From Ghost Stories To Great Food: The Olde Angel Inn Experience
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a popular Ontario tourist town, which is often referred to as Canada’s prettiest small town. Not only is it known as one of Canada’s prettiest towns, it’s also often thought to be Canada’s most haunted town.
Among all of the historic gems that can be found in Niagara-on-the-Lake, one place stands out for its unique blend of rich history, cozy hospitality, and just the right touch of the supernatural, The Olde Angel Inn.
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Experience The Olde Angel Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake
In this post, I’m going to take you on a historical journey through the doors of The Olde Angel Inn, one of Canada’s oldest and most historic Inn’s.
This is one historic place in Niagara-on-the-Lake where ghosts and great food come together, which makes for a memorable experience when you’re visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day.
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A Bit of History
Legend has it that dating back to the 1820’s, a Canadian officer by the name of Captain Colin Swayze, was killed at the Inn during the American invasion of May, 1813.
It is believed that Captain Swayze delayed joining the British retreat in order to be with his true love, the Innkeepers daughter. The Americans subsequently invaded the Inn in search of prisoners. Captain Swayze hid in an empty barrel in the basement of the Inn, where he received a fatal wound from the bayonets used by the American soldiers.
The Inn was badly burned during the war of 1812-1814, but was rebuilt by John Ross who named it Angel Inn in honour of his wife.
Haunted Tales
As far as the legend goes, the ghost of Captain Swayze, continues to wander the cellar in search of his true love, the Innkeepers daughter.
Over the years, it has been reported that there continue to be unidentified noises, shifting furniture, and re-arranged place settings.
It is believed that as long as the British Union Jack is flown outside of the Inn, the ghost of Captain Swayze will continue to remain in a peaceful state. Make sure it’s still flying before you enter 🙂 .
Olde Angel Inn Dining Experience
The Olde Angel Inn offers an extensive selection of authentic British cuisine, as well as your typical pub fare.
The atmosphere of the dining room is casual. It has maintained its British decor and the bar’s central location in the dining room makes it evident that this is a popular hot spot for the locals, as well as tourists.
I visited the Olde Angel Inn for lunch and enjoyed one of the best club house sandwiches ever (my go-to whenever I’m eating at a restaurant). The service was fantastic and our server was more than happy to share the history of the Inn. Unfortunately, I didn’t experience any ghostly happenings when I was there.
Just One Tip: The Inn has live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings until 1:00 a.m. Party goers will want to check this out.
Stay The Night
Are you a history buff? Having over 230 years of history in Niagara-on-the-Lake, The Olde Angel Inn is the perfect spot to spend the night.
The Olde Angel Inn offers cozy accommodations, including five colonial‑style guest rooms inside the historic building. Each space is charmingly rustic yet modernly comfortable. All rooms boast historic names honouring the era, such as: Captain’s Room, General’s Quarters, Governor’s Room, Colonel’s Suite, and Sweetheart’s Room.
In addition to the 5 rooms, a separate two bedroom cottage is also available for visitors travelling with friends and/or families.
Staying at the Olde Angel Inn will give you easy, walkable, access to the main street, the Shaw Festival, and the lakefront. Bike rentals are also available nearby.
In full disclosure, I have never stayed at the Olde Angel Inn, but I definitely want to on my next visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Perhaps then I will encounter a “ghost”.
Why Experience The Olde Angel Inn
Aside from the authentic British food and visiting the ghost of Captain Swayze, there are a few reasons why you need to engage in The Olde Angel Inn experience:
- Historic significance: A living monument to Niagara’s early years (since 1789 and rebuilt in 1815)
- Authentic British pub experience: Delicious traditional dishes, wide drink selection, and cozy fireplaces.
- Ghostly allure: Paranormal enthusiasts will thrill at the tales of Captain Swayze.
- Live music & lively vibes: Fun evenings with local bands and energetic crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Prime location: In Old Town, it’s just a stone’s throw from the main street in Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Olde Angel Inn Experience: In Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn by history, cuisine, folklore, a taste of old-world charm, or simply a nice cold brew, The Olde Angel Inn delivers it all.
Cozy up by the fire, while enjoying a pint, and perhaps even feel Captain Swayze’s lingering presence. A visit here is not just a meal or a stay, you will be stepping into the living, breathing spirit of Ontario’s past.
If you love a “ghostly” experience, I highly recommend a visit to the Olde Angel Inn next time you’re in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
SAVE FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE OLDE ANGEL INN
