An exciting tour full of ghostly tales!
Haunted River Boat Tours
Set sail for a ghoulishly fun for all ages evening tour that is packed with ghostly folklore that haunt these waters.
The Upper Peninsula Paranormal Research Society’s very own Tim Ellis and Brad Blair will be onboard to share eerie stories and fascinating historic facts, making for a spine-chilling evening cruise on the lower St. Marys River.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the darker side of the St. Marys River — if you dare!
The Famous Haunted River Boat Tours
Limited Availability
Our Haunted River Boat Tours sail on Thursday evenings on June 11, July 16, August 13, September 17, and October 8.
Soo Locks
This 2-hour tour cruises the lower St. Marys River only. It will NOT traverse through the Soo Locks.
Paranormal Research Society
Tim Ellis and Brad Blair will be onboard to share eerie stories and fascinating historical facts. Bios below!
Brad Blair
Author, adventurer, podcast host, and lifelong paranormal enthusiast, Brad Blair has spent decades researching the strange and unknown. His passion for the paranormal has taken him across the United States and around the globe to some of the most haunted and mysterious locations known to the world.
Co-author of the books Yoopernatural Haunts, Great Lakes Monsters & Mysteries, and author of Paranormal Justice, Brad has contributed to numerous periodicals and documentaries on the paranormal, and is a co-founder of the Upper Peninsula Paranormal Research Society. He resides in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his wife and son, where he operates several tourism related businesses and co-hosts Creaking Door Paranormal Radio alongside Tim Ellis.
Tim Ellis
Tim is a veteran paranormal investigator who has traveled the country seeking the strange and unusual. In 1999, he founded the Upper Peninsula Paranormal Research Society with two of his childhood friends. He is the Co-host of Creaking Door Paranormal Radio, former host of TAPS Family Radio, co-founder of the Michigan Paranormal Convention, and co-author of the Paranormal hit books, Yoopernatural Haunts and Great Lakes Monsters and Mysteries. He is a professional international speaker and MC for 30 years, speaking on all things paranormal and weird. Tim is the Co-Owner of Yoopernatural Haunts Ghost Walking and History Tours in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has been featured in documentaries and numerous publications, including USA Today, The Detroit Free Press, and Lake Superior Magazine. In his full-time career, Tim and his wife own radio stations in Northern Michigan, where he has been on-air for over 30 years.
Legends and Lore of the St. Mary’s River
As the sun sets and the shadows lengthen over the water, the St. Mary’s River takes on a whole new persona. This seasonal tour is designed for those who love a good mystery and want to see Sault Ste. Marie in a different light—or lack thereof.
- Ghostly Narrations: Hear the eerie tales and maritime legends that have been passed down through generations of sailors and local residents.
- After-Dark Sightseeing: Experience the unique beauty of the river at night, with the lights of the International Bridge and the Canadian shoreline providing a dramatic backdrop for our spooky stories.
- Family-Friendly Spooks: While we lean into the "haunted" theme, this tour is designed to be entertaining and fun for all ages, making it a perfect autumn tradition for families and groups.
Haunted River Boat Tour Offers...
2 Hours
Boarding begins at 6:15 PM with a 7:00 PM departure.
Dates
These tours only run on select dates (typically Thursday evenings in late summer and fall)
Amenities
Climate controlled cruise with restrooms.
Accessible
All docks and boats are accessible.
**Note: Be sure to check our Schedule Page for the exact dates for the 2026 season.
Planning Your Haunted Adventure
- Limited Seasonal Schedule: These tours only run on select dates (typically Thursday evenings in late summer and fall). Be sure to check our Schedule Page for the exact dates for the 2026 season.
- Save $3.00 Online: Even our specialty tours qualify for the online discount! Book your Haunted River Boat Tour through our website to save $3.00 on every Adult and Youth ticket.
- Arrive for Boarding: Boarding begins at 6:15 PM with a 7:00 PM departure. Arriving early ensures you can grab a hot drink and find the best seat for storytelling.
- Free On-Site Kennels: If you're traveling with pets, don't worry about leaving them in a dark car. We offer free individual dog kennels at our dock for use during the tour.
Haunted River Boat Tour FAQs
Our Cruise Experience Options
(Our Most Popular)
The classic Sault Ste. Marie experience. Your group will experience "locking through" the Soo Locks, raising or lowering with the water levels of the St. Mary’s River. You’ll pass under the International Bridge and cruise alongside giant lake freighters.
- Duration: ~90 Minutes
- Goes through Locks? Yes
The premier choice for maritime enthusiasts. This extended tour views two historic lighthouses and includes a passage through the Soo Locks.
- Duration: ~4.5 Hours
- Goes through Locks? Yes (Reservations Required)
A relaxing evening on the water featuring music, dinner-style hors d'oeuvres, and adult beverages. A fantastic choice for corporate mixers or adult social groups.
- Duration: ~2 Hours
- Goes through Locks? No
Experience the breathtaking Michigan fall foliage paired with the golden hour on the river. This tour includes a trip through the Soo Locks.
- Duration: ~1.5 Hours
- Goes through Locks? Yes
Enjoy the best seat in the house for the fireworks display! This cruise offers a unique perspective of the show from the water.
- Duration: ~90 Minutes (varies by display)
- Goes through Locks? No
A spooky seasonal favorite! Learn about the eerie history and legends of the St. Mary’s River.
- Duration: ~2 Hours
- Goes through Locks? No