Where to Find Haunted Places in Durham Region

Fall in Durham Region means colourful leaves, crisp air, and pumpkin patches — but it also means spooky season. If you’re looking for something a little different than apple picking and hayrides, why not explore some of the region’s most haunted spots? From eerie old courthouses to ghostly pubs, Durham has plenty of places that will give you goosebumps.

Whitby Centennial Building (Courthouse Theatre), Whitby

Built in 1853 as a courthouse and jail, the Centennial Building is now home to the Whitby Courthouse Theatre. Over the years, visitors and staff have reported shadowy figures, flickering lights, and footsteps echoing through empty halls. Whether you’re attending a play or just walking by on Centre Street, this historic site has a reputation for being one of the most haunted buildings in the region.

Oshawa Museum: Henry House, Guy House & Robinson House

The Oshawa Museum, which includes Henry House, Guy House, and Robinson House, is one of the most storied—and spooky—sites in the region. 

Paranormal Night at the Museum — Coming September 27, 2025, this event invites you to explore these historic homes at night. You’ll hear ghost stories, see artifacts, and maybe even experience something strange.

What people report:

• Visitor hosts have felt an unsettling presence in the Henry House Study, particularly at night. 

• Lights that flicker without explanation; whispers and laughter where no one else is around. 

• A common story: two different employees described feeling the same uneasy sensation near the portrait of Thomas Henry when locking up. 

If you like a mix of history + mystery + maybe a scare, this is a must-visit.

Ghost Road Bush, Oshawa

Tucked behind Colonel Sam Drive, near the old GM headquarters, Ghost Road Bush is the subject of countless local legends. Strange glowing lights, sudden cold drafts, and figures disappearing into the trees have all been reported. The trails are popular with locals during the day, but after dark they’ve become a go-to for ghost hunters looking for a thrill.

Union Cemetery (Thornton Road), Oshawa

Right across from the Dan Plowman Team office sits one of Oshawa’s oldest and most storied cemeteries. Union Cemetery spans more than 30 acres and holds tens of thousands of burials dating back to early settlers. With history comes mystery: visitors and paranormal investigators have reported ghostly figures, whispers in the veterans’ section, and even a woman in a blue dress said to appear among the headstones.

The Oshawa Museum often hosts Scenes from the Cemetery tours here, blending real history with the chilling tales that make this site one of Durham’s most talked-about haunted locations.

Scugog Shores Museum Village, Port Perry

This museum village preserves pioneer-era buildings, including a schoolhouse, log cabins, and a church. But along with history, it’s said to house spirits of the past. Visitors have reported flickering lights, unexplained noises, and even the occasional ghostly figure. It’s family-friendly during the day, but after hours, it’s one of the spookier spots in Durham.

Jester’s Court Pub & Eatery, Port Perry

Looking for dinner with a side of chills? Jester’s Court is one of the most famously haunted pubs in Ontario. Staff and guests alike have spotted the “Lady in Blue” on the staircase, objects moving on their own, and eerie whispers late at night. If you’re brave, grab a pint and see if you notice anything unusual.

Pickering Museum Village

This heritage site has over 19 historic buildings, and along with history comes a few ghost stories. Staff and visitors have reported cold spots, footsteps when no one is there, and strange sounds in some of the pioneer homes and the church. Around Halloween, the museum often runs themed tours that highlight these eerie tales.

Why Haunted Spots Add to Durham’s Charm

Haunted or not, these locations are a reminder of Durham’s deep history and character. From Oshawa to Port Perry, our region is full of stories—some exciting, some mysterious, all worth exploring.

So this fall, after visiting the pumpkin patches and enjoying Applefest, add a haunted stop or two to your itinerary. You never know what you might see.