27 Most Haunted Places of Toronto
Are you looking for the most haunted places in Toronto?
Is a trip to Toronto worthwhile? For us, it is one big YES! Visitors interested in Ontario can find a lot to interest them in Toronto.
Toronto has a lot to explore as the largest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario. Even in the depths of winter, tourism to Toronto is constantly thriving.
With all there is to do, and such a unique history, there is sure to be a ghost or two lurking about.
Here are 27 Haunted Places in Toronto!
Things To Do In Haunted Toronto
1. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre
The Elgin and Winter Garden, which first opened in 1913, is the last of its kind! A double-decker Edwardian theater which is still in use today. It appears to be crawling with spirits as well.
The historic location, previously known as Loew’s Yonge Street Theatre, was constructed in 1913 and now houses two theaters. The Lavender Lady is the most well-known ghost at what is now the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre.
Although no one is certain of her identity, rumors suggest that she might be a jealous castmate’s rival actress or a betrayed wife whose husband fell in love with a showgirl from a Vaudeville performance.
She first appears in the area between the big stairwell and elevator. A dip in temperature and the aroma of lavender are noticed by those who have sensed her presence.
Sam is yet another phantom at the magnificent building. Volunteers and staff at the theater heard a trombone or trumpet playing in 1989, following the completion of the building’s renovation.
The odd thing was that there weren’t any rehearsals happening. The seats in the theater flipping down and then back up was another strange incident. On the Winter Garden Theatre stage, the volunteers had a seance at midnight using a Ouija board.
They got in touch with a musician they called “Sam.” He claimed to have played trombone in a 1918 Winter Garden Vaudeville show.
2. Mackenzie House
It is considered the most haunted place in Toronto is reportedly Mackenzie House. It presently holds the spirit of the first mayor of the city.
William Lyon Mackenzie, the former rebel commander moved into the house in 1859, but he was unable to stay there for very long. Just two years later, this famous person passed away, leaving behind a wife and 14 kids.
Up until the beginning of the 1940s, the area was peaceful before renovations to turn the majestic mansion into a museum started. At that point, rumors of a ghostly apparition that resembled a long-haired woman started to circulate. There is also a record of the spirit of Mackenzie House hitting a caretaker across the face, so this was no mild ghost.
But there are other ghosts in this mansion besides the spectral woman. Over the years, there have been more accounts of bald men wearing frock coats. Many people think that William Lyon Mackenzie is actually strolling the corridors of the home where he passed away.
Another specter is a tall, shadowy figure that stands over the hotel’s sleeping occupants. The piano plays at various times throughout the day, and guests can frequently hear it when walking through the halls.
➡️Check out their website here for tour information!
3. Humber College Lakeshore Campus
While the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital was in operation on what is now the Lakeshore Grounds at Humber College from 1890 to 1979, discussions concerning it are frequently based on myths or misconceptions about the development of mental illness and its treatments.
The century-old structures that make up Humber’s Lakeshore Campus were home to a number of mental institutions and lunatic asylums. There have been multiple eerie occurrences in the tunnels that connect the buildings, including one involving a faceless nurse. Additionally, screams and wails have been heard.
The structure that formerly housed the morgue is also said to have “strong” and “strange” odors, according to students and staff.
4. Queen’s Park
The University Hospital for the Insane was located in Queen’s Park before it became the location of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly.
The grounds are supposed to be haunted by the spirits of numerous women, including the somber “White Lady,” the “Maiden,” who covers her face with an apron, and the “Hanging Woman,” who dangles from a hook in a cellar tunnel.
An enraged soldier has reportedly also been spotted leaving the legislative building’s great stairway, according to Toronto Ghosts.
5. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
The oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes is Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. Since 1808, this imposing building has served as a navigational aid for ships entering Toronto Harbour. But for more than a century, tourists have been troubled by the tale of the first lighthouse keeper.
Visitors climbing the lighthouse have reported seeing spectral shadows and experiencing an unexplained rumbling beneath their feet.
The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is said to be the final resting place of John Paul Radelmuller, the lighthouse’s first keeper. It has been claimed that two drunken soldiers killed Radelmuller and then buried his mutilated body near the lighthouse.
6. The Don Jail
Considered to be one of the most haunted places in Toronto is the Don Jail. Many spirits are rumored to haunt the famed building. They include persons who have died via suicide, murder, or execution.
The Don Jail closed in the 1970s after hosting inmates from the 1860s. Inhumane living conditions, public hangings, and overcrowding were all well-known features of the institution.
60 people were hung at the jail, and some of them were interred in unmarked graves on the property. The specters of the killed inmates, notably the spirit of a blonde woman who hanged herself in the women’s block, are reported to still wander the site today. Her apparition is said to have appeared in the main rotunda.
15 people’s skeletal remains were discovered in 2007 behind the Old Don Jail. They belonged to inmates who had been condemned to death at the jail.
7. The Old City Hall
Numerous paranormal experiences have been claimed at Old City Hall, which is currently a courthouse. Many have described hearing phantom footsteps, being touched, and the feeling of “not being alone”.
Ronald Turpin and Arthur Lucas, the last two men to receive the death penalty in Canada in 1962, are rumored to still be present in courtroom 125 (previously known as courtroom 33).
There have been allegations of footsteps in a back stairwell, and judges have felt hands on their backs and robes pulled as if someone were trying to push them down the stairs. There have also been whispered groans coming from the attic.
The structure’s cellars, which once served as a prisoner holding place, often has the sound of moaning echoing throughout.
8. University College
According to legend, Ivan Reznikoff and Paul Diabolos, two stonemasons who were employed to build University College in the 1850s, fell in love with the same woman.
The woman, according to the college, was engaged to Reznikoff, but fled with the young, attractive Diabolos.
Reznikoff approached the dagger-wielding Diabolos at their deserted work site, brandishing an axe. Eventually, Diabolos triumphed and flung his foe’s corpse down a flight of stairs.
Reznikoff is purportedly buried on campus, although his bones weren’t found until after the 1890 fire. According to legend, his ghost still prowls the grounds at night.
9. Niagara Parks Power Station
Although the Niagara Parks Power Station is the city’s newest destination, this ancient structure has a sinister side that few tourists are aware of.
It has been a part of Ontario history since its construction in 1905. As well as the sad lives of William Rankine, the founder, and his wife Annette are directly responsible for the haunting of this Niagara Falls attraction.
After founding what would become Niagara Falls’ longest-running power station, he became ill and quickly died of congestive heart failure not long after his marriage. His young wife Annette was heartbroken. She spent years using mediums and psychics to attempt to reach her dearly departed husband but to no avail.
After finally giving up on her lost love, Annette spiraled into a deep depression and disappeared. Shortly afterward staff at the station began reporting sightings of a “well-to-do woman in a fur coat” moving around the thrust deck. These reports continue to this day and many believe it is Mrs. Rankine desperately searching for her lost husband.
10. Lower Bay Station
You might recognize this literal ghost station from movies and TV shows, but it hasn’t been used for regular service since 1966.
Since then, multiple transit employees have reported seeing a “lady in red,” with no eyes and no feet, on the platform beneath Bay Station.
11. Colborne Lodge
This house-turned-museum, built in 1836 by John and Jemima Howard, is said to be a hub of eerie activity. Perhaps the charming High Park home isn’t as harmless as it seems.
Colborne Lodge in Toronto’s High Park is reportedly haunted by Jemima, the lady of the house. She spent many years in her bedroom due to illness before passing away in 1877 and was buried there.
To this day her apparition is observed staring out that same upstairs master bedroom window, looking down at her iron-fenced cemetery and towering monument.
12. Casa Loma Stables
Casa Loma is another location considered to one of the most haunted places in Toronto, home to a number of ghostly encounters, including weird apparitions, eerie whispers, and gripping hands that aren’t there.
The medieval castle has developed a reputation as a paranormal hotspot due to the number of accounts from staff and visitors who describe seeing a strange woman clad in white, hearing a gruff guy near the stables, or experiencing other paranormal experiences.
It seems that ghostly sounds of men and children have been heard in the castle’s stables, and a white-clad woman has frequently been seen wandering the castle’s hallways. The White Lady has been spotted the most frequently; she usually shows up on the second level but has recently been spotted in the cellar.
13. The Soldiers’ Tower
The Soldiers’ Tower is a monument to those we have lost to war.
Their names were inscribed in Indiana limestone at the base of a bell tower that was built on campus in their honor in 1924. Later, the names of those lost during World War II would be added.
It’s possible that the light bursts occasionally seen through the Soldiers’ Memorial’s stained glass window are a thank-you note from those who perished in battle.
14. The Old Finch Bridge
High schoolers looking for thrills who have heard stories about a young girl who was killed on the bridge at Morningside and Finch—and on her birthday, no less—frequent this location. It is said that her spirit will materialize if you sing “happy birthday.”
15. Necropolis Cemetery
One of the most haunted places in Toronto is an appropriately named cemetery and a favorite haunt of historians and participants in spooky Halloween tours.
Some of Canada’s most illustrious individuals rest in Toronto’s second non-sectarian cemetery, including churchmen, doctors, philosophers, political reformers, and founders of Confederation.
But the chapel, crematorium, and ominous Gothic Revival archway that mark the entranceway also harken back to a perilous period in Toronto’s Victorian era when children under one accounted for 40% of all fatalities in the city. Diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, and scarlet fever claimed the majority of lives.
16. Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame building at Yonge and Front used to be a bank before becoming the home of Canada’s national sport. It served as the Bank of Montreal’s main branch for a while.
Its position also made it a convenient target for bank robbers. A teller was reportedly shot and died during one attempted heist in the early 1900s. She passed quite close to the vault where her apparition is rumored to show up.
17. William Mellis Christie Mansion
William Mellis Christie, of the famous Christie biscuits, went from modest beginnings to earn a substantial wealth. But the cookie tycoon’s life in general wasn’t all that sweet.
At the height of his success, catastrophe struck in 1868. James and Willie Christie, 8 years and 8 months respectively, would pass away from illness. The business was left to be inherited by William’s third son, Robert Jaffray Christie, after he passed away abruptly from cancer in 1900.
In addition, Robert Jaffray received the magnificent home that had recently been constructed at the intersection of Queen’s Park Crescent and Wellesley. He had the house totally reconstructed in 1910. Perhaps it was done to drive away the spirits of past catastrophes.
While not much is known about him, he reportedly kept a mistress in a hidden apartment inside his renovated mansion, though. The relationship would last for a number of years before his sweetheart killed herself, perhaps as a result of neglect or insanity.
According to the legend, her body was stolen at night and buried someplace on Queen’s Park’s grounds.
👻➡️Check out our ghost hunting equipment article so you can plan your own paranormal excursion!
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Haunted Places in Toronto: FAQs
Are There Unique Things To Do In Toronto?
18. Storm Crow Manor
This pub-style, sci-fi and horror-themed restaurant is made up of three floors of strange and fascinating rooms, including the underground dungeon restrooms, the mad scientist-chic Mary Shelley bar, the Cyberpunk Lounge, and the surreal, concealed Black Lodge.
It is a geek’s paradise, with drinks and entrees being dedicated to big fandoms such as Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, and Lovecraft.
19. Deadly Grounds Cafe and Curiosities
“Coffee to die for” is their tagline. They also sell uniquely flavored chocolate, and teas. You can order their products to be mailed if you can’t get to the Oshawa/Courtice area.
20. Little Ghosts Bookstore and Cafe
Toronto’s best horror-themed bookstore is where you can find the city’s spookiest novels while sipping a beverage and eating pastries on their cozy terrace.
21. Museum of Illusion
The Toronto Museum of Illusion has more than 100 surreal rooms. It features a ton of exhibits that promise a whole day of entertainment for kids, teens, and adults alike, including holograms, vortex tunnels, game rooms, and 3D puzzles.
Are There Haunted Restaurants In Toronto?
22. The Keg Mansion
Formerly the private residence of businessman Hart Massey and his family, this majestic manor on Jarvis Street is now a humming restaurant.
According to legend, a grieving maid hanged herself over the grand staircase after Massey’s daughter passed away. Numerous visitors and employees claim to have seen the maid’s body hanging over the stairs throughout the years. With such a history it’s no wonder this restaurant is considered one of the most haunted places in Toronto.
The restaurant’s second-floor restroom is also rumored to be haunted, and diners have reportedly observed ghostly kids playing there as well. When you’re done with the meal, ask your server to show you the restaurant’s book of ghost stories.
Are There Haunted Hotels In Toronto?
23. Royal York Hotel
Many would consider this one of the most haunted places in Toronto. We know we do!
In the past, the hotel has played host to royalty, leaders of state, celebrities, and millions of other people seeking a night of luxury. Guests who have stayed there throughout the years claim that it is also the scene of some paranormal activity.
One guest reported that they had heard children running up and down the hallways, but had not seen any kids. The following evening, they peered through the peephole and noticed a grey-haired man wearing a purple waistcoat. Until they learned about the man in the purple coat who haunts the floor, they initially believed he was a hotel employee who went upstairs to ask the kids to stop running around.
The hotel’s Crystal Ballroom is rumored to be haunted as well; visitors commonly report hearing noises inside the room even when it is closed. There are rumors that even when the ballroom was empty, visitors could hear music and conversations.
Another oddity about this hotel is that it has a 13th floor. Nowadays, the majority of huge structures are constructed without the unlucky number, instead choosing to move directly from 12 to 14. The door of the elevator frequently opens and closes without being called, playing tricks on its users.
24. Gladstone Hotel
If you know anything about ghosts, you know they hate renovations, and the recently renovated Gladstone Hotel has its own ghost stories. To check out the recent renovations and get a sense of any paranormal activity, now might be the ideal time to reserve a room.
The hotel was constructed in 1889 and is the oldest hotel in continuous operation in Toronto. The hotel has undergone significant renovations before, so perhaps the ghosts that haunt this location don’t mind the changes.
The ghost of the hotel who enjoys playing the piano is the subject of a well-known ghost story. Listen for the piano if you want to spend the night at this hotel since you never know when a ghost might wish to play.
25. Omni King Edward Hotel
The King Edward Hotel was constructed in 1903, making it almost 120 years old. Ghosts are known to enjoy an ancient structure.
The ballroom on the 17th floor, which had been off-limits to the public since the 1970s, was the source of a lot of ghostly activity. According to a rumor, the chandelier in the ballroom had a propensity to change locations after each visit. Some people claim to have heard the chandelier trembling from other floors.
The 2nd and 12th levels of the hotel appear to be frequently visited by the elevator without notice. Another visitor noticed that the automatic faucets in the women’s restroom randomly turned on and off.
26. One King West
There hasn’t always been a hotel at One King West. Dominion Bank’s initial headquarters eventually transformed into a hotel and condominium tower in 2006. The hotel’s hauntings appear to be a little more beneficial than others.
The elevators at One King West are reportedly always ready, especially for personnel.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a stay at the King Edward Hotel won’t let you down because the history of the structure is fascinating in and of itself. It’s an excellent site to act out a heist in the vault even if the ghosts don’t want to appear during your visit.
What Are The Best Ghost Tours In Toronto?
27. The Haunted Walk
➡️This #1 tour group has three unique tours to choose from: The Original Haunted Walk, Spirits of the Distillery District, and University of Toronto
Conclusion: 27 Most Haunted Places of Toronto
Is it still worthwhile to visit the largest Canadian city? Most certainly if you want to see these haunted locations in Toronto!
Toronto offers a lot to discover. A great foodie location, wonderful atmosphere and history, a few ghosts, what’s not to love?
