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.  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

Planning a Ghost Walk in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Make it a full themed day in one of Canada’s most haunted regions. Our Audio Ghost Tour is now available — featuring different stories than the guided walk, perfect for exploring the town at your own pace.

Before joining us for the evening Ghost Walk, take a road trip through the Niagara Region and visit some of its most legendary haunted locations. These stops are easy to reach, great for daytime exploring, and packed with eerie history.

For even more haunted destinations, check out our Top 10 Haunted Places in Niagara.

Laura Secord Homestead Tour

For an indoor attraction with deep Canadian history, visit the Laura Secord Homestead in Queenston Heights.

This tiny historic home survived over 200 years of conflict, including the Battle of Queenston Heights, and now operates as a museum honouring Canada’s most famous heroine.

Ghost Story

A young couple once heard loud crashing noises from the kitchen while touring the second floor. When they crept downstairs to investigate… the entire first floor was empty.

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

Visit the Screaming Tunnel

Located just outside Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Screaming Tunnel is one of the region’s most famous haunted landmarks — a rite of passage for local thrill‑seekers.

The Legend

• Walk to the centre of the tunnel.
• Light a wooden match and hold it overhead.
• It’s said the ghost of a young girl — burned alive by her father, according to local lore — will scream as the wind blows out the flame.

Whether true or not, the legend inspired thousands… including Director David Cronenberg, who filmed a scene from The Dead Zone inside the tunnel.

See Niagara Falls’ Custom House

In Downtown Niagara Falls sits the abandoned Custom House, once Ontario’s oldest port of entry. Nicknamed the Old Stone Jug, it served as a Customs office, Police Station — and briefly, a Hollywood morgue.

During the filming of Niagara (1953) starring Marilyn Monroe.

Visitors and locals have reported seeing a woman in a white dress wandering the empty building. Some believe it’s Monroe herself, returning to the place where she filmed one of her earliest roles.

A rare, haunted cemetery at Drummond Hill

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

One of the few cemeteries we consider truly haunted, Drummond Hill Cemetery sits on the site of the brutal Battle of Lundy’s Lane — one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on Canadian soil.

Over 200 soldiers died, and nearly 2,000 were severely wounded. The smoke was so thick that soldiers fired on their own men.

Ghost Sightings

Two British Redcoats have been seen stumbling through the cemetery, appearing confused and injured — as if still trapped in the chaos of battle.

While visiting, see if you can find Laura Secord’s grave, located in the back towards the Lundy’s Lane.

Discover the Secret Hamilton Family Graveyard

Not haunted — but absolutely worth the stop.

Hidden off the scenic Queenston Heights roadway, a rusted fence marks the path to the Hamilton Family Cemetery, a forgotten graveyard preserved by the stewards of Willowbank Mansion.

Buried here are:

• Robert Hamilton, early Niagara merchant
• Catharine Hamilton, namesake of St. Catharines
• Members of George Hamilton’s family (founder of Hamilton, Ontario)
• And temporarily… General Isaac Brock, whose remains were moved here after his monument was destroyed in 1837

A rare piece of Niagara history hiding in plain sight.

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

Look Down the Haunted Queenston Hill

Finish your haunted day at the top of Queenston Heights, where General Isaac Brock is buried beneath his towering monument.

Look down the hill to the spot where Brock was shot and killed during the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812.

Modern Sightings

Drivers heading up the hill at night have reported seeing a figure crossing the road — sometimes clearly wearing a British redcoat — before 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.