It’s Spooky Season! 10 Spots to Visit Along the Trans Canada Trail
October is here – pumpkins abound, costumes are prepped and Halloween is around the corner. If you’re extra brave, head out and visit these 10 spooky spots along the Trans Canada Trail.
Parkhurst Logging Camp, British Columbia
A former logging settlement on Green Lake near Whistler, BC, Parkhurst Logging Camp is now home to dilapidated buildings, abandoned cars and more. The mill closed down in 1956, and the former logging camp can now be accessed via the Ghost Town Loop, just off the Sea to Sky Trail.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta
Located directly on the Trans Canada Trail, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is renowned for offering exceptional stays in a wonderful location. It is also – according to some – haunted. Visit the Fairmont for its charm, and you may meet the hotel’s Ghost Bride or its cheery ghost bellman!
Photo credit: Lisa Bourgeault
Trappist Monastery Ruins, Manitoba
In 1892, the Trappist Order came to St. Norbert, Manitoba. Their monastery was built by 1905 but was gutted by fire in 1983. A shell of the monastery is still standing and is now part of a provincial park! Some visitors have reported an eerie feeling of being watched; others, a supreme sense of stillness. Find it near the City of Winnipeg Trail.
Photo credit: Victor Huynh
Carleton Place, Ontario
Carleton Place is known for its spooky spots – so much so, in fact, that they’ve created a walking tour about them! From a mischievous spirit to phantom footsteps heard on the regular at the former town hall, there’s plenty to discover here. Visit Carleton Place at the junction of Carleton Place Trailway and Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail.
SaintLo Jail Hostel, Ontario
A hostel in a former jail may sound a little creepy, but it exists in Ottawa! Located a few blocks from the Capital Pathway Trail, the SaintLo Jail Hostel served as a prison for over 100 years, and some visitors have reported spirits on site. Now designated as a heritage building, the property opened as a hostel in 1973 – guests can enjoy a free tour of the jail!
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Mackenzie King Estate, Quebec
Located in beautiful Gatineau Park, the Mackenzie King Estate was once home to former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s longest-serving prime minister. Visitors to the estate report sensing a presence, and some have even seen objects moving around an empty, locked room. Fans of the paranormal can partake in a haunted walking tour – by moonlight! Find more haunted trails and spooky spots in the Outaouais region, thanks to Tourisme Outaouais.
Capitol Theatre, New Brunswick
Designed in 1920 by architect René-Arthur Fréchet, the Capitol Theatre in Moncton, New Brunswick, built in 1922, offers a glimpse of time past, with its ornate design. The theatre burned down shortly after it was built, and was rebuilt and reopened in 1927. Legend has it the theatre is haunted by a local firefighter, Sandy, who died on the job during the 1926 fire. Visitors have reported flickering lights and phantom footsteps – though rest assured that Sandy is apparently friendly. Find the Capitol Theatre on the Riverfront Trail.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – a few minutes from the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk – was completed in the 1850s and was used to help guard the harbour from enemy ships. Several ghost sightings have been reported there, including the Grey Lady, who is known to glide around the citadel, leaving a lingering scent of roses.
Photo credit: Dionysos1970
La Manche, Newfoundland & Labrador
The outport of La Manche was first settled in the 1840s and eventually abandoned after a powerful winter storm in 1966. The village is now the site of a provincial park along the East Coast Trail. Visitors can wander around the former village and cross a suspension bridge along the route. Though not widely considered spooky, the ghost town is definitely worth a stop.
Palace Grand Theatre, Yukon
The Palace Grand Theatre – steps from Dawson City Trails – was built in 1899 by Arizona Charlie Meadows. The theatre is allegedly home to a resident spirit who wanders through the halls. Visitors and custodial staff have reported seeing flickering lights, hearing footsteps, feeling a presence in the owners’ booth accompanied by the smell of rose water, and more. Find more detail in this Travel Yukon video.
Photo credit: Adam Jones, PhD
So, there you have it – prepare to be thoroughly spooked! If you’re looking for family-friendly Halloween fun, check out our Spooky Scavenger Hunt or find more spooky sites in BC here!
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Main photo credit: Shawn Kent
