In the vast expanse of Canada, where lush forests and serene lakes dominate the landscape, there lies a shadowy underbelly, teeming with eerie mysteries and spine-tingling tales.
Beyond the iconic maple syrup and breathtaking natural beauty, the Great White North conceals secrets that would send shivers down even the bravest spines.
And just in time for Halloween, BonusFinder Canada, has unveiled the most haunted provinces that this enigmatic land has to offer. Intrigued by the supernatural, BonusFinder Canada analyzed an eerie array of factors: the amount of cemeteries and memorials, haunted locations, ghost towns and communities, the percentage of abandoned properties, and the number of spider species in each area to uncover Canada’s most haunted provinces.
So without further adieu, here are most haunted provinces in Canada.
1 - Saskatchewan | Haunted Score of 7.4/10
Kicking the list off is none other than Saskatchewan, a province that earned an eerie score of 7.4/10 on the spectral scale. Known as the "Land of the Living Skies," this province stands out with an abundance of memorials, boasting an astonishing 5,368 of them per 10,000 residents. Additionally, it holds one of the highest numbers of cemeteries per 10,000 residents, tallying up to 20 of these eerie resting places. If that doesn't send shivers down your spine, consider the fact that Saskatchewan is home to a spine-tingling 140 ghost towns, and approximately 12% of its properties stand deserted, bearing witness to untold stories of the past.
Among the province's chilling tales, the historic Government House in Regina takes centre stage. Local legend has it that the ghost of a former groundskeeper, Peter Rindisbacher, lingers within its walls. Witnesses have recounted spine-tingling experiences, from sightings of Peter's spectral form tending to the garden to inexplicable footsteps echoing through empty halls. Some have even reported a pervasive sensation of being watched, with a few claiming to have seen a figure resembling Peter, donned in 19th-century attire, haunting the premises.
2 - Newfoundland and Labrador | Haunted Score of 7.0/10
Claiming the runner-up position on this eerie expedition is Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, with an unsettling haunted score of 7.0/10. Here, cemeteries abound, boasting a staggering 34 of them per 10,000 residents, reaching a total of 1,821— a distinction held by no other province. Adding to the province's aura of mystery is an impressive count of 349 ghost towns, while, as of 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador boasts the highest percentage of abandoned houses among all locations analyzed, standing at a chilling 16.5%.
One of the province's haunted hotspots, Commissariat House in St. John's, is steeped in tales of paranormal activity. Visitors and staff alike have reported ghostly sightings of a woman in a long, old-fashioned dress, believed to be the ghost of Anne, the daughter of a former colonial governor. Anne is said to have succumbed to tuberculosis within the house, and her spirit is often glimpsed wandering the hallways or gazing pensively out of windows. Witnesses have described unexplained footsteps, doors opening and closing by unseen hands, and an unshakable sense of a chilling presence.
3 - Nova Scotia | Haunted Score of 6.1/10
In the third spot on our spectral journey, Nova Scotia earns a respectable score of 6.1 out of 10 on the eerie meter. This maritime province is known for its extensive number of cemeteries, with an impressive 22 per 10,000 residents, totalling a haunting 2,240 in all. Memorials abound, reaching 4,743 per 10,000 people, with a staggering 488,994 in total. However, when it comes to ghost towns, Nova Scotia falls behind, with just 0.08 per 10,000 residents and a total of eight ghost towns. Furthermore, the province claims 9.2% of abandoned properties, adding an extra layer of spookiness to its aura.
One of the haunted landmarks in this province, Keith's Brewery in Halifax, has a spirited history, with founder Alexander Keith's friendly ghost making intermittent appearances. Visitors and staff have reported sightings of his 19th-century apparition, often seen near the old cellars. Mysterious sounds, inexplicable footsteps, and the scent of fresh bread further contribute to the supernatural reputation of this historic site.
4 - Manitoba | Haunted Score of 5.8/10
Entering the scene in fourth place is Manitoba, scoring a haunting 5.8/10 on the paranormal scale. This province boasts a unique natural distinction: it's home to an astounding 39% of the 1,379 spider species discovered across Canada. This percentage surpasses those of Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, contributing a distinctive, albeit somewhat eerie, facet to its biodiversity.
5 - Yukon | Haunted Score of 5.5/10
Capping off the list is the Yukon, which secures the fifth position with a haunting score of 5.5/10. Setting itself apart with a notably high number of ghost towns, standing at 2.05 per 10,000 residents, and a significant percentage of abandoned houses, at 11.9%, this territory offers its own chilling tales of the supernatural.
To learn more about the findings and other eerie statistics, check out the full report here.
