Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour

Explore Montreal’s Most Haunted Neighborhood with a Skilled Guide

The Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour offers a captivating 1.5-hour journey through one of Montreal’s most historic and ghost-ridden districts. Priced at $24 per person, this tour is a budget-friendly way to experience the spooky side of Griffintown, a neighborhood marked by industrial ruins, haunted sites, and tragic stories. Led by a professional actor and storyteller, the tour combines theatrical storytelling with real historical insights, making it ideal for ghost enthusiasts, history buffs, and fans of October’s spooky season.

This guided walk departs from the Rockaberry Café on Notre-Dame Street Ouest, a well-known spot for coffee, desserts, and a cozy pre-tour meal. The tour does not include interior visits, but the outdoor stops and stories provide plenty of chills and intrigue. The 90-minute walk is accessible, involves strolling through the neighborhood, and is suitable for most ages and physical abilities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Haunted Origins of Griffintown

Griffintown’s haunted reputation comes from its long history as a bustling, often rough neighborhood. The area, once a shantytown during the Irish Famine of 1847, witnessed tens of thousands of Irish refugees arriving coffin ships, many suffering from typhus. Over 6,000 people died from the disease, buried in mass graves that industrial development later disturbed multiple times. This tragic past fuels the ghost stories that persist today.

The neighborhood’s reputation extends to its industrial era, with former burial sites and ruins feeding tales of paranormal activity. The story of Black 47 recounts this devastating period, with the typhus epidemic and the mass graves that are still associated with haunting legends. The area’s violent history and suffering are central themes that make the ghost stories both compelling and chilling.

Key Stops: Haunted Canal and Historic Ruins

One of the most striking stops is a polluted and haunted canal. This site is often linked to ghostly sightings and mysterious noises, adding an eerie atmosphere to the walk. The canal, historically significant for Montreal’s industrial growth, is now a setting for ghostly tales and paranormal activity.

Other stops include mysterious ruins and a former burial ground, which contribute to the neighborhood’s haunted aura. The remains of St. Ann’s Church also produce reports of paranormal happenings, with some claiming it periodically shows signs of spiritual activity. These outdoor sites are both visually interesting and steeped in ghost stories, making them key highlights of the tour.

The Story of Headless Mary: Montreal’s Most Famous Ghost

A highlight of the tour is the story of Headless Mary Gallagher, Montreal’s most infamous ghost. In 1879, Mary was murdered and decapitated by her best friend, Susie Kennedy. Her decapitated ghost is said to return to Griffintown every seven years, still searching for her lost head. This story is a favorite among ghost hunters and adds a sinister twist to the neighborhood’s haunted reputation.

The guide weaves this tale with theatrical flair, making the legend come alive and leaving a lasting impression. The story of Mary Gallagher captures the imagination and exemplifies how local tragedies turn into ghost stories that persist over the years.

The Haunted Brewery and Psychic Encounters

The tour includes a vacant, decrepit brewery that’s often described as a hot spot for paranormal activity. This site has been known to host psychics who come in search of a murdered girl, adding an extra dimension of mystery and supernatural intrigue.

The brewery’s abandoned state, combined with ghostly legends, makes it a compelling stop. Visitors might find the atmosphere unsettling or eerie, especially if listening to tales of spirits lingering behind the crumbling walls.

More Great Tours Nearby

Montreals Worst Air Disaster and War-Time Conspiracy

Another notable story involves Montreal’s worst air disaster during World War II, when a Liberator Bomber crashed into the neighborhood, killing 15 people. The tragedy is often linked to paranormal reports, with some claiming to see unexplained phenomena at the crash site even today.

Plus, the tour touches on conspiracy theories about the air disaster, adding a layer of mystery to this tragic event. These stories deepen the sense of unease, blending history and haunting tales seamlessly.

The Legend of Mary Gallagher and Her Return Every Seven Years

The story of Mary Gallagher is central to Montreal’s ghost lore. She was murdered in 1879, and her headless ghost is said to return every seven years. Witnesses report sightings near the neighborhood, especially around the ruins of St. Ann’s Church, where paranormal activity has been observed.

This legend continues to fascinate visitors, and the guide recounts the tale vividly, emphasizing the mix of tragedy and ghostly persistence that defines Griffintown’s haunted reputation.

Logistics and Practical Tips for the Tour

The tour starts at 8:30 pm outside the Rockaberry Café. Guests are advised to arrive at least 10 minutes early to meet the guide, who is outside the café. For those wishing to enjoy dinner or coffee beforehand, the café offers excellent cakes, coffee, and a dinner menu—arriving 45 minutes early helps combine a meal with the ghost walk.

The walking route involves outdoor stops only, with no indoor visits. The group size typically remains manageable, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. The entire experience, guided in English and French, is designed to be engaging yet accessible.

Why This Tour Stands Out from Other Montreal Ghost Tours

Unlike some ghost walks that focus on interior visits or jump scares, the Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour emphasizes storytelling, outdoor sites, and local history. The professional actor and storyteller guides the walk with theatrical flair, making the stories captivating and authentic.

The tour’s focus on Montreal’s Irish immigration tragedy, industrial ruins, and legendary hauntings sets it apart. The cost-effective price of $24 makes it accessible for most travelers, especially those interested in history, local legends, and spooky tales without the need for indoor access or gimmicks.

The Sum Up: A Spooky Walk Through Montreal’s Haunted Past

The Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, legend, and supernatural tales. Led by a knowledgeable professional guide with theatrical storytelling skills, this tour immerses visitors in the neighborhood’s haunted stories and eerie sites.

While it’s a outdoor-only experience, the stories and historic ruins provide a compelling reason to explore Griffintown after dark. The price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious ghost lovers, and its accessibility broadens its appeal.

This tour is best suited for those interested in Montreal’s history and ghost stories without needing interior visits or intense scares. It delivers a genuine, atmospheric experience that brings the neighborhood’s haunted past vividly to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves outdoor walking and stories that might be spooky for very young children. It’s generally suitable for most ages, especially those interested in ghost stories and history.

Does the tour go indoors?
No, the tour does not include indoor visits. All stops are outdoor sites, including ruins, the canal, and historic exteriors.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering outdoor locations and storytelling stops.

Where does the tour begin?
The meeting point is outside Rockaberry Café at 1380 Notre-Dame Street Ouest. Guests should arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing most visitors to participate comfortably.

What languages are available?
The tour is guided in English and French.

Are there any jumpscares or indoor scenes?
No, the tour does not involve jumpscares or indoor locations, focusing purely on outdoor storytelling.

Can I have dinner before the tour?
Yes, the Rockaberry Café offers a dinner menu, and arriving 45 minutes early allows for a meal before the start.

Is this tour suitable for Halloween or special events?
While it is a spooky-themed walk, the tour is available year-round and is perfect for Halloween lovers seeking atmospheric storytelling.

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