Haunted Mackenzie House Toronto

Home of Famous Canadian Politician William Lyon Mackenzie

Jan 7, 2008

The ghost of William Lyon Mackenzie, who was the leader of the Upper Canada Rebellion, a newspaper editor and Toronto's first mayor, is reputed to haunt his former home.

About William Lyon Mackenzie

William Lyon Mackenzie emigrated from Scotland in 1820 at the age of 25 and published a political newspaper called the Colonial Advocate. He campaigned for Canada to break ties from England and led a rebellion in Upper Canada in 1837. He was also the first Mayor of Toronto. His rebellion failed and he went into exile in the United States for 10 years and returned to Canada in 1850. He was the great-grandfather of William Lyon Mackenzie King who was the 10th Prime Minister of Canada from 1921 to 1948.

History of the Mackenzie House

Located at 82 Bond Street Toronto, this Georgian-style house was built in the 1850s and occupied by the Mackenzie family in 1859. The house was purchased for the Mackenzie family by political supporters. William and his wife Isabel had 13 children of which only six survived to adulthood. In 1861, William Lyon Mackenzie died in the 2nd floor bedroom.

The Mackenzie family eventually sold the house and it operated as a boarding house until the 1930s when it was listed for demolition. Because William Lyon Mackenzie King was Prime Minister at that time, the house was spared due to the significance of the Mackenzie family. A group of citizens raised money to preserve the house and it opened in 1950 as a museum with William Lyon Mackenzie’s printing press on exhibit.

The stories of ghostly activity were printed in Toronto’s newspapers in the 1960s. Skeptics believe this was a gimmick to boost attendance numbers because the museum was not in a good financial situation. Nevertheless, many people have witnessed the same spiritual activity in identical locations.

Haunting of the Mackenzie House

There have been numerous reports of a man wearing a frock coat resembling William Lyon Mackenzie standing in a 2nd floor bedroom. Sounds of William’s printing press used for publishing the Colonial Advocate have been heard even though it is locked.

The ghost of a woman dressed in 19th century clothing has been seen walking through the halls or wandering around the kitchen. It is believed she is William’s wife Isabel. The rocking chair in the kitchen has been seen rocking back and forth when the kitchen has been empty.

Another figure of a female with long dark hair has been spotted hovering over a bed.

Sounds from piano have been heard even though nobody has been in the room. Sometimes there is pounding of piano keys and other times it’s an actual melody.

One time, workmen found a hangman’s noose suspended over the stairway of the Mackenzie House. Many workers have reported that their tools have been moved overnight or drop sheets pulled off.

There have been sounds of footsteps on the stairs and heavy footsteps across the floors.

Ghosts seem to be enthralled with the plumbing and flush the toilets. When the house was built, there were no indoor toilets.

Many visitors flock to Mackenzie house hoping to see spiritual activity. This house is believed to be one of the most haunted houses in Toronto and possibly Canada. Even if ghostly activity is not witnessed, the exhibits are worth the visit!

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The copyright of the article Haunted Mackenzie House Toronto in Ghosts & Hauntings is owned by Maureen K. Fleury. Permission to republish Haunted Mackenzie House Toronto must be granted by the author in writing.