Ghosts of St. Catharines past come alive on Guided Spirit Walks

Ready to learn what St. Catharines was like as a much smaller community back in the 1870s? Do you know the city’s role in the War of 1812 or a hundred years later during the First World War?

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is offering residents the chance to explore St. Catharines’ past “through the stories and experiences of the city’s most famous – and infamous – residents through our Guided Spirit Walks.”

Naturally, given the history involved, it would have to take place at one of the city’s oldest and largest cemeteries, Victoria Lawn Cemetery (431 Queenston St.)

“Our Guided Spirit Walks take you on an evening stroll through the cemetery, where actors, portraying historic St. Catharines characters, share their individual stories in the collective history of St. Catharines.”

Now in its 11th year, the museum says, “Each season brings a fresh cast of new characters and portrayals, so check out the walks each year for new stories and intrigue. Past seasons have explored stories of the Fallen Workers of the Welland Ship Canal, the First World War, everyday life in 1870s St. Catharines, Confederation, the War of 1812, and much more.”

Participants will learn about early St. Catharines when it was known by different names including ‘The Twelve’ and ‘Shipman’s Corners’.

The walks are held twice nightly on the two weekends following Labour Day every September at Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catharines with this year’s walks being held Sept. 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15.50 per person and are available through advance sales only. For more details and registration information, check HERE.