Check In Niagara

Check In Niagara launched this year and showcases a video blog of a local who goes on a journey to rediscover Niagara, looking past the cliched tourist trappings to find a region that's charming, historic and quite often sublime (and sometimes spooky)

Adam White is the host and provides narratives for each episode including history, interesting facts and how to get to the location. His journey has included some haunted hot spots across Niagara and we are sure he will visit many more along his journey.

You can visit the web site here: http://www.checkinniagara.com

Check in Niagara is updated every Thursday.

Episodes so far:

Episode 1: Welcome to Check In Niagara

Episode 2: Shaeffe’s Path To Victory

Episode 3: Roy Terrace

Episode 4: Southern Terminus of the Bruce Trail

Episode 5: Brown’s Point

Episode 6: Cold War Era Radio Microwave Tower

Episode 7: Limestone Kilns

Episode 8: Slater’s Dock

Episode 9: Remnant Limestone Quarry Stones

Episode 10: Welland Vale

Episode 11: Butler’s Burial Ground

Episode 12: St. Mark’s Cemetery

Episode 13: Loretto Academy

America's Top 10 Ghost Tours

TripAdvisor Releases their Top 10 Ghost Tours of the USA

1. Hair-Raising Harpers: Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Self-proclaimed as “America’s oldest ghost tour,” this terrific tour has been running for more than 40 years. Brave travelers are invited to journey through Harpers Ferry’s historic “Lower Town,” to visit Hog Alley and other dwellings where past tragedies have left sauntering spirits.

2. I Ski Dead People: Park City Ghost Tours, Park City, Utah
Discover which apparitions inhabit local hot—or rather, chilling—spots in this famous ski destination, known also for its former days as a mining town (and its ghosts of miners gone by). Tour-goers often catch a glimpse of “Lizzy,” the apparition who frequents the Imperial Hotel, while ghoulish miners from yesteryear have been spotted sipping a cold beverage at the No Name Pub, formerly the Alamo.

3. A Risky Ride: Hearse Ghost Tours, Savannah, Georgia
This dark and daring tour passes through the old streets of Savannah in an authentic hearse, which formerly transported corpses for more than 15 years. Fearless travelers are invited along for the ride of their lives, to learn about the grisly ghosts that live in some of the city’s most beautiful homes and cemeteries.

4. Macabre Market: Market Ghost Tour, Seattle, Washington
In the Market district of Seattle lies the city’s first mortuary and a dilapidated graveyard, offering countless tales of terror. Spirits remain amongst these ruins and are often seen throughout the Market Ghost Tour, while photographs taken at the sites have been known to include mysterious phenomena, such as glowing orbs and even the ghostly face of a man.

5. Quick and the Dead: Tombstone Ghost Tour, Tombstone, Arizona
True to its name, the city of Tombstone provides ghost stories galore. Travelers can follow fearless tour guides through the dark streets of this “Wild West” town, as they recount bone-chilling stories about the spots where cowboys and deputies once battled.

6. Spooky Surprise: Providence Ghost Tour, Providence, Rhode Island
Come nightfall, travelers are invited to follow the murky glow of a lantern and brace themselves for some spooky surprises on the Providence Ghost Tour, while exploring the secrets of this New England city. Based on research and historical documentation, this tour—which takes thrill-seekers to the scenes of many horrific deaths—will likely instill fear in the bravest of souls.

7. Seeking the Supernatural: Old Bisbee Ghost Tours, Bisbee, Arizona
Stroll through the atmospheric streets, stairways, and alleys of this 125 year-old town, and tour-goers may catch a glimpse of one of Bisbee’s infamous ghosts. Lingering residents include Julia, a “Lady of the Evening,” Nat the Miner, who owed money and paid for it with his life, and the Lady in White.

8. The Big Spooky: New Orleans Ghost Tour, New Orleans, Louisiana
Over the course of two terrifying hours, this walking tour escorts the living to several of the Big Easy’s top haunts, for ghost-spotting gluttony. The route includes a visit to a haunted bar, where paranormal sightseers can enjoy a refreshing break and some spirited fun.

9. Horrifying History: Chattanooga Ghost Tours, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Led by storytellers and actors, this tour will entertain, educate and send chills down travelers’ spines. The hair-raising itinerary includes a stop at the Sheraton Read House Hotel, where the ghost of Annalisa Netherly has supposedly resided since the 1920s, following her murder at the hands of her husband in room 311.

10. Smoking Specters: The Original Ghost Tours of Catalina, Catalina Island, California
Travelers can enjoy the eerie ambiance of Avalon, a small village that was established above a burial ground, on this spine-tingling tour. The ghost of Zane Gray, a local legend of Catalina, has been seen enjoying a cigarette along the Via Casino walkway; when approached, he disappears—leaving behind a thick cloud of smoke.

“With Halloween just around the corner, travelers can enjoy some spine-tingling thrills and hair-raising encounters on these memorable expeditions,” said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “Offering unique destinations, colorful history and lively tales, these tours offer a fun and festive way to enjoy the season.”

*In Canada I recommend the Fort George Ghost Tour in Niagara On The Lake, it is true to the history and hauntings. Other ghost tours in the area, including ones offered by Haunted Hamilton and Burlington Ghost Walks are dissapointing and are often referred to as pieces of 2nd grade fiction and outright lies.

The Archives: NAGS Fort Mississauga

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers investigated the historic Fort Mississauga in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Below are the results of this investigation:

Notes from GhostBoy:

We continued our tour to Fort Mississauaga and along the trail the team felt a very cold chill take over and then leave a minute or so later. It was a hot night and the coldness felt was never truly encountered again that night. We entered the fort and turned right and towards the first powder magazine tunnel. Inside I could feel a presence that was annoyed and defensive. A bat then decided to fly around me and cling to my leg and then my shoulder. It let go and I proceeded out as to not disturb it. I sat near the stump with Naz and stared at the sky. At this time I was getting words which sounded Native. “Oni na Ganashe” was repeated. Research indicates that these sounding words mean “Water” in the Seneca Language. Senaca peoples could have visited or stayed for periods of time at this ancient native fishing village (now Fort Mississauga).

Naz indicated that he could see something in the far field and indicated that his eyes were not allowing him to focus in that direction. I witnessed several strange lights and shadows in that direction but could not pin-point anything. Naz and I continued around the Blockhouse and through the tunnel. The feeling of being watched was the only thing I could report on. We exited the tunnel and met up with the rest of the team. At this time Naz saw a shadow near the second powder magazine. I investigated second and alone. I was presented with a full-figure apparition of a man and got the name “Robert” – a name that continually is recorded on EVP in this area. I asked if I could proceed and asked if the team was allowed to continue and it nodded. I could not focus on any one part of the face. When I looked at the eyes, it faded and I could see a nose and chin and shoulder. When I focused in on that part the top part of the head was visible. I told the team to go meet Robert and they entered the tunnel. Later, I proceeded into the tunnel with them and we concentrated and asked for the ghost of Robert to make himself known. At this time, makeajazznoise indicated that the entrance to the tunnel was getting “smoky” and we felt various cold chills but nothing of immediate interest.

Then we heard footsteps outside the entranceway and a twig snap. Kevin investigated and saw nothing. The footsteps continued and then I investigated and saw no living person. Comfortable we weren’t being interrupted by anyone we continued to the first tunnel and here the activity level rose.

I felt two spirits in this area. One old, and one younger, but not too young. The older one was more inviting and entertained by us whereas the young one felt we were trespassing and dishonouring his land. When we concentrated and tried to communicate with the spirit I said “You are of the spirit world” and immediately I felt a very cold chill run through my entire body and my internal organs felt they were spastic and then tied in knots. I was not comfortable and asked the spirit not to do this. It complied and we continued and felt various cold chills. Naz made the comment that “This is a microphone it will record your voice” and immediately I could here the words, “Don’t your ears work?” The entranceway got extremely dark at certain times and the feeling of being held across the shoulder was present near the end. When we exited I was asked to “bring tobacco” when I visited again.

Fort Mississauga was definitely the highlight to our Niagara on the Lake tour.

Notes from nAz:

The walk up to the Fort started my night. There was a very cold breeze that I felt only that once. I commented on it to GhostBoy & he confirmed the temperature drop. That same breeze was not felt again.

Upon arriving at the front gates of the Fort, I was greeted with the feeling of welcome back. I personally have visited the Fort on several occasions. This was my first time visiting with the NAGS team.

After we were through the gates, the team went their different ways to investigate the grounds as some has never been to the Fort. GhostBoy went into the right hand side magazine & I stood looking at the Blockhouse. GhostBoy came out telling me of what he had heard & joined me on the earthworks near the hollowed out stump. While sitting at the stump getting a feel of the activity there, I noticed movement in the open common area to the right. The strange thing was, my eyes wouldn’t focus on that spot. Everything was a blur. Now keep in mind I work midnights so my night vision isn’t lacking. I saw shadows & white lights. The activity disappeared when the team came back through the tunnel to the river bank.

GhostBoy and I then made our way through the tunnel to the river & checked the area out. When we came back through, I saw a shadow figure infront of the second magazine.

GhostBoy investigated & then returned saying go in and ask to see Robert. The team and I went to investigate. This is when my recorder picked up “Get Out”. While we were in the powder magazine the entrance when smoky & distorted, then we heard activity outside. We heard footsteps & a twig snap. Kevin initially investigated & found no one. This activity ended our session inside the magazine. The team decided to hold a similar session to communicate with the spirits in the first magazine. Here is where the activity increased. Immediately I felt a presence in the “room” with us. GhostBoy must have as well, as he said out loud “Do you know that you are in the spirit world?” Immediately after making that statement GhostBoy’s breathing became labored & I felt a negative emotion. It actually made me worry. Right after GhostBoy’s breathing returned to normal, my external microphone that I was holding wiggled 3 times as if someone touched it. I said out loud “This is a microphone, if you speak it can record your voice.” Oddly the recorder did not pick up this movement. Several of the team members reported cold spots in the room & the dark mist at the entrance. When we left GhostBoy reported hearing “bring tobacco”. That ended our night.

EVPs Recorded:

1. I greet Robert, the apparition I saw and it answers me and recognizes me saying. "Robert...John" DOWNLOAD

2. Male voice stating "Get out" DOWNLOAD

The Archives: NAGS St. Mark's Cemetery

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers (NAGS) investigated St. Mark's Cemetery in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Below are the results of the investigation:

Notes from GhostBoy:

We proceeded through the front gates and around the side of the church where I took the team to see the famous “marked” gravestones. I did not feel any ghostly activity and we continued to the Foam tragedy gravesite and again, no feelings developed.

The team split into two at this point and Naz and myself proceeded around through the American rifle pits and to Brock’s Seat (Where American Soldiers ‘dug in’ during the War o1812 and where General Brock contemplated strategy during the War of 1812). We met up with the team and Naz indicated that he felt like he was being watched. I, too, felt that I was being watched at this time but did not feel threatened or fearful.

We continued to investigate the cemetery near the large crypt and then I was being drawn through a newer section of the cemetery. The name “Eliza” or “Elizabeth” kept repeating and I followed my instincts alone through the cemetery. The recorder picked up the name “Elizabeth” at this time.

I came to an older gravestone and without light I could not identify the name or inscription – but I was sure it had to be Elizabeth, when I traced it with my finger. I went back and retrieved a flashlight from Kevin. I found the tombstone again and confirmed it was Elizabeth Kerr’s headstone, she had died at the age of 32 in 1794. While concentrating and asking why I was being brought here the words, “with child” were predominate. I asked Naz if he got anything and he confirmed that he felt a nervousness to the site and something about “babies”. Naz then felt we should leave immediately and we proceeded to exit the graveyard of St. Mark’s.

Notes from nAz:

GhostBoy brought the team to St. Mark’s Cemetery. This was the first time I had been at this location. Initially I did not feel anything at the site. GhostBoy took us to several War of 1812 era tombs & the Memorial of the Foam tragedy. Oddly, as GhostBoy was explaining the incident, my right ear popped as if from pressure. At this point the team split up and GhostBoy showed me where the War of 1812 rifle pits were situated. GhostBoy also explained the meaning of the large rock near the rifle pits known as Brock’s Seat & how it came to “rest” in the cemetery. After GhostBoy and I met up with the rest of the team near the middle of the cemetery, I started to notice activity. Shadows moving ahead of us and the feeling of being watched. As we started to investigate the area in which I saw the movement, GhostBoy was drawn to another area to our south. He came back looking for a flashlight, saying he had heard the name Elizabeth. We went with him to investigate a certain marker, it contained the name Elizabeth! The group made a circle around the marker & spoke to the spirit. I picked up “worry” and “my babies”. After we were finished, I picked up the feeling that we should go, really strong. The team agreed. That ended our visit to St. Mark’s Cemetery.

EVPs Recorded:

1. On the way of being drawn through the cemetery the voice says, "Elizabeth" recording is very distorted. Later the grave found was in fact Elizabeth. DOWNLOAD

Haunted Niagara Photocards

Here is a collection of my historic photocards of Niagara Falls. Some of these are simply historic buildings, while others are haunted. Enjoy!

Mount Carmel College or Loretto Academy
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

The only original structure left of Fort George,
Niagara On the Lake, Ontario, Canada

William Lyon MacKenzie's House & Printer,
Queenston, Ontario, Canada

The Niagara Falls Custom House or The Stone Jug,
Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada