular $42), plus extras and food

Highlights: Playgrounds (Pirate Ship, Treehouse), wagon rides, splash pad in summer, mazes, Witch Mountain slide

Tip: Skip FrightFest entirely, which the farm does not recommend for children under 12

For Families with Older Kids (Ages 9-12)

Best Season: Late September to mid-October (PumpkinFest weekends)

Budget: PumpkinFest from $30.99 per person for the day; FrightFest is not recommended under 12

Highlights: Mazes, hayrides, daytime haunts (the farm says not under 10)

Tip: Test the daytime haunts first; the nighttime FrightFest may be too intense

For Adults & Thrill-Seekers

Best Season: An off-peak FrightFest night

Budget: FrightFest general admission from $62.99; RIP gets fast tracks to all 7 haunts from $99

Highlights: The 7 haunted attractions, street theatre, the Ghost Town Stage show and the zipline

Tip: Arrive early in your time slot; ticket holders are not guaranteed to visit every haunt

For Budget-Conscious Families

Option 1: Visit smaller farms (Proulx Farm's sKreamers at $25, Miller's Farm with a $5-6 wristband, Rosehill Ranch at $10 for adults and $5 for children)

Option 2: Pick an off-peak PumpkinFest day at Saunders, with general admission from $30.99

Option 3: Watch for the farm's winter ticket sale

Tip: Outside food is not permitted at Saunders, so plan for food costs

For Holiday Gatherings (December)

Option: A Country Christmas with daytime and the Holiday Light Stroll

Budget: The farm has not announced 2026 prices yet

Tip: Check the farm's Country Christmas page for dates and ticket details once they are posted

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Saunders Farm open?

In 2026, PumpkinFest runs Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 to November 1, 10 AM to 5 PM. FrightFest runs Fridays and Saturdays from September 26 to October 31, and every night during Halloweek (October 21-31), from 6 PM. Midsummer Night's Scream was on August 8. The farm has not posted 2026 dates for A Country Christmas, so check its calendar.

Q: How much is admission to Saunders Farm?

PumpkinFest general admission starts at $30.99 per person (regular price $42), and FrightFest general admission starts at $62.99 (regular price $73.50). Children 2 and under are free at PumpkinFest. Both add a $2.99 processing fee online, and the lowest price applies to off-peak dates. A Country Christmas prices are not yet posted.

Q: Is FrightFest actually scary?

Yes. It has 7 haunted attractions, a scare zone and street theatre, with live actors throughout, and the farm does not recommend it for children under 12. Masks and face coverings are not allowed for guests. Check the farm's FrightFest page for its full list of warnings before you buy.

Q: How do I get cheaper FrightFest tickets?

Book early and pick an off-peak night. The farm's ticket page shows a lower "from" price for quieter dates (general admission from $62.99 versus a regular $73.50), and groups of the right size get a lower rate (from $57.99). RIP tickets cost more, from $99. Prices change by date, so check the ticket page.

Q: Where is Saunders Farm located?

Saunders Farm is at 7893 Bleeks Road in Munster, Ontario, on Ottawa's southwest edge near Stittsville. A local guide suggests Highway 417 West to Highway 416 South, then Fallowfield Road, Munster Road and Bleeks Road. That guide is several years old, so confirm in Google Maps. Parking is free on site.

Q: What should I wear to Saunders Farm?

Wear waterproof boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy, since the grounds can get wet after rain. Dress in layers, and bring extra socks for the Jumbo Jumpers. For FrightFest, wear comfortable walking shoes and skip long costumes and any mask or face covering, which are not allowed.

Q: Can I bring my own food?

No. The farm's ticket terms say no outside food or beverages are permitted, and it sells food and drinks on site, from poutine and burgers to wood-fired pizza. The farm is also cashless, so bring a card.

Q: How long should I plan to spend at Saunders Farm?

PumpkinFest runs 10 AM to 5 PM, and many families spend most of that. FrightFest is an evening visit starting at 6 PM, and tickets do not guarantee you will get through all 7 haunts. The farm does not publish suggested visit lengths, so allow extra time on peak dates.

Q: Is Saunders Farm good for toddlers?

PumpkinFest is the better pick for young children, with play areas and hayrides, and children 2 and under are free. The farm does not recommend its daytime haunts for children under 10. FrightFest is not appropriate for toddlers or young children.

Q: Are dogs allowed at Saunders Farm?

No. Dogs are not allowed on the grounds. Service animals are allowed.

Q: Will I be able to do all 7 FrightFest attractions in one night?

Not guaranteed. The farm says ticket holders are not guaranteed access to every haunt. The RIP (from $99) and Ultimate RIP (from $159) tickets cost more, so check the ticket page for what each one includes. On general admission, head to the haunts you most want first.

Q: How does Saunders Farm compare to Cannamore Orchard?

Cannamore Orchard in Crysler runs Acres of Terror at $37 + HST for night admission, which is well under Saunders' $62.99 and up. Saunders has 7 haunted attractions, while Cannamore has 4 parts. Both are in their 34th year in 2026. Check each farm's site for current prices.

Q: What's the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

The farm's calendar shows which dates are off-peak, and those are the better bet for smaller crowds and lower prices. Halloweek (October 21-31) is the busiest stretch for FrightFest. Book a time slot ahead for any date.

Final Thoughts

Saunders Farm is one of the best-known fall destinations near Ottawa, and in 2026 it is celebrating 50 years since its founding. Prices vary by date, so the way to spend less is to choose an off-peak day or night and book ahead, with FrightFest general admission starting at $62.99 and PumpkinFest at $30.99.

Wear waterproof boots, bring a card (the farm is cashless) and leave the dog and the outside food at home. Check the farm's calendar before you go, because dates and hours can change.

For budget-conscious families, nearby farms charge less. Cannamore Orchard in Crysler is $37 + HST at night, Rosehill Ranch in White Lake lists adults at $10, and Miller's Farm lists a wristband of about $5 to $6. Mountain Orchards did not post an admission price when we checked. The experiences differ from Saunders, so see the comparison above.

Whether you are taking young children to their first pumpkin patch, testing the farm's hedge mazes, looking for a scare at FrightFest, or planning ahead for A Country Christmas, Saunders Farm offers a lot of seasonal choice. Its founders started it in 1976 as a strawberry operation.

Sources: Saunders Farm, Ottawa Tourism. Competitor prices come from each farm's own website and ticket page, checked in October 2026.

Related Articles:

• Hiking Trails in Ottawa
• Winterlude Ottawa Complete Guide
• Free Things to Do in Ottawa
• Kids Birthday Party Venues in Ottawa
• Dog-Friendly Ottawa Complete Guide
• Best Patios in Ottawa