Toronto: Haunted Walk Ghost Tour with Local Storyteller

Summary

Toronto’s haunted streets, ghost stories by lantern light, real chills

You’ll follow a local storyteller through Toronto’s oldest streets by lantern light, hearing true ghost stories at places like St. Lawrence Market and Mackenzie House. Expect eerie details, laughter with your group, and moments when history feels uncomfortably close — especially as you stand in spots most people rush past every day.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the curb near the Hockey Hall of Fame, and right away our guide — Sarah, soft-spoken but sharp — held up this old brass lantern. The city felt different at dusk, like the glass towers were holding their breath. She started in with a story about a hanging that happened right where we stood. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder more than once. It’s weird how you can walk these same blocks every day and never think about what’s underneath them.

We wandered toward Lake Ontario, and Sarah pointed out how far the water used to reach before the city filled it in. The air smelled faintly metallic, or maybe that was just my nerves. Someone in our group asked if she’d ever seen anything herself — she grinned and said she’d heard footsteps behind her after tours ended, but “maybe it was just raccoons.” We all laughed, but then nobody really wanted to linger at the edge of the dark park for long.

The St. Lawrence Market looked warm and bright from outside, but Sarah told us about fires and old jail cells buried beneath it. I tried picturing the market as anything but cheerful and failed. There was something comforting about being with a group — I don’t think I’d have wanted to do this alone. At one point a streetcar rattled past and broke the spell for a second; then we turned down another quiet street, lantern swinging shadows across old brick walls.

I didn’t expect to feel much — I mean, I’m not usually one for ghost tours — but there was this moment outside Mackenzie House where everything went still except for distant traffic and someone’s perfume drifting by. Sarah paused before telling us its last story, almost like she was weighing whether to say it out loud. That stuck with me more than any jump scare could have.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Toronto ghost stories walking tour

• Begin tour at Hockey Hall of Fame
• Hear first ghost story
• See historic Lake Ontario shoreline
• Visit St. Lawrence Market area
• Explore Gothic Revival cathedral
• End with haunted building story

Top questions

How long is the Toronto ghost tour?

The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Is the Haunted Walk of Toronto wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include entry to Mackenzie House?

The tour features stories outside Mackenzie House but does not include entry inside.

Are children allowed on this Toronto ghost tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers.

Where does the Toronto Haunted Walk start?

The tour begins near the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

What attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll see sites like St. Lawrence Market, Lake Ontario’s historic shoreline, and Mackenzie House.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the tour route.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fees and taxes plus a guided walk led by a professional storyteller — no extra costs or tickets needed along the way. Just show up ready to listen (and maybe shiver) as your group explores Toronto’s haunted corners together under lantern light.