Ottawa & Area Ghost Tours
Ottawa is full of awesome ghost stories, haunted locations, and dark history. From spine-tingling ghost tours to heart-pounding paranormal investigations, join us for a fun, spooky, and safe night out in the National Capital Region!
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.
What Awaits in the Depths of Winter’s Dark? Step into the shadows with us at Ottawa’s Cumberland Heritage Village Museum for one of the city’s most unique winter activities—a spine-tingling paranormal adventure! Get exclusive access to explore four heated heritage buildings, each steeped in history and chilling tales from the past. Feel the stillness of the night and listen for whispers from forgotten voices as we use ancient and modern techniques to reach out to any spirits that call the Village home. Will they respond? Leave skepticism at the door and enter into the world of the unexplained. ‘Alone in the Dark’ is an authentic experience where the outcomes are as unpredictable as the spirits themselves. Nothing is staged. This unforgettable evening will captivate ghost story enthusiasts, paranormal investigators, history buffs, urban explorers, and anyone curious about the unknown. Spaces are vanishing fast—secure your spot now before this one-of-a-kind experience slips away into the shadows! Participants must be 16 or older. Choose curiosity over fear and join us in the dark!
From January to March, we offer a special winterized version of the Original Haunted Walk, complete with the comfort of cozy indoor stops. Be captivated by our friendly and talented storytellers, each wearing one of our iconic black cloaks, as they recount the area’s most spine-tingling ghostly tales. Using lanterns to light our way, we’ll lead you to Ottawa’s most haunted places, such as Grant House, the elegant Fairmont Château Laurier, and the city’s infamous haunted high school. This memorable evening will forever alter your perception of the city and its historic buildings. Ideal for all ages, this tour is a favourite among families, the curious, and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Please note, that during the winter, we may adapt the tour route and stories to better suit weather conditions. Cette visite est également disponible en français.
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. DATES: Apr 11 & 12, May 23 & 24, 2025
Join us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ottawa’s supernatural past as we explore the Bytown Museum. Prepare to be captivated by chilling tales of ghostly encounters shared by museum staff, visitors, and even our Haunted Walk tour guides! As we make our way to the museum, we’ll immerse you in the region’s oldest and most famous ghost stories, including iconic tales such as those surrounding the Rideau Canal, Barracks Hill, and the murder of D’Arcy McGee. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore one of Ottawa’s haunted landmarks with The Haunted Walk! Cette visite est également disponible en français.
NEW FOR 2025! An Unrushed, Deep-Dive Investigation into One of Ontario’s Most Mysterious Historic Sites! For one weekend only, immerse yourself in an all-night paranormal investigation at one of Eastern Ontario’s most historic and haunted locations—The Glengarry Pioneer Museum. With seven hours, it’s a rare opportunity to go beyond the surface, take your time, and experience a chilling encounter with the unknown. With suggestions from experienced investigators from Phantoms of Yore, you’ll explore multiple historic buildings, each with its own eerie reputation. From the phantom voices in the Orange Lodge to the oppressive energy of the Stewart Barn and the tragic history of the Trapper’s Cabin, you’ll have the time, space, and tools to conduct a serious paranormal investigation. Your night begins with a detailed briefing on the site’s haunted history, the investigative equipment, and best practices for collecting and analyzing evidence. Then, you and your small group will have hours of uninterrupted time to explore, experiment, and document what you find. Transportation not provided.
There are few spots as picturesque, and as haunted, as the Mill of Kintail, in Mississippi Mills, Ontario. With 200 years of history, the Mill is one of the oldest buildings in Canada available for paranormal investigations. 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 and investigate three different buildings. What will you discover? With a max of 6 people per group, tickets are extremely limited. Transportation not provided. DATES: May 9 & 10, June 20 & 21, 2025
On the anniversary of an execution held on the grounds, dare to explore Ontario’s oldest jail, where tragedy and restless spirits linger. Known for its dark history, including multiple executions, L’Orignal Jail / Ancienne Prison de L’Orignal is believed to be haunted by the restless souls of former inmates. During this exclusive 3-hour investigation, you’ll begin with a full briefing on the jail’s haunted past, an introduction to ghost-hunting equipment, and the best strategies for collecting and analyzing evidence. Once prepared, you’ll venture into the darkness, navigating cells and corridors where history’s shadows loom large. Will you uncover signs of the paranormal—or leave haunted by questions you can’t answer? Every investigation delivers something different and unpredictable. With just 6 people per group, spots are limited and disappearing quickly. Transportation not provided. DATES: June 27 & 28, 2025
Introducing “Hidden Ottawa” – the new light-hearted walking tour from the creators of The Haunted Walk that’s gonna have you chuckling with laughter and shaking your head in disbelief. Join our crew of storytelling guides as we take you on a 90-minute escapade through the hidden side of Ottawa. No boring history here! We’re all about the bizarre and unexpected side of the city we love. Ever heard of mutant squirrels or surprise racoons causing havoc? Maple syrup heists that would make Robin Hood blush? Secret society messages encoded in some of our most well-known places? We’ve got all that and more! Guffaw and gasp through the city’s streets as our fun and engaging tour guides spill the beans on those little-known stories and secrets that define Ottawa’s hidden personality. Grab your pals, your family, or even that weird cousin you don’t quite know how to handle – everyone’s welcome! “Hidden Ottawa” is a fun and engaging good-natured adventure, perfect for first-time visitors and locals alike. You won’t find this side of the city in any guidebook! Tickets are vanishing now like a squirrel with a stolen bottle of maple syrup!
Experience the ultimate Haunted Walk adventure with your boos and besties in Ottawa! Whether you’re seeking a thrilling outing with friends and family or an engaging educational experience, we’ve got you covered. Our Private Group Tours cater to adults, teambuilding events, and families, offering both daytime and evening departures. Similarly, our Educational/Youth Group bookings cater to schools, camps, and youth organizations. Both options are available for groups of 12 or more. Book your Private Group Tour on Mondays to Wednesdays and enjoy a $5 discount per person—a ghostly good deal for your next adventure! For groups over 90 or if you don’t see what you are looking for, please call or email us with your details, including the city. We’re here to help you craft the perfect spooky experience.
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