This Halloween, visit Ontario’s Legislative Building for an evening ghost tour.
Credit: Ontario Parliament Education at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Nestled in downtown Toronto’s Queen’s Park stands the majestic Ontario Legislative Building. A rich tapestry of history is interwoven into its Richardson Romanesque architecture, an art form reminiscent of northern Italian structures. The construction, completed between 1886 and 1893, exhibits exquisite craftsmanship: pink sandstone from Credit Valley, ornate carvings by English stonecutters, and a roof adorned with Vermont slate and copper domes.
Inside, visitors are greeted by opulent details such as cast-iron columns, oak floors, and a staggering 10 million bricks. The Legislative Chamber radiates elegance with its mahogany and sycamore wood carvings and murals by artist Gustav Hahn. After a fire in 1909, Architect E.J. Lennox remodelled the west wing, adding two additional floors. A north wing, housing the Legislative Library, was also added by 1913.
You may like:
However, beyond its historical and architectural brilliance, the building holds eerie secrets. Ghost tours illuminate its spectral past, where shadows of yesteryears wander the halls. Legends speak of haunting figures: a lady hanging in subterranean hallways, a weeping maiden, and a gray-haired woman in tattered clothes. Some say these spirits might be remnants from the Women’s Mental Hospital, which stood on the grounds before the Legislative Building. Stories suggest these could be sthe ouls of women wrongfully committed or tormented during their stay.
Adding to the haunting tales are accounts of ghostly sightings. From apparitions descending grand staircases to a phantom soldier patrolling the corridors, the building teems with whispers of its spectral residents.
For those interested in experiencing the mysteries firsthand, Halloween is the perfect time to join a guided tour to learn about its rich history and eerie legends.
The tours are free and are available on select dates from October 23 to 30, 2025. Participants must pre-register.
Evening Ghost Tour at Ontario’s Legislative Building
When:
October 23, 24, 29, 30, 2025 – Start times at 6:30 p.m. OR 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ontario’s Legislative Building, 111 Wellesley St. West, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2 (front entrance)
How Much: Free
Phone: 416-325-0061
Email: tourbookings@ola.org