We make a holiday classic creepy! ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, originally known as ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas,’ was first published in 1823 in the Troy, New York, Sentinel. While it is well-known for shaping the modern image of Santa Claus, what’s lesser-known — and equally intriguing — is the mystery-shrouded controversy over who truly authored this iconic work. In the episode, we share the story and our special spooky version of the tale – which is not recommended for children or easily frightened adults. Happy Haunted Holidays!

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Episode 116 – House on the Marsh

We’re veering away from our usual tales of ghosts and eerie mysteries to celebrate a milestone so extraordinary, it’s a first in the modern history of ‘The Haunted Walk’. We’re thrilled to sit down with Sheena Bolton, who has just completed a journey that no one else has dared, or perhaps even dreamed of. A legend in her own right, Sheena is easily one of our all-time favourite guests. As she shares her unique insights and reflections, you’ll be transported into the midst of our most haunting paranormal adventures. Join us as we dive into the tale of a true Haunted Walk aficionado.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 169 – Tales From the Tours – Volume 3

Edgar Allan Poe's tales of madness, horror, and moral lessons continue to resonate nearly two centuries after their creation. Throughout the episode, we unravel the inspirations behind four iconic Poe stories—The Masque of the Red Death, The Oblong Box, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Cask of Amontillado. Drawing parallels between Poe's life and his fictional narratives, we reveal how real-world events, such as disease outbreaks, murder trials, and personal vendettas, served as the dark muses for his unparalleled tales of terror.

Mentioned in the episode:

An Evening of Haunted Holiday Stories in Ottawa & Toronto
Haunted Holiday Cards

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Episode 94 – The Raven

The CN Tower is an iconic Canadian landmark. Standing at 553 meters or 1,815 feet, it is one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world. Contemplating the Tower, an intriguing idea crossed our minds. Although it is not known as a haunted place, it possesses unique characteristics that could make it a one-of-a-kind site for an experimental paranormal investigation. Our hypothesis was that if the Tower serves as one of the world's largest antennas for earthly signals, such as radio waves, could we also use it as an antenna to make a connection to the other side or beyond? What would happen if we ascended to the very top of the Tower in the SkyPod and started asking questions?

That is precisely what we did during two nights this past October. In this episode, we will reveal the astonishing results of our investigation. It's not too often that we get to break news on this podcast, but today we'll do just that. We'll share the results from the first-ever paranormal investigations of the CN Tower, and as far as we know, the tallest investigation ever attempted. We are becoming convinced that there is more to hauntings than old creepy buildings or spine-tingling ghost stories.

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Episode 147 – Paranormal Investigations with Phantoms of Yore
Episode 92 – The Haunting at Home

A ghost story, an Old West shootout, a historical mystery, and an episode of CSI all rolled into one. We share the dramatic tale of Rattlesnake Jake and Buckskin Owens, two outlaws who attempted to terrorize the citizens of Lewistown, Montana, on July 4th, 1884, only to find themselves on the wrong end of a hail of bullets. But the story does not end there. When Susan Craun, a Forensic Anthropology graduate student at the University of Montana, discovered that a local museum had displayed a skull purported to be the remains of Rattlesnake Jake for decades, she embarked on a quest to verify its authenticity. Susan joins us to share her compelling findings and provide insights into working with the potential remains of a local legend.

Read Susan Craun’s master’s thesis: Case of Historical Forensics: The Identification of Rattlesnake Jake

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy:

Episode 141 – Solving the Somerton Man Mystery
Episode 128 – The Very Strange Afterlife of Elmer J. McCurdy

Join us on a captivating journey through Halloween’s history and traditions. From its ancient Celtic origins to modern-day festivities, we unveil the evolution of this beloved holiday. Discover the origins of iconic Halloween creatures like vampires, witches, and ghosts, and how they’ve become symbols of the season. Explore the playful traditions, from pumpkin carving to the sweet delight of “trick-or-treating.” Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or curious about its fascinating history, this episode offers a quick, informative, and spooktacular look at the tales behind our favourite holiday traditions.

In 1972, when Dr. Jan L. Perkowski (pictured) published a report on the strange happenings in Wilno, Ontario, it made international headlines and forever tied the small Eastern Ontario community to Vampire stories. The town has been eager to shake this reputation – focusing instead on its history as the first Polish settlement in Canada. But the vampire lore endures and any online search or local mention of “Wilno” will quickly come up with endless references to vampires. But, there is so much more to the story. In the episode, we share the lesser-reported eyewitness accounts that Perkowski gathered from the locals. They are terrifying and odd. Blending old-world superstitions and beliefs with modern life.

Want to read Dr. Perkowski’s report for yourself? Download it here from The Canadian Museum of History.

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Episode 104 – Vampire Hunting

We have something intriguing for you. Previously, we’ve presented two episodes where our storytellers joined us to share their extraordinary and eerie experiences while leading tours. These episodes were titled ‘Tales from the Tours Vol. 1 & 2.’ We had plans to release a third volume this October when our good friends at the ‘Geist‘ podcast approached us to collaborate on an episode. We proposed a fresh addition to our ‘Tales from the Tours’ series to round out the trilogy.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 23 – Tales From the Tours Vol. 1
Episode 113 – Tales From the Tours Vol. 2

The Haunting at Home is a ghostly online audio experience created by the paranormal experts at The Haunted Walk. Turn the lights down low & conduct a series of fun & spooky experiments in your own home. Will you be able to complete them all – in the DARK? What will you discover in the process? Experience a spine-tingling and thought-provoking night of supernatural thrills & chills.

Here is a little sample.

Take part in the experiment: https://hauntedwalk.com/experience/the-haunting-at-home/

Let’s face it, our pets can be creepy. Cats are notorious for fixating on empty corners of a room, while dogs may bark, howl, or cower in response to unseen entities. Our furry companions also seem to possess an uncanny awareness of things beyond our perception. Some even make unexpected returns from beyond the grave. Although we don’t know what Mr. Whiskers or Spot are trying to communicate to the resident ghosts, we can explore some hair-raising and tail-wagging tales about pets and the paranormal.

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Episode 56 – Valentino’s Ghost Dog

The case of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon is a chilling mystery that unfolded in the lush jungles of Panama in 2014. The two Dutch women embarked on what seemed like an ordinary hiking trip, but their adventure took a mysterious turn as they vanished without a trace. What followed were eerie discoveries of scattered belongings, bone fragments, a camera that captured haunting images of their time in the wilderness, and confounding phone records. With no conclusive answers and a sense of unease shrouding the entire investigation, the strange elements of this case continue to confound and haunt those who seek to unravel the truth behind the mysterious deaths of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon.

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Episode 151 – Forgotten: The Death of Joyce Carol Vincent

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: Ottawa Jail Tours Ending Dec 31. Glen Shackleton, Haunted Walk Founder & CEO, shares the details.

Related Epsiodes:

Ep 84 - Old Ottawa Jail

The legal world and the paranormal, rarely cross paths. When they do, and ghostly testimony is given, it creates some truly remarkable and intriguing situations. Leaving judges and juries, shocked and baffled. We examine 4 murder trials (including the Greenbrier Ghost) where paranormal evidence played a pivotal role in the outcome. It turns out that the supernatural has made more appearances on the stand than we may realize.

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Episode 154 – Fake Mediums: Putting the “Con” in Conjuring
Episode 104 – Vampire Hunting

When the Mary Celeste was found off the Azores in 1872, it was immediately clear that something was wrong. The ship was deserted. What happened? Did the crew stage a mutiny? Attacked by pirates? Caught in a storm or some other freak weather event? Stories of this “ghost ship” quickly began to spread around the world, as did the fanciful stories of her fate. Join us as we set sail to explore one of the greatest unsolved nautical mysteries of all time!

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Ep 152 – Premonitions of the Titanic Disaster
Ep 136 – Ghost Ship of Niagara Falls 

Ghost Towns transport us to a bygone era, where stories of hope, hardship, and human endeavour are etched into every crumbling brick and faded sign. These towns were once vibrant communities, thriving on the dreams and sweat of people who ventured into the unknown to build a new life. As time passed and circumstances changed, these settlements met their fate – abandoned due to economic shifts, natural disasters, or the beckoning of greener pastures. As night falls, the creaking of wooden beams, the distant howl of the wind, and the ominous silence remind us that we are not alone in these forsaken places. The imagination dances with phantoms of the past, whispers of footsteps in empty corridors, and the faint echoes of laughter that once filled now-deserted places. 

In the episode, we take a Haunted Talks road trip to explore some of the most interesting and eerie ghost towns in Canada.

See some recent footage from the incredibly preserved and creepy Kitsault, BC.

With Disney’s new Haunted Mansion film opening this weekend, it is the perfect time to step into the darkness and hop aboard a Doom Buggy as we unlock the secrets of the most famous haunted houses on the planet! In this spine-chilling episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Disney’s Haunted Mansions. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of this iconic attraction, exploring the decade-long struggle it took to bring this eerie masterpiece to life. Hold on tight as we reveal the mind-boggling ride mechanics and jaw-dropping special effects that continue to enchant and thrill visitors of all ages. But beware, dear listeners, for within the Haunted Mansion’s shadows lie creepy legends and obscure bits of trivia that will send shivers down your spine.

Go on a video ride-through of the Haunted Mansions at Disneyland, Disney World, and Tokyo Disney.

In this chilling episode, we venture into the mystifying and haunted woods of Hoia Baciu, a forest located in Transylvania, Romania. Join us as we uncover the eerie legends and spine-tingling phenomena that surround this enigmatic woodland. With trees that grow in unnatural ways and countless reports of strange activity, from the supernatural to extraterrestrial, our journey into the deep dark woods will be full of twists and turns. Is there a logical explanation for these phenomena, or is the forest truly a gateway to the otherworldly? Perhaps we should leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind us to find our way back out.

See the overhead view of the circular “dead zone” or Poiana Rotundă on Google Maps.

See the photograph of the UAP taken by Emil Barnea in the clearing of Hoia Baciu on August 18th, 1968.

From his groundbreaking scientific achievements to his fearless exploration of ghostly encounters and psychic phenomena, French astronomer, Camille Flammarion challenged the boundaries of conventional thought. With a unique blend of scientific rigour and an open-minded approach, Flammarion challenged skeptics and ventured where few scientists dared to tread. But Flammarion’s forays into the supernatural weren’t without controversy. We explore how his unconventional beliefs and theories stirred debates within the scientific community, and what he ultimately thought was the best evidence of the existence of the supernatural.

Read Camille Flammarion’s Haunted Houses for free on Google Books.

Other episodes mentioned:

Episode 124 – The First Ghosts with Dr. Irving Finkel – Part 1
Episode 125 – The First Ghosts with Dr. Irving Finkel – Part 2

Of the many haunted object stories we have covered, this might be the most unexpectedly unsettling. In a small Wisconsin town in 1955, the Monroe family stumbled upon an old, forgotten box in their newly purchased home. Inside, they discovered a stunning patchwork quilt radiating with colours from a bygone era. Little did they know that this innocuous find would begin a chilling mystery that would make newspaper headlines. From moving on its own accord and ghostly demands to the bone-chilling encounters with a faceless figure, there is something very unusual about this unique family heirloom.

The Hope Diamond, a mesmerizing blue diamond that weighs a staggering 45 carats, has a strange history that stretches back centuries. But beyond its stunning beauty lies a tale of intrigue, tragedy, and a supposed curse that has fascinated generations. Legends tell us that the origins of this exceptional gem can be traced back to the mines of India. From there, it made its way through a labyrinth of owners and countries, leaving a trail of misfortune in its wake. Some believe that this precious stone carries an ancient curse, bringing tragedy, despair, and even death to those who possess it. Its potential victims include some of history’s most recognizable names. Is it all coincidence? Urban legends manufactured by the press? Or something much more sinister? Join us as we go looking for answers.

For more about cursed objects, check out Episode 26 – Curses!

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Krawczyk, the passionate owner of Little Ghosts Books, a spine-chilling bookstore nestled in the heart of Toronto. We delved into the intriguing world of running a horror-themed bookshop and received a treasure trove of recommendations to spookify our summer reading lists. Topping the list was A Darkness Absolute, a captivating collection of scary short stories crafted by the talented Canadian author, Caitlin Marceau, who joins us to give a special reading of the story that inspired the collection’s haunting title. Once the echoes of Caitlin’s chilling words settle, we’ll be joined by Chris and Caitlin for a conversation that explores the essence of the story, the macabre allure of the entire collection, and the profound experience of being a writer in the world of horror.

An intriguing question from a listener takes us on a wild ride, culminating in the revelation of never-before-heard ghost stories about a US landmark. Haiden Nelson, a collection technician at The Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, joins us to share her strange experience and several delightfully eerie tales about the restless spirits that might roam the museum. These stories have never been shared with the public before and we will be among the first people in the world to hear them.

In his book “The Third Man Factor: Surviving the Impossible,” John Geiger explores the mysterious and fascinating phenomenon of individuals experiencing the sensation of a “third man” or presence during moments of extreme stress or danger. From mountain climbers and explorers to prisoners of war and disaster survivors, Geiger examines numerous accounts of people reporting the feeling of an unexplained presence aiding and guiding them through these harrowing experiences.

Listen in on our discussion with John as we delve deeper into the Third Man Factor, exploring the stories of those who have experienced it and the implications for our understanding of the paranormal, human consciousness and resilience in the face of adversity.

John Geiger is the CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He is the internationally bestselling author of seven books, a former chair of the Editorial Board of The Globe and Mail and has been awarded with the Order of Canada.

There are many people who have claimed to be able to contact the dead. Some identify as mediums or seers or psychics, saying they have a special ability to connect to the other side. For the purposes of this episode, we’re not exploring or questioning the practice of séances or the identity of mediums; we’re specifically looking at historical figures who have been exposed as frauds who were in the business solely to make money. Their crimes, which were extremely widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were not victimless and ended up tarnishing the reputation of genuine spiritualists and investigators, still affecting the validity of paranormal research to this day.

Last year around this time, a new horror-themed bookstore opened in Toronto. Little Ghosts Bookstore and Café, with its fittingly eerie name, quickly became a favourite destination for bookworms, horror aficionados, and authors alike. We’re thrilled to have owner, Chris Krawczyk, with us to share what it is like running this unique business. As an added bonus, Chris will also be providing us with some fantastic suggestions for our spooky spring and summer reading lists, which you won’t want to miss.

SPOILER ALERT! – Scroll Down to See Chris’s Top 5 Recommendations

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Little Ghost Books’ Top 5 Books for a Spooky Spring & Summer

# 1. A Blackness Absolute – Caitlin Marceau
# 2. Abnormal Statistics – Max Booth 
# 3. Monstrilio – Gerardo Sámano Córdova
# 4. LingHun – AI Jiang
# 5. Tell Me I’m Worthless  – Alison Rumfitt