Hallowe’en fun in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Widely considered Canada’s most haunted town, Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is the place to be on Hallowe’en. You’ll be in good company: Famous ghosts include Captain Colin Swayze, a Canadian militia officer killed in 1813 at the Angel Inn, where reports of eerie nighttime shenanigans date back to the 1820s. In Queen’s Royal Park, the ethereal “Woman in White” is said to linger nightly at the gorgeous gazebo, still longing for her lost love after almost a century. And at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the cemetery is the final home of many War of 1812 casualties, some of whom do not reportedly rest in peace.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory staff show off their Hallowe’en treats, which include a full-sized chocolate skull.

Ghost tours and antics

For a more formal introduction to the spirits, you can sign up for a number of different ghost tours.

Fort George is hosting special Hallowe’en ghost tours on October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31. They start at 7, 7:15, 7:30, 10, 10:15 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 and you must buy them in advance by calling 905-468-6621.

The guides from Ghost Walks and Dark History Tours will regale you with stories on an entertaining jaunt to the haunted parts of town. Extra tours around Hallowe’en make sure everyone gets a shot at meeting some spectres. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids 13 and under.

The Haunted Shop on Queen Street will give you the shivers as you browse for creepy gifts and treats. Be sure to ask about the resident apparition.

On my last Hallowe’en visit to NOTL, my Niagara B&B hosts lent me their book, Ghosts of Niagara-on-the-Lake by Maria Da Silva and Andrew Hind. This is a comprehensive and fascinating look into the NOTL spirit world. And of course, Niagara B&B owners know all the stories—some even have phantom guests.

Posted by E. Lisa Moses