Ottawa: Haunted Walk Tour by Lantern & Real Ghost Stories

Summary

Ottawa’s haunted walk reveals real ghost tales and Rideau Canal secrets

You’ll follow lantern light through Ottawa’s shadowy streets with a local guide sharing real ghost stories and legends. Expect pauses at haunted buildings near the Rideau Canal, time to ask questions or just soak up the atmosphere, and plenty of moments where you might feel goosebumps for reasons you can’t quite explain.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft scrape of our guide’s boots against the old stone sidewalk — that, and the way her lantern cast these shaky shadows up the courthouse walls. It was colder than I expected, but in that way where you kind of forget about your hands because you’re listening so hard. She introduced herself as Emma, said she grew up just a few blocks away, and then asked if we believed in ghosts. Someone behind me snorted. I didn’t answer out loud.

We moved through downtown Ottawa in a little cluster, following Emma as she told stories that got under my skin more than I thought they would. At one stop, outside this brick building near the canal, she paused to let us listen — not just to her, but to the wind rattling a loose sign and the faint hum of traffic somewhere far off. She pointed at a window and told us about a judge who supposedly never left his chambers (even after he died). It sounds silly written down, but in that moment with everyone silent except for a kid shuffling his feet behind me, it felt… possible? Or at least like something you’d remember next time you passed by alone.

I kept catching whiffs of wood smoke from somewhere — maybe someone’s fireplace or maybe just my imagination running wild with all these haunted walk stories. The Rideau Canal looked almost silver under the streetlights. Emma said it freezes solid enough for skating in winter, which made me want to come back just for that. She laughed when someone tried to pronounce “Bytown” in French (I won’t even try to spell how it sounded). We weren’t rushed; she let people ask questions or linger if they wanted to peek into alleyways or read plaques. That part surprised me — I thought we’d be hustled along faster.

I still think about how quiet it got between stops, like everyone was holding their breath waiting for something weird to happen. Nothing did (unless you count an old door slamming shut on its own), but honestly? That was enough for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted walking tour in Ottawa

• Meet tour guide at ticket office
• Follow storyteller by lantern light
• Visit haunted spots in downtown Ottawa
• See historic Rideau Canal

Top questions

How long is the Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa?

The walking tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Is the haunted walk wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; assistance must be provided by your own carer if needed.

Does the tour include stops at the Rideau Canal?

Yes, you’ll see the historic Rideau Canal during the tour route.

Are children allowed on this haunted walk?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if it rains or snows during the tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for comfort.

Is there a special version of this tour in winter?

Yes, from January to March there’s a winterized version with cozy indoor stops included.

Where does the haunted walk start?

The guide meets guests at the ticket office to begin the night’s tour.

Can infants or small children join in strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller throughout the walk.

What’s included

Your evening includes guidance from a professional storyteller who leads by lantern light from downtown Ottawa past historic sites like Rideau Canal; all routes are wheelchair accessible and suitable for families, with public transport options nearby—just meet at their ticket office and everything else is taken care of from there.