Ottawa Valley Haunted Tour – Night Trip From Ottawa

If you’re after a spooky, storytelling-filled evening that combines local legends with beautiful scenery, the Ottawa Valley Haunted Tour might just be your cup of tea. This guided night trip, offered by Aventure Outaouais, promises a mix of history, folklore, and a dash of the supernatural, all wrapped up in a roughly four-and-a-half-hour experience. While we haven’t done this tour ourselves, we’ve sifted through reviews, details, and the overall vibe to give you the honest lowdown.

What catches our eye first? For starters, the expert storytelling—Brandon, the guide, is praised for making these stories come alive. Plus, the fact that it includes transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau makes the logistics smoother for visitors, especially those not keen on driving at night. On the downside, it’s a pretty long drive and outdoor stops at night, which means cold weather can be a factor. This tour feels best suited for those who love ghost stories, historical intrigue, and don’t mind a bit of a night adventure.

If your idea of fun is wandering through historic villages with a spooky twist, and you’re curious about Canada’s ghostly tales, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s also appealing if you enjoy storytelling that’s rooted in local legends rather than just generic scare tactics. However, if you’re sensitive to outdoor conditions or prefer a more stationary experience, you might want to weigh that before booking.

Key Points

• Guided storytelling with a local who keeps the eerie ambiance alive
• Multiple stops across four historic villages, each with its own ghostly tales
• Includes transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau, making logistics easier
• Snacks included: warm apple cider and apple pie add a cozy touch
• Longer duration, around four and a half hours, with outdoor stops in the cold
• Small group size (max 14 travelers), which makes for an intimate experience

What Is the Ottawa Valley Haunted Tour All About?

This experience aims to combine history, folklore, and a bit of ghostly mystery, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Ottawa Valley. Over approximately four and a half hours, you’ll visit four different villages, each with their own stories and legends that have persisted through the years. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on storytelling, with a local guide, Brandon, sharing tales that have been passed down or uncovered through research.

Unlike many ghost tours that stay in one location, this one takes you to multiple sites along the route 148 in the Outaouais region of Quebec. The tour is designed to give you a mix of scenic views, history, and chills, blending natural beauty with spine-tingling stories.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour kicks off at 6 pm, with pickup arranged from Ottawa and Gatineau. Once on the minibus, you’ll be transported through the night to four key locations—each with its own haunted reputation. While the exact specifics of each stop are not detailed, reviews mention stories about Canada’s first registered poltergeist, the lost lumberman’s bride, Ghost Hill, the Ghost of Hannah, and the Witches of Eardly.

Each stop is a chance to hear about local legends that still linger in the land and structures today. Expect to stand outside in the dark, listen to your guide’s storytelling, and absorb the eerie atmosphere of these historic sites. The stops are outdoor, so dressing warmly is advisable—especially since much of the tour takes place at night.

The Stories and Atmosphere

We love the way storytelling is highlighted here. One reviewer praised Brandon for being “such a great storyteller,” that he kept the haunted ambiance going all night. Tales like the ghosts on the river or the talking ghost create a feeling of stepping into a living history—one that is intertwined with local folklore.

However, not everyone found the long drives and outdoor stops entirely comfy. One reviewer mentioned that the drive was “long in a minibus at night, with stops outdoors, standing in the cold,” and felt that stories and entertainment during the drive would enhance the experience. So, if you’re someone who prefers a faster-paced, more indoor experience, this may not be your perfect match.

Snacks and Extra Touches

A bonus is the inclusion of delicious apple pie and warm apple cider at Coronation Hall Cider Mills in Bristol. These treats add a cozy, welcoming end to the evening and give you a moment to relax after the spooky tales. Plus, unlimited free snacks on the minibus mean you can nibble and sip at your leisure during the drive.

How Does the Pricing Stack Up?

At $63.09 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering all that’s included—transportation, storytelling, multiple stops, and snacks. The small group size, max 14 travelers, also adds a personalized touch, making it easier to connect with the guide and hear the stories clearly.

While it’s not a cheap activity, the combination of scenic drives, engaging storytelling, and the chance to learn about local legends makes it worthwhile, especially if haunted history piques your interest.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

Pros:
– Knowledgeable local guide with great storytelling skills
– Multiple stops at historic, haunted sites
– Comfortable transportation from Ottawa & Gatineau
– Tasty snacks that add to the cozy, spooky vibe
– Small group size for a more intimate experience

Cons:
– Outdoor stops in the cold, which may be uncomfortable for some
– Long drive at night, potentially tiring
– Limited indoor shelter or entertainment during the drive
– Weather-dependent—poor weather could mean cancellations or less enjoyable stops

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This haunted tour appeals most to those who enjoy storytelling, local history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s perfect if you’re seeking more than just a scare—someone who appreciates the background of each legend and enjoys scenic night drives. It’s also well-suited for those comfortable with outdoor conditions and cooler temperatures, especially since the stops are outdoors and at night.

It may not be ideal for travelers who prefer indoor activities, have mobility issues that make outdoor stops difficult, or are sensitive to cold weather.

Final Thoughts

The Ottawa Valley Haunted Tour offers a compelling mix of history, folklore, and atmospheric storytelling. Its focus on local legends and the scenic night journey through Quebec’s villages makes it a unique way to spend an evening, especially if you’re into ghost stories or enjoy discovering the stories behind historic places.

While the long outdoor stops and nighttime drive might not suit everyone, the enthusiastic storytelling and cozy snacks are definite highlights. It’s a particularly good choice for curious travelers who want a bit of an eerie adventure without sacrificing comfort entirely.

If you’re looking for an authentic, storytelling-driven ghost tour that combines history, scenery, and a few chills, this tour could be just right.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau is provided. It’s a key part of the experience, making the logistics easier for participants.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 4 hours and 30 minutes, including stops, storytelling, and snacks.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly is recommended since the stops are outdoors and in the evening. Layers and comfortable shoes will help you enjoy the experience fully.

Are snacks included?
Yes, the tour includes apple pie and warm apple cider, with unlimited free snacks available on the minibus.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally okay for most travelers, it’s outdoors and at night, which might not be ideal for very young children or those sensitive to cold.

What stories will I hear?
Stories include tales of Canada’s first registered poltergeist, Ghost Hill, the Ghost of Hannah, and the Witches of Eardly, among others.

How many stops are there?
There are 6 stops across 4 different historic villages, each with its own story and atmosphere.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, creating a cozy, intimate setting.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour family-friendly?
The experience is designed for most travelers interested in ghost stories and history, but outdoor nighttime activities and weather may be less suitable for very young kids or those uncomfortable outside.

If you think a haunted night tour through Quebec’s historic villages sounds like your kind of adventure, this trip offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore local legends and enjoy a scenic, spooky evening.