The Original Haunted Walk is the evening tour that tells Kingston's ghost stories, and it is one of the few ways to spend a November night out in the old town. The tour lasts about one hour and fifteen minutes and is offered at several evening start times, taking groups through the limestone streets of the downtown. Guides use local legends and the city's military and prison past to build the atmosphere, with real history behind the spooks. It runs in all weather and offers free cancellation, and the price is modest. Because it is held outdoors in the evening, dress for the weather, especially in the colder months. Check the booking calendar for the dates currently running, as the schedule changes through the year.
What to do
Walk with a guide through the heart of the old town, stopping at buildings and corners associated with ghost stories, executions, shipwrecks and the city's military and prison past. The tour blends folklore with real history, so it works as an evening introduction to Kingston even for visitors who do not believe in ghosts. You walk at an easy pace, mostly on pavements, and the group stays together for the full route of roughly an hour and a quarter.
Seasons and planning
The tour is offered with several evening start times and free cancellation according to the booking calendar, but the calendar controls which nights run, and the operator may run fewer evenings in the colder months, so confirm your date when you book. Because Fort Henry and the Penitentiary Museum are closed for the winter, this is one of the best ways to touch on the same stories right now. Expect the tour to be busy around Halloween and on summer weekends, so reserve ahead.
Fitting it in
Allow about one and a half hours including meeting time. The route is downtown, so it fits easily after dinner, and the hotels near the waterfront are within a short walk of the old town. Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes in autumn and winter, and bring a small torch if you want to read the plaques. Younger children may find the stories frightening, so it suits teenagers and adults best.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening walking tour of downtown Kingston that mixes ghost stories with local history.
Best time
Evenings on the nights the operator runs it; check the booking calendar, particularly in the colder months.
How long
About one hour and fifteen minutes on foot.
Tips
Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, reserve ahead around Halloween, and use the free-cancellation option if the forecast is poor.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and groups of adults who want an atmospheric evening and a taste of Kingston history.
- Families
- Best for teenagers and older children; some stories may frighten younger ones.
- Couples
- A fun date-night activity before or after dinner in the old town.
- Pair with
- Kingston City Hall, Springer Market Square and a waterfront dinner suit the same evening.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour and a half including meeting time.
Good questions
How long is the ghost tour?+
About one hour and fifteen minutes. It is a walking tour in the old town, so wear comfortable shoes.
Does it run in winter?+
The tour is offered with several evening start times, but the booking calendar decides which dates run. Check it for the date you want, as winter evenings may be limited.
Can I cancel?+
Free cancellation is shown on the booking page, so you can reserve with some flexibility. Check the cut-off time when you book.
Is it suitable for children?+
It suits teenagers and adults best. Some stories involve crime, executions and death, so judge it by how your children handle spooky tales.
What does it cover?+
It uses local legends and real history around the old town and waterfront, including the city's military and prison past. The route stays downtown.
