Black Cat Tales & Tours
We are the only locally owned and operated tour in Canton, Akron, and Massillon! (Although there are other surrounding small cities in Stark, Tuscarawas, Holmes, and Summit County who operate local tours, as well!) Please support local businesses! Some of my industry colleagues across the US have been plagued by national chains stealing their intellectual property and advertising with names very close to their own. Looks like northeast Ohio may be next. Sadly their materials give incorrect information and misleading photos taken in other cities across the country. Please double check when booking a tour that you are supporting a locally owned and operated business. Our own blood, sweat, and tears have been spent to research the history of our town, write the script, and lead our tours! On with the show…..
Our regularly scheduled seasonal walking tours in October are $18 per mortal (plus eventbrite’s ticketing fees) and reservations must be made in advance by clicking here. If we don’t sell out in advance, we may be able to offer walk-up ticket sales. See our schedule below, or visit us on Facebook for updated information!
We were very excited to partner with the Canton Club Vault for our signature event “Spirts with the Spirits”. We had a great turn-out and enjoyed an evening of cocktails, spooky stories, tours of the historic Mills building, and even some fortune telling. Guests were both shaken and stirred!
Private tours are available year-round in Akron, Canton, and Massillon by contacting black.cat.tales.tours@gmail.com
DINE WITH THE DEARLY DEPARTED: We hosted our first event of this series at the Massillon Women’s Club, also known as “The Oaks”. We indulged in local ghost stories and lore, while enjoying a scrumptious meal. We will do this again at a date to be determined. We also hosted “Dessert with the Dead” in Canton at the Canton Woman’s Club. It was a hit and we will look forward to doing this event again as well.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do I purchase tickets?
We sell tickets on eventbrite. Click here to purchase.
Where do tours meet?
Canton: We typically meet right outside the Doubletree, but we do have several meeting spots.
Akron: Just to the left of the Akron Civic Theatre on Main Street, in front of Lock 3 Park
You will get an email confirming details of where to meet the day of your tour.
Will we be going into buildings on the ghost tour?
No. Tours will be outside. We will be walking a little over a mile downtown and you will be learning about the history and lore of local buildings and areas. (However for Dine with the Dearly Departed/Dessert with the Dead, we will be inside the venue for the entire program.)
Will I see any ghosts?
While we don’t have a contract with the spirits, oftentimes strange things may be caught on camera. If you happen to have ghost-hunting equipment, you are welcome to bring it on the tour.
Where do I park?
Canton Ghost Tour: Please see: https://www.cantonchamber.org/parking-downtown or street parking is free on the weekends.
Akron Ghost Tour: You’ll find several convenient parking decks and metered parking spaces around Lock 3. The closest parking deck is the State Street Deck located at 55 W. State St. Other nearby parking decks also include: Summit County Deck (200 S. High St.) Cascade Deck (10 W. Mill St.)CitiCenter Deck (132 S. High St.) There are also plenty of metered parking spaces available downtown, and they are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Massillon Ghost Tour: Varies based on the tour route and we will notify you before the tour.
Dessert with the Dead and Dine with the Dearly Departed: Plenty of parking will be available at the venue.
Can I take photos?
Yes, please do! Filming, however, is not permitted.
Is my guide a psychic?
No, but your guide has extensive experience researching history and folklore and has years of experience giving tours in New York and North Carolina. After moving back to her childhood home a few years ago, she realized downtown Canton was lacking a ghost tour, so she researched and created one. 2023 was our first year for Akron ghost tours, as well.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
If your children are interested in history and folklore, yes. We will be talking about some grim subjects like murder and death, but there will not be any jump-scares, nor intended frights. The walk will be about 1.3 miles, so as long as they can keep up the pace and have an interest, absolutely.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
There are some uneven sidewalks and a small set of steps. If you notify us in advance, we may be able to make modifications to alter the route slightly to accommodate you.
How long is the tour?
Approximately 90 minutes, but may go up to two hours, and 1.3 miles. Wear your comfortable shoes! Also there are NO public restrooms available until the end of the tour. Please plan accordingly.
What if it rains?
Tours go rain or shine. We will do our best to go out, unless there is a significant and severe storm. If there is severe weather, we will contact you via email ASAP to offer you another date.
LEGAL STUFF:
Ghost tours and events involve minimal risk. Even so, when you access our tours, you agree to this legal waiver and release of liability. By booking a tour you agree to the following: “I release Black Cat Tales & Tours from any liability while on a tour or attending an event. By purchasing any tour or event ticket(s), I waive my right to sue. I agree not to sue Black Cat Tales & Tours, their employees or owners from any and all liability, claims, and demands related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death. Black Cat Tales & Tours is not responsible for loss of items, trips, falls, attacks from animals or any other natural or unnatural occurrences. Black Cat Tales & Tours will give fair and reasonable warning and do their best to avoid uneven sidewalks, wet or slick walkways, potholes, construction, or any other potential hazards. I will be responsible for my own expenses that result from illness, injuries, or accidents during or arising from the tour or event. I agree to grant Black Cat Tales & Tours, its owners, and its operators a perpetual, royalty-free license to use my photographic, video, or digital likeness, in whole or in part, taken during a tour. When I purchase my tour/event ticket(s) I am binding my family, spouse, and friends who are in attendance. If I violate this agreement and attempt to bring suit against any of parties named herein, then I will be held responsible for their attorney’s fees as well as any costs incurred in their legal defense. I have purchased tour/event ticket(s) by my own free will.“
TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
More questions? Contact black.cat.tales.tours@gmail.com