Ghostly Walks and Hair-Raising Tours

Have you ever wandered through an older building and felt the hair raise on the back of your neck, and not been sure why? It may be you are sensing something that others aren’t, some spooky aftereffect from a historical wrongdoing or the ghostly pining of a disgruntled spirit.

Many small communities in Ontario’s Highlands have hundreds of years of history with their own fair share of ghostly happenings and unexplained occurrences. It may come as no surprise to hear that each October these communities offer spooky walks and ghost tours to share their supernatural experiences with others.

Feel shivers creep down your spine with one of these ghostly walks in Ontario’s Highlands. Be warned – these experiences are not for the faint of heart….

Haunted Halloween Forest - Haliburton Highlands

Gather your courage for this walk through a haunted forest at Winterdance Trails in Haliburton. This spooky trek takes you old growth, ridges, and bogs with spooky scenery and props with actors ready to inspire fright.  The walk runs for 30 minutes and is for those aged 12 and over. 

How: Book a ticket through the website
When: Friday and Saturday nights beginning Oct. 3, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person

Downtown Smiths Falls Ghost Walks - Smiths Falls

The historic setting of downtown Smiths Falls is the perfect place for a ghostly trek. This guided tour will introduce you to the chilling tales of ghosts and mysterious happenings in Smiths Falls.

How: Book a ticket through Eventbrite.
When: Oct. 10, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person

Haunted Heritage House - Smiths Falls

Wander through this historic 1860s museum for a ghost tour you will remember for years to come. Listen as an interpreter shares ghostly tales of paranormal events and ghostly sightings at the museum over the years. Tickets must be ordered in advance and tours run every half hour between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Enjoy homemade apple cider, seasonal treats, and participate in the pumpkin carving contest!

How: Book a ticket through Eventbrite.
When: Oct. 10, 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2025, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 
Cost: $10 per person

Go Away Acres Haunted Forest Walk - Minden

If you love being scared this is a must-attend event in Haliburton Highlands! Take a walk (or run) through a haunted forest and raise money for charity at the same time. This event is not for the faint of heart or young children who are easily scared (not recommended for under 10). 

How: Pay at the door at 1043 Turntable Drive, Minden
When: Oct. 17 and 18, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $3 donation to charity

Paranormal Investigations at the Mill of Kintail - Mississippi Mills

There are few spots as picturesque, and as haunted, as the Mill of Kintail, in Mississippi Mills. With 200 years of history, the Mill is one of the oldest buildings in Canada available for paranormal investigations. This three-and-a-half hour special event will begin with a full briefing on the haunted history of the site, the equipment to be used, and the best practices to follow when collecting and analyzing evidence. Then visitors will have the opportunity to venture inside and investigate three different buildings. 

Tickets are extremely limited! Please book in advance. Maximum of six people per group.

How: At the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area 
When: Oct. 17 and 18, 2025
Cost: $75 per person

The Ghost Walk Through Perth - Perth

There will be plenty of ghostly tales to shiver about during this 90-minute outdoor walk through the historic town of Perth. This was, after all, the town that was the site of the last fatal duel and has ghosts aplenty that are rumored to still wander heritage buildings. This walk will be led by local historian Susan Code McDougall and is suitable for those ages eight and up. Pre-registration and ticket purchase is required.

How: Visit the Perth Visitor Information Centre at the Perth Museum or click here to purchase tickets. 
When: Oct. 24, 25, 29 and 30 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $12 per ticket

Carleton Place’s Haunted Heritage - Carleton Place

This self-guided walking tour of Carleton Place’s creepiest spots could keep you up at night. After more than 200 years of history this community has some hotspots on the paranormal scale. In fact, there have been so many stories shared of ghostly experiences here that the experts at Ottawa Paranormal Research and Investigations have conducted their own research to verify some of the haunted sites on the tour. You may want to take this tour during daylight hours (just in case).

How: Download a copy of the walking tour here 
When: Whenever you are feeling daring!
Cost: FREE!

Haunting on Selkirk - Petawawa

Do you love being scared? This fall you can thrill with terror as you tiptoe through a creepy haunted house, waiting for the next ghostly event to scare you even more. *The Kiddie House features no animatronics and no live actors. Check the Facebook page for dates and hours before heading out.

How: Visit 12 Selkirk Street 
When: Oct. 17 to 31, 2025, Kiddie Hour 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on select days and Haunting 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Non-perishable food item donations

Arnprior Witch Walk - Arnprior

Both young and old will love this fun Halloween event! Get dressed up as a witch or wizard (or in a Halloween costume) for a walk through the downtown. Live music, games, tricks and treats will be also be happening.

How: Visit downtown Arnprior
When: Oct. 25, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: FREE! Non-perishable food item donations accepted