Downtown Hamilton Tours

Traditional Tours in the heart of the “Haunted City”!

Unique Things to Do in Hamilton! Our oldest tours featuring haunted landmarks like the Royal Connaught, Right House, Hamilton Place, St. Paul’s Church & the Pigott Building.

How a caretaker’s love for his building defied death. Proof theatres are more haunted, and the dark history of The Gore Park Fountain. And the city’s connection to the world’s most infamous killer.

BOOK! | FAQ | REVIEWS | HISTORY TOUR | THINGS TO DO

||UPDATES

On Hiatus 2024 due current issues in the core. Check out our new Dundas Tour!

Original Ghost Walk - Walking in Downtown Hamilton since 2004
Royal Connaught Courtyard

Corner of King St East & John St MAP
Downtown Hamilton

Downtown Hamilton Prices

Adults . . . . . . . $15.00
Kids 13 & under . . . . $13.00

+ HST Tax / Small Booking Fee

What people are saying about the Hamilton tours…

Ghost Walks of HamiltonExcellentGhost Walks of Hamilton4.9 Based on 445 reviews fromSee all reviewsMehdi PakzadMehdi Pakzad ★★★★★ Very entertaining .......Lynne ThomasLynne Thomas ★★★★★ Great fun, lots of history, and excellent storytelling. Thanks!Melissa PuntiMelissa Punti ★★★★★ My friends and I went to the Hermitage ghost walk and it was amazing. We went the night before the full moon. Very informative and fun.Christy JeffrayChristy Jeffray ★★★★★ Can’t recommend the Dark Trolley tour lead by Ghost Guide Daniel high enough! The tour is the perfect length, the trolley comfortable (better than walking), the scenery and ambiance was perfect and then we get to the incredible stories that were shared. Everything from mobsters to shipwrecks to the war of 1812… There was not a dull moment on this tour. Ghost Guide Daniel is super knowledgeable, friendly and makes history come alive in a fun and entertaining way!Lisette SouterLisette Souter ★★★★★ I have had 2 extremely enjoyable events hosted by Daniel who is both highly entertaining and informative. I really enjoyed both the Dark Trolley ride as well as the Haunted Coach/Dundurn castle tour. Both events were chock full of interesting historical information shared by Daniel who has a way of making history both fun and exciting! Think you know Hamilton? Sign up for one or all of the fun-filled events that are sure to entertain and enlighten! I would highly recommend these events, they are an entertaining and pleasant way to spend a few hours learning about Hamilton's past. Events do fill up quickly!LisetteBill ClellandBill Clelland ★★★★★ Great event! Are guide was very good and knowledgeable with the history of the area!Canadian P.E.Canadian P.E. ★★★★★ I have gone on several different ghost walks with this organization and my latest one, at Dundurn Castle, was fantastic as usual. The guide for the bus tour, Daniel, is a great orator and makes the city's rich history come alive with the right mix of humour and horror.I love learning about local history and its darker side, and every single tour I've done with Ghost Walks has been endlessly interesting and spurred me on to do further research in the legends and stories they tell.The tour is reasonably priced and always has a spooky atmosphere. The guides are always super knowledgeable and so friendly and easy to talk to.The driver of our palatial bus was named Al and he was an absolute delight. Charming as heck and tops at maneuvering that behemoth around hairpin turns.5 stars all around, a real treat.Amy GiggalAmy Giggal ★★★★★ My family and I went on the Ghost Walk bus/castle tour of Dundurn Castle in Hamilton last night. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it! The bus tour guide and bus driver were a blast and the staff at the castle were very friendly and informative too. A wonderful experience to hear ghost stories while driving in a comfortable coach bus through the city and so much fun to explore and ghost hunt in the castle afterwards. Perfect evening! Thank you all!Nadia RushdiNadia Rushdi ★★★★★ We did the Hermitage forest walk Halloween Weekend, almost full moon and it was perfect. Our guide Geoff was a fantastic story teller and the experience was one of the best ghost walks I've ever. Did I mention how inexpensive it is vs the Toronto ones? I did manage to catch a photo of one if the spirits, you can decide if it's real or but do due this walk if you like adventure!LauraLaura ★★★★★ The history on area and property were great to hear. If you are scared, it is not scared 👻Rachel DyakowskiRachel Dyakowski ★★★★★ I’ve done three different ghost tour through Hamilton Ghost Walks and I recommend them to anyone interested in local history or celebrating spooky season. This year my mom and I did the Dundurn Castle tour and it was fantastic and well worth the money. Daniel is my favourite ghost guide!A.C CA.C C ★★★★☆ It was a really nice experience over all: the only down side is I wish we actually got to spend time at each location and get out and explore the locations even if it was only for 15mins.Jennifer RawlinsonJennifer Rawlinson ★★★★★ Had so much fun with our guide, Daniel. Highly recommend the ghost walk for local spooky stories that you can't get anywhere else!Dee MowatDee Mowat ★★★★★ My friend and I took our daughters on the Dundurn Castle and guided bus tour! We all had an amazing time! Daniel, our guide, was so entertaining with his stories and offered so many historical facts !! Lots of fun! I definitely recommend this tourLois GalganiLois Galgani ★★★★★ This was very interesting and very well done. Our whole group loved it.Jennifer Holmes-DziubaJennifer Holmes-Dziuba ★★★★★ js_loader

Book for Downtown Hamilton

Select Date / Click Book Now to See Times

Upcoming

  • 2024 Dates
    • On-Hiatus
Tour info
Downtown Hamilton Ghost Walks duration is about 75 minutes long
Ghost Walks Type of Tour
Hamilton's Dark History Tour - parking
Ghost Walks Wheelchair

group bookings for this tour
private walks information

FAQ & Interesting Info

Why we are different from other Ghost Tours?

A focus on masterful storytelling at a reasonable price (with no hidden fees!).  First, we’ve put special attention into respecting the ghost story.  Also, with a dedication to traditional styles mixed with natural (and interesting) odd history.  This is our specialty since 2003.

Reviews | What people are saying…

Ghost Walks of HamiltonExcellentGhost Walks of Hamilton4.9 Based on 445 reviews fromSee all reviewsMehdi PakzadMehdi Pakzad ★★★★★ Very entertaining .......Lynne ThomasLynne Thomas ★★★★★ Great fun, lots of history, and excellent storytelling. Thanks!Melissa PuntiMelissa Punti ★★★★★ My friends and I went to the Hermitage ghost walk and it was amazing. We went the night before the full moon. Very informative and fun.Christy JeffrayChristy Jeffray ★★★★★ Can’t recommend the Dark Trolley tour lead by Ghost Guide Daniel high enough! The tour is the perfect length, the trolley comfortable (better than walking), the scenery and ambiance was perfect and then we get to the incredible stories that were shared. Everything from mobsters to shipwrecks to the war of 1812… There was not a dull moment on this tour. Ghost Guide Daniel is super knowledgeable, friendly and makes history come alive in a fun and entertaining way!Lisette SouterLisette Souter ★★★★★ I have had 2 extremely enjoyable events hosted by Daniel who is both highly entertaining and informative. I really enjoyed both the Dark Trolley ride as well as the Haunted Coach/Dundurn castle tour. Both events were chock full of interesting historical information shared by Daniel who has a way of making history both fun and exciting! Think you know Hamilton? Sign up for one or all of the fun-filled events that are sure to entertain and enlighten! I would highly recommend these events, they are an entertaining and pleasant way to spend a few hours learning about Hamilton's past. Events do fill up quickly!LisetteBill ClellandBill Clelland ★★★★★ Great event! Are guide was very good and knowledgeable with the history of the area!Canadian P.E.Canadian P.E. ★★★★★ I have gone on several different ghost walks with this organization and my latest one, at Dundurn Castle, was fantastic as usual. The guide for the bus tour, Daniel, is a great orator and makes the city's rich history come alive with the right mix of humour and horror.I love learning about local history and its darker side, and every single tour I've done with Ghost Walks has been endlessly interesting and spurred me on to do further research in the legends and stories they tell.The tour is reasonably priced and always has a spooky atmosphere. The guides are always super knowledgeable and so friendly and easy to talk to.The driver of our palatial bus was named Al and he was an absolute delight. Charming as heck and tops at maneuvering that behemoth around hairpin turns.5 stars all around, a real treat.Amy GiggalAmy Giggal ★★★★★ My family and I went on the Ghost Walk bus/castle tour of Dundurn Castle in Hamilton last night. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it! The bus tour guide and bus driver were a blast and the staff at the castle were very friendly and informative too. A wonderful experience to hear ghost stories while driving in a comfortable coach bus through the city and so much fun to explore and ghost hunt in the castle afterwards. Perfect evening! Thank you all!Nadia RushdiNadia Rushdi ★★★★★ We did the Hermitage forest walk Halloween Weekend, almost full moon and it was perfect. Our guide Geoff was a fantastic story teller and the experience was one of the best ghost walks I've ever. Did I mention how inexpensive it is vs the Toronto ones? I did manage to catch a photo of one if the spirits, you can decide if it's real or but do due this walk if you like adventure!LauraLaura ★★★★★ The history on area and property were great to hear. If you are scared, it is not scared 👻Rachel DyakowskiRachel Dyakowski ★★★★★ I’ve done three different ghost tour through Hamilton Ghost Walks and I recommend them to anyone interested in local history or celebrating spooky season. This year my mom and I did the Dundurn Castle tour and it was fantastic and well worth the money. Daniel is my favourite ghost guide!A.C CA.C C ★★★★☆ It was a really nice experience over all: the only down side is I wish we actually got to spend time at each location and get out and explore the locations even if it was only for 15mins.Jennifer RawlinsonJennifer Rawlinson ★★★★★ Had so much fun with our guide, Daniel. Highly recommend the ghost walk for local spooky stories that you can't get anywhere else!Dee MowatDee Mowat ★★★★★ My friend and I took our daughters on the Dundurn Castle and guided bus tour! We all had an amazing time! Daniel, our guide, was so entertaining with his stories and offered so many historical facts !! Lots of fun! I definitely recommend this tourLois GalganiLois Galgani ★★★★★ This was very interesting and very well done. Our whole group loved it.Jennifer Holmes-DziubaJennifer Holmes-Dziuba ★★★★★ js_loader

Do we go into any of the buildings?

This is an outdoor tour in Hamilton’s core. Most locations are abandoned, closed at night, unable accommodate our group… or is an alleyway! Book for our indoor tours at Ruthven and Castle Kilbride

Why are dates and times missing when booking?

When a date or time slot is missing in the Booking… If a missing time, that tour time is sold out.  A missing date, means the entire night is sold out.

Are you connected to HH for Hamilton Tours?

No. There was a connection a few years back for promotion only. Ended in 2012. All Hamilton based, and other tours, originated from our same love of ghost stories starting with Downtown Hamilton in 2003.

Should I book in advance?

Yes.  We are limited on space for tours.  Advance bookings allows us to guarantee spots for you, and book in additional guides if needed.

Additional Info | Is Downtown Hamilton Ghostly?

Hamilton is the “Ambitious City”

Big names doing big things like actors Martin Short, Eugene Levy and Kathleen Robertson, hockey coach Pat Quinn and even a top politician named Sheila Copps all called Hamilton home.  And names can be dark too, like murderess Evelyn Dick and Canada’s Al Capone, King of the Bootleggers Rocco Perri.  Rocco called Hamilton his home off of Bay Street South, as told on Hamilton’s Dark History.

Colourful women spirits of Downtown Hamilton

The Lady in White at the Royal Connaught, Lady in Brown at the old Capitol Theatre and the fittingly dramatic Lady in Red at Hamilton Place Theatre.  All featured on the Ghost Walks. And featuring a darker past for Downtown Hamilton’s famous family, the McQuesten’s at Whitehern Mansion.

The Right House

This was Hamilton’s first department store.  The creator, Thomas Watkins, loved its elevators.  This is proven as on his day off he dressed like a conductor and played with them.  Some were witness to the fact he still loves them today, over 100 years after his death.

St. Paul’s Church

A church with the tallest free-standing stone steeple in Canada.  Designed by William Thomas, who also created the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse, Brock’s Monument and Toronto’s Don Jail.  The church got a bell upgrade in the 1940’s, but didn’t work. The reason why is strange.

Hamilton remains the “ambitious city” with many new projects.  And among them some of the most haunted buildings in Canada.

Things to Do in Hamilton, Ghostly List

There’s a reason we call Hamilton the “Haunted City”.  Many of its buildings and museums boast a ghost.  Along with many free and fun things to do at ghostly locales.

Here’s a quick list of some ghostly things to do in the city before coming on the Ghost Walks…

GOOGLE MAP OF THESE LOCATIONS

Walk the Grounds of the Asylum

Daytime Only – A new modern hospital fronts the grounds, but some history remains.  From the topper of the old (massive) Barton Building of the “Insane Asylum”, to Century Manor which once housed the criminally insane.

Things to do in Hamilton before tours - Ghost Walks
Barton Building of Hamilton “Insane Asylum”

We know Century Manor is haunted, however ghost stories are hard to come by.  Result of being abandoned for decades.  One experience happened to a security guard in the old tunnels that once existed connecting all the buildings.  Seeing and hearing the apparitions of nurses.

WARNING… If you visit, park on the side-streets south-east of Fennell and West 5th.  Then walk over.  This is to respect the security watching over Century Manor (a good thing!)  Walking over is fine.  Enjoy the Century Manor from the public street.

Take a Spooky Elevator Ride at The Right House

Daytime Only – Risky ‘things to do’ are a Downtown Hamilton specialty.  But don’t think you’ll have an issue as the building is open during the daytime.  This is the old Right House Department Store.  Now converted into offices, with a couple of shops on the first floor.

Towards the back off the main entrance, you’ll find two main Otis elevators.  A favourite toy of the former store owner, Thomas Watkins.  He loved those elevators!  During life, came in on Sunday’s to work them as the best conductor ever.

Things to do in Hamilton before tours - Ghost Walks
Admiring the old Right House building

To this day, they act strange.  Said to be Watkins’ practical jokes on the living.  Includes the buttons being pushed and doors opening when the car wasn’t called.  Take a ride and see what happens.

Eat Food inside a Haunted House

Day or Night – Restaurants are great haunted things to do.  A nice meal, some spirits and at night! 

The old garrison house was converted to a restaurant many years ago.  Originally the home of a Courthouse official, who worked in the Gore Building once at Hughson and Main Streets.  Was converted into apartments, and eventually in a restaurant.

Today it’s the wonderfully named Pheasant Plucker.  With great food and active ghosts.  The main and most known is the old man of the 2nd floor.  Hanging out in their private event space, people have seen him sitting in the corner booth, and smell cigar smoke. 

Also, the creepy experience from employees who fear going into the basement.  After hearing the high-pitched voice of a little boy calling out up the staircase. 

Visit the Most Tragic (and Haunted) Falls

Day or Night – Hamilton is known for its waterfalls because of the Niagara Escarpment.  The best one happens to be the most haunted.  This is Albion Falls.

Once the centre of Albion Mills, one of the darkest towns in Canadian history.  Today, removed by progress and the Red Hill Valley Parkway.  But the falls remain.

Things to do in Hamilton before tours - Ghost Walks
Historic Albion Falls (see old Mill from town)

Along with the legend of Jane Riley.  Hurt by her love, Joseph.  One sunny day, she walked to the precipice of the falls and pitched herself over the side.  Workers below found her, muttering inaudible words before dying.

Today, her ghost is seen in the woods surrounding the falls.  A woman, disturbed with dishevel hair, wandering among the trees.  Muttering inaudible words to herself.

Walk a Battlefield in Stoney Creek

Day or Night – Not a common occurrence in Canada, being able to stand on the site of a violent and bloody battle.  The town’s name, Stoney Creek, is known more for the battle than anything else today.  And there’s a great reason… this fight turned the tides of the War of 1812 to British’s favour.  Some thinking it’s the reason we’re still Canadian today.

Much energy surrounds Battlefield Park.  Any visitor can feel it.  Even if the park isn’t the actual battlefield.  Historians saying it was closer to, and across, King Street.  Smith’s Knoll is proof of this.  Once a farm field where bones were found.  Turned out to be a random mass grave of fallen soldiers.

Visitors to the Park have reported feeling emotions on the field.  Some being touch by unseen hands.  And the old Gage House has a connection to it’s original owner, Mary Jones Gage. 

TOUR THE HOUSE

Hike to the Hermitage Ruins

Daytime Only (except on our tour) – Like to think we’ve help spread the legends of this location.  It’s been one of our tours since 2004.  The ruins of an old mansion in the middle of Dundas Valley, the dark and haunted woods.

The Hermitage Ruins are the remains of the Leith family home.  Built in the woods in 1853, it survived until 1934.  When a faulty fireplace sparked during Alma Leith’s tea party.  The ruins remained until a few years ago, when being rebuilt from scratch to save it from decay. 

Home to multiple energies.  The most popular being the Coachman, William Black.  Denied his true love because of station, he’d take his own life in the old carriage house.  Said to have been buried where Sulphur Springs Rd and Lover’s Lane meets today.  His ghost will wander back to the Hermitage searching for his lost love.

Things to do in Hamilton before tours - Ghost Walks
Original Hermitage Ruins, c.2014

Worth a visit and hike into the woods.  Small or long treks lead you to the Ruins, and other history around the Dundas Valley.  Warning, there is a parking fee.

Visit a Notorious Female Mobster’s Grave

Hands down the most unique for things to do.  Most don’t even know there’s a cemetery behind the mysterious stone walls on Upper James Street, just south of the LINC.  A small Jewish cemetery, existing long before the hotels and car dealerships moved in. 

This is the final resting place of Bessie Starkman.  She was the common-law wife of Rocco Perri, aka The King of the Bootleggers.  And Bessie was his equal partner.  The brains and finance.  And we’d later learn, the most motivated. 

Her entrance into the drug market after Prohibition is what caused her assassination.  Gunned down in the garage of the Perri’s Bay Street South home. 

Things to do in Hamilton before tours - Ghost Walks
Bessie Starkman’s Grave, Upper James St, Hamilton

Here she rests under 6 feet of solid concrete.  The reason… threat of grave robbers after her gold and jewels buried in the coffin.

GOOGLE MAP OF THESE LOCATIONS