With all the doom and gloom in the world right now, it can be hard to get in the Halloween spirit. Why celebrate all things scary when you just need to turn on the news to feel like you’re in a real-life horror show?
Well, we think we deserve a little fun these days, so we’re bringing you the spookiest haunted locations around Toronto. This October, slap on your mask and visit a ghost or two around town. We think it’s just what you need.
Here are 10 haunted places to hit up in Toronto.
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Humber College Lakeshore
Before it became a place of shaping the young minds of tomorrow, the Humber College Lakeshore Campus was actually home to a psychiatric hospital. Back then it was called the Mimico Asylum and it operated from 1889 to 1979. The onsite cemetery is still the home to 1,511 former patients who are said to haunt the grounds to this day.
Where: 3199 Lakeshore Blvd W
Queen’s Park
The tunnels of Queens Park are sure to give you a good scare. It’s been said that a mysterious woman all dressed in white haunts the park’s Legislative Building. There have been multiple reports over the years of people hearing her cries in the distance. Some have even said they’ve seen her ghostly image hanging in the tunnels. It’s spine-chilling stuff, you guys. You probably won’t be able to get inside the buildings here, but you can wander the park and see if you sense her presence.
Where: 110 Wellesley St W
Gibraltor Point Light House
A beer dispute is the source of the haunting at this Toronto location. Way back in 1815, the lighthouse keeper, John Paul Radelmüller, was manning his station when he ran into some trouble. Two angry soldiers, unhappy with a batch of beer Radelmüller brewed, allegedly murdered the lighthouse keeper and left his dismembered remains on the site. Today Radelmüller is said to haunt the lighthouse, which you can visit on your next trip to the Islands.
Where: Toronto Islands
Don Jail
Of course, a jail makes the list of haunted locations. Although it’s no longer operating, back in its heyday the Don Jail was one of the most brutal spots around. It was home to thousands of prisoners over the years, but its real claim to fame is the many hangings that took place at the spot. The jail’s most famous ghost story is of a female prisoner who took her own life in her cell. Today she roams the jail grounds, which you can take a self-guided tour of almost any day of the week.
Where: 550 Gerrard St E
Lower Bay Station
Did you know that under the current Bay Station, there’s an abandoned Lower Bay Station? It’s said that the area is haunted by a “Lady in Red.” Many believe she was pushed in front of the tracks, leading to her death, which is why she haunts them now. You’ll need special permission to visit this haunted spot as it’s been closed to the public for quite some time. BUT many Hollywood movies have been shot down there. So if you find yourself on a film set any time soon, that could be your way in.
Where: 1240 Bay St
Casa Loma Stables
A much more accessible haunted spot is Toronto’s Casa Loma. You’ve probably visited this location for an afternoon of fun, exploring the luxurious castle, or roaming the beautiful grounds. But did you know the place is said to be haunted? Apparently, ghostly voices of men and children have been heard in the castle’s stables, as well as multiple sightings of a woman dressed in white appearing randomly throughout the castle’s halls. It’s definitely something to keep an eye out for on your next trip here.
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
University College
Students of the University of Toronto will be all too familiar with this scary ghost tale. Legend has it that back when the famous University College was being built, there were all kinds of drama. Two of the construction workers were said to be in love with the same woman. This resulted in a brawl between the men, which can still be seen by an ax marking on one of the building doors. Eventually, one of the men was killed by falling (or being pushed) off the building’s tower and he still haunts the grounds today.
Where: 15 Kings College Circle
Royal York Hotel
You may think you’re in for a luxurious stay when you visit the Royal York Hotel, but you’re also in for a little haunting. There are multiple ghost stories surrounding the place. One is of a man who haunts the entire eighth floor. Another is of a former employee who allegedly hung themselves and now haunts the staircase. Plus, the elevator has been reported to make unprompted trips to the penthouse floor. Spooky stuff, huh.
Where: 100 Front St W
Christie Mansion
Mr. Christie doesn’t just make good cookies. The wealthy family behind some of your favourite sweet snacks might have a couple skeletons in their closet. Rumour has it that the old Christie Mansion is haunted by a woman who was held captive by a disturbed member of the Christie family. Robert Jaffray Christie apparently kept her locked in a room, brought her food, and visited her whenever he chose to. The arrangement was obviously not fun for her, and it’s said that she hung herself to escape it. Now the Christie Mansion is part of the U of T campus and is a spot where many students go to study.
Where: 100 Wellesley St W
Mackenzie House
The Mackenzie House is the famous last home of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie. But it’s also got a chilling tale. Although he is buried in a nearby cemetery, many believe that Mackenzie still haunts the grounds. Both he and his wife died at the location, so it’s only fitting that’s where their spirits remain. Today you can explore the grounds with self-guided tours brought to you by HistoricTO.
Where: 82 Bond St
So get out there and explore the haunted locations around Toronto. There’s no better way to get into the spooky spirit.
Good luck out there.
