Montreal: Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re looking to combine a love of history, a taste for local drinking spots, and a fascination with the supernatural, the Montreal Haunted Pub Crawl might just be your perfect evening. This tour, offered by Haunted Montreal, guides you through three of the city’s most infamous haunted pubs, sharing spine-tingling ghost stories along the way. It’s a fun, atmospheric way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you enjoy a good story over a drink.

What really draws us in is the expert storytelling that adds a theatrical element to the experience — hosted by a professional actor and storyteller who makes the city’s ghostly tales come alive. Plus, the visit to three carefully selected pubs within a two-hour window offers a manageable, engaging way to explore Montreal’s darker history.

One thing to consider is that drinks are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget for your own beverages. Also, the tour is designed for adults (18+), and it takes place mainly indoors with a brief walk between venues, making it accessible for most who enjoy a relaxed, atmospheric outing.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, fans of ghost stories, or anyone wanting to add a little spooky fun to their Montreal visit. It’s also perfect for groups seeking a lively evening with a local flavor that’s both entertaining and slightly eerie.

Key Points

• Visiting three haunted pubs in downtown Montreal offers a lively mix of history and ghostly lore.
• Guided by a professional actor/storyteller, ensuring engaging storytelling with theatrical flair.
• Learn about Montreal’s haunted past, from infamous ghost stories to historical figures.
• Limited duration of 2 hours makes it a manageable evening activity.
• No drinks included, so plan to purchase your own beverages.
• Adult-only tour (18+), with a brief walk between venues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl

Montreal’s nightlife scene isn’t just about music or dance; many of its drinking establishments carry stories that stretch back centuries, some with reputations for paranormal activity. This tour capitalizes on that, turning a simple pub crawl into an immersive history and ghost story experience.

Starting at McKibbins Irish Pub on Bishop Street — a well-known spot in downtown Montreal — you’ll meet your guide and settle into a reserved section. Here, the guide begins sharing stories about some of Montreal’s most haunted venues and the ghosts that supposedly linger there.

The First Stop: McKibbins Irish Pub

This Irish pub isn’t just welcoming for its drinks but also for its ghostly reputation. The guide recounts tales of apparitions, mysterious noises, and unexplained occurrences that have haunted the hotel over the years. The stories set a perfect tone, mixing a sense of fun with genuine intrigue.

The Second Venue: Sir Winston Churchill and Beyond

Next, the tour continues to other historic drinking spots, including Hurleys Irish Pub, where the infamous “Burning Lady” ghost is said to haunt the premises. The story of Headless Mary, a Griffintown prostitute who was decapitated and reportedly returns every seven years searching for her head, adds a gruesome, local flavor to the evening.

The Third Location: Club Le Cinq

This former funeral home turned nightclub adds a layer of eerie authenticity. Guests learn about Montreals’ darker past — from violent rebellions to notorious crime — and how these histories are reflected in the hauntings of some establishments. The guide’s theatrical storytelling ensures each ghostly tale is vivid and memorable, leaving an impression long after the tour ends.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the way they bring local legends to life. One reviewer notes, “The history of the people related to the haunted places was fascinating,” which shows how the stories aren’t just spooky but also tied to real Montreal characters and events.

The theatrical approach adds a fun, immersive element, making the tales feel immediate and personal. The stories about figures like Simon McTavish — known to toboggan in his coffin — or John Easton Mills, Montreal’s Martyr Mayor, reveal the city’s often tumultuous history through ghostly echoes.

Another key feature is that this experience isn’t just a ghost story fest; it’s an insightful tour of Montreal’s evolution — from Indigenous roots on Tiotà:ke to a colonial, rebellious, and haunted city.

The Value for Money

At $24 per person for two hours, the tour offers a compelling mix of entertainment and education. While drinks are not included, the reserved access to three popular pubs means you’ll enjoy a comfortable, private setting for each stop, avoiding the usual chaos of a busy pub crawl.

Most reviewers find the price reasonable given the quality of storytelling and the intimate access to these historic establishments. The tour offers more than just ghost stories; it’s a window into Montreal’s darker, fascinating past.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Duration and Pace: The two-hour walk, mainly indoors with a short walk between venues, makes it suitable for most visitors. The pace is relaxed enough for conversation but lively enough to keep your attention.

Groups Size: While not explicitly stated, the nature of the tour and the use of reserved sections suggest a manageable group size, fostering interaction and a more personalized experience.

Language: The tour is available in English and French, accommodating local and international visitors.

Age and Accessibility: Being 18+ and with stairs in some venues, it’s best suited for adults with no mobility issues.

Tips: Tips for the storyteller are always appreciated, and since drinks aren’t included, you might want to bring some cash for beverages.

Authentic Stories That Stick

The stories shared during this tour aren’t just filler; they’re carefully curated tales rooted in Montreal’s history. From Simon McTavish, the fur baron who joyfully sled down Mount Royal in his coffin, to the ghost of a prostitute who returns on a schedule, these tales weave intrigue with history.

TripAdvisor reviews echo this sentiment, with one traveler remarking, “Loads of fun,” and another praising the entertaining and informative guides. The stories aren’t overly sensational but are delivered with enough theatrical flair to make them memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This haunted pub crawl is perfect for travelers who enjoy local history, ghost stories, or simply want a different way to experience Montreal’s nightlife. It suits those interested in the darker side of urban legends, and groups wanting an interactive, lively evening.

It’s also suitable for those who prefer indoor activities, as most of the tour takes place inside cozy pubs, making it ideal for colder months or rainy evenings.

Final Thoughts

The Montreal Haunted Pub Crawl offers a well-balanced combination of history, storytelling, and local pub culture. It’s a fun way to explore the city’s past and its haunted reputation, all while enjoying a few drinks in historic settings. The knowledgeable guides and theatrical storytelling elevate the experience, turning a simple pub visit into an engaging, memorable adventure.

While drinks are extra, the ticket price provides good value for the access and quality of storytelling. It’s best suited for curious travelers, history lovers, or groups seeking a lively, atmospheric night out that’s rich in local lore.

Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories or just want a different way to discover Montreal’s eclectic nightlife, this tour is worth considering for your itinerary.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, the tour is primarily about the stories and history. You’re not required to drink, but you’ll have the chance to purchase beverages at each pub.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll want to budget separately for your own drinks during the tour.

How long does the tour last?
It is approximately 2 hours long, making it a concise evening activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins inside McKibbins Irish Pub on Bishop Street in downtown Montreal.

Can I take this tour if I have mobility issues?
Most of the tour is indoors, but there are stairs in some venues, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Is the tour offered in multiple languages?
Yes, it is available in both English and French.

What is the age restriction?
The tour is for those 18 years and older, mainly because of alcohol and bar policies.

In summary, if you’re after an experience that mixes Montreal’s history with supernatural tales, this haunting pub crawl offers authenticity, entertainment, and a dash of spooky fun — all in a relaxed, social setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby