Specters of the North: Five Hauntings that Sill Breathe
Tonight, we take you across Canada's most haunted landscape, with five spectral tales that rise like the mist of forgotten graves. In Amherst, a tormented girl battles a violent poltergeist, in Prince Edward Island a Victorian woman documents the ghost who shares her home. A canoe glides silently across Canoe Lake with it's phantom paddler never found. We will take you all the way to Ottawa's Laurier House which echoes the whispers of a séance loving Prime Minister, and we explore Newfoundland's Old Hag as she presses down on sleepers, stealing breath in the dead of the night. These are not just stories, all of them are warnings. And as always, The Mirror Watches...even when your eyes are closed.
The Great Amherst Mystery
The Great Amherst Mystery was poltergeist activity that tormented a young girl in Amherst, Nova Scotia between 1878 and 1879. The story of Esther Cox remains one of Canada's most famous and controversial hauntings.
The events began in August of 1878, after Esther Cox, an 18 year old girl living with her sister's family on Princess Street had survived a violent sexual assault at the hand of a male acquaintance. Following this tragic trauma, Esther began to experience a series of bizarre and violent phenomena that only escalated over the next year.
The events began in August of 1878, after Esther Cox, an 18 year old girl living with her sister's family on Princess Street had survived a violent sexual assault at the hand of a male acquaintance. Following this tragic trauma, Esther began to experience a series of bizarre and violent phenomena that only escalated over the next year.
The haunting was documented by an actor and amateur paranormal investigator named Walter Hubbell who lived within the home. He later published a book based on these diary entries that documented the activity. The case drew the attention of clergy, doctors, neighbors, and skeptics, many of whom had witnessed the paranormal activity first hand.
The phenomena included loud bangs, knocks, and disembodied voices. Objects that flew across the room which included knives and furniture. There were also a number of spontaneous fires that broke out in the home, and messages were scratched into the walls which included the famous: "Esther Cox, you are mine to kill." In addition to all of that, Esther also experienced physical attacks, pinches, scratches, and even needle stabs. The most eerie thing of all was that the activity seemed to follow Esther wherever she went. Suggesting that this was a personal haunting of a spirit or even a demonic entity instead of being a haunted location. At one point when Esther was hospitalized the activity ceased in the home until her return.
Hubbell's book has long been debated for authenticity, many skeptics suggesting that these events were caused by psychological trauma, attention-seeking, and even fraud. Yet, Despite these claims, the case still remains one of the most well-documented poltergeist hauntings in all of North America, with dozens of witnesses and detailed accounts of the activity.
In fact, Amherst continues to embrace the legend, hosting local festivals, plays, and ghost tours based on the haunting meant to honor Esther's story.
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The story has been featured in folklore anthologies, Podcasts, and local storytelling events. It is considered one of PEIs most literary ghost stories.
Tom Thomson was a famed Canadian Landscape Artist, who died mysteriously in Algonquin Park in 1917. His ghost is said to haunt Canoe Lake where there have been eerie sightings and unexplained phenomena that continues to stir speculation and fear.
The phenomena included loud bangs, knocks, and disembodied voices. Objects that flew across the room which included knives and furniture. There were also a number of spontaneous fires that broke out in the home, and messages were scratched into the walls which included the famous: "Esther Cox, you are mine to kill." In addition to all of that, Esther also experienced physical attacks, pinches, scratches, and even needle stabs. The most eerie thing of all was that the activity seemed to follow Esther wherever she went. Suggesting that this was a personal haunting of a spirit or even a demonic entity instead of being a haunted location. At one point when Esther was hospitalized the activity ceased in the home until her return.
Hubbell's book has long been debated for authenticity, many skeptics suggesting that these events were caused by psychological trauma, attention-seeking, and even fraud. Yet, Despite these claims, the case still remains one of the most well-documented poltergeist hauntings in all of North America, with dozens of witnesses and detailed accounts of the activity.
In fact, Amherst continues to embrace the legend, hosting local festivals, plays, and ghost tours based on the haunting meant to honor Esther's story.
The Binstead Haunting
The Binstead haunting is a Victorian era ghost story which originates on Prince Edward Island. It centers around a mysterious presence within a Charlottetown farm house. This story is known as the Island's most atmospheric and enduring supernatural tales.
This two-story white farm house was located about five miles outside of Charlottetown, PEI which also overlooked the Hillsborough River. It was the year 1856 when Georgina Penee a wealthy Englishwoman and her husband had purchased the house.
At the time the house had a longstanding reputation for being eerie, but apparently Georgina's letter's which were later published had provided the most vivid account of this haunting. Her story which was both interesting and intriguing was featured within Backyard History: Rebellious Women in the Maritimes and has been retold in various Maritime folklores.
Thing was that within ten days of moving into the property, Georgina had begun to experience some strange phenomena. She could hear loud noises, which had vibrated the entire house as if the furniture was being dragged across the floor. She experienced footsteps in empty rooms, especially in the spare room which is said to have been the epicenter for the activity. She also was said to have experienced cold drafts and flickering lights despite there being no wind or faulty lamps.
Georgina had described the ghost as a non-threatening but very persistent ghost. She became very determined, boarding on obsessed with uncovering the ghosts identity. She believed that the ghost was a former resident or servant possibly someone who died tragically or had been wronged in some ill way.
Rather than attempting to flee her house, she had decided to investigate the haunting, and therefore she documented her experiences in a series of letters, ones that have since became a rare first-person account of that 19th century haunting. Thing is that the Binstead Haunting is now notable for its rational, introspective tone. Georgina did not panic she approached her haunting with caution but curiosity.
The story has been featured in folklore anthologies, Podcasts, and local storytelling events. It is considered one of PEIs most literary ghost stories.
Tom Thomson's Ghost
Tom Thomson was a famed Canadian Landscape Artist, who died mysteriously in Algonquin Park in 1917. His ghost is said to haunt Canoe Lake where there have been eerie sightings and unexplained phenomena that continues to stir speculation and fear.
He was born in 1877, and was a self-taught artist who became a major influence oin the Group Seven even though he had died before its formation. He had spent much of his time in Algonquin Park, painting its rugged beauty while he also worked as a guide and ranger.
However, on July 8th, 1917, Tom disappeared while he had been canoeing on Canoe Lake. They had later found his overturned canoe but his body hadn't surfaced until days later. He apparently had head trauma, and fishing line was tangled around his leg.
Now, the official cause of death was reported as an accidental drowning. However many people have suspected murder or even suicide. This was due to given tensions he had with other locals and rumors of romantic entanglements. His body had been buried twice, the first time they had buried him near Canoe Lake, but he was later exhumed and moved to Leith, Ontario. However, in a 1956 investigation, it was suggested that the body found out in Canoe Lake might not have even been Tom.
However, on July 8th, 1917, Tom disappeared while he had been canoeing on Canoe Lake. They had later found his overturned canoe but his body hadn't surfaced until days later. He apparently had head trauma, and fishing line was tangled around his leg.
Now, the official cause of death was reported as an accidental drowning. However many people have suspected murder or even suicide. This was due to given tensions he had with other locals and rumors of romantic entanglements. His body had been buried twice, the first time they had buried him near Canoe Lake, but he was later exhumed and moved to Leith, Ontario. However, in a 1956 investigation, it was suggested that the body found out in Canoe Lake might not have even been Tom.
Canoe Lake has been the epicenter of ghostly sightings that are said to be Tom himself. Campers and rangers have both reported accounts where they have seen a solitary canoe gliding silently across the water, only to vanish without a trace. They have also reported seeing a shadowy figure in period clothing that appears near the shore especially at dusk.
Some of the witnesses have claimed to hear a paddling sound with no visible source or have felt a sudden chill when passing the site of his first grave. This haunting is often described as being Melancholic, which means his spirit is tied to a place he loved and often painted. His ghost has also been tied to a place called Mowat Lodge, where Tom had often stayed, there guests have reported doors opening on their own, flickering lights and unexplained footsteps.
The mystery that surrounds his death and ghostly presence have also inspired books, documentaries, and podcasts. Art lovers and Paranormal enthusiasts are drawn to Canoe Lake and often debate about whether his death was accidental, suicidal, or a clever murder cover-up.
Some of the witnesses have claimed to hear a paddling sound with no visible source or have felt a sudden chill when passing the site of his first grave. This haunting is often described as being Melancholic, which means his spirit is tied to a place he loved and often painted. His ghost has also been tied to a place called Mowat Lodge, where Tom had often stayed, there guests have reported doors opening on their own, flickering lights and unexplained footsteps.
The mystery that surrounds his death and ghostly presence have also inspired books, documentaries, and podcasts. Art lovers and Paranormal enthusiasts are drawn to Canoe Lake and often debate about whether his death was accidental, suicidal, or a clever murder cover-up.
William Lyon MacKenzie King Haunting
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William Lyon MacKenzie King had served as the longest serving Prime Minister of Canada. One who was deeply involved in Spiritualism and is said to haunt Laurier House in Ottawa where he lived and conducted Seances. His ghostly legacy blends political history with paranormal intrigue.
Serving as the Prime Minister of Canada for twenty-two years, he guided Canada through the Great Depression and World War II. Though despite his political involvement he was also known for his eccentric spiritual beliefs. William had regularly attended seances and had claimed to communicate with a number of deceased beings. This included his mother, his dog Pat, the former Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and the US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
William had kept an extensive diary which had detailed all of his spiritual encounters and his belief in the afterlife. These writings were eventually released to the public, shocking many Canadians.
The Laurier House in Ottawa, which was his residence from 1923 until his death is know a historic site which is also a haunted location. Visitors and staff have often reported cold spots in the house, unexplained noises which frequently come from his former bedroom and study, and Apparitions of a man in a frock coat, often believed to be William himself. There is often reports of the smell of pipe smoke when no one is smoking and the feeling of being watched near the séance room.
Many paranormal investigators have suggested that his spirit may linger due to his intense emotional connection to the residence and his spiritual practices he often conducted there.
While his spiritualism has been the subject of many books such as Unbuttoned: A History of MacKenzie King's Secret Life, and has been featured in ghost tours and podcasts which include Haunted Canada. There has been ongoing speculation about whether these beliefs were eccentric coping mechanisms or genuine supernatural experiences he had.
The house remains a popular destination for both history buffs and ghost hunters. It often offers a glimpse into the private world of one of the most enigmatic Canadian Leaders of all time.
The Old Hag of Newfoundland
The legend of the Old Hag is deeply embedded in many Newfoundland oral traditions that have been passed down through generations of fishermen, settlers, and storytellers alike. It's close relation to sleep paralysis which is a real neurological phenomenon, where a person wakes but cannot move and often accompanied with hallucinations makes it an often terrifying and eerie experience.
But, in Newfoundland this experience is interpreted as a supernatural attack by a malevolent spirit who often depicts an elderly woman or Hag who sits on its victims chest and tries to suffocate them.
But, in Newfoundland this experience is interpreted as a supernatural attack by a malevolent spirit who often depicts an elderly woman or Hag who sits on its victims chest and tries to suffocate them.
There have been studies conducted by the Memorial University of Newfoundland's folklore and language archive who have collected numerous first hand encounters with this terrifying entity.
Victims of the Hag have described waking up in the dead of night and being unable to move or speak. They have also said the feeling of being crushed or pinned down by the unseen entity is also present, and accompanied with a sense of dread. Many have reported seeing a shadowy presence, usually in the figure of an old woman who ahs wild hair and tattered clothes looming nearby or sitting right on top of them. Along with all of this they often hear whispers, footsteps and breathing, even when alone.
To make it all the more terrifying the Hag is said to return night after night after pegging you as a victim, especially to those who sleep near the ocean or in isolated homes. Some claims have said that the Hag can be banished by prayers, a crucifix or calling out the name of God.
To make it all the more terrifying the Hag is said to return night after night after pegging you as a victim, especially to those who sleep near the ocean or in isolated homes. Some claims have said that the Hag can be banished by prayers, a crucifix or calling out the name of God.
On Bell Island, there is a variation of the Old Hag legend that describes her as a sea spirit who torments fishermen and coastal dwellers. Regardless what she is the Old Hag remains a popular topic of ghost tours in the area, especially in St. John's Haunted Hike.
The story has been explored in podcasts, horror fiction, and academic studies that bridge folklore and psychology. While modern science has explained the cause of the phenomena as sleep paralysis, many Newfoundlander's still believe in the Old Hag's supernatural power.
from stories about the spectral paddler of Canoe Lake to the suffocating grip of Newfoundland's Old Hag these hauntings have been stitched into the fabric of Canada's darker folklore. With each of these tales giving a reflection of fear, grief, and the unknown. Whether it's the poltergeist fury in Amherst, the quiet dread of Binstead, or the lingering presence of a séance-bound Prime Minister. All of these stories remind us that the past never stays buried. And as you step away from this haunted history, beware: The Mirror Watches...and sometimes....it reflects more than just your face.
The story has been explored in podcasts, horror fiction, and academic studies that bridge folklore and psychology. While modern science has explained the cause of the phenomena as sleep paralysis, many Newfoundlander's still believe in the Old Hag's supernatural power.
from stories about the spectral paddler of Canoe Lake to the suffocating grip of Newfoundland's Old Hag these hauntings have been stitched into the fabric of Canada's darker folklore. With each of these tales giving a reflection of fear, grief, and the unknown. Whether it's the poltergeist fury in Amherst, the quiet dread of Binstead, or the lingering presence of a séance-bound Prime Minister. All of these stories remind us that the past never stays buried. And as you step away from this haunted history, beware: The Mirror Watches...and sometimes....it reflects more than just your face.
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