5 haunted hotels for a spooky stay in Ontario
Published October 22, 2024 at 4:07 pm
Haunted hotels could make for an extra spooky Halloween getaway in Ontario.
From knocking sounds to apparitions spotted late at night, some old hotels in Ontario have ghost stories from guests and staff alike.
Lingering spirits seem to love these old places so much, they don’t want to check out.
People can choose to join them..if they dare.
Here are five Ontario hotels reputed to have ghosts:
Olde Angel Inn
This pub and inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake has a long history in the area. The inn is believed to have been founded as The Harmonious Coach House on land granted to the deputy surveyor-general around 1789, according to the website.
The ghost story is associated with a British soldier, Captain Colin Swayze, who was in love with the innkeeper’s daughter. In May of 1813, he was surprised by American soldiers sent to search the inn and hid in an empty barrel in the cellar. Unfortunately, the American invaders used bayonets to prod into every corner and possible place of concealment and the unlucky lover received a fatal wound.
Guests and staff claim to have seen the soldier’s spirit. On Sept. 5, 2020 after closing, the ghost was caught on camera after a motion sensor was set off. The image appears as a ghostly shape seemingly wearing a militia officer’s uniform.
Guests can book a stay for a chance to spot Captain Swayze, the hotel says. See more here.
Prince George Hotel
Kingston’s Prince George Hotel is listed on Canada’s heritage register. The oldest structure, originally a house, was built between 1817 and 1820.
One of the ghost stories associated with the hotel dates back to the 1800s. Lily Herchimer, a daughter of the hotel owners, reportedly was in love with a sailor. The family didn’t approve of the romance but Lily would hang a lit lantern on her windowsill letting her love know when it was safe to visit.
One night she fell asleep and a gust of wind blew the lantern in her room causing a fire that claimed her life, the story goes.
Staff have reported lights and radios turning on an off, and doors shutting on their own.
Old Ottawa Jail
This jail-turned-hostel, has been featured on ghost walk tours in Ottawa. Built in 1862 next to the courthouse, the Ottawa Jail or Nicholas Street Gaol was the site of the hanging of Patrick J. Whelan for the murder of politician Thomas D’Arcy McGee in 1869.
The historic building was transformed into a hostel now operated by Saintlo Hostels at 75 Nicholas St. in Ottawa.
Guests can stay in the old jail cells made a lot cozier but still have the same stone walls and iron doors.
To book, see the website here.
Female inmates are seen in front of their cells at the Ottawa Jail in 1895.
Inn at the Falls
Built in the 1870s, this Victorian-era property in Bracebridge was originally the home Muskoka’s first district judge, Judge Mahaffy.
The property changed hands several times before it was transformed into an inn during the 1920s, according to the hotel’s website.
People have reported seeing the ghost of Judge Mahaffy and his family members. But the hotel says people shouldn’t be alarmed, the spirits are fun and playful.
Those looking for an otherworldly experience may want to book “The Spirit Room” (room 105).
See the website for more information.
King George Inn
This Cobourg inn is another converted jail with rumours of resident ghosts. Originally a mansion, the property was reportedly purchased in 1906 for use as a jail and decommissioned in 1998. Converted into a hotel, it now has big, bright rooms as well as the jail-themed rooms.
People have reported items flying off counters and door slams. Several paranormal investigators have visited including Terry Boyd.
Guests looking for the full-spirit experience may want to book room 10.
Book and learn more here.