16 Haunted Places in Canada That Will Give You Chills
Canada is full of stunning national parks, charming small towns, and bucket-list road trips. But after tracking down memorable experiences across this country for over a decade, we’ve found that some of its best stories are the ones that keep you up at night.
From grand mountain resorts where ghostly staff members supposedly never clock out to historic jailhouses and dark, centuries-old alleys, Canada has an incredibly eerie side. Whether you are hunting for a creepy Halloween getaway, mapping out a local ghost tour, or you simply love a piece of dark history, these haunted locations deliver a perfect mix of folklore and historical mystery.
We can’t promise you’ll catch a glimpse of the paranormal. But having set foot in these spots ourselves, we can promise their histories are worth losing a little sleep over.
Quick list: The most haunted places to visit in Canada
If you’re short on time, here are 15 haunted destinations to add to your Canadian travel bucket list.
- Fairmont Banff Springs — Banff, Alberta
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — Banff, Alberta
- Fort Garry Hotel — Winnipeg, Manitoba
- HI Ottawa Jail Hostel — Ottawa, Ontario
- Old Quebec City — Quebec City, Quebec
- Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort George — Ontario
- Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — Vancouver, British Columbia
- St. John’s Haunted Hike — St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Laurier House National Historic Site — Ottawa, Ontario
- The Plains of Abraham — Quebec City, Quebec
- Bytown Museum — Ottawa, Ontario
- Caribou Hotel — Carcross, Yukon
- Old Fort Erie — Fort Erie, Ontario
- The Grand Theatre — London, Ontario
- Vogue Theatre — Vancouver, British Columbia
- Oak Island — Nova Scotia
Visitor access varies. Some destinations are working hotels or public historic sites, while others require a guided tour, advance booking, or special event admission. Check current visitor information before travelling.
1. Fairmont Banff Springs — Banff, Alberta
If any single location anchors the map of Canadian ghost folklore, it’s the legendary Fairmont Banff Springs.
Often called the “Castle in the Rockies,” this magnificent property opened its doors in 1888 (1:08). Tucked away against towering peaks and dense alpine forests, it naturally carries the moody atmosphere of a classic gothic novel.
The hotel’s most famous resident tale belongs to the Ghost Bride, a young woman who reportedly died on a grand stone staircase right before her wedding day (14:02). Over the years, guests have claimed to spot a figure in a white gown moving down the stairs or dancing alone in the quiet of the ballroom.
Then there is Sam the Bellman. A dedicated employee from the hotel’s earlier days, Sam’s spirit is famously said to help guests drop off bags or unlock doors before completely vanishing into thin air. It is a wholesome haunting—proving that excellent customer service transcends the afterlife.
Local legends also point to a “missing room” that was allegedly bricked off following a series of unexplained, tragic events. The hotel’s actual records clarify a simpler truth: the mystery room was merely the result of a past renovation that joined two smaller rooms together. Similarly, while there’s no official historical record confirming the bride’s tragic accident, the hotel embraces the story openly. There is even a historical plaque detailing the legend right at the staircase. We’ve stood on those steps ourselves, and the atmosphere is undeniable.
How to visit: The hotel operates year-round as a luxury resort. You can book an overnight stay or visit their restaurants and public spaces in accordance with guest policies. Because Banff is incredibly popular, ensure you plan your wider itinerary in advance.
Insider tip: Visit during October. The crisp autumn air and dusting of mountain snow complement the historic stone architecture perfectly.
Learn more in our guide to the best things to do in Banff!
2. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Speaking of historic Fairmont hotels, there’s another beautiful haunted hotel just west of the Fairmont Banff Springs.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which is world-famous not only for its architectural beauty but also for its location on the shores of Lake Louise, is also home to restless spirits said to wander its historic corridors. While its sister property, the Banff Springs Hotel, often dominates the supernatural spotlight, this majestic railway hotel holds its own collection of chilling lore that makes it a must-feature destination for any Canadian ghost tour. The most enduring legend centers around Tom Wilson, the 19th-century outfitter and guide credited as the first white man to lay eyes on the lake in 1882. Guests and overnight staff have long reported seeing a phantom figure matching Wilson’s description standing motionless at the windows of the seventh floor, silently gazing out over the glacier and the turquoise waters he loved in life.
The hotel’s upper levels are a hotbed for paranormal encounters, most notably the eighth floor, where a phantom bride has occasionally been seen gliding through the hallways. Deeper within the chateau’s history lies the tale of “Nifty’s Ghost,” a legend dating back to 1922 involving a young female hiker who tragically fell to her death near Lake Agnes and reportedly returned to inhabit her former room. Beyond these specific apparitions, the hotel possesses an undeniable, atmospheric energy. Former employees and paranormal enthusiasts frequently document unexplained activity, from sudden, bone-chilling temperature drops on the historic stairwells to phantom footsteps pacing empty corridors. Most famously, a staff elevator is known to behave erratically, routinely overriding commands to stop, cut out, and open its doors on the vacant second floor as if letting off an unseen passenger.
There was also a gruesome murder-suicide involving 46-year-old dentist Cindy McCormick and her partner, 52-year-old firefighter Robert (Bobby) Kaine, from Saint John, New Brunswick, that occurred in one of the rooms in 2017. We haven’t heard any stories of a new ghost, but who knows what could happen next.
How to visit: The hotel operates year-round as a luxury resort. You can book an overnight stay or visit their restaurants and public spaces in accordance with guest policies.
Insider tip: Visit during September or October. The crisp autumn air and dusting of mountain snow complement the historic stone architecture perfectly.
Learn more in our guide to the best things to do in Lake Louise.
3. Fort Garry Hotel — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Hotel is one of Canada’s best-known haunted hotels, with a particularly unsettling legend surrounding room 202.
The hotel opened in 1913 as a grand railway hotel, built to accommodate travellers arriving in Winnipeg during the golden age of rail travel. Today, its elegant architecture and old-world atmosphere make it a striking reminder of that era.
Its paranormal reputation, however, comes from stories of strange occurrences reported by guests and staff. Room 202 is particularly notorious. According to the legend, visitors have encountered ghostly figures, including a man dressed in black or a woman in a ball gown, sometimes reportedly appearing at the foot of the bed.
Other stories describe unexplained noises and unsettling experiences elsewhere in the building. As with most haunted hotel tales, these reports are folklore and personal accounts rather than verified supernatural evidence.
Still, if you enjoy historic hotels with a side of mystery and look forward to spending the night in one of the most haunted hotels in Canada, this one belongs on your radar.
How to visit: The Fort Garry is an operating hotel, so an overnight stay is the most immersive way to experience it. But while you’re there, don’t forget to experience the best things to do in Winnipeg, which include world-class museums, historic forts, and more.
Insider tip: You don’t have to request room 202 to enjoy the hotel’s historic character. Its public spaces and grand architecture are attractions in their own right.
4. Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel — Ottawa, Ontario
Most hotels promise a comfortable bed, fresh towels, and a good night’s sleep. The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a rather different historical experience.
This former Carleton County Gaol operated from 1862 to 1972. Its history includes harsh prison conditions, executions, and some of the darker chapters of Ottawa’s past. The building is also associated with the execution of Patrick Whelan in 1869, the last public hanging in Canada.
Today, the historic jail operates as a hostel, allowing visitors to experience a building that once held prisoners behind its thick walls.
The atmosphere alone is enough to appeal to fans of creepy history. Add stories of ghostly inmates and unexplained happenings, and you have a destination that is considerably more memorable than your average overnight stop.
The Haunted Walk has also offered a lantern-lit experience called Ghosts and the Gallows, which explores the former jail’s cellblocks, death row, and gallows. Check current tour availability before planning around it.
How to visit: Book a stay or look for an available guided historical or haunted tour. And while you’re there, don’t forget to explore the wonderful city of Ottawa!
Insider tip: This is one of the strongest options for travellers who want more than a quick photo of a spooky building. Staying overnight gives you a chance to experience its unusual atmosphere after the daytime crowds have left.
5. Old Quebec City — Quebec City, Quebec
With its fortified walls, centuries-old stone buildings, narrow streets, and European atmosphere, Old Quebec is practically designed for ghost stories.
Founded in 1608, Quebec City has witnessed centuries of conflict, hardship, executions, and dramatic historical events. Its old streets and historic buildings provide the backdrop for stories that are every bit as fascinating as the city’s architecture.
Rather than visiting one single haunted building, the best way to explore this destination is on a guided ghost tour. Local storytellers lead visitors through historic neighbourhoods, sharing tales of alleged hauntings, mysteries, murders, and other unsettling episodes from the city’s past.
The experience is particularly atmospheric after dark, when lantern-lit streets and ancient stone walls take on a different character. In fact, this would make it one of the top haunted places to visit at Halloween.
How to visit: Search for current tours through Ghost Tours of Quebec and check the route, language, duration, and departure point before booking. Don’t worry if you don’t speak French. Look for tours offered in English when booking.
Insider tip: Make a night of it. Explore the historic district in the afternoon, enjoy dinner in Old Quebec, and finish with a guided ghost walk. It’s an excellent way to experience the city beyond its usual postcard-perfect appearance.
6. Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort George — Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its wineries, charming heritage streets, theatre scene, and romantic inns. But the town also has a darker side rooted in the War of 1812 and its long military history.
The town and surrounding area feature historic buildings connected with stories of ghostly sightings and unexplained activity. The Olde Angel Inn, for example, is associated with a ghost story involving a British soldier named Captain Colin Swayze. As with many local hauntings, the details belong to the realm of legend rather than fact.
Nearby, Fort George National Historic Site offers a more tangible connection to the past. The fort played a significant role during the War of 1812, and its reconstructed buildings, grounds, and military history make it an intriguing stop for anyone interested in Canada’s past. The surrounding region is also home to guided ghost walks that combine historical storytelling with reports of paranormal encounters.
How to visit: Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic downtown on foot, check current opening dates and admission details for Fort George through Parks Canada, and look into local ghost walks.
Insider tip: Pair your ghost tour with a winery visit or an overnight stay in the historic district. Just remember that a glass of wine is no substitute for a flashlight when walking back to your hotel. Also, before you go, check out our travel guides below:
7. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has long been associated with one of the city’s most famous ghost stories, making it one of the most haunted hotels in Canada.
Known as the Lady in Red, the apparition is said to be the spirit of Jennie Pearl Cox, a woman who reportedly loved dancing at the hotel before she died in a car accident in 1944. According to the legend, she continues to appear in the hotel’s corridors and other areas, sometimes dressed in a red gown.
The story has become part of the hotel’s paranormal folklore, adding a mysterious twist to an otherwise elegant downtown landmark.
Even if you don’t encounter the Lady in Red, the hotel offers a glimpse into Vancouver’s architectural and hospitality history. Its distinctive green copper roof makes it one of downtown’s most recognizable buildings.
How to visit: Book an overnight stay or explore the hotel’s public areas where permitted. Plus, make sure you check out our guide to the best things to do in Vancouver, or watch our video below!
Learn more about the best things to do in Vancouver, BC.
Insider tip: Combine a visit with a walk through downtown Vancouver’s historic areas, or make it part of a longer trip exploring the city’s museums, waterfront, and heritage architecture.
8. St. John’s Haunted Hike — St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s is one of Canada’s oldest cities, and its centuries of maritime history provide plenty of material for entertaining Canadian ghost tours.
The city’s steep streets, colourful heritage buildings, old cemeteries, and harbour setting create an atmospheric backdrop for tales of shipwrecks, duels, murders, public executions, and other unsettling events.
One of the best-known ways to explore this side of the city is on a St. John’s Haunted Hike or the popular St.John’s Haunted Pub Tour. The guided walking experience takes visitors through historic streets and locations connected with local ghost stories and the city’s darker past.
Rather than relying entirely on jump scares, the experience draws on Newfoundland’s history and storytelling traditions. That makes it appealing to both paranormal enthusiasts and travellers who simply enjoy learning the stories behind the places they visit.
How to visit: St. John’s is very popular during the summer months, but also quite nice in the fall. Just make sure you enjoy some of the best things to do in St. John’s while you’re there!
Insider tip: Bring warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Newfoundland weather can change quickly, and a spooky story is more enjoyable when you’re not shivering for entirely non-paranormal reasons.
9. Laurier House National Historic Site — Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa has plenty of political history, but one of its more unusual historic experiences explores the relationship between politics and the supernatural.
Laurier House National Historic Site was home to two Canadian prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. The latter had a well-documented interest in spiritualism and the supernatural, including attempts to communicate with the dead.
That interest forms the foundation of Ghosts of Laurier House, an evening experience presented by Parks Canada in partnership with The Haunted Walk. Visitors explore the mansion after dark while learning about Mackenzie King’s fascination with the paranormal and the home’s history.
For travellers who prefer historical context to sensational ghost-hunting claims, this is an especially compelling experience.
How to visit: Parks Canada’s 2026 Ghosts of Laurier House program runs from September 25 to November 28, 2026, with reservations required. Confirm availability through the official Parks Canada event page.
Insider tip: This is an ideal Halloween-season activity for anyone visiting Canada’s capital. Book ahead, as special after-dark experiences can have limited capacity.
10. The Plains of Abraham — Quebec City, Quebec
Few places in Canada have a history as consequential as the Plains of Abraham.
This historic battlefield was the site of the pivotal 1759 Battle of the Plains of Abraham, fought between British and French forces during the Seven Years’ War. The battle helped shape the future of New France and ultimately Canada’s history.
Today, the expansive park is a peaceful place for walking, cycling, and enjoying views of the St. Lawrence River. But its military past has also inspired stories of ghostly soldiers and mysterious figures appearing across the grounds.
Some accounts describe apparitions of soldiers in period uniforms, supposedly still moving across the battlefield. These stories remain part of local folklore, rather than verified paranormal events.
How to visit: The Plains of Abraham are a public historic park. Explore the grounds independently or check the official Plains of Abraham website for museum hours, exhibits, and seasonal programming.
Insider tip: Visit around sunset for a particularly atmospheric walk. The battlefield is interesting in daylight, too, but the long shadows and sweeping historic landscape certainly help set the mood.
11. Bytown Museum — Ottawa, Ontario
Sitting beside the Rideau Canal, the Bytown Museum tells the story of Ottawa’s early days, including the construction of the Rideau Canal and the settlement that eventually became Canada’s capital.
The museum occupies the Commissariat Building, one of Ottawa’s oldest surviving stone buildings. It dates to 1827 and was originally used to store supplies and valuables associated with the canal project.
Its history has inspired tales of unexplained footsteps and the ghost of a former supply manager named Duncan McNab, who is said to linger in the building. Whether you believe the stories or not, it’s easy to see why an old stone building tied to the hardships of early canal construction would inspire a few spooky legends.
How to visit: Check the Bytown Museum website for current opening hours, admission, and special programming. You can also look into Ottawa ghost walks that include the museum in their storytelling routes.
Insider tip: Make this part of a larger historic Ottawa walk. The Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, and the city’s older downtown streets are close enough to combine into a great sightseeing day. Learn more in our guide to the best things to do in Ottawa.
12. Caribou Hotel — Carcross, Yukon
For a haunted destination with a distinctly northern Canadian twist, head to Carcross in the Yukon.
The historic Caribou Hotel dates to the Klondike Gold Rush era and is closely connected with the history of travel and settlement in the region.
Its most famous ghost story involves Bessie Gideon and her parrot. According to the legend, Gideon was asked to look after a guest’s parrot after the guest died. Her story subsequently became associated with the hotel’s supposed paranormal activity.
It’s an unusual haunting, to say the least. Most ghost stories involve mysterious footsteps or a shadowy figure in a corridor. This one has a bird in the supporting cast.
The hotel’s age, wooden architecture, and remote northern setting make it a fascinating stop for anyone interested in the history of the Klondike Gold Rush and the legends that surround its historic buildings.
How to visit: Carcross is accessible by road from Whitehorse. Check the hotel’s current operating status, visitor access, and accommodation options before making it a dedicated stop.
Insider tip: Make this part of a larger Yukon road trip rather than travelling solely for the hotel. Carcross and the surrounding landscapes offer plenty to explore, from mountain scenery to Gold Rush history. Learn more in our guide to the best things to do in the Yukon.
13. Old Fort Erie — Fort Erie, Ontario
If you’re looking for a haunted place where Canada’s military history takes centre stage, add Old Fort Erie to your list.
The fort played an important role in the War of 1812 and was the site of intense fighting in 1814. Its reconstructed buildings, defensive walls, and grounds offer visitors a chance to explore one of the region’s most significant historic military sites.
The fort has also developed a reputation for paranormal stories. Visitors and ghost enthusiasts have associated the site with unexplained sounds, apparitions, and the lingering presence of soldiers from its turbulent past.
Its reputation has attracted renewed attention through paranormal-themed programming, including seasonal events offered by Niagara Parks.
How to visit: Check Niagara Parks for current opening dates, admission, and Halloween programming. Special evening events may require separate tickets and advance reservations.
Insider tip: Don’t just arrive after dark expecting access. Historic sites often have seasonal hours, and Halloween experiences can sell out. Plan your visit around a confirmed event or regular public opening.
14. The Grand Theatre — London, Ontario
Theatre buildings already have a certain atmosphere. There’s the dim lighting, backstage corridors, empty seats, and the occasional mysterious noise that turns out to be someone moving a prop.
But London’s Grand Theatre has an additional claim to fame: stories of a ghostly presence said to haunt the historic venue.
Accounts have described an apparition of a man seen by spectators, actors, and backstage staff. The theatre is one of several Canadian performance venues with a reputation for unexplained happenings.
Of course, you don’t need to witness anything paranormal to appreciate a visit. The theatre offers a chance to experience London’s performing arts scene in a historic setting.
How to visit: Check the Grand Theatre’s official website for current performances, ticket availability, and visitor information. A performance is your best bet for seeing the interior; don’t assume backstage areas are open to the public.
Insider tip: Book an evening performance around Halloween. You’ll get the atmosphere of a historic theatre and a great night out, whether the only spirits you encounter are on stage. Learn more in our guide to the best things to do in London, Ontario!
15. Vogue Theatre — Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre is an iconic Art Deco venue on Granville Street, but it’s also associated with a ghost story that has circulated for decades.
According to local accounts, a man in a white tuxedo has reportedly been seen standing in the theatre’s aisles, watching performances. Staff have also described hearing footsteps in areas where no one appears to be present.
The stories have earned the Vogue a place among Canada’s reputedly haunted theatres. Whether it’s a lingering performer, an overenthusiastic theatre fan from another era, or simply the sort of tale that thrives in an old venue, the legend adds another layer to the building’s appeal.
How to visit: The Vogue is an active entertainment venue. Check its official website for concerts, shows, and ticketed events.
Insider tip: Granville Street is easy to combine with dinner and a night out in downtown Vancouver. Check the venue calendar for a show that interests you, rather than planning a visit around unconfirmed ghost sightings. Learn more in our guide to the best Vancouver tours.
16. Oak Island — Nova Scotia
Oak Island isn’t a classic haunted hotel or ghost-filled historic jail. Instead, it’s a destination for travellers who enjoy unexplained mysteries, strange legends, and the unsettling feeling that a place has kept its secrets for centuries.
Located off Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Oak Island became famous for the long-running mystery surrounding a supposed buried treasure and the so-called Money Pit.
Stories about the island have circulated since the late 18th century, inspiring generations of treasure hunters and countless theories about what might lie beneath the ground. The mystery has also attracted international attention through television documentaries and series.
Although the island’s central mystery concerns treasure rather than ghosts, its isolated setting, history of unsuccessful excavations, and enduring unanswered questions make it a compelling stop for fans of the unexplained. Public and private tours have been offered, but access depends on the operator and season.
How to visit: Check current tour availability through Oak Island Legend Tours before planning a trip. Do not assume the island is freely accessible; it is not a conventional public park.
Insider tip: Explore the surrounding South Shore, including Mahone Bay and Lunenburg, to turn your visit into a worthwhile coastal road trip. Even if the treasure remains undiscovered, the scenery is no mystery. Learn more in our guide to the best tours in Nova Scotia!
More ways to explore haunted Canada
If you want to extend your spooky travels, consider these additional experiences. They’re particularly good options if you’re planning a Halloween trip around one of the destinations above.
Here are some of the best Canadian ghost tours:
Tips for planning a haunted getaway in Canada
You don’t need to wait until October 31 to explore Canada’s spooky side. Many historic sites and ghost tours operate throughout the year, although special Halloween programming is often seasonal.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip.
- Book Halloween tours early. Popular evening tours and special historic-site events can have limited capacity.
- Check access before travelling. Some destinations are operating hotels or ticketed venues, while others require guided tours or offer only seasonal admission.
- Dress for the weather. Many ghost walks take place outdoors, and Canadian evenings can get chilly well before Halloween.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes. Historic streets, cobblestones, uneven paths, and old fort grounds are common features of these experiences.
- Respect historic sites and private property. Never enter abandoned buildings, restricted areas, or private property in search of paranormal activity.
- Keep an open mind. Ghost stories are part of local folklore and cultural history, but reports of supernatural encounters aren’t the same as verified evidence.
Frequently asked questions about haunted places in Canada
What is the most haunted place in Canada?
The Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta is among the most haunted places to visit in Canada as well as one of the most haunted hotels in Canada. Its legends include the Ghost Bride, Sam the Bellman, and a mysterious missing room. Other well-known destinations include the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg and the former Ottawa jail.
There is no definitive way to rank haunted places, since paranormal activity has not been scientifically established at these locations.
Are there haunted hotels in Canada where you can stay overnight?
Yes. The Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta, Fort Garry Hotel in Manitoba, and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in British Columbia are operating hotels associated with ghost stories. The HI Ottawa Jail Hostel also offers the unusual experience of staying in a former jail.
Availability, room types, and public access vary, so check directly with each property before booking.
Where can I go on a ghost tour in Canada?
Popular destinations for Canadian ghost tours include Quebec City, Ottawa, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Banff, and St. John’s. Tours typically combine local history, old buildings, and stories of alleged hauntings.
Check operators’ current schedules, languages, and seasonal offerings before visiting.
What are the best haunted places in Canada to visit for Halloween?
For a Halloween getaway, consider Banff for its famous haunted hotel, Ottawa for historic jails and after-dark mansion tours, Quebec City for lantern-lit ghost walks, or Niagara-on-the-Lake for its military history and historic streets.
Your best choice depends on whether you prefer an overnight stay, a guided walk, or a historic site with special Halloween programming.
Are Canada’s haunted places open to the public?
Some are, but not all in the same way. Public parks and historic sites may have regular visitor hours, while hotels, theatres, and private properties have their own access policies. Certain experiences are available only through guided tours or special events.
Always confirm current access and opening hours before making a trip.
Can you visit haunted places in Canada year-round?
Many can be visited throughout the year, especially operating hotels and public historic sites. However, ghost tours and Halloween experiences may run only on selected dates or during specific seasons.
October is a particularly popular time to visit, so reservations are a good idea.
Final thoughts: Are you brave enough to explore Canada’s haunted places?
Canada’s haunted destinations offer more than a chance to chase ghosts. They reveal the country’s history through stories of tragedy, mystery, conflict, and the people who lived before us.
You could spend the night in a historic hotel in the Rocky Mountains, walk through an old jail in Ottawa, hear eerie stories in Quebec City’s ancient streets, or explore a battlefield where Canada’s history took a dramatic turn.
And who knows? You might even come away with a story of your own.
Just remember to keep your camera charged, your flashlight handy, and your hotel reservation confirmed. If something goes bump in the night, at least you’ll know where you’re sleeping.
Which of these haunted places in Canada would you be brave enough to visit? Let us know, and share this guide with someone who loves a good ghost story.