Haunted Walk's Nightmare Before (and after) Christmas Tour in Ottawa
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Ghosts of Christmas Past Are Calling! Step into the shadows of the festive season, where lantern light flickers, snow falls softly, and stories linger in the long nights. From chilling winter folklore to ghostly yuletide legends, you’ll discover a darker thread woven through the season’s cheer. The majority of the tour unfolds inside the dimly lit Bytown Museum, one of Ottawa’s oldest and most haunted buildings. Once inside, you’ll learn why some Haunted Walk tour guides are too scared to give tours of the museum—even at Christmas time. Warm lights. Spooky seasonal chills. A night of festive fright you won’t soon forget. December 5, 6, 13, 20, 27-30, 2025.
Available options
Nightmare Before/After X-mas
What's included
Professional guide
Detailed itinerary
1
This tour departs from The Haunted Walk ticket office, located just steps from Parliament Hill in Downtown Ottawa.
2
Stop 2
The 90-minute storytelling adventure will surprise, amaze, and delight even the most skeptical in the group. Along the way, hear a number of stories. Find out about the tragic connection between the Titanic and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier; why the Rideau Canal (a Unesco World Heritage Site) is believed to be haunted by 1,000 workers who died during the construction; and Ottawa's infamously haunted high school.
Also, learn about a Canadian solider who was saved from certain death by the intervention of a deceased family member. And discover why Ottawa's oldest building seems to be its most haunted.
Begin with a short walk along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site wrapped in winter stillness. The water, stone walls, and crisp air set an atmospheric tone before we step inside for the darker folklore of the season.
3
Step inside the Bytown Museum, Ottawa’s oldest stone building, where most of the evening unfolds. Its cozy rooms and historic shadows create the perfect setting for dark festive tales.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible — if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own carer
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Meeting point
Tour departs from Haunted Walks ticket office, located just steps from Parliament Hill in Downtown Ottawa
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
About Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It's known for its stunning architecture, vibrant festivals, and the iconic Parliament Hill. The city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventures along the scenic Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park.
Top Attractions
Parliament Hill
The political and cultural heart of Canada, featuring the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Peace Tower.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (tours may have fees)
Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is the longest skating rink in the world in winter and a popular spot for boating in summer.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (skate rentals available in winter)
ByWard Market
A historic market area with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore (costs vary for food and shopping)
National Gallery of Canada
A premier art museum featuring Canadian and international art, including works by the Group of Seven and Indigenous artists.
Museum
1-2 hours
CAD 18 (free for youth under 12)
Gatineau Park
A vast natural park across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, offering hiking, biking, and scenic views.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Free (parking fees may apply)
Must-Try Local Dishes
BeaverTails
Fried dough pastries stretched to resemble a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and maple butter.
Dessert
Vegetarian (check for specific toppings)
Poutine
A Canadian classic made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
Main Course
Vegetarian options available (check for specific ingredients)
Tourtière
A traditional Quebecois meat pie, often made with minced pork, veal, or beef, and seasoned with spices.
Main Course
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in Gatineau Park
Skiing in Mont-Tremblant
Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River
Boating on the Rideau Canal
Picnicking in Major's Hill Park
Spa treatments
Visiting museums (National Gallery, Canadian War Museum)
Exploring historic sites (Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall)
Best Time to Visit
June to August, October
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions open. October is also popular for fall foliage.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, French
- Widely spoken: English, French, and other immigrant languages
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
EST (GMT-5) or EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Ottawa is generally safe with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unusual requests
Getting there
By air
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Ottawa Station
By bus
Ottawa Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
OC Transpo is the primary public transit system in Ottawa, with a wide network of bus routes and the O-Train light rail system.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
The Glebe
Westboro
Centretown
Day trips
Gatineau, Quebec
15 km from Ottawa • Half-day to full-day
A city across the Ottawa River with cultural attractions, nature parks, and scenic views.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
130 km from Ottawa • Full-day
A popular resort town known for its ski slopes, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Kingston, Ontario
200 km from Ottawa • Full-day
A historic city on the shores of Lake Ontario with a rich past and vibrant present.
Festivals
Winterlude • February
Canadian Tulip Festival • May
Ottawa Jazz Festival • June-July
Pro tips
- Visit Parliament Hill at sunrise or sunset for stunning views and fewer crowds
- Take a boat tour of the Rideau Canal for a unique perspective of the city
- Explore the ByWard Market on a weekend for the best market experience
- Try local craft beers and foods at the many breweries and eateries in the city
- Use the OC Transpo app for real-time transit information and trip planning
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
