We have already reviewed The Stanley Garrison Séance held on the Exhibition Place grounds, but did you know that you can learn more about this building, along with several other locations? Ghost Walks at Exhibition Place takes you on a stroll around the grounds to learn more about the spirits that still haunt one of Toronto’s most historical places. This was home to two military forts and some of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812, so many of the hauntings make sense, but there are a few more modern spirits that haunt Exhibition Place.
Ghost Walks at Exhibition Place are led by Steve Collie of After Dark Tours AKA Ghost Guy. He is a true believer in the spirit world, often coming down to explore hauntings when he can’t sleep.
With only two tours left on the schedule, we are sharing everything that you need to know before Halloween 2024 is over:
Ghost Walks at Exhibition Place – The Details:
Dates Remaining: October 27th and October 29th
Location: General Services Building (2 Manitoba Drive). Limited parking is available and it is accessible via TTC.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Long walk on level ground; some stairs (not for people with mobility issues). Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather – you are outside for the majority of the tour.
Price: $15.00 per person. All proceeds from the Ghost Walks go to United Way. Not suitable for children under 10.
Purchase TicketsThe Review
Steve Collie knows the history and mystery of Exhibition Place. He has been leading tours at the grounds since 2006. According to him, there are at least 30 spirits that are known to haunt the area with many of the sightings at the General Services Building and the Horse Palace. This isn’t just according to Ghost Guy. He thoroughly researches all of the stories and his information comes from trusted sources like the Toronto Star archives, Exhibition Place archives and Board of Governors reports. They are based on paranormal experiences by Exhibition Place staff and some are chilling.
One of the pre-conditions that he has for a ghost tour is that it has to be dark for the atmosphere. Absolutely – it would change the dynamic of Ghost Walks at Exhibition Place if you saw everything in the light of day. A group of about 40 people met at the General Services Building where the tour begins and many of the hauntings occur. I won’t give out any spoilers, but there are definitely things that go bump in the night (and day) in that building.
The tour then continues to well-known buildings like the Enercare Centre, the aforementioned Stanley Garrison Barracks before moving on to the Horse Palace, the Horticulture Building (which was a temporary morgue), and ending at Scadding Cabin which is the oldest surviving building in Toronto, for a cup of hot apple cider.
Whether you are a Toronto native or a visitor, you will be entertained. You will learn more about the history of the city and it’s haunted past in the two hour walk, then you thought possible. This is all thanks to Collie’s careful research and storytelling capabilities. He knows so much about the history and has a warm manner, and gentle sense of humour that make this perfect for those who may want to take part in Halloween, but are afraid of things that go bump in the night and for families.
I recommend the tour for history buffs, ghost hunters and just your average ghoul next door too. You learn more about a place from a walking tour than any other way of touring, and this is the ideal way to get some fresh air, be entertained, but yes, learn about Toronto’s murky past.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit explace.on.ca
*Tickets were provided for review purposes. Opinions are our own.
