Niagara’s Haunted History: A Ghostly Guide to 13 Spooky Spots
While Niagara is well known for its stunning natural beauty and amazing wineries, it’s also home to a number of reportedly haunted locations that you can visit year-round!
The Niagara Region is one of the most haunted areas in Canada, and much of that has to do with its bloody past with the War of 1812. From historic forts and inns to eerie tunnels and cemeteries, there’s a chilling tale waiting around every corner.
One of my favourite things to do in the fall is to check out some spooky spots in the region – whether it’s cemetery tours or historic buildings with a past. Let’s explore some of the most famous haunted spots in Niagara. So far I’ve been able to find 13 haunted spots in Niagara – somewhat a coincidence – or is it a lucky number?
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1. Old Fort Erie
As the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the War of 1812, Old Fort Erie is steeped in eerie tales. Visitors have reported seeing two ghostly soldiers wandering in the darkness—one without hands, the other without a head.
Inside the Officers’ quarters, you’ll find the original bed of Captain Kingsley, who died here after months of fever, hallucinations, and mercury poisoning. His restless spirit is said to haunt the room, with staff and visitors noticing disturbed bed sheets, unexplained footsteps, and mysteriously moving doors and windows.
You can visit Old Fort Erie for yourself and even join a ghost tour when they’re offered – you may even experience some creepy things for yourself! We visited during a very still, smoke-ridden night which cast an eerie haze over the fort. I’m not sure if my eyes were playing tricks on me, but you’ll feel as though you’re being watched.
Reported Stories
The sheets from Captain Kingsley’s bed can be found strewn about, as well as footsteps have been heard and windows and doors are known to move without being touched. Shadows and movement have been seen in windows when no one else was on the property.
2. Fort George
Built between 1796 and 1799, Fort George served as a crucial British military outpost during the War of 1812. The fort was a key strategic location, overlooking the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. It witnessed intense battles, including the Battle of Queenston Heights, and played a significant role in the defense of Upper Canada.
Despite being captured and destroyed by American forces in 1813, the fort was later rebuilt and remains a historic landmark today, which can be visited during a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake from spring to late fall (perfect for a spooky stop!).
Reported Stories
It’s been reported that Fort George is haunted by the spirits of soldiers and their families. Visitors and staff have seen a young woman’s ghost occupying the officer’s quarters, and a man has been seen peering out from behind bunk beds and following visitors around. There’s also a peaceful spirit seen on the beds. It’s not upcoming to experience doors opening and slamming shut on their own.
3. Prince of Wales Hotel
The Prince of Wales Hotel is a historic landmark in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s a well-known place to go for afternoon tea in Niagara and has hosted countless guests over the years, including royalty, celebrities, and politicians. Built in 1864, it has 110 rooms, although there’s one in particular whose guest hasn’t checked out!
It’s said to be haunted by Molly McGuire, a woman who was waiting for her husband to return during the War of 1812 when an American soldier – assuming she was a British enemy – pierced her with his bayonet.
Reported Stories
Molly’s old bedroom, Room 207, has been reported to have lights turn on and off and sounds of footsteps during the night. You can book a night at Prince of Wales Hotel for a chance to experience her presence yourself – if you dare!
4. The Olde Angel Inn
The Olde Angel Inn is a historic inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake that served as a popular gathering place for soldiers and travellers during the War of 1812. Dating back to the late 1700s as a coach house, its exposed beams and plank floors still echo tales from over 200 years ago.
The inn has also been associated with various historical figures, such as John Graves Simcoe (the first Lieutenant-Governor); Alexander Mackenzie (explorer), and Prince Edward (father of the future Queen Victoria!).
There is one legend told over the years, dating back to the 1820s. Captain Colin Swayze, a Canadian militia officer, was killed at the inn during the American invasion of May 1813. He delayed joining the British retreat so he could see his lover.
He hid in an empty barrel in the cellar and the Americans used their bayonets to pierce every corner of possible concealment, when he met his untimely end.
Reported Stories
Colin has been seen walking the Inn at night looking for his sweetheart. Noises have been heard coming from the empty dining room, faucets randomly turned on, and objects have been found rearranged, but it’s said he will remain harmless as long as the British flag flies over the Olde Angel Inn.
5. The Screaming Tunnel
This chilling tunnel, built in the early 1900s near Niagara Falls, originally served as a drainage system for nearby farms and a footpath for farmers to cross the railway tracks. However, its history is steeped in eerie legends. One haunting tale of the Screaming Tunnel tells of a young girl, tragically murdered by her father, whose body was burned in the tunnel.
Another story speaks of a girl fleeing a farmhouse fire, her clothes ablaze, as she ran toward the tunnel, screaming, only to perish while trying to put out the flames beneath a passing train. Whether these stories hold any truth or not, stepping into this dark, graffiti-covered tunnel—where ominous words like “You will burn” are scrawled—sends shivers down your spine.
I’ve gone through here so many times as it’s part of the Bruce Trail, but if you aren’t up for a hike you can easily access it by car by driving to the end of Warner Rd (by Woodend Conservation Area).
Reported Stories
According to legend, if you light a match at midnight and wait for the flame to die, the distant cries of a little girl will echo through the tunnel. While I haven’t personally seen or heard anything out of the ordinary – I’ve only been during the day and it’s certainly too creepy for me to go at night!
6. Brockamour Manor Bed and Breakfast
Built in 1809, Brockamour Manor is a Victorian-era mansion in Niagara-on-the-Lake that has been converted into a bed and breakfast. The property first belonged to Mohawk Chief, Joseph Brant, before being acquired by Captain John Powell for his wife, Isabella.
It was often visited by Isabella’s sister Sophia, and a visitor – Isaac Brock. He and Sophia fell in love and when tension grew between the Americans and the British in the early 1800s, Brock went from one end of Upper Canada to the other. A secret engagement happened between return visits.
On October 13, 1812, Brock charged into war at the Battle of Queenston Heights when the Americans attacked, only briefly stopping to stay goodbye to Sophia. Brock died during the battle and Sophie was left inconsolable. She stayed at the mansion until she died young – reportedly of a broken heart. Brockamour Manor translates to “Love of Brock.”
Reported Stories
Guests have reported that they’ve seen “Sobbing Sophia” drifting through the halls of Brockamour Manor. Though she’s sad, she’s reportedly a friendly spirit.
7. The Blue Ghost Tunnel
The Blue Ghost Tunnel, also known as the Merritton Tunnel, was constructed in 1875, running beneath what was once the original Welland Canal. Originally built as a railway tunnel to cross the canal, it stretches over 700 feet and has a dark history marked by numerous tragic accidents.
More than 100 workers lost their lives while constructing the tunnel and nearby canal, including a 14-year-old boy who was crushed by a massive boulder. Train accidents also plagued the tunnel, with one devastating head-on collision claiming the lives of both firemen aboard the trains.
Entering the tunnel is a chilling experience. It’s perpetually muddy, with a steady dripping echoing through the cold, pitch-black passageway.
Reported Stories
Visitors often describe an eerie atmosphere, reporting sightings of a mysterious blue mist at dusk, strange sounds like children crying, and unsettling sensations—some even feel as though they’re being pushed deeper into the darkness.
Important info: If you decide to visit, note that it’s located on GM property that is heavily patrolled. There is a 1.5 km hike down an abandoned road beside the GM plant that’s labelled as off-limits – so enter at your own risk!
8. Drummond Hill Cemetery
Some of the most intense battles of the War of 1812 raged at Drummond Hill, where nearly 1,700 British, Canadian, and American soldiers met their fate—killed, wounded, or captured.
The cemetery now rests as the final home for these soldiers and early settlers (including Laura Secord!), with many claiming to witness ghostly orbs, mysterious mists, and flickering lights. You might even catch a glimpse of a soldier’s apparition or hear the echo of distant footsteps.
Reported Stories
Many visitors say they feel watched as they wander the grounds. Do you dare take a stroll through Drummond Hill Cemetery? If you want to, consider joining a cemetery tour in October led by costumed guides and learn about one of Canada’s most historic cemeteries.
9. Welland Museum
Built in 1923, the Welland Museum originally served as the city’s library. Interestingly, no hauntings were reported during its time as a library, leading some to believe the spirits are tied to the artifacts rather than the building.
The original museum stood on land owned by the Moore family, Quakers who emigrated from the U.S. in the late 1700s. The current site was also home to Welland’s first hospital, opened in 1906, where numerous deaths likely occurred. Additionally, a property from the late 1800s to early 1900s could explain the paranormal activity.
Reported Stories
The belongings of the Moore family were moved with the museum; and as belongings are thought to carry spirits with them, this could be the explanation for strange happenings at the Museum, like objects being moved and misplaced down different levels of the building.
Others have seen a little girl running down a hallway on the lower level. She doesn’t seem unhappy, but she’s been known to come up close to whoever sees her with a finger over her mouth saying “shush.”
10. Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse
Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Canada’s oldest towns, is known for its ghost stories, and the Old Courthouse is no exception. This historic building has witnessed shady politics and chilling trials, with some saying the ghost of Judge Edward Campbell still haunts it.
Judge Campbell, who died of pneumonia at 54, once complained the cold stone building would be his end. Ron Dale, who now works in Campbell’s former office, has noticed his thermostat mysteriously turning up, hinting the judge might still be around.
Reported Stories
The Courthouse, also the original home of the Shaw Festival, has had its share of eerie events. People have reported cold spots, a sense of being watched, and a chandelier crashing down on a janitor—possibly linked to the trials held here long ago.
Want more? You can join a Ghost Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake and learn more about the town’s ghost stories – and maybe even meet a few!
11. Nelles Manor
Nelles Manor, located along the Niagara Escarpment in Grimsby, is steeped in over 220 years of history, including witnessing the War of 1812 right at its doorstep during the Battle of the Forty. This grand manor has also been the site of unexplained paranormal activity, with both volunteers and visitors reporting strange occurrences.
Reported Stories
Restored to its original 1798 glory, Nelles Manor’s spirits are more friendly than frightening. Paranormal investigators have visited the manor multiple times, capturing recordings of children’s voices, women whispering, and footsteps in the hallway.
Some visitors have even reported hearing the sound of someone setting the table! You can join a Spirit Whispers tour in October and get to know some of the friendly spirits residing at Nelles Manor.
12. Niagara Parks Power Station
The Niagara Parks Power Station began construction in 1901 and played a vital role in the development of Niagara Falls. It’s actually one of my favourite things to do in Niagara Falls and is definitely worth checking out during a visit.
The Power Station was a huge undertaking and required hundreds of workers to make its construction come to fruition. It’s hard to believe that the tailrace tunnel was excavated only by using shovels, pickaxes, dynamite, and actual horsepower. Understandably, the workers faced a number of unprecedented challenges and accidents were not uncommon.
However, the most famous story about the Niagara Parks Power Station is that of Annette Rankine, wife of William Rankine, the founder of the Canadian Niagara Power Company. Sadly, William died only a few short months after the Power Station completed construction and not long after their wedding. Annette spiralled into depression and disappeared.
Reported Stories
Staff have told stories of seeing a well-to-do woman in a fur coat moving around the thrust deck below the generators. It’s believed to be Annette looking for her husband.
13. Breckenridge-Hawley Estate
Built in 1818, the Breckenridge-Hawley Estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake has a long history of paranormal activity, with sightings dating back to the late 1800s. Major Charles Stanley Herring, a British Army officer, once claimed to see a woman in a long grey dress who appeared and vanished like smoke.
In 1953, Aileen and Frank Hawley bought the estate, unaware of its haunted past. They quickly noticed strange occurrences, like knocks on their front and back doors with no one in sight. Soon, they frequently saw “the lady in grey,” whom they affectionately named Elizabeth. A psychic later revealed that Elizabeth was a former resident who died in the 1800s after caring for her elderly parents.
Reported Stories
Elizabeth has been said to appear and disappear throughout the property. The property has been sold, but it’s expected Elizabeth is still around. While her presence isn’t negative – she seems to be checking if everything is ok – she has been known to be unwelcoming to unwanted visitors. Since this is private property, it’s best to not go trespassing!
Haunted Niagara – What Will You Experience?
Whether you’re a believer in ghosts or simply enjoy a good scare, Niagara offers plenty of haunted locations to explore. So, if you’re feeling brave, pack your flashlight and head out on a ghostly adventure.
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