Ghost Walk at Niagara On The Lake Part 1

The Most Haunted Town in Canada

Gazebo at Niagara On The Lake

My daughter and I really didn’t know what to expect when we signed up for the Niagara On The Lake Ghost Walk last summer. I had done a little research about the rich history of this quaint town, nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario. Niagara On The Lake was founded in 1792, built by Colonel John Butler and his men who were Loyalists from the United States. Captivated by the old, colonial style buildings that held a million secrets, I was sure ghosts would most definitely haunt this place.

I convinced Rebekah to take a 2 hour road trip and join me on the Ghost Walk. I promised her ice cream after. “It’ll be fun,” I said. “We’ll learn some history about the town, it won’t be scary.”

We did learn some history. Ontario’s first courthouse, first post office, first library and first pharmacy were all located here in Upper Canada’s first capital.

The War of 1812 contributed to the theme of death and ghostly revenge. Many of the town’s residents were killed and their houses burnt to the ground by the invading Americans in 1813. The turbulent times inspired a treasure trove of ghost stories in these parts. Stories abound of heart broken girl ghosts lingering at the town’s historical inns, awaiting their lost loves. Eerie tales of angry soldier ghosts haunting old landmarks, seeking retribution are also popular. It’s no wonder tour guides proclaim this place the most haunted town in Canada.

Rebekah and I reported to the Ghost Walk office on Queen Street. We went in and scanned the room, which served both as a ticket booth and mini museum. The shelves proudly displayed a collection of weird artifacts of the paranormal. Framed photos of ghostly apparitions caught on film hung on the walls. A porcelain baby doll from the 1800’s sat on a shelf, its cold blue eyes staring right through us.

“That’s Lizzie,” said the hostess in a long black dress as she glided over to us. “Niagara’s resident haunted doll. Her face changes depending on her mood. Go ahead take a few photos, you’ll never see the same look on her face twice!” I studied Lizzie’s smooth porcelain face and instantly backed away when she blinked at me.

“Let’s wait outside,” Rebekah said, squeezing my hand. We hurried out the door and met with our Ghost Walk tour guide, a tall woman who called herself the “Black Widow”.

Dressed in a black cape, with her hair swept under a Victorian-style bonnet, the Black Widow swung a lantern that cast creepy shadows on the sidewalk. “Welcome,” she drawled, raising her lamp up to her face. She led a small group of us down the darkening streets of Niagara on the Lake. “Let me tell you about my husband. It was so easy to get rid of him…a few drops of poison in his drink is all it took,” she chuckled. “No one ever knew it was me who did him in!” We all looked at each other and laughed nervously.

“I think she believes she’s one of the ghosts,” I said to Rebekah, who quirked an eyebrow.

The Black Widow led us up to the corner of Prideaux and King Street, guided by her lantern. “This next ghost story is dear to my heart,” she grinned. She then gleefully told us a tale about a lady from the 1700’s who allegedly poisoned her wealthy, much older husband with the help of her lover.

“The lady proclaimed her innocence, begging the court to spare her,” the Black Widow said in a hoarse whisper. “But they hanged her anyway!” she boomed. A woman in our group jumped, then laughed nervously. The Black Widow continued, “They hanged her right here, right where the very first courthouse and jail stood — and her lover too!”

The background history of the spot was fascinating and creepy. Originally built in 1795, the courthouse was burned down in 1813. Now, a crumbling stone wall is all that remains, wrapped around a Colonial-style bed and breakfast. Historians estimate there were over 100 hangings at the old courthouse property.

“The lady is said to haunt the area as a ghostly spectre, wandering the streets at night time,” crooned the Black Widow. “And if you stay perfectly still and quiet,” her voice dropped, “you may hear her silently weeping, along with the many more spirits ‘hanging’ around this place…”

To Be Cont’d, thank you for reading!