Once upon a time, there was a place by the sea that told gruesome fables that would make anyone flee. Are you ready to read some frightful tales from the East Coast?
Here’s your guide to Maritime mysteries that will leave you spooked, startled and scared!
The Maritimes is full of stories passed down through the centuries, but some are far more chilling than others. From wandering souls to phantom trains, there is a tale or two that will send shivers down your spine. Dim the lights and pull out your flashlight; it’s time to share a few of our favourite Maritime ghost stories.
Kick off Spooky Season with a Trip to Rockwood Park Haunted Campground
For most of the year, Rockwood Park Campground is a beautiful spot to stay and play, surrounded by trees, lakes, and trails. But every October… something spooky happens. Rockwood Park Campground transforms into a spine-tingling spot full of thrills, chills, and creepy creatures! This year, Rockwood Park Haunted Campground is welcoming guests and ghouls alike, October 18-29. Are you brave enough to walk through the darkness along terrifying trails while spirits, spectres, and maniacal monsters of all sorts lurk in the shadows?
If you’re feeling brave enough, book your tickets! Don’t worry, these scares go towards a good cause — all proceeds go towards the Saint John Horticultural Association, a nonprofit that benefits the Public Gardens and the Rockwood Park Campground.
Wolastoq, the Paranormal Park
Today, Wolastoq Park is a peaceful green space in Saint John, but for 150 years, it was home to a healthcare facility once known as the Provincial Lunatic Asylum. Over the years, the facility housed hundreds of patients, but some remained long after the building was demolished. These days, visitors claim to see former patients and staff wandering the park, as well as mysterious shadowy figures. Also, reports of phantom crying babies, malfunctioning electronics, mysterious mist and general feelings of unspeakable dread continue to make this park a popular spot for fans of the paranormal.
The Algonquin
An iconic resort in St. Andrews By-The-Sea, New Brunswick, The Algonquin boasts beautiful views, iconic charms and over 400 rooms. With so much to offer, there is no wonder more than one guest has decided to stick around the grounds past their check-out time. That’s right, The Algonquin is also home to multiple ghostly guests, including a night watchman who endlessly roams the hallways and stairwells of the resort. Legend has it that he makes his presence known by jangling a set of keys throughout the halls at night. The watchman is not the only presence in the building. A child is often heard (but never seen) laughing and playing throughout the expansive hotel. And, if you’re spending the night, you may get a history lesson on the hotel itself from an old man who loves to talk…then vanish into thin air!
The Ghosts of the Five Fishermen
The Five Fishermen is a popular spot to grab a delicious meal in downtown Halifax, but the space it calls home wasn’t always a restaurant. In fact, in the early 1900s, the building was a mortuary and funeral home — one that housed victims from the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion. Could some of these poor, unfortunate souls have decided never to leave the building? Any regular visitor of The Five Fishermen would say that’s undeniably true. Patrons and staff claim to hear mysterious whispers, see glasses fly off shelves, and, on certain occasions, witness haunting apparitions sporting clothing from a bygone era who are certainly not looking to make a reservation! One previous employee even spotted an elderly woman on the security camera, only to find the doors locked, the lights out, and not a soul in sight when they went to investigate.
The King’s Playhouse
Georgetown’s King’s Playhouse is one of the oldest community theatres on Prince Edward Island and in all of Canada. Over time, the actors gracing its stage have put on performances of a lifetime… and an afterlife time! This theatre is home to Captain George, who is said to love a great night of entertainment — so much so that a front-row seat is reserved every night just for him! When he’s not watching the performances, the Captain is known for playing with the lights, occasionally causing them to flicker at random, and reaching out to touch patrons with his phantom hand during performances. If you’re lucky (or not so lucky), you might witness Captain George himself during The Haunted and Historic Walk.
The White Lady
Ever get that tingling feeling that someone or something is watching you? Many have claimed to feel exactly that while walking the paths and beaches of Pictou Island. Legend has it that the figure is of The White Lady, a young woman who once fell in love with a sailor visiting the Island. The two were quickly engaged before the sailor left for fishing season. The young woman was tormented waiting for her love to return, worried he might be lost at sea. The months passed, and the woman became overcome by grief and worry. One day, her father found her in his barn. She had taken her own life. To this day, people claim to see The White Lady walking the main road in mourning, eternally waiting for her lost love.
Search for The White Lady yourself by taking Northumberland Ferries to Caribou and hop on a smaller boat to Pictou Island. After all, this is the perfect time of year to ghost-hunt in rural passages.
The Deblois Tracks
The trains don’t run on Prince Edward Island anymore, but that doesn’t mean they’re no longer there. That’s especially true when you’re walking the Confederation Trail near Deblois. The Confederation trail follows the path of a railroad track destroyed by a terrible train accident during a snowstorm almost a century ago. These days, when you’re out walking, it’s not uncommon to hear a haunting phantom train whistle, as well as see a mysterious orb of light floating along where the tracks used to be. As the legend goes, this orb is the train’s engineer, desperately trying to prevent the tragedy for all eternity.
If you dare, take your Halloween planning to the next level and explore some of the haunted locations across the Maritimes. Call your bravest friends, hop in the car, take MV Fundy Rose or Northumberland Ferries and plan a spooky road trip to these legendary locations to see for yourself if the vibes feel, well, off. Who knows, maybe you’ll encounter a ghost or two when you least expect it!
Share your journey by tagging us on Instagram or Facebook. We’re sure you’ll have a tale or two to tell!
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