During the Victorian Era the practice of reading ghost stories out loud in groups of family or friends was very common. This was particularly true around the holidays. We are reviving this tradition with Charles Dickens’ other supernatural classic, The Signalman. Some argue it is the greatest ghost story ever written.
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Looking for a fun gift idea for someone spooky in your life? Be sure to check out our gift cards and visit our online gift shop.
Do police officers believe in ghosts? What incredible and difficult to explain events have they witnessed or been called in to assist with while on duty? We are joined by Elliott Van Dusen, a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police turned paranormal investigator, to discuss the intriguing reports he has collected from his colleagues for his new book: Supernatural Encounters: True Paranormal Accounts from Law Enforcement.
What are ghosts? What do they look like? How do they act? Why do they exist? These are all fundamental questions we explore in virtually every episode of Haunted Talks. As we approach Halloween, when the boundaries between the living and the dead are most blurred – It seems only fitting that we look at these questions once again from a slightly different perspective. In 1900, an article was first published in the Chicago Tribune, “The Habits and Customs of Ghosts – Investigated By Science”. It shares some truly terrifying ghost stories and provides insight into how people thought about the paranormal 120 years ago. Have ghosts changed much over that time?
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven is a gothic masterpiece. It still gives chills and captures imaginations today. The narrator of this paranormal poetry is tormented by an ominous talking bird and haunted by the ghost of his lost love. More than enough to drive any of us to edge of sanity. In the episode, we explore the Halloween classic and share a reading of the iconic spooky tale.
While living in Bangor, Maine, Stephen King would often visit Mount Hope Cemetery for inspiration. He reportedly borrowed the names of some of his best-known characters, such as Carrie and Georgie, from headstones on the grounds.
Aside from King’s fictional creations, the cemetery has a well-earned reputation for being very haunted. Many visitors have reported seeing apparitions. Unexplained shadows or ghostly figures lurking about the grounds. Some have even heard the voices of small children calling out through the darkness.
This spring there was a notable surge in reports of paranormal activity in people’s homes. What caused this spike and what does it mean? Is there anyway we could test to see how many of us live in haunted houses? Veteran tour guide and founder of Haunted Walk’s Investigation Team, Margo MacDonald, joins us to discuss.
Take part in The Haunting at Home Experiment and have a little spooky fun this Halloween Season!
Please be sure to check out our new Bubble Ghost Tours in Kingston, Ottawa & Toronto, and visit our online gift shop.
“The Professor’s Ghost Story” was published in newspapers across the United States in 1896. A spooky, chilling and surprising tale that combines the elements of a great ghost story with a compelling mystery. It is the story of a man and his horse, and the mischievous spirit they met along a dark country road. Is it a work of fiction or a genuine encounter with the unknown?
We examine a dastardly & largely forgotten crime that shocked a small community in Western Quebec & made headlines across North America. As dawn was breaking on a summer’s morning in 1933, five family members were hunted down and brutally murdered on their farmstead. The evidence gathered from the gruesome crime scene unexpectedly pointed the finger at one of their own. We are joined by Canadian crime writer Keith Landry, author of “The Allumette Island Massacre.”
The Pickman family thought they had found the perfect new home for their growing family. Within days they began to notice strange happenings. Playful at first, they became sinister and terrifying. Forcing the family to flee for their safety, leaving an incredible ghost story and countless questions in their wake. Join us as we explore the disturbing Sallie House Haunting.
Many are worrying about missing out on the best parts of Halloween this year. The haunted houses, costume parties, ghost tours and the other wonderful things that make the season awesome. What if we could give everyone a "Halloween Insurance Policy" to ensure a spooky good time no matter what? Well...that is the ambitious plan we are trying to turn into a reality with The Save Halloween Project.
There are few shows that captured the imagination quite like Unsolved Mysteries. As it gets a reboot on Netflix, we look back at one of television’s most frightening and influential programs. And, prepare for what is to come. With special guest appearance by, Robert Burr, co-host of “Re-Enacted: an Unsolved Mysteries Podcast“.
Convicted murderer, John Lee, managed to survive three trips to the gallows. Fulfilling the prophetic dream he had the night before his execution. Was it divine intervention on behalf of an innocent man or only a coincidence? Would the authorities try to hang him again? We conclude the epic and baffling tale of the life of John "Babbacombe" Lee.
Looking for Part 1 of The Man They Couldn’t Hang?
In 1884, after being found guilty of the grizzly murder of his employer, John “Babbacombe” Lee was brought to the gallows to pay for his crime. Then something completely unexpected happened. The shocking turn of events raise fundamental questions about justice, destiny and supernatural intervention.
The old Ottawa Jail is one of the most haunted buildings in North America. The Haunted Walk devotes an entire tour to share its dark and unsettling story. In the episode, Jim is interviewed by Elysee from The Real Scary Podcast, about the building’s hauntings and history, and his personal paranormal encounters inside the Jail.
Casey Jones is a railroad legend and an American folk hero. With certain disaster at hand, he sacrificed his own life to save as many others as possible. We explore his life and his final fateful run with destiny.
On the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, we look back at our investigation into a popular Ottawa urban legend that involves the steamship, the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel, and a set of Dining Room furniture. Could the stories be true? We dig deep into the archives and find a surprising answer. Jim also provides a brief update on The Haunted Walk during the COVID-19 crisis.
You can also check out our blog post with additional info: "Château Laurier Mystery Solved!"
As children, many of us have imaginary friends. These invisible entities are usually considered a normal part of growing up. But, sometimes they seem like something entirely different. Possibly even paranormal. In this episode, we will be sharing stories from our listeners about their usual or unsettling encounters with imaginary friends. We also speak with psychologist Dr. Kirk Honda, to understand more about this unique phenomena.