Every Thursday to Saturday, plus Sunday, Oct. 31, the Haunted Walk group will be giving ghost story tours around the University of Toronto downtown campuses.
Campus Secrets and Spectres is one of four tours they offer in Toronto. For $25 per adult and $20 per child, families can participate in a 75-minute tour of the campus grounds, learning about secret tunnels and deadly love stories.
One story you will likely hear if you attend is that of Ivan Reznikoff, one of the most famous ghosts at the University of Toronto.
“We cover the story about Ivan Reznikoff learning about what happened to him and how he was mad that someone was trying to steal his finance and how it lead to his death,” tour guide Tori Barrett said.
The walk will be done outside, with a limit of 15 people per group. People must still wear masks and keep two feet apart from those outside their households, if you get sick you can get your tour rescheduled. The company doesn’t currently need proof of vaccination but that rule can change at any moment, so they advise to have it on hand just in case.
Founded for fun by Glen Shackleton in 1995 in Kingston before spreading to other cities, Haunted Walks are now advertised by on Yelp and the Toronto attractions website and have amassed thousands of followers among their multiple social media accounts.
“I would say this is a better experience for those who don’t want the jump scare, to jump and then leave,” Barrett said. “It’s a great way to learn about different places among the city and hidden gems about these places. It’s for people who want to get a little spook and learn more about the city and the things that go untold.”
The company has a little something for everyone for those who want to be scared or learn more about their city. In addition to the walks, they host virtual campfires for people to relax at home and enjoy some scary stories same thing goes for their podcast, they have at home Séance’s.
These tours are one of the many ways Toronto residents can have safe spooky fun during the pandemic. Whether you go with friends or a family, this is something to look forward to this October.