Niagara on the Lake Tours

We focus on delivering masterful storytelling at a reasonable price. Our journey begins with a deep respect for the classic ghost story, which we blend seamlessly with a dedication to traditional styles and fascinating, “natural” oddities from local history.

Refining this unique approach has been our specialty since 2003, making our the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tours an absolute must for things-to-do.

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The Niagara-on-the-Lake Tours is a normal Traditional Ghost Walk in the Old Town. Featuring a trained storyteller speaking of legends, interesting history and ghost stories. This is not a scare “haunted house”.

When a date or time slot is missing … A missing time means it’s sold out.  A missing date, means the entire night is sold out.

Yes.  Because space is limited on our Niagara-on-the-Lake tours, we highly recommend booking in advance. Doing so allows us to guarantee your spots and ensures we can arrange for additional guides if demand increases.

The Niagara on the Lake tours are outdoors.  Featuring a walk of the tour and stop in the picturesque Gazebo.

Canada’s Most Haunted Town

It’s the heart of the only official war fought on Canadian soil.  This small town has been a stage for death, violence, and tragedy for well over 200 years.

This intense emotional history is exactly why Niagara-on-the-Lake is considered “Canada’s Most Haunted Town”.  A reputation so significant, it features two Ghost Tours and its own dedicated book of hauntings.

It’s rare in Canada to have a piece of land with such focused history.  This town is special … and here’s why!

A Legacy of Firsts

As the first capital of Upper Canada (original name of the Province of Ontario.  Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to many of Ontario’s historic milestones.  

It boasts Ontario’s first…

1. Library
2. Courthouse
3. Post Office
4. Pharmacy
5. Newspaper
6. Churches
7. Parliament

Yes, Parliament!  British Canada started in a small log cabin once located on King Street, about 2 blocks south of Queen Steet. 

The building no longer exists.  However, there’s a painting of the Members meeting in that cabin, which now hangs in Queen’s Park in Toronto.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s community was originally established by a Colonel John Butler and his men.  Who arrived in the late 1770s.  Settling here as Loyalists following the American Revolution.

Capital of Canada

Over a span of three years, the town hosted five government sessions. It was during this time that a momentous decision was reached in Niagara-on-the-Lake … starting the end of slavery.

That wasn’t perfect.  The legislation didn’t free current slaves.  Instead, it effectively halted the practice for future generations.

Legend has it … to mark such a significant event, the officials retired to The Harmonious Coach House.  A historic tavern on the site of today’s Olde Angel Inn.

Burning Niagara-on-the-Lake

Then there’s the time soldiers tried to end Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Testing it on May 27, 1813. As the War of 1812 raged, American forces invaded and captured Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

We’re not sure how many were killed during that attack. The British only reported 52 soldiers died.  But the Americans claimed it was over 100.  Official record state many were missing, which may explain the confusion.

Only seven months later, in December of 1813, the devastation deepened.  Starting with an angry, treasonous British politician.  He suggested the Americans burn Niagara-on-the-Lake!

And they did!  Nearly every structure was destroyed.  The only buildings that survived…

1. The McFarland House
2. Part of Brockamour Manor
3. Fort George’s Powder Magazine

Along with a few wooden structures for exiled citizens.

All that dark history from the very beginnings of Upper Canada.  And long before the country was united in 1867.

Not on the Tours

While our main tour covers many spirits, here are two legendary stories that remain off the beaten path:

Legend of Sobbing Sophia

Sophia Shaw was whispered to be the true love of General Isaac Brock.

Living with her sister-in-law’s family at Brockamour Manor.  Through her sister Isabella, married to the house’s original owner, John Powell.

It’s said Sophia met Brock while he was stationed at Fort George.  Although their love blossomed quickly, Sophia’s father (Æneas) disapproved because Brock lacked “noble blood”. 

Basically … the great war leader wasn’t from the right family.

Ultimately, it wasn’t her father who stopped the relationship.  It was the war.  

In October 1812, Brock was summoned to Queenston Heights.  To defend the town against a marching American force.  

Tragically, he died in battle.  Leaving the world, and Sophia.

The Eternal Mourner

Consumed by grief, Sophia never married again.  Leading a life dedicated to helping others through her faith.  Becoming a Nun.

It’s confusing because part of the legend states Sophia died at a young age.  Not true.  She lived to be about 80 years old.  Dying in 1870 in Toronto.

Today, locals report the sound of heart-wrenching cries drifting from an open window on the second floor of Brockamour Manor.  

They named her “Sobbing Sophia”.  And she is still heard today.  Not just in the room, but throughout the town.  Especially along Queen Street at night.

Watcher of the Town

Many residents report sightings of a strange, blue orb floating through the streets at night near the modern Post Office.  Locals believe this is the spirit of a former constable, hence the distinct blue glow.

Known simply as “The Watcher”.   

The light vanishes the moment anyone tries to get close.  There is no tragic tale attached to him.  Just a silent and blue sentinel keeping Niagara-on-the-Lake safe.

Ultimate Self-Tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake… our Audio Tour is now available. Different stories than the

Make it a themed day!  Before coming to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the Ghost Walks.  Take a road trip around one of the most haunted regions in Canada.

This is a quick list of tourist destinations easy spots.  For more places and details, read our Top 10 Haunted Places in the Niagara Region.

Here are some ghostly things to do in Niagara…

Laura Secord Homestead Tour

For an indoor thing to do, we highly recommend taking in some important Canadian history.

A tiny homestead hidden in the small, yet very historic, town of Queenston Heights.  This was the home of Laura Secord.  The Canadian heroine who made the difficult trek up the escarpment.  Walking many kilometres from Queenston to the Decew House in Thorold.

Her home survived over 200 years of history, including the Battle of Queenston Heights.  Today runs as a museum to her legacy.

One ghostly occurrence happened to a young couple who visited for a tour.  On the second floor they heard loud noises from the kitchen below.  Listening down the stairs, it sounded like people ransacking the kitchen, knocking things about. 

Slowly and carefully, they walked down.  And found the first floor empty.

The rest are self-tour and free things to do…

Visit the Screaming Tunnel

Located on the outskirts of Niagara-on-the-Lake at the end of a gravel road.  This is the legendary Screaming Tunnel.

A must-do for the youth of the Niagara Region.  Forced to come out and confront the ghost of a little girl burned alive by her father inside the tunnel.  A story never proven in history, but a spooky belief.

What you need to do…

1. Visit and walk to the middle of the tunnel.
2. Light a wooden match and hold it up over your head.

It’s said you may hear a scream as the wind whirls up and blows out the match.

Whether true or not, the legend has caught the attention of thousands over the years.  Including Canadian horror Director David Cronenberg.  He filmed a scene of his Stephen King adaptation, The Dead Zone, inside the Screaming Tunnel.

See Niagara Falls’ Custom House

The original Custom House for Ontario’s oldest port of entry currently sits abandoned and haunted in Niagara Falls’ Downtown core. 

Nicknamed the “Old Stone Jug”, this building served as Customs and a Police Station.  And a Morgue!  Well, that was for Hollywood.  When 1953’s Niagara filmed there, bringing with it the original Blonde Bombshell, Marilyn Monroe.

Another legendary woman haunts the building.  Over the years seen from the windows.  Walking about the empty structure in her white dress.

A rare, haunted cemetery at Drummond Hill

Looking for peaceful things to do.  Take a personal tour of a rare, haunted cemetery!

We’re don’t believe in haunted cemeteries.  An unpopular belief indeed.  But Drummond Hill is different!  Because of a violent history when trodden upon during the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

Over 200 men lost their lives.  With almost 2,000 horribly injured.  The battle quickly got out of control.  They say the cannon smoke was so thick, confused soldiers fired on their friends.

It’s no surprise the soldiers remain.  Many have seen two Redcoats (British officers) stumbling through Drummond Hill Cemetery, as if confused and hurt.

Also, add to the road-trip theme.  See if you can find Laura Secord’s grave.

Discover the Secret Hamilton Family Graveyard

Not haunted but deserves to be on this Things to Do list!

More graveyards!  From the well-known Drummond Hill to a secret family plot long forgotten by everyone except the stewards of Willowbank Mansion. 

Located off the scenic route through Queenston Heights.  A rusted-out fence marks a pathway to the forgotten Hamilton Family Cemetery. 

Resting place of Robert Hamilton (an original merchant in Niagara), and one of his wives Catharine (namesake for St. Catharines).  Also, the family of George Hamilton (founder of the City of Hamilton).

And a temporary resting spot for General Isaac Brock.  After his monument was blown up during the Rebellion of 1837.  They moved his corpse to the Hamilton Family Cemetery.  Moved it back when they put up the current monument.

GOOGLE MAP OF LOCATION (careful with parking if you visit)

Look Down the Haunted Queenston Hill

And speaking of Canada’s most famous General.  Isaac Brock’s grave rounds off the list with a bang (sorry, bad pun).

Located at the top of Queenston Heights.  You can visit it and look down on the hill.  Seeing where in 1812, while charging in the Battle of Queenston Heights, Brock was gunned down.  Dying on that hill. 

Another energetic battlefield in Niagara!  Drivers going up at night see a person cross the road.  Some catching the figure, to see a British soldier in their redcoat disappearing into the woods.

See a full Google Map in the Ghost Walks’ Article, Top 10 Most Haunted Places in Niagara, featuring the above spots.