As one of Canada's oldest cities, Kingston, Ontario, has nearly two centuries of history behind its limestone walls, and plenty of ghost stories to go with it. This fall, you can explore Kingstons haunting past in two ways: by water on the Ghost and Mystery Cruise, or by land on the Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour.
Keep reading find out what to expect on each tour, when they run, and which haunted sites you'll see along the way.
The Ghost and Mystery Cruise sets sail from Crawford Wharf on the Island Queen, in the eerie glow of moonlight, to explore the ominous tales that shroud Kingston’s shoreline sites and Lake Ontario. For 90 minutes, you will be captivated by the stories that unfold, each one more spine-chilling than the last. The cruises depart at 7 pm on October 15 and 29.
Reserve your tickets by visiting Kingston 1000 Island Cruises or the Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street (open daily 9 am–5 pm).
Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Explore Kingston on a Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour. This 90-minute evening tour takes you closer to the notable sites and neighborhoods, where ghostly legends played a part in shaping the city’s early days.
Tours are offered daily at 6:30 pm and some days at 7 pm, until November 1. It is recommended for guests 13 years or older due to the content discussed.
Visit Kingston Trolley Tours’ website or the Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street to book your tour.
Historic & mysterious sites you’ll visit…
Fort Henry
Fort Henry, the 19th-century fortress, has been a location of paranormal encounters. On Fort Henry Hill, you may see the “Wandering Ghost,” an artillery brigadier who died when reloading a battery. This site is viewed on both the Ghost and Mystery Cruise and Trolley Tour.
Kingston Penitentiary
Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison, Kingston Penitentiary, has a mysterious history. On both tours, you might catch a glimpse of the ghost of George Hewell, a prisoner who met his end in 1897, vowing vengeance.
Cedar Island
Did you know Cathcart Tower on Cedar Island is home of the fair maiden ghost Elizabeth? On both tours, you will learn of the secrets of Deadman’s Bay, the water surrounding the island.
Marysburgh Vortex
The Marysburgh Vortex has gained notoriety as a location where so many ships have met their demise on Lake Ontario. Considered “the graveyard of Lake Ontario,” the area harbours about 270 shipwrecks and 40 planes. On the Ghost and Mystery Cruise, delve into the historic shipwrecks in this area.
Rockwood Asylum
Standing on Kingston’s western waterfront, the imposing limestone Rockwood Asylum opened in the 1850s as a facility for the “criminally insane,” with its first patients housed in the stables of the former Rockwood Villa estate. Over the decades, it evolved into a psychiatric hospital before eventually closing its doors, but many believe not everyone has left. Stories of shadowy figures in the windows and unexplained sounds echoing through its empty halls have made Rockwood one of Kingston’s most talked-about haunted landmarks. This site is featured only on the Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour.
Both tours offer glimpses into Kingston’s past, a city that had lived through years of haunting tales. What sets these tours apart is their individuality; every tour guide is a local who shares their personal experiences and firsthand narratives, ensuring an unparalleled experience on each Ghost and Mystery Cruise and Trolley Tour.
The brave souls who dared to embark on these experiences will be left with a newfound appreciation for the city’s history. But beware, for the tales you hear and the ghosts you encounter might just linger in your mind long after the journey is over.
To book your tickets and learn more about the Ghost & Mystery tours, visit Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises and Kingston Trolley Tours.
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