Paranormal Investigations at the Historic SDG Jail

Public Investigations

Next Available: No Dates Currently Scheduled
210 minutes
$69.99 per Investigator
Spookiness Scale

The Historic SDG Jail (aka the Cornwall Jail) in Cornwall, Ontario, is a site we have been asked about for years and we are thrilled to be able to offer three weekends of investigations there this fall with Phantoms of Yore. Constructed in 1833 and active until 2002, the jail served as both a minimum and maximum security facility over that time. Several executions were carried out on-site, in addition to the suicides and murders. Due to the jail’s dark history and frequent ghost stories, it has attracted the interest of ghost hunters from across North America. This 3.5-hour special event will begin with a full briefing on the haunted history of the site, the equipment to be used, and the best practices to follow when collecting and analyzing evidence. Then you will have the opportunity to venture inside the jail – in the dark – to see what you can discover. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to investigate one of the most sought-after haunted sites in Ontario. With such small groups, tickets are extremely limited. Transportation not provided. DATES: Oct 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 2023 

What makes the Historic SDG Jail a great place to investigate?

Eric from Phantoms gives a tour of the spooky site!

Wondering what the Historic SDG Jail is like? Join Eric as he shares some of the highlights from the location and places of particular paranormal importance. 

Who are Phantoms of Yore?

Phantoms of Yore are the Haunted Walk’s official paranormal investigations partners. POY was founded in March 2018 by Elliot Luijkenaar (left) and Eric Oickle (right). The pair wanted to assist in the preservation of unique historical sites by facilitating public Paranormal Investigations. Over the past three years they have hosted dozens of popular events and have helped raise thousands of dollars for restorative work, renovations and other funding needs. Some of the sites include: L’Original Jail, Murney Tower, Ninette Sanatorium, Cornwall Jail, Mill of Kintail and the HI Ottawa Jail Hostel.

What happens at public investigations?

Simply put, these events allows guests to be paranormal investigators for the evening. These suspenseful, entertaining and informative experiences share the history, folklore, paranormal accounts about the site, and the theories and hypothesis behind paranormal investigations. Investigators film their own experiences and the footage is uploaded so it can be reviewed for possible paranormal captures. Live feeds are also included in most events, allowing for patrons to have instant access to the footage. Many paranormal enthusiasts and experienced investigators watch the live feed to help detect anomalies.

Upcoming Investigations

Check out what other amazing haunted sites you can explore!

More Spooky Fun!

THE FINAL SEASON HAS BEGUN! Explore Ottawa’s famous haunted jail and real-life murder mystery! Tour the cellblocks where inmates of all kinds were once imprisoned. Retrace the final footsteps of the condemned as you walk from Death Row to the last working gallows in Canada. In 1869, was an innocent man executed for the murder of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a popular Canadian politician? Does he still haunt the hallways of the jail to this day? Join us and find out for yourself. Not recommended for children under 10. Cette visite est également disponible en français.

Next available: December 4, 2023
75 minutes
Adults $29.99, Youth (up to 14) $19.99

The outdoor tour that started it all! Be captivated by our talented cloak-wearing storytellers as they share the best spine-tingling ghost stories from the area. With lanterns to light our way, we’ll take you to some of the most haunted spots in Ottawa, including the Bytown Museum, the Fairmont Château Laurier, and Ottawa’s haunted high school. Get ready for an unforgettable evening experience that will forever change your perception of the city and many of its historic buildings. Perfect for all ages, this tour is a tried and true favourite for family fun, curiosity-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike! Cette visite est également disponible en français.

Next available: March 2, 2024
75 minutes
Adults $25.99, Youth (up to 14) $19.99

‘Tis the season…for scary stories! Join us at the Bytowne Cinema as we revive the Victorian tradition of sharing ghost stories to celebrate the holidays. Storytellers from The Haunted Walk of Ottawa will spread spooky cheer with spellbinding tales of the otherworldly and supernatural – with a holiday spin. We will screen thematic classic short films throughout the evening to add to your eerie experience. We’re also offering a VIP experience for 16 brave souls who will stay after the theatre closes for a paranormal investigation with the team from The Haunted Walk. This 60-minute adventure is an excellent introduction to investigating the supernatural while exploring modern and ancient methods used to commune with the other side. You won’t want to miss this special, exclusive experience. Maybe you’ll even make it a holiday tradition! Also offered in Toronto.

Next available: December 16, 2023
90 minutes
$25 per person (Bytowne members save $3), $50 per person for show and VIP investigation