Haunted Walk at Beechwood Cemetery National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an evening in Ottawa, a ghostly walk through Beechwood Cemetery offers a perfect blend of history, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural. This tour, run by Haunted Walk of Ottawa, promises more than just spooky tales—it’s an opportunity to connect with the past and experience the eerie beauty of a historic cemetery after hours. With glowing reviews and a reputation for engaging storytelling, it’s a compelling choice for those interested in local history and ghost stories.

What we love about this experience is the combination of outdoor exploration amidst historic crypts and headstones, paired with an inside peek into the rarely accessible mausoleum. There’s something about walking among the graves—especially at sunset—that heightens the sense of mystery. Also, the storytellers really bring the tales to life, making history both fascinating and chilling. The only point for consideration? The outdoor setting means you’ll want to dress for the weather, especially as evening temperatures can dip.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of history, storytelling, and a bit of spookiness. It’s accessible to most travelers, including service animals, and offers a relaxed, group-sized experience. If you’re after a memorable, slightly spooky evening that’s more about storytelling than scares, you’ll find this a worthwhile outing.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling makes the history of Beechwood Cemetery come alive.
• The outdoor walk among crypts and headstones adds an atmospheric touch.
• The inside mausoleum visit provides a rare, inside look at Ottawa’s historic burial site.
• The tour’s duration of 1 hour 15 minutes is just right for a relaxed yet engaging experience.
• Booking in advance (usually 8 days ahead on average) is recommended due to popularity.
• The tour is priced at $25.16 per person, offering good value for the storytelling and experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Haunted Walk Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics

The tour begins at 280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, Ottawa, a location easy to find and accessible by public transportation. Being centrally located near public transit makes it simple for most visitors to join without the need for a car. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate, engaging atmosphere where everyone can hear and participate in the stories.

What’s Included

Your ticket covers admission to the walk and the rare inside visit to the mausoleum, a highlight that many reviews mention with enthusiasm. The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes, a perfect length—long enough to tell compelling stories without dragging on. The tour is mainly outdoors, so bring layers and perhaps a flashlight for walking among the crypts after sunset.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The first hour is dedicated to walking among historic headstones and crypts, where the guide shares stories of those buried there and recounts tales of restless spirits and strange reports from staff, some of which persist to this day. The atmosphere is amplified by the setting sun and the twilight, making it a more immersive experience.

The last 15 minutes are reserved for entering the mausoleum, which is rarely open to the public, especially after sunset. This is where the final story is told—likely the most spine-tingling of the evening. The opportunity to step inside a mausoleum after dark is a rare treat for history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts alike.

The Stories and Atmosphere

Based on reviews, the storytelling is a major part of what makes this tour enjoyable. The guide, such as Caralyn, is described as insightful, witty, and knowledgeable, making the tales engaging rather than just scary. Some visitors even found the personal talents of the guides, like playing music or fortune-telling, added a charming touch.

The stories cover dark moments from the cemetery’s early days, along with reports from staff about strange occurrences. The combination of history and ghostly legends creates a compelling narrative that appeals to both skeptics and believers.

Authenticity and Value

The ticket price of $25.16 is reasonable given the length, the storytelling quality, and the exclusive mausoleum visit. Compared to other Ottawa attractions, this experience offers a unique blend of history and haunting tales in a beautifully maintained historic site. Visitors often mention that it’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy an engaging evening outside typical tourist fare.

The Practical Side

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is scheduled at a time that works well for evening plans. The free cancellation policy provides flexibility, which is particularly valuable if weather turns unfavourable—since the experience is mostly outdoors, rain or cold could impact your enjoyment.

Connecting with Reviews

One reviewer noted, “They tell good stories, I’ve been coming back for a year.” This suggests the tour’s storytelling quality keeps visitors returning. Another emphasized the personal charm of the guide and the entertaining nature of the tales and performances.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, ghost story lovers, and those who enjoy an atmospheric walk. It’s well-suited for couples, friends, or small groups wanting a memorable, slightly spooky evening. It’s not overly scary—more atmospheric and intriguing—making it appropriate for teenagers and adults alike who appreciate storytelling and history.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

While the price might seem modest, the quality of storytelling and the insiders’ access to the mausoleum elevate this tour. It’s a well-paced, thoughtfully curated experience that balances history and ghostly tales with just enough suspense. The outdoor setting at dusk creates a mysterious ambiance that enhances the stories and makes the experience memorable.

The small group size adds to the personal touch, allowing for interaction and questions, while the knowledgeable guides bring local history to life with wit and insight. If you’re looking for a fun, atmospheric way to explore Ottawa’s haunted past, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for most travelers, including teenagers, but the spooky stories and outdoor setting may be better suited for older kids or teenagers who enjoy ghost stories.

How long does the tour last?
The walk lasts approximately 75 minutes, giving enough time for stories, walking, and the mausoleum visit without becoming overly long.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking around 8 days in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially in peak seasons.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy for most visitors to attend without a car.

What should I wear?
Since most of the tour is outdoors, dress in comfortable layers and consider bringing a flashlight or phone light for walking among the headstones after dark.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This haunted walk at Beechwood Cemetery offers a well-rounded, atmospheric experience that combines historical insights with ghostly tales in a beautiful, historic setting. It’s a great choice for those who want a memorable and slightly spooky evening in Ottawa, especially if they appreciate stories that bring local history alive with a dash of the supernatural. The opportunity to visit the mausoleum adds a special touch that sets this tour apart from typical ghost walks, making it a worthwhile outing for curious travelers and history buffs alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned ghost story lover or just looking for a different way to experience Ottawa’s heritage, this tour can be both fun and enriching, providing a genuine taste of local history with a spooky twist.