Ongoing
Various Locations
As the fall season descends, bringing crisp air and early nightfall, the allure of ghost tours grows stronger. For those who love the thrill of exploring the unknown, Ontario’s ghost tours offer the perfect blend of history, mystery, and a few spine-chilling moments. Whether you’re a firm believer in the paranormal or just enjoy a good scare, ghost tours provide an exciting way to dive into the haunted past of some of Ontario’s most historic locations. But the question remains: are you brave enough to embark on one?
The Allure of Ghost Tours
Ghost tours are more than just a walk through eerie locations. They are an immersive experience where historical legends, myths, and documented ghost sightings are brought to life by skilled storytellers. These tours offer a unique way to learn about a city’s darker history, with tales of restless spirits, unexplained happenings, and haunted buildings passed down through generations.
Many tours take place at night, adding to the suspense as shadows grow long, and the atmosphere becomes more intense. Armed with nothing more than a flashlight and your courage, you’ll explore old cemeteries, haunted inns, and historic streets where the past seems to linger.
Ontario’s Top Ghost Tours
Here are some of the most spine-tingling ghost tours in Ontario that are guaranteed to test your bravery:
1. The Haunted Walk of Toronto
The bustling metropolis of Toronto may be modern today, but its haunted past is still very much alive. The Haunted Walk of Toronto takes you through some of the city’s oldest and most infamous locations, including Mackenzie House, the University of Toronto, and the Distillery District.
- Highlights: Hear chilling tales of hauntings in historic buildings, ghostly encounters at famous landmarks, and spine-tingling experiences at Mackenzie House, said to be one of the most haunted buildings in Toronto.
- Location: Various sites across downtown Toronto.
- Best For: History buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
2. Fort George Ghost Tours – Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is often referred to as one of Canada’s most haunted towns, and Fort George is at the heart of its ghostly reputation. These guided tours take place after dark, exploring the 18th-century fort, which was the site of many battles during the War of 1812. Visitors have reported strange apparitions, disembodied voices, and the feeling of being watched.
- Highlights: Tour historic military grounds, walk through eerie barracks, and hear stories of soldiers who never left the fort. Some even claim to feel the presence of long-dead soldiers.
- Location: Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Best For: Those looking for a historically rich, yet creepy experience.
3. Ottawa Haunted Walk
The capital city of Canada is known for its beautiful architecture, but it also has a haunted past. The Ottawa Haunted Walk will lead you through the city’s oldest streets, haunted buildings, and even the Ottawa Jail Hostel, a former prison where it’s said the spirits of executed prisoners still roam.
- Highlights: Learn about the mysterious hauntings of the Fairmont Château Laurier, explore the former Carleton County Gaol, and hear ghost stories linked to Ottawa’s political past.
- Location: Downtown Ottawa.
- Best For: Those intrigued by ghost stories mixed with politics and history.
4. Kingston Haunted Walk
Kingston, one of Ontario’s oldest cities, is often considered the “most haunted city in Canada.” Its historic buildings, many dating back to the 19th century, are said to be home to restless spirits. The Kingston Haunted Walk takes you on a chilling journey through the city’s eerie past.
- Highlights: Visit haunted inns, eerie alleyways, and the historic Kingston Penitentiary, which housed some of Canada’s most notorious criminals. The “Original Haunted Walk” covers much of the city’s paranormal hotspots.
- Location: Kingston, Ontario.
- Best For: Fans of ghost stories tied to historic prisons and courthouses.
5. Dundurn Castle Ghost Tour – Hamilton
Dundurn Castle, a stately mansion in Hamilton, is said to be haunted by several spirits from its storied past. This majestic home, once the residence of Sir Allan MacNab, has been the site of many paranormal investigations. Visitors on the ghost tour can learn about its haunted history and may even encounter something otherworldly.
- Highlights: Explore the grand rooms and shadowy hallways of the mansion. The tour offers stories of sightings of ghostly figures, unexplained noises, and strange happenings that have left visitors uneasy.
- Location: Dundurn Castle, Hamilton, Ontario.
- Best For: Those who enjoy exploring grand, historical estates with a haunted twist.
6. Ghosts of the Mackenzie King Estate – Gatineau
For a more rural, nature-bound haunted experience, the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau offers ghost tours that take you through the estate of Canada’s longest-serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Known for his fascination with the occult, King held séances at his estate, and some believe that his spirit, along with others, still lingers.
- Highlights: Tour the estate’s picturesque grounds at dusk, hear stories of King’s paranormal experiments, and explore the ruins scattered across the property.
- Location: Gatineau Park, Quebec (just outside of Ottawa).
- Best For: Nature lovers and fans of supernatural history.
7. Hermitage Ruins Ghost Tour – Ancaster
Located near Hamilton, the Hermitage Ruins in Ancaster is another spooky spot with a tragic past. The ruins of this 19th-century mansion are shrouded in ghostly legends, with many visitors claiming to have seen the figure of a woman wandering the grounds.
- Highlights: Explore the eerie ruins after dark and listen to the heartbreaking tales of unrequited love and suicide that have fueled the ghost stories surrounding the site.
- Location: Ancaster, Ontario.
- Best For: Those who prefer outdoor settings with a historical twist.
Tips for a Successful Ghost Tour
- Come Prepared: Ghost tours often take place at night and in dimly lit areas, so bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes.
- Keep an Open Mind: Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, ghost tours are meant to be fun and educational. Enjoy the storytelling and immerse yourself in the experience.
- Listen to the Tour Guide: These guides are experts in their field, often sharing local legends passed down through generations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re curious about a particular haunting.
- Respect the Locations: Many ghost tours take place in historic sites or cemeteries, so be respectful of the space, especially if you’re visiting places where real tragedies occurred.
Are You Ready for a Ghostly Adventure?
Ghost tours offer a thrilling, spine-chilling way to explore Ontario’s haunted history. From historic forts and jails to grand mansions and eerie ruins, these tours provide an unforgettable experience that brings history to life in a supernatural way. But be warned—some tours have been known to leave even the bravest participants looking over their shoulders.
So, do you dare to take a walk through Ontario’s haunted past? If you’re feeling courageous, grab a flashlight, gather some friends, and prepare for a ghostly adventure that will leave you wondering whether the stories are just tales… or something more.
