Toronto 
If your idea of an October night involves something a little more unsettling than pumpkin carving, Ottawa is getting a rather unusual option this fall.
Credit: Jaymes White
Jaymes White is bringing The Elmvale Ward Séance to the city from October 2 to November 30, 2026. The return marks a homecoming for White, who began hosting his Victorian Séance in 2015. After a successful eight-year Toronto run, he is heading back to Ottawa for an experience designed to leave you seriously questioning the dark.
What to Expect
The experience uses several spirit-conjuring techniques inside an open 114,000-square-foot space. Groups are generally kept to around 16 to 18 people, giving the evening a more intimate feel. Per the organisers, you will not spend two hours quietly sitting around one table.
You first meet at 1D Studios at 2935 Conroy Rd #100, before a guide escorts the group a short walking distance to the séance location. The complete experience lasts about two hours.
Why is Jaymes White bringing the séance back to Ottawa?
For White, the 2026 run is a return to where the séance began. After what he describes as several life changes over the past two years, along with eight successful years in Toronto, he decided it was time to come home.
The move also responds to Ottawa fans who had been asking for the experience to return.
How frightening is the experience supposed to be?
The organizers are not being subtle about this one. When asked how scary the séance is, the answer is simply: “Very.”
The experience is presented as psychological and intensely frightening, with guests taking part in different spirit-conjuring activities throughout the building. Participation is intended for adults, with an 18+ restriction listed for the event.
What is 2 a.m. Witching Hour séance?
Some limited sessions begin at 2 a.m., tying into the paranormal idea of the “Witching Hour” or “Devil’s Hour,” when supernatural activity is believed to increase.
There is one scheduling detail worth watching. A Saturday 2 a.m. ticket effectively means you are heading out late Friday night, so check the date carefully before making plans.
Can you take photos inside?
Your phone camera will need to stay put during the séance. Photography and filming are not allowed inside the building.
You will, however, have photo opportunities at the end of the experience, so you can still leave with something more tangible than a story about what happened in the dark.
What should you know before your trip?
Plan to arrive at 1D Studios, not directly at the séance location. From there, your guide will take you on a short walk to the experience.
The building is accessible, but guests requiring special accommodations should notify organizers in advance. The séance runs for approximately two hours, cameras are restricted during the experience, and given the organizers’ repeated warnings about the scare factor, you may want to decide whether ghostly encounters at 2 a.m. are really your idea of a relaxing night out.
The Elmvale Ward Séance – Trip Planning
What: Experience undeniable fear in an authentic Victorian séance inside a historic ward, one of Ottawa’s most hidden and darkest secrets. This soul-shaking psychological experience is not intended for the weak or faint of heart. Restricted to ages 18+.
Where: 1D Studios, 2935 Conroy Rd #100, Ottawa
When:
Friday, October 2 to Friday, November 30, 2026
Select dates & times, 7:15pm – 4:00am (various start times)
How Much:
$68.66 per person
Private group max. 20 ppl – save $300
