Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum

If you’re drawn to stories that blend history with a touch of the mysterious, the Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour offers a unique way to explore Ottawa’s most iconic resting place. This 75-minute experience takes you beyond the usual daytime visit, immersing you in shadowed pathways, historic monuments, and ghostly legends that come alive after dark.

What truly makes this tour stand out is the exclusive after-hours access, allowing visitors to roam the grounds without daytime crowds. Add in expert storytelling, a chance to enter the mausoleum after hours, and a focus on authentic, spine-tingling tales, and you’ve got a memorable experience. However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s dark, eerie atmosphere and outdoor setting mean you’ll want to come prepared for weather and low lighting.

This tour is best suited for those with a curious streak—history enthusiasts, ghost story fans, or anyone wanting to see Beechwood Cemetery in a new, more atmospheric light. Children under 10 are not recommended, and a sense of adventure is advised for the more spooky tales. Overall, it’s a well-crafted experience that balances haunting tales with historical insight.

Good To Know

• Exclusive night access provides a rare glimpse of Beechwood Cemetery after hours.
• Expert storytelling brings ghostly legends and history to life.
• The entry into the mausoleum after dark offers an unusual and intimate encounter.
• Weather preparation is essential, as the tour is outdoors and runs rain or shine.
• Suitable for adventurous adults and history lovers, but not for children under 10.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes free parking near the Visitor Centre.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Practical Guide to the Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour

What to Expect During Your 75 Minutes

The tour begins at the gazebo across from the Visitor Centre, where your guide, cloaked and holding a lantern, will meet you. No need to go inside; this outdoor meeting spot sets the tone for an atmospheric evening. As you follow the winding pathways, you’ll pass through crypts, headstones, and monuments, all illuminated faintly by dusk and lantern light, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene.

What makes this walk special is the contrast between the tranquil, historic grounds and the spooky stories told along the way. You’ll hear about Beechwood’s earliest days—stories that connect the past with the present through tales of ghostly encounters and strange happenings reported by staff and visitors. One reviewer praised the guide Lea, calling her “wonderful” and “knowing her subject really well,” which hints at the engaging and credible storytelling.

The Mausoleum After Dark: The Highlight

The grand finale is an exclusive entry into the Mausoleum after hours. This space, usually closed to visitors, becomes a setting for the final, spine-tingling story, a moment that combines history and mystery in a deeply atmospheric environment. The experience of being inside a mausoleum in the dark adds a level of intimacy and eeriness that many find unforgettable.

The Experience’s Value

At $24 per person, the tour offers a reasonable cost for the type of access and storytelling involved. The guided aspect ensures you’ll learn the history behind the monuments and hear tales that aren’t typically part of a daytime visit. Expert storytellers, like Lea, lend authenticity and credibility to the legends, making the stories more compelling.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Practical Considerations

Since the experience is outdoors and in the evening, dress appropriately with comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bringing a flashlight is recommended — not only for safety but also for fun and to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Parking is free, just past the Visitor Centre, making logistics simple.

Note that restroom facilities may not be available during the tour, so plan accordingly. Also, the tour runs rain or shine—so check the weather and come prepared for all conditions.

Who Will Love This Experience

This tour is best suited for adults and older teens with a taste for history, ghost stories, or atmospheric outdoor walks. It’s not ideal for children under 10, given the spooky stories and dark setting. If you’re someone who appreciates a blend of haunting tales and historical context, this experience will suit you well.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler from Canada shared, “Great tour! Lea, our guide, was wonderful and knew her subject really well,” emphasizing the value of knowledgeable guides. Another mention pointed out how the setting, especially in the evening, makes the historic grounds feel alive and somewhat eerie—perfect for storytelling.

Reviewers also appreciated the carefully curated stories, which range from ghostly legends to historical anecdotes. The balance between spooky tales and educational content ensures the experience appeals to both thrill-seekers and history buffs.

Why This Tour is a Great Choice

The Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour offers a unique perspective on a national historic site, blending the solemnity of the grounds with spine-tingling legends. It’s an experience that’s more than just a walk—it’s an atmospheric journey into the past with a dash of mystery.

The expert guides make the stories engaging and credible, transforming a simple cemetery visit into a theatrical adventure. The limited-time access to the mausoleum adds a layer of exclusivity that only heightens the thrill.

Considering the price point, the tour offers solid value—especially for those interested in storytelling, history, or ghostly encounters. The outdoor setting and evening timing create an ambiance that’s tough to replicate during daytime visits.

In summary, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a deeper, more authentic exploration of Ottawa’s history, with a paranormal twist. It’s perfect for those who enjoy storytelling, atmospheric walks, and uncovering secrets from the past.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 10 years old are not recommended due to the spooky stories and dark environment.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a short but engaging experience.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bringing a flashlight is advised for safety and to enhance the spooky atmosphere.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it possible for more visitors to enjoy the experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as it is an outdoor experience.

Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available just past the Visitor Centre.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, except in severe weather conditions.

Are cameras or audio recorders allowed?
No, video and audio recording are not permitted during the tour.

Final Thoughts

The Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum offers a compelling blend of history, mystery, and atmospheric storytelling in a setting that few get to experience after dark. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Lea, enhance the experience with engaging narratives rooted in real stories and legends.

This tour is a must for anyone who loves ghost stories, historical sites, or simply wants an unusual way to experience Ottawa after hours. It balances the eeriness of the setting with educational value, making it suitable for inquisitive adults and older teens alike.

While the outdoor, dark environment may not be for everyone, those comfortable with a bit of spooky fun and a touch of history will find it a rewarding, memorable outing. With excellent reviews backing its quality, this experience is a standout choice for travelers seeking something a little different in Ottawa.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a ghost story aficionado, or just looking for a fun, atmospheric evening, this tour delivers a genuinely intriguing glimpse into Beechwood Cemetery’s secrets.

You can check if your dates are available here: