Paranormal Investigations at the Historic SDG Jail

Public Investigations

Next Available: October 23, 2026
More dates available:
  • October 24, 2026
  • October 29, 2026
210 minutes
$76.99 per person | All fees included
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 weekends of investigations there 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. FALL DATES: Sept 11 & 12, Oct 23, 24, 29 & 30, 2026

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!

NEW FOR 2026! As daylight fades, Parks Canada hands Ottawa’s Laurier House over to The Haunted Walk for the night. No staff, no visitors, no lights. Laurier House is ours.

Two prime ministers lived here. Sir Wilfrid Laurier died here. William Lyon Mackenzie King ran the country here by day. At night, he sat upstairs in the dark, listening for the people he’d lost. For more than twenty years, he tried to reach them, and told almost no one.

Cross the threshold into one of Canada’s most remarkable haunted homes and be led floor by floor through its rooms in the dark. Hear about the people who lived and died here as well as the strange events staff and guests have reported since. You won’t just hear about Mackenzie King’s attempts to reach the other side. Before the night is over, you’ll take part in some of them yourself.

Is Laurier House haunted by those who lived and died here and by decades spent reaching out to the dead? Most historic houses ask you to look. This one asks you to listen.

Sixteen spots only. Phones off at the door.

Next available: SOLD OUT
90 minutes
$52.99 | All fees included

This Titanic-era steamship spent nearly 60 years navigating some of the most haunted waters in the Great Lakes, where shipwrecks, tragic losses, and sightings of phantom vessels were frighteningly frequent. Is it any surprise the ship has a few ghosts of its own? From ghostly figures at the Bellhop’s Station to eerie encounters in the ballroom, every corner of the SS Keewatin holds a chilling surprise. Don’t miss this rare chance to explore this legendary vessel under the cover of night on an exclusive, spine-chilling tour from the team at The Haunted Walk. Tickets are slowly sinking now!

Next available: October 13, 2026
75 minutes
Adults $42.99 | Youth (14 & under) $34.99 | All fees included

Discover the hidden stories and fascinating history of Ottawa’s most famous castle, the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier. Join us for a 75-minute guided tour as we go behind the scenes and explore the secrets of this majestic landmark. Learn about concealed passageways, hear about political rendezvous, and stand in the ballrooms where countless grand galas have taken place. See the luxurious swimming pool and the exclusive areas typically reserved for guests. Immerse yourself in captivating tales of the Château Laurier’s notable guests and its storied past. While the focus isn’t on ghost stories…we might just share one. Book your adventure today and let our captivating guides unlock the magic of this majestic castle. Tours by Hidden InSite. Cette visite est également disponible en français.

Next available: October 13, 2026
75 minutes
Adults $32.99 | Youth (14 & under) $24.99 | Save $5 Monday through Wednesday | All fees included