A local production company is looking at Windsor's haunted history in a new theatrical tour.
Encore Productions, the group that is responsible for popular tours dealing with the area's Francophone past as well as its history with liquor smuggling, has announced the launch of the "Spirits of Windsor" tour, which will focus on some unexplained occurrences in Windsor-Essex history.
Haunted stories are part of the lore of every major city, and Encore Productions owner and operator Mark Baker said Windsor is no different.
"Windsor has always been haunted by stories of ghosts, from ancient spirits to modern encounters," said Baker. "Our tour will explore the truth behind these local legends, but will also bring to light documented incidents that will separate folklore from fact."
The three-hour excursion will begin at the historic Mackenzie Hall in Olde Sandwich Towne, then visit locations along the Windsor riverfront and in Walkerville.
The tour is the product of diligent and painstaking research, said Baker, with the objective of authenticating the happenings that will be discussed on the trip. Just like with previous tours celebrating Windsor's rumrunning and Francophone histories, costumed actors will be participating to bring colour to these events.
Baker said that this attention to detail helps Encore make its mark as one of the best tours in Windsor-Essex. He said the travel website TripAdvisor consistently ranks Encore tours in the top 40, out of over 600 visits, throughout Ontario. He also said the trips get plenty of attention on the American side of the border.
"We had people that were coming to the Detroit area on business, and they were looking for things to do while they were here," said Baker. "So they went on TripAdvisor and put in the city of Detroit, and we popped up as well. They actually booked our tour."
Baker said the Spirits tour would begin later this month and take place on Friday nights. The price is $49 a person, including a sampling of spirits from Wolfhead Distillery and desserts from the Olde Towne Bake Shoppe in Sandwich Towne.
For information on booking this tour or any of Encore's other tours, call (519) 990-5379.