Scottish-born journalist, newspaper publisher and politician William Lyon Mackenzie was elected as the first mayor of Toronto in 1834, and in 1837, he orchestrated The Upper Canada Rebellion, with the aim of establishing a more democratic government, and to address rampant political corruption, cronyism, and economic inequality. Mackenzies activities during the rebellion were somewhat… erratic. He punished wealthy families by burning down their homes, he attempted to force the Upper Canada Postmaster’s wife to cook meals for his troops, he robbed mail coaches and kidnapped travelers, all for the cause of course. In 1838, the rebellion was crushed by British troops, and although it failed, it eventually led to reform, and the introduction of responsible government.

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Mackenzie lived in exile until  he was granted amnesty in 1849, when he returned to Toronto, to live in the house before you. He died here in 1861, and his ghost is believed to haunt the dwelling. Many people claim to have seen his apparition, often near the fireplace. Other paranormal occurrences in Mackenzie house include reports of visitors hearing footsteps, on the creaky wooden floors, when no one is present, unexplained knocking, tapping and other strange sounds, objects moving on their own, doors opening and closing, as well as sudden drops in temperature at certain areas inside the house. If you gaze up at the window, that one, to the left, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of his ghost.