Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum

Discovering Beechwood Cemetery After Dark: Tales from the Mausoleum

If you’re curious about Ottawa’s historic sites with a twist of mystery, the Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum might just be your thing. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, it’s caught my eye for its unique blend of history, storytelling, and eerie nighttime ambiance. It’s a good pick for anyone who loves ghost stories, historic architecture, or simply wants to see a different side of Ottawa’s most revered cemetery.

What really stands out are the exclusive after-hours access and the engaging storytelling from guides who know their stuff. Plus, experiencing the mausoleum after dark is a rare opportunity that adds a layer of thrill to an otherwise solemn setting. That said, this isn’t a casual stroll—being prepared with weather-appropriate clothing and a flashlight will definitely enhance your experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates a bit of mystery, enjoys learning about local legends, or is simply looking for an unusual evening activity, this tour has a lot to offer. It’s especially suited for those over age 10, given the spooky stories and dark setting, but it can appeal to anyone with a respectful curiosity about history and the supernatural.

Key Points

• Exclusive Night Access: You get to explore Beechwood Cemetery after hours—something most visitors don’t see.
• Engaging Guides: Experts share ghostly legends, spooky tales, and historical insights, making the experience both entertaining and educational.
• Haunting Atmosphere: The setting, with shadowed paths and towering trees, creates an eerie backdrop that heightens the storytelling.
• Enter the Mausoleum After Dark: A rare chance to step inside this historic crypt in the quiet of the night, finishing with a spine-tingling story.
• Practical Tips: Bring a flashlight, dress for the weather, and arrive early to get comfortable before the tour starts.
• Not Suitable for Little Ones: Recommended for ages 10 and up, especially if you’re sensitive to spooky tales or dark settings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour

Sitting in the realm of both history and mystery, Beechwood Cemetery’s evening tour offers a distinctive experience. As we walk through shadowed pathways, it’s easy to appreciate the peaceful beauty of this historic site, but with an added layer of intrigue. The late-hour setting infuses the cemetery with a quiet, almost cinematic, aura. It’s not just a walk through old graves; it’s an encounter with Ottawa’s past told through stories that sometimes give you goosebumps.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the guided storytelling. The guides are clearly knowledgeable and passionate—one reviewer mentioned, “Lea, our guide, was wonderful and knew her subject really well.” That kind of expertise keeps the stories engaging, whether they involve ghostly legends or historical anecdotes. It’s this mix of facts and folklore that makes the tour both fun and meaningful.

The nighttime access to areas normally closed during daylight hours, especially the mausoleum, offers a rare chance to see this impressive structure in an entirely different light—literally. The inside of the mausoleum, illuminated softly or not at all, feels especially mysterious in the dark, and the final storytelling moment there is designed to leave a lasting impression.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The tour lasts about 75 minutes, enough time to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. It begins at a meeting point near the parking lot, with guides meeting participants at a gazebo across from the Visitors Centre. For safety and fun, bringing your own flashlight is recommended, since some areas are quite dark, and the outdoor pathways can be uneven.

Once underway, you’ll wander along winding paths past crypts and headstones, many of which are ornate and historic. The towering trees cast long shadows, especially as dusk turns into night, creating a genuinely haunting setting. Expect to hear stories about Beechwood’s early days, along with ghostly encounters and strange reports from staff and visitors. Some tales may send a chill through you, like reports of inexplicable noises or sightings, while others simply add to the cemetery’s silent beauty.

The highlight, of course, is entering the mausoleum after dark—a moment that feels both special and slightly spooky. Inside, the guide will share one last eerie story, giving the audience a memorable send-off. For those who are brave enough, this part of the tour can be quite compelling.

The Value of the Experience

At $24 per person, this experience strikes me as reasonably priced for what it offers. The combination of guided storytelling, exclusive access after hours, and entry into a historic mausoleum makes it a good value—especially considering how unique it is. The small group setting ensures a more intimate experience, allowing for questions and personal interaction with the guide if desired.

It’s worth noting that the tour runs rain or shine, so check the weather forecast beforehand. And given the outdoor setting, dress comfortably and consider bringing a flashlight for safety and fun.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

One reviewer described it as a “great tour,” complimenting the guide’s knowledge and presentation style. The glowing 5-star rating underscores how much people enjoy the combination of history and storytelling, making this a memorable night out. The fact that it’s run by The Haunted Walk and Hidden InSite adds credibility to the quality and authenticity of the stories shared.

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Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive at least 10 minutes early to meet your guide and get comfortable.
• Dress appropriately for the weather—layers are wise, especially for cooler evenings.
• Bring a flashlight for better visibility and added fun.
• Be aware that restroom facilities may not be available during the tour, so plan accordingly.
• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, as the spooky stories and dark atmosphere might be unsettling for younger kids.
• Remember that audio and video recordings aren’t allowed, so soak in the stories with your own ears and eyes.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or anyone looking to experience Ottawa’s culture in a slightly different way. It’s especially appealing if you’re partial to atmospheric settings and enjoy stories that mix fact and folklore. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who appreciates a little thrill and a good story, this is a great pick.

It’s a wonderful option for those who want a break from traditional sightseeing and are open to a more atmospheric, storytelling experience. Just keep in mind, it’s not suited for very young children or those sensitive to spooky themes.

Final Thoughts

The Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum offers an uncommon opportunity to explore Ottawa’s historic cemetery under the cloak of darkness. It combines the solemn beauty of the grounds with spine-tingling stories that bring the past to life in a way that’s both respectful and entertaining. Guided by knowledgeable storytellers, you’ll walk away with more than just a few ghost stories—there’s a sense of connection to Ottawa’s history woven into the experience.

Whether you’re a fan of ghost tales, history, or simply looking for an unusual evening activity, this tour offers a memorable adventure packed with atmosphere and authenticity. It’s best suited for those over 10 who enjoy a bit of mystery and don’t mind the dark, quiet ambiance of a historic cemetery after hours.

FAQ — Your Questions About the Beechwood Cemetery Night Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up, primarily because of the spooky stories and dark setting. Younger children might find it too intense or unsettling.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 75 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t overstay its welcome.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Comfortable shoes are advisable since you’ll be walking along outdoor, uneven paths.

Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available just past the Visitor Centre, near the meeting point.

What should I expect to see during the tour?
You’ll see crypts, ornate headstones, and the mausoleum. The setting is atmospheric, with towering trees and shadowed pathways that enhance the spooky stories.

Can I record the stories?
No, audio and video recording are not permitted to respect the storytelling experience.

What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Severe weather conditions may cancel or reschedule, so check before you go.

How many people are in a group?
While not specified, guided tours like this typically keep groups small enough for personal interaction, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.

Exploring Beechwood Cemetery after hours really offers a different perspective—combining the serenity of a historic site with the thrill of ghostly legends. If you’re curious about Ottawa’s past and enjoy a good story in a hauntingly beautiful setting, this tour could be just the right fit.

You can check availability for your dates here: