Haunted Locations in Ottawa That You Can Visit
Ottawa is a very interesting place, and no this isn’t a biased opinion just because I’m a local. I’ve seen so many great things about the capital city, such as beautiful landmarks, exciting events, and thrilling activities.
But let’s put that aside for now. Let’s talk about something that not many people have the nerve to discuss, especially since the Halloween season draws ever closer.
There are many reports and eyewitness accounts of the city’s various landmarks and locations containing some supernatural activity.
I’ve spoken to other fellow Ottawans who have claimed to see ghostly apparitions, shadowy figures, and other strange phenomena. Whether or not you believe in this, you can’t deny that it adds an entirely new layer of intrigue to the city, right?
So now, steel your nerves because I’ll be sharing with you some haunted locations you can visit in Ottawa.
The Bytown Museum

Location: 1 Canal Ln, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P6, Canada
Operating hours:
- Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Bytown Museum’s haunted reputation is steeped in the rich history of its location and the many stories that have circulated over the years.
This charming stone building, dating back to 1827, was once the treasury office for the workers who constructed the Rideau Canal under the supervision of Colonel John By.
It’s said that the very stones used to build this structure were quarried by Irish and French-Canadian laborers. There are whispers that some of these workers may have met tragic fates during the canal’s construction.
Now, why visit it for its haunted tales? Well, if you’re anything like me, you appreciate a good dose of history with a sprinkle of the mysterious.
The Bytown Museum’s exhibits will take you on a captivating journey through the early days of Ottawa, or as it was known then, Bytown. You’ll get a sense of the hardships faced by the canal workers, and that sets the stage for the ghostly encounters.
Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences over the years, such as unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and even sightings of shadowy figures.
Some say these are the restless spirits of those who toiled and sometimes perished during the canal’s construction. These tales add an extra layer of intrigue to the museum’s historical charm, skeptic or not.
Fairmont Château Laurier

Location: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
Operating hours:
- 24/7
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is one of the most famous places in Ottawa, and it draws people in with its elegant beauty and a little bit of otherworldliness.
This landmark sits as a majestic sentinel next to the Rideau Canal, just steps away from Parliament Hill. Since it opened in 1912, many officials and guests have been impressed by its Gothic Revival architecture and luxurious interiors.
People are drawn to this big hotel not just because it looks nice and has a long history, but also because there have been rumors of ghosts for decades.
You might wonder why you would want to stay in a hotel that has ghosts. So, imagine this: When you walk into the grand lobby of the Chateau, with its ornate lighting and rich wood paneling, you’re taken back to a time when elegance was at its peak.
Then, as you look around more, you hear stories of a mystery woman in white, who people think is the ghost of a bride who died in the hotel in a tragic way.
Or, you might hear about cold spots that don’t make sense, strange sounds, and the creepy feeling of being watched. All of these were reported by guests and even some staff members over the years.
If you’d like, you could even talk to the workers yourself. You are likely to get varying accounts of these encounters.
For me, going to the Chateau Laurier is like stepping into a time capsule where history and the supernatural mix. It’s about digging into the stories of great people who have stayed there, like Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Winston Churchill.
Not only that, but this is also an opportunity for us to admire the beautiful buildings and grandeur of a different time.
But the idea that you might meet something from beyond the world of the living adds a whole new level of mystery.
The ghost stories give the Chateau more meaning, making it a place where history buffs, curious individuals, and people who are interested in the supernatural can all go.
Parliament Hill

Location: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Parliament Hill has become a source of pride for people in the area and all of Canada because of its political importance and beautiful building.
But did you know that it’s also shrouded in tales of the supernatural?
First things first, Parliament Hill is the most important place in Canada because it is where critical choices are made for the country.
The old buildings, like the Centre Block and East Block, are works of art that show how Canada’s government has changed over time. The Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame, and the wide grounds all make this place look very grand.
But Parliament Hill has a secret layer of mystery that will make you want to find out more. Legends about ghosts on the Hill are just as much a part of its past as the political events that happened there.
Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation who was killed by an assassin’s bullet in 1868, is the most famous ghost who lives here.
People have said that they have seen his ghost in and around the Centre Block, where he used to work as an MP. While visiting the building, some individuals said they heard mysterious footsteps and felt an eerie presence.
When the sun goes down, you can see a darker, more otherworldly side of this famous site. When you walk down the historic halls of power, you can’t help but wonder if you can still hear echoes of a bygone period.
The mix of Canada’s political center and stories of ghostly sightings makes for a unique atmosphere that forces you to think about the passing of time and the spirits of the past.
I’m a frequent visitor to Parliament Hill, whether it is to celebrate Canada Day or just to look at the Ottawa River. But what makes this place stand out is the fact that behind its impressive facade is a web of political and supernatural tales.
Carleton County Gaol

Location: 75 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9, Canada
Operating hours:
- 24/7
The Carleton County Gaol, a historic building in Ottawa, is a place where the past echoes with chilling tales and ghostly legends.
Built in 1862, this imposing stone structure served as a jail for well over a century, housing a wide range of criminals, from petty thieves to the most notorious offenders.
Its history is a chilling tapestry of suffering, harsh conditions, and dark tales, all of which contribute to the spine-tingling atmosphere that lingers within its walls.
To this day, there are lingering echoes of the past—stories of despair, injustice, and tragedy that have given rise to numerous ghostly encounters.
One of the most famous spirits said to roam these halls is that of Patrick James Whelan, a man accused of assassinating Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation.
Whelan was the last person to be publicly hanged in Canada, and his presence is believed to still haunt the Gaol.
Visitors have reported an array of paranormal experiences within this historic jail.
Eerie footsteps echoing in empty corridors, inexplicable cold spots, and sightings of shadowy figures are just a few of said encounters. Each one has sent shivers down the spines of those who dare to explore its dark recesses.
I can attest to the palpable sense of history that envelops you as you step inside, as I’ve visited this place before.
The stark cells, the iron bars, and the lingering aura of suffering and despair create an atmosphere that’s impossible to ignore. It’s as if the very stones hold the memories of those who once suffered within these walls.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer in the supernatural, there’s no denying that the Carleton County Gaol is a fascinating place. Its history and hauntings intertwine in a way that’s both terrifying and catches your intrigue, making you want to learn more.
It’s a testament to Ottawa’s dark past and a reminder that the echoes of that bygone era may still resonate within the Gaol’s cold, stone confines.
The Diefenbunker

Location: 3929 Carp Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Operating hours:
- Wednesday-Friday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Now let’s try something different. The Diefenbunker, also called Canada’s Cold War Museum, is an interesting and somewhat eerie destination in Ottawa.
Even though it’s not usually thought of as a haunted place, the way it was built is a warning that people can do bad things.
During the height of the Cold War, when the Diefenbunker was built, it was a top-secret underground bunker for important government leaders to stay in case of a nuclear attack.
It’s a huge underground structure with dorm rooms, a kitchen, a hospital, and even a CBC studio. The bunker was built to keep the government running despite the threat of an impending nuclear war.
You might ask, “Why should I go to the Diefenbunker?” Well, for one thing, it gives us a glimpse into a time when people were afraid and paranoid and the threat of nuclear war hung in the air.
The stark, utilitarian design of the bunker and the eerie stillness of its underground rooms take you back to an era when the world was on the edge of disaster.
Even though the Diefenbunker isn’t known for having ghosts, it has a strange way of making your mind go crazy.
As you walk through its confusing hallways and rooms that have been frozen in time, you can’t help but think about the historical events that could have happened here.
I’ve had the chance to walk through the dimly lit tunnels of the Diefenbunker. It was interesting to look at the old communication tools and peek into the stark dorms.
It’s a place that makes you really appreciate the sacrifices people made during a hard time in history.
So, even though the Diefenbunker isn’t known for ghosts, it’s still a location that can give you a different kind of thrill. It’s a trip through a chilling part of our past that will stay with you for a long time.
It’s a place that tells us how real people’s fears were during the Cold War and how far governments went to get ready for the worst-case scenario.
The Diefenbunker is a must-see in Ottawa for history buffs and individuals who are interested in the eerie parts of history.
Cartier Square Drill Hall

Location: 2 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H9
Operating hours:
- N/A
The Cartier Square Drill Hall has been around since the late 1800s and is known to be one of the most spooky places in the city. Though the interior is not open to the public, you can always view its exterior as long as you stay within the allowed area.
It was built in 1879 and has served as a hub for Canada’s armed forces and a location to train them. As one of Ottawa’s oldest military buildings, it has a very stately look and is an important piece of architecture.
Now, let’s delve into its haunting aspect. It is said that the Cartier Square Drill Hall is cursed by the ghosts of soldiers who used to train there.
During both World Wars I and II, it was a key part of getting Canadian troops ready for war. Tragically, it had its share of difficulties and deaths, just like many military bases of the time.
Stories about ghostly meetings in the drill hall include seeing shadowy figures, hearing disembodies voices, and sounds of creepy footsteps echoing through empty hallways.
Some people have seen ghosts in military uniforms as if the soldiers from the past still keep a watchful eye on the passageway.
Carleton University

Location: 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Carleton University, nestled along the scenic Rideau River in Ottawa, is a hub of academic excellence and youthful energy.
While it’s not known for its hauntings on the same level as some other historic sites in the capital city, it does have a few stories and legends. These may be enough to rouse the intrigue of those with an interest in the supernatural.
One of the most well-known tales associated with the campus centers around the architecture building, Azrieli Pavilion.
Legend has it that the building is haunted by the ghost of a student who met a tragic end during the construction of this structure.
Some say they’ve heard eerie footsteps and faint voices echoing in the halls, especially in the quiet, late hours of the night.
Then there’s the Dunton Tower, a prominent feature of the campus skyline. While not widely considered haunted, it’s said that some students and staff have experienced odd occurrences.
It’s not uncommon to hear chilling tales such as lights flickering inexplicably and unexplained noises in the building’s empty corridors.
As for the canal that runs alongside the campus, there have been stories of a ghostly figure believed to be that of a worker.
Rumor has it that this was a man who perished during the canal’s construction. Some have claimed to see this spectral figure near the water’s edge.
Beechwood Cemetery

Location: 280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON K1L 8A6, Canada
Operating hours:
- 24/7
Beechwood Cemetery, situated in Ottawa, is a place of profound history, solemnity, and yes, a few stories that have given rise to rumors of hauntings.
It was constructed in 1873 and is the burial ground for many important Canadian figures. This includes past Prime Ministers, war veterans, and other well-known people.
Its quiet beauty, with its tall, towering trees and well-kept graves, makes it a good place to think and remember.
The cemetery has a reputation for being haunted because of how old it is and how much history it possesses.
Many people who have been there have said that strange things happened to them, like seeing dark figures among the tombstones, hearing faint whispers in the wind, or feeling a strange chill in some places.
One of the most well-known stories is about the “Lady in White.” Legend has it that the ghost of a woman dressed in white Victorian clothes can sometimes be seen wandering the graveyard, often near the tombstones of her loved ones.
It’s a location where the past, loss, and memories all come together, making for a sad and deeply moving atmosphere.
Even though the stories of ghosts aren’t always true, they add more mystery to a site that is already full of history and respect.
Beechwood Cemetery is both a tribute to those who have passed away and a warning that the past sometimes stays with us, giving us glimpses into the echoes of the time.
The Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa

Location: 60 Chem. Mill, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0, Canada
Operating hours:
- 24/7
The Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa is a hidden gem that not too many ghost hunters know of. This place exudes historical charm, luxurious relaxation, and, yes, a touch of the supernatural.
Nestled alongside the rushing waters of the Gatineau River and surrounded by lush forest, the Wakefield Mill is a stunning retreat. It combines natural beauty with a rich past that leaves you curious and wanting to learn more.
The original mill, dating back to 1838, was once a hub of industry in the region, milling timber and grain. Over the years, it’s witnessed countless stories, both heartwarming and, some say, spine-tingling.
Now, let’s dive into the haunting aspect. The Wakefield Mill is renowned for being one of Ottawa’s most haunted spots.
It’s said that the spirits of former millworkers and residents linger within its historic walls. The stories include tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and objects mysteriously moving on their own.
The most famous resident ghost is believed to be a former millworker named Angus, who met a tragic end in the mill’s turbines. Some guests have reported encountering his presence during their stay.
While you’re lounging on the outdoor terrace, you can enjoy a gourmet meal, and the soothing sounds of the river provide the soundtrack to your evening.
As the sun sets over the forested hills, you can’t help but wonder about the spirits that may wander the halls of the mill. It’s an intriguing blend of natural beauty and the supernatural, a perfect setting for a ghostly encounter.
My personal experiences at the Wakefield Mill have been nothing short of magical. The historic ambiance, the impeccable service, and the lush surroundings create an atmosphere of serenity and nostalgia.
And while I haven’t had a ghostly encounter myself, the stories add an extra layer of fascination to this already captivating destination.