The Best Ghost Tours in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, with its deep-rooted history and storied past, has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most haunted places. Centuries of seafaring tragedies, historic battles and folklore steeped in maritime superstition have left behind plenty of ghostly tales.

For those who love a mix of history and supernatural thrills, ghost tours offer a chance to walk in the footsteps of spirits and hear the chilling stories that continue to captivate visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter or just looking for a unique night out, these ghost tours promise to entertain and unnerve.

Here’s a look at some of the best ghost tours in Nova Scotia that blend history, storytelling, and just the right amount of fright.

a dark image with a shadow of a ghost in front of a tree and a large house in the background - the whole image is shades of brown and black

Valley Ghost Walks

Explore the haunted tales of the Annapolis Valley on these family-friendly ghost walks. Led by “Jerome the grave keeper” and his ghostly crew, you’ll walk through the streets, cemeteries and other haunted places, hearing stories of local history and lore.

As the name suggests, Valley Ghost Tours run in the Annapolis Valley and rotate between Wolfville, Kentville, Halls Harbour, Windsor and the Landscape of Grand Pré depending on the day. Each tour is filled with engaging tales of local legends and spirits that add a touch of spooky charm to the Valley’s beautiful landscapes.

Perfect for adults or families with older kids, as it’s recommended for ages 10+, Valley Ghost Walks are a unique way to discover the area’s past with a paranormal twist.

Tours run from Apple Blossom weekend (last weekend in May) through to Halloween. Advance purchase is recommended, but a few cash-only tickets are available at the start of the tour.

Cost: $25 adult, $20 student, $45 for a group of 2, $120 for a group of 6 info
Dates: May 24 – October 31, 2024
Times: Vary by location, (7:45 or 8:00 pm)
Location: Varies by tour

Halifax Ghost Walk

The Halifax Ghost Walk is one of the city’s most popular and enduring ghost tours, attracting locals and visitors alike. With Halifax’s rich history as a military fort base, its role as a burial site for Titanic victims, and the tragic legacy of the Halifax Explosion, the city is naturally full of ghostly tales waiting to be told.

This 1.5-hour tour begins at the Old Town Clock and winds through the historic streets of downtown Halifax. Along the way, you’ll visit haunted landmarks and graveyards while stories of restless spirits are woven seamlessly with the city’s storied past.

Guided by Dusty, an excellent storyteller who brings both humour and suspense to the experience, the tour is as entertaining as it is eerie.It’s an interesting way to learn more about the city’s history, in a really unique way, and I guarantee, even if you’re a local, you’ll learn something new!

The tour is perfect for families with older kids (recommended 5+, my kids were 8), but due to the nature of the tour, no pets are permitted.

Cost: $25 adult, $20 youth/student/senior 65+, $10 kids aged 5-12.
Dates: June 6 – November 3, 2024
Times: 8: 30 pm during summer, 7:30 in the fall, runs for 1.5 hours
Location: Old Town Clock, Halifax

Haunted Lunenburg

With a history steeped in maritime tragedy and eerie folklore, Lunenburg is the perfect backdrop for ghostly tales. The Haunted Lunenburg walk reveals the chilling stories that have earned this historic town its reputation as one of Canada’s most haunted places.

Stroll through the shadowy streets as you learn about the haunting origins of Widow’s Watch, where hopeful sailors’ wives once kept vigil. You’ll hear spine-tingling accounts of St. John’s Anglican Church, built atop a crypt and known for unexplained apparitions.

The walk continues to the infamous Gallows Hill, a site notorious for hangings, and passes through the hilltop cemetery, adding more spooky atmosphere to the haunted walk.

This tour is suitable for most mobility levels, although there is a section that goes up a hill to the cemetery. It runs nightly from June through October, and is one of the most popular things to do in Lunenburg.

Cost: $25 for adults, $15 youth aged 6-17, $75 for a family (2 adults, kids to 17)
Dates: June – August 8:30 pm, September and October
Time: 7:30 pm, lasts 1.5 hours
Location: Begins at 15 King Street

Check out our guide on things to do in Lunenburg for more ways to explore this fascinating town.

Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour

Get into a spooky mood on this candlelit journey through the Citadel’s eerie tunnels and prison cells. The tunnels alone, with their cold stone walls and unsettling echoes, are enough to send shivers down your spine. Add a historically costumed guide leading the way, and the experience becomes even more haunting.

As you explore, you’ll hear real-life stories of ghostly encounters, including sightings of soldiers standing guard, the mysterious figure of a man in a red cloak, and the eerie presence of a woman who is said to reveal herself in mirrors. Some visitors have even reported the chilling sensation of a little girl holding their hand.

Offered Thursday to Saturday in October, the Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour is available in English, with private French tours by request.

Cost: $16.49 per person, plus taxes and Eventbrite fees.
Dates: Thurs – Sat, Oct 3-5, 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26, 2024
Time: 8:30 pm, lasts 70 minutes
Location: Front Gate of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

inside a stone tunnel at the halifax citadel national historic site, looking out to the entrance. there are two lamps on the wall and there is a door at the end of the tunnel leading out to the fort

Haunted Walk Antigonish

Take a lantern-lit tour through the town and St. Francis Xavier University and learn about the eerie history and ghostly tales of Antigonish. This 1.5-hour walk uncovers eerie stories of bocans, apparitions, goblins, and some of the town’s most chilling legends.

The Haunted Walk Antigonish tour starts in front of Mulroney Hall on campus and takes you through the town to the historic Pioneer Cemetery off Main Street. It’s a perfect fall activity for those who love spooky storytelling.

Cost: $25 adult, $20 student/senior (65+)/youth 12 – 18, $75 for a family of four
Dates: June to November, Thurs – Sun @ 9:30 pm
Time: 9:30 pm, runs for 1.5 hours
Location: Mulroney Hall on St. FX campus

Haunted Sydney Ghost Tours

Join costumed storytellers and explore the eerie stories of the city’s historic north end with Sydney’s Haunted Ghost Tour. This 90-minute tour dives into real tales of skeletons found in cellars, a notorious murderous mayor, and a chilling triple hanging. Unlike other ghost tours in Nova Scotia, this one runs exclusively in the summer. Tours take place on Tuesday evenings during the summer months.

Cost: $13 per person, ages 10+
Dates: Tuesdays during the Summer (June – end of August)
Time: 7:00 pm, runs for 90 minutes
Location: St. Patrick’s Church Museum

The Shadow of Sherbrooke Village

For something a little different, head to Sherbrooke Village, where you’ll step back in time and experience life as it was in the 19^th century.

During September and October, experience The Shadow of Sherbrooke Village, a unique theatrical experience that tells stories of local legends, superstitions and maritime folklore, along with historical accounts of Sherbrooke Village.

Don a cloak and lantern, and take a guided tour from destination to destination within the Village to determine Sherbrooke’s “Legend”. What mysteries will unfold in 2 hours?

Groups are limited to 12 people, called ‘wayfarers’, so be sure to book ahead of time. The tour, which takes place rain or shine, is fully accessible.

Cost: $35 per person
Dates: Twice weekly in September and October
Time: 2 hours in length
Location: 42 Main Street, Sherbrooke Courthouse

Annapolis Royal

Annapolis Royal’s Graveyard Tour offers a candlelit journey through Canada’s oldest English graveyard, set within the historic Fort Anne. Known for its deep history and chilling tales, this tour has become a beloved experience in one of the country’s oldest settlements. Currently on pause for 2024, it’s worth keeping an eye on for future seasons, especially for those intrigued by history and the supernatural in an authentic 17th-century setting.

a cemetery on a hill with several tall tombstones and many trees that are turning red, orange and yellow - the valley ghost tour in Nova Scotia goes through this cemetery

Map of the best ghost tours in nova scotia

map of ghost tours in nova scotia — Full map found here

Final Thoughts: Best Ghost Tours in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s ghost tours are a fantastic way to experience the province’s haunted history firsthand. From the shadowy tunnels of the Halifax Citadel to haunted streets of Lunenburg, each tour brings its own mix of folklore, history, and chilling tales.

Whether you’re wandering through misty graveyards or hearing tales of pirates in Sherbrooke Village, these ghost tours make it easy to step into the past—and maybe even encounter a ghost or two. Plan your visit, grab a lantern, and get ready for a spooky adventure you won’t forget.