A beach vacation is something we all dream about. The sun, sand, and surf provide the getaway you need for both families and beachgoers alike. The sea will provide you with all the scenic views you can ever desire.
But you might be looking for beaches nearest to your location, and if your location is Ohio, then we have a list for you to visit. If you live in Ohio, it is indeed tough to plan a beach day.
Among the options for the closest beach to Ohio, you have are Ocean City, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and a few other locations. Let’s enjoy the whiff of the sea and explore the most happening places.
THIS Is The Closest Beach To Ohio | Ocean Beaches Close To Ohio
What is the closest ocean beach to Ohio? It is Atlantic City. However, all the Ohio beaches have something for everyone, from sandy shores to family-friendly activities.
They will help you make memories while not having to travel too many miles. We are sharing with you some of the beaches close to Ohio and how they feel like a daydream!
1. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Located just out of Wilmington, North Carolina, it is one of the most gorgeous beaches close to Columbus Ohio. It is in the vicinity of a college town, and its beach is a popular spot for surfing, with several surf outlets to check out. For families, the Airlie Gardens are more suitable. Justin Waller
It offers breathtaking scenery, whereas the Battleship North Carolina has a historic tour enjoyed by families with kids.
Leisure calls for good food, and these beaches have plenty of restaurants to try out. There are beachfront accommodations available for a more relaxed holiday with a view of the sea while being the closest beach to Ohio.
Distance from Cleveland: 700 miles; approximately 10 hours, 16 minutes
Distance from Columbus: 609 miles; approximately 9 hours, 10 minutes
You can do several watersport activities, including paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, and SCUBA diving at this closest beach to Ohio! You can go out to experience scenic harbor cruises, sailing the Intracoastal waterway, chartering a boat, deep-sea fishing, or a private excursion.
You can enjoy a beautiful sunset at Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier, where you can birdwatch or go for a jog! The beach experience is quite significant, especially when you are mesmerized by it.
2. Atlantic City, New Jersey
One of the closest ocean beaches to Ohio is Atlantic City, New Jersey. You can reach here from Ohio in under 8 hours. If you are looking for a big-city experience at ocean beaches within 8 hours of Ohio, Atlantic City is your best bet.
There are casino resorts that overlook the coastline with 5-star restaurants and high-street fashion boutiques. One of the best beaches closest to Ohio, this place is suitable for all kinds of beach-goers.
Surfing and kayaking are some of the activities that you can do when you visit the beach. You can make plans during the summer as this beach is perfect for fishing and windsurfing!
If you want adventure as well as entertainment, then all while you are on the beach, AC is the closest ocean beach to Ohio. Events, activities, and entertainment are all an integral part of this closest beach to Ohio.
If you want to choose hotels on the Beach and Broadwalk, then you can go to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City or the Ocean Casino Resort.
Distance from Cleveland: 493 miles; approximately 7 hours, 20 minutes
Distance from Columbus: 531 miles; approximately 8 hours, 1 minute
There is a huge boardwalk across Atlantic City beach where you can take your children to enjoy! There are different food options, such as fudge, saltwater taffy, and other food items.
There are bars, hotels, and casinos illuminating the sidewalk and boardwalk of Atlantic City Beach. There are mostly seagulls in and around the beach, as there are birds that keep flying around the beach.
3. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon)
This park beach is another pretty seascape, and the closest ocean beach to Ohio. This park has no entrance fee and, therefore, is quite a popular choice for families. Maumee Bay Beach is the ideal place to spend a sunny day with family and friends. Located in Oregon, it is pretty close (a short drive) to Ohio.
The sand is clean and maintained in the premises of this park. The water, too, is warm and clear, which makes it suitable for swimming or playing while waves hit. Family activities such as picnicking, fishing, and hiking are available for beach-goers, making it one of the most popular beaches around Ohio.
Distance from Cleveland: 110 miles; approximately 1 hour, 58 minutes
Distance from Columbus: 150 miles; approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes
If you are wondering about ocean beaches near Ohio, Maumee Bay State Park should be your utmost choice. There is a Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, too, if you are planning to stay over for the night.
The closest beach to Columbus Ohio, Maumee Bay State Park Beach, has a beautiful campground with fireplaces and an indoor pool and lobby. It is a grassy field which is spacious along with foliage covering the space. You can also go biking when you visit this campsite.
This closest ocean beach to Columbus Ohio is used as a campground close to the lodge and water. There are lodges where helpful staff along with friendly attitude towards the visitors. You can easily enjoy all the activities and services near the beach.
4. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor)
A beach as pretty as Headlands Beach State Park is hard to find. This is one of the best beach in Ohio. It is located on a long stretch of sandy beach on the coast of Lake Erie. It is an ideal place for swimming, building sandcastles, and sunbathing. This beach also allows pets, but they must be put on a leash.
There are quite a few picnic tables and grills available that allow lakeside lunch and dinner. Being right next to the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, you can get a little more adventurous and take a hike on the trails through the dunes nearby.
Distance from Cleveland: 36 miles; approximately 41 minutes
Distance from Columbus: 170 miles; approximately 2 hours, 33 minutes
This park has the largest natural beach in Ohio. It is a mile-long beach with natural sand. The beach near Columbus is also popular for swimming, beach glass hunting, and sunbathing. At just a 41-minute distance, it is also the closest ocean beach to Cleveland, Ohio.
5. Lakeview Park Beach (Loraine)
Another beach near Ohio for a family is Lakeview Park Beach. The beach is located on Lake Erie. It offers lots of fun family activities. It has a large playground, picnic tables, and lots of open spaces for families and their kids to play and relax in.
The sand here is clean, and the water is equally refreshing. It is one of the most perfect places to soak up the sun and just unwind and thus it is one of the best beaches to live in Ohio. Lake Erie is the 4th largest Great Lake and became famous ever since the War of 1812. It is also one of the warmest of the Great Lakes, which makes it ideal for swimming.
In winter, however, the lake freezes completely. The water flows through the Detroit River, which comes from the upper lakes. The upper lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
6. Edgewater Beach (Cleveland)
The Edgewater Beach in Cleveland is yet another popular choice for beach lovers in Ohio. It is one of the best family beach towns, and it has loads of beach activities to keep every member entertained. The sand is clean, and the water is clear, making it suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and taking in all the incredible views.
This beach is known for its picture-perfect sunsets. Off-beach entertainment, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier, are also present for everyone’s enjoyment. For food and dining, there are many restaurants as well as food vendors all over. For a casual meal, try the burgers and pizza joints in the area to get the local taste.
To try something more beachy, there are many seafood and steakhouses around the area. This place is accessible from the lower and the upper sides of Edgewater Park. So, are you still looking for the “closest ocean beach to Cleveland Ohio?” Edgewater Beach is your destination.
7. Alum Creek State Park Beach (Delaware)
Alum Creek State Park Beach in Delaware is one of the best options for free family entertainment that can be counted as one of the closest beaches to Ohio. This park is 4630 acres in size with a wide, sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing and having a good time. The water here is shallow and clear, which makes it ideal for swimming or wading. There are also hunting opportunities at this park.
Picnic tables and grills are strewn all over to enjoy a waterside meal. There are quite a few bird-watching as well as hiking opportunities at this park. The Falls trail can be good if you are looking for a challenge. This trail takes you to the top of the falls, where a stunning view greets you, featuring the Delaware River.
There is also a 14-mile mountain biking trail. Beach volleyball courts also allow you to play a hand under the sun. Restaurants and bars nearby complete the deal.
Several activities for kids, such as mini-golf, go-karts, and much more along the Broadwalk, make it a must for beach vacations near Ohio. Moreover, it is the ideal option for all those looking for a beach town that has a little bit of everything.
Ocean City is a large beach town with a similar vibe to the Atlantic City. There are casino resorts on the Broadwalk with many shopping as well as dining options. The beach is 10 miles long, which means there is not much overcrowding.
Some of the best hotels in Ocean City are Hyatt Place Ocean City Oceanfront, DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, and Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront.
Distance from Cleveland: 505 miles; approximately 7 hours, 52 minutes
Distance from Columbus: 532 miles; approximately 8 hours, 28 minutes
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is the closest beach to Dayton, Ohio. However, you will have to drive for 9.75 hours to get there.
The weather in Myrtle Beach is subtropical. Furthermore, it has 86 golf courses and 1800 restaurants.
As a result, this beach attracts millions of visitors every year. Further, Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for youngsters.
It has a nickname called “Dirty Beach” due to its history of rowdy partying.
10. South Carolina
Are you still confused about “what are the closest ocean beaches to Ohio?” Let’s try South Carolina.
You already know about Myrtle Beach. However, you will also find beaches such as Hilton Head, Folly Beach, and Hunting Island here.
So, the beaches in South Carolina welcome you with golf courses, lighthouses, historical attractions, luxurious accommodations, and more.
Ocean beaches within 8 hours of ohio
Lake Michigan (Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana) – ~4-5 hours
Lake Erie (Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania) – ~2-3 hours
Cedar Point Beach (Cedar Point Amusement Park, Ohio) – ~2-3 hours
Mackinac Island (Michigan) – ~7-8 hours
Geneva-on-the-Lake (Ohio) – ~1-2 hours
Traverse City (Michigan, Lake Michigan) – ~7-8 hours
These destinations offer a variety of beach experiences, from Great Lakes beaches to Michigan’s scenic coastlines. We will be talking about some of the best beaches that can give you a little joy among all the dreary city days.
Let’s Head To The Best Beaches Close To Ohio
When on a quest for the best beach in Ohio, you might consider the names above. Going on a vacation to the closest beaches to Ohio will create a beautiful experience for you, especially with the wide range of activities.
Starting with hiking to adventures of surfing and swimming, Ohio creates a perfect atmosphere for your entertainment. If you are visiting Ohio with your family, you can also enjoy having a picnic at the beach along with grilling and barbequing.
You can also take a bike for rentals to travel across the beach and enjoy your heart out. There are party racks where you can keep your bike after you plan to go out clubbing or partying, so you do not need to worry about transportation.
If you have questions to ask or thoughts to share, leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
The Closest Beach To Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the closest beach to Ohio.
What Is The Closest Ocean To Ohio?
The Atlantic Ocean is the closest Ocean to Ohio. The Jersey Shore of New Jersey has Ocean City and Wildwood.
What Is The Closest Ocean Beach Near Me If I Live In Cincinnati?
The closest ocean beach to Cincinnati is East Fork Lake. It is just a 35-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. However, my silent favorite regarding the closest beach to Cincinnati is Caesar Creek Lake. The 1300-foot public beach in Caesar Creek State Park allows you to camp, hike, and play! What more can you ask for? However, if you are looking for beaches within 10 hours of Cincinnati, you can opt for the Atlantic City. Despite not being the closest ocean beach to Cincinnati by car, it is a must visit for the vibrant events and activities.
What Are The Ocean Beaches Within 8 Hours Of Ohio Near Me?
Virginia Beach in Virginia and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are some of the ocean beaches within 8 hours of Ohio, near me. Huntington Beach in Cleveland and Vermilion in Ohio are other ocean beaches within 8 hours of Ohio.
What Is The Closest Coastal Beach To Ohio?
Kelleys Island State Park Beach is the closest coastal beach to Ohio. The distance between these two places is 101 miles.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
You and your family should have some vacation time coming up. This can be for a weekend or longer. Visiting the great city of Sydney is a great decision.
Everyone knows that when you go on vacation, there never seems to be enough time to visit everywhere that you want to see.
There are plenty of bus tours and walking tours around the city, and while these are beneficial for your health, you don’t get to see everything, which can be very disappointing.
This is one of the reasons why many people decide to hire chopper, which many people commonly refer to as a helicopter.
When it comes to sightseeing, there is no better way to see the city than from the air. You get to kill two birds with one stone here because you get to ride in a helicopter for the very first time, and you also get to see what Sydney is really about.
The Reasons Why It Makes Sense To View The City Of Sydney From The Air
The following are some of the top reasons why it makes perfect sense to view the City of Sydney from the air.
1. You Get A View like No other
Once the helicopter is high enough, you can actually see the whole city from the best vantage point. It will allow you to see the many buildings, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the water that flows beneath it. There are so many landmarks to be seen and you will get to see all of them in a fraction of the time. You will not have to experience any of the noise that the city provides, and you get to see everything without interruption.
2. No Crowds To Contend With
The reason why you’re going to Sydney is because it is an incredibly popular destination. The place serves as a tourist attraction not only for Australians but for people from all across the world.
This means that it gets incredibly crowded at certain times of the year. Therefore, the tourists should embrace anything that allows them to avoid these crowds.
There will be no queues for you, no waiting to take a photograph because you will be viewing everything from the comfort of your seat in the helicopter.
Things You Get To See & How You Can Enjoy
As was pointed out earlier, you only have a certain amount of time to see the city, and as everyone keeps telling us, time is money. You could spend the whole day walking around the city and still not get to experience everything, but in about 30 minutes in a helicopter, you get to see the complete city. It is an unforgettable experience that everyone needs to enjoy at least once in their lifetime.
People often like to take photographs either with their camera or their smartphone. A helicopter tour allows you to take the best photographs imaginable. You will get to take a picture of the city's skyline.
The tour includes the Sydney Harbour Opera House and many of the city's popular tourist attractions.
While touring in Sidney, you get to see the iconic places and the destinations from the air within minutes.
However, you would not have been able to do that if you were travelling on the ground.
You get to see the following things:
1. Sydney Tower Eye:
As the helicopter flies on the skies of the city, you get to see the Sydney Tower Eye. Sydney From The Air looks the most mesmerizing and incredible. Travellers get an incredible feeling when they get to see the tower where they must have gone shopping.
2. Opera House
The Opera Tower looks like a small flower which can literally fit into your hands. Therefore, you get the best view of Sidney from the air.
The monument looks smaller than anything, and you get to see it from an angle which you have never seen before.
3. Harbour Bridge
Enjoying the aerial view of the Harbour Bridge while watching Sydney from the air is an experience. As a result, no one shall ever forget it in their life.
The cars and the vehicles on the bridge appear to be tiny, while the helicopter passes over the bridge.
You feel like you are watching your own LEGO city, but the truth is that they're real.
4. Pynchgut Island
The chopper crosses Pinchgut Island after crossing the Harbour Bridge. The flyers get to see the ancient fort from the sky.
5. Watson Bay
The flyers then enjoy the incredible view of the turquoise blue waters of Watson Bay. The flyers get to see the ocean like they are flying a drone.
However, the flyers in a helicopter get a firsthand view of the entire thing rather than flying a drone.
The waves and the people on the beach, everything overall looks very tiny and incredible.
6. Dover Heights
The helicopter then passes by the cliffs of Dover Heights. The passengers, therefore, enjoy the view from the windows of the helicopter.
7. Bondi Beach
The helicopter then flies to Bondi Beach.
8. Sydney Skylines
The flyers, therefore, get an overall tour of the entire Sydney Skyline while they enjoy Sydney From The Air.
IS Tour Of Sydney From The Air Safe? And Other Things You Should Know About The Helicopter Tour Services
The companies associated with the tour ensure proper safety for their passengers. They ensure to provide people with the most incredible experience of their life while not compromising safety factors.
The operators measure the weight of the flyers. The professionals, therefore, balance people and then onboard them on the helicopter.
The operators provide the flyers with a safety kit which ensures safety during crisis.
Other Facilities Provided By The Helicopter Company :
The helicopter companies in Sidney also provide multiple other facilities, such as free parking. Therefore, tourists do not have to worry about parking.
The flying companies also provide free pickup and drop-off facilities after the ride is over.
A golf trip to Thailand! Now that’s something else. It’s not just a vacation; it’s golf, sunshine, beaches, and that laid-back Thai feeling all mixed together. Sounds great, right?
And it might seem like a lot to plan at first, but honestly, it’s not that bad. With a bit of prep and the right mindset, you can pull off a trip that runs smoothly and ends up being one of those “I’ll never forget that” kind of weeks.
Here is more on how to make your golf holidays in Thailand unforgettable.
Understanding Why Thailand Is So Special For Golf
So here’s the thing. Thailand’s kind of sneaky about being one of the best golf spots out there.
The weather’s good most of the time, the courses look amazing, and the service... man, they really care about making you feel welcome.
One day you could be playing through jungle fairways in Phuket, and the next you’re in Hua Hin with mountain views all around. Every area has its own thing going on.
And it’s not just golf either. Thailand has this relaxed rhythm to it. You finish a round and next thing you know, you’re sitting by the beach eating grilled fish or wandering through a night market.
Maybe you get a massage because, well, you earned it. That mix of great golf and total chill time? That’s the magic.
Choosing The Right Destinations For Golf Holidays In Thailand
Alright, first choose where to go. Thailand’s main golf areas are Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Phuket, and each one’s got a different vibe.
Bangkok’s busy, sure, but it’s got a ton of courses and easy access from the airport. Hua Hin’s quiter, sort of classy, with views of the sea.
Pattaya’s lively (to say the least) but full of fun and variety. And Phuket... well, that’s just pure island life. Feels like you’re playing in a postcard half the time.
Try mixing a couple of them if you can. A few days in Bangkok and Hua Hin work great. Or Phuket and Pattaya, if you want both beach and nightlife. Keeps things fresh, you know?
Finding The Right Golf Courses
Thailand’s got loads of courses — fancy ones, budget ones, and pretty much all of them are in good shape. Think about what you enjoy most. Some people like a challenge, others just want those wide fairways and nice views. Honestly, most golfers mix it up — one big “wow” course, then a few laid-back rounds where nobody’s really keeping score.
You don’t have to sort it all out now. Check some reviews, maybe watch a couple of YouTube clips, or ask someone who’s been. If that’s not your thing, just get a local golf company to handle it — they know the best spots anyway.
Where To Stay
Hotels and resorts in Thailand... there’s something for every budget. Simple, fancy, whatever you like. Try to stay close to the golf courses or somewhere near the beach — saves you a lot of time. If you’re going with a group, look for a place with a pool or a bar where everyone can hang out after the game.
And honestly, the people here are so friendly. The staff always seem to notice what you need before you even ask. It’s kind of amazing.
Getting Around
Getting around’s not hard, but yeah, those golf bags can be a hassle. It’s smart to set up your airport rides and course transfers before you get there. Most folks go with private vans that have air-con (and trust me, you’ll be thankful for that in the afternoon heat).
Having a driver who knows the golf routes is a big help, too. You don’t have to worry about getting lost — just sit back, chill, and watch the scenery roll by.
Adding Local Experiences
Let’s be real — if you fly all the way to Thailand just to golf and go home, you’re missing half the fun. Between rounds, try something different. Maybe a longtail boat ride, a Thai cooking class, or a few hours in a spa. Night markets are great too — good food, random stuff to buy, and that fun chaos you can’t really explain. Oh, and if you like a drink, local rum and gin are becoming a thing now.
Little side adventures like that make the trip more yours, you know?
The Best Time To Travel
The best months are November to March. Nice weather, dry, and not too hot. But if you don’t mind a few clouds, the months just before or after that are still great — fewer people and better prices. Even when it rains, it usually passes quickly, and you’re back out playing again soon.
Just plan around it a bit, and you’ll be fine.
Traveling With Friends
Golf trips with friends hit different. Thailand’s perfect for it — easygoing people, good food, warm weather, and a pace that fits everyone. You can plan a few friendly matches, a silly competition, or just play for fun.
Most courses have really nice clubhouses too — perfect for sitting down after the round, grabbing a drink, and laughing about that one shot nobody saw coming.
Why Planning Golf Holidays In Thailand With Experts Makes It Easier
You can plan everything yourself, sure, but honestly, a golf travel expert can make things so much easier. They deal with tee times, rides, hotels — all the little details that can eat up your time.
One of the best ones out there is Fairways of Eden. They’re based right in Thailand and focus only on golf holidays. You can build your trip from scratch with them — choose your courses, hotels, and add whatever extras you want. It’s all in one place, which makes life a lot simpler.
And no, using them doesn’t mean you lose control. It just means you get to relax knowing someone’s got your back when you land.
Making Your Golf Holidays In Thailand Truly Unforgettable
The best memories from a golf trip aren’t just about perfect weather or amazing greens. It’s the stuff in between — the laughs, the sunsets, the random moments you didn’t plan for.
Take your time. Listen to your caddie. Enjoy the quiet. Let Thailand’s slow rhythm kind of take over for a bit. Every smell, every sound, every smile adds something to the story.
When you finally head home, you’ll realize it wasn’t just about golf at all. It was about finding a place that fits — golf, people, peace, and a bit of adventure all wrapped together.
So yeah, whether you do it all yourself or get Fairways of Eden to help, your unforgettable golf trip to Thailand really just starts with one idea — play the game you love in a place that feels made for it.
Even if you don’t believe it, Canada has many locations and abandoned sites with ghostly stories and a dark history.
Haunted places like the Fort Edmonton Park and Princess Theatre in Edmonton or the Disaster-struck Alberta Frank Slide are a few examples of how dark tourism in Canada offers a vivid experience.
Further, sites like Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources) show how mining asbestos has caused long-term health hazards to Canadian people and victims beyond borders. Also, there is Halifax, where an explosion took the lives of around 2000 people in 1917.
So, let’s explore the sites that are scary and unusual.
THESE Are The Best Sites For Dark Tourism In Canada
In 2020, the small town of Asbestos changed its name to Val-des-Sources or the Valley of the Springs. However, the name change could not wipe off the history of diseases and suffering as it once had the largest asbestos mine in the world.
So, like the nuclear plantations that pushed numerous human lives to death, Asbestos in Canada was also a town of breathing poison. Today, it is one of the most prominent destinations for dark tourism in Canada.
Regarding dark tourism, Canada has many sites that tell the tale of human tragedy or are infamous for spooky experiences. Let me share brief accounts on these sites If you want to walk into the shadows.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a town in southern Quebec, once epitomized health-hazard horrors. Asbestos mining is not done here today, but breathing problems and other hazards caused by that “magic or miracle mineral” persist in the town.
The town had an open-pit mine for mining chrysotile asbestos, and it boomed for a century. However, in 2011, the mine stopped its operations.
Unfortunately, the use of asbestos became huge by the mid-20th century. It was a chosen material for roofing, insulation, and fireproofing. Slowly, it was discovered to cause many health hazards for people working in the industry or residing near an asbestos plant or mine.
Despite the drop in global demand and many other countries banning the use, import, and export of asbestos, Canada kept at it until 2018. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, banned the use, sale, import, and export of asbestos in 2016, and the ban came into effect in 2018.
Nevertheless, today, the town of Asbestos, or Val-des-Sources, is a popular dark tourism site with an abandoned mine. The mine now looks like a gigantic playground.
Halifax
In June 2016, the Canadian Government designated the Halifax explosion as a “national historic event.” Halifax was a busy port for the loading and unloading of food, aid, relief, and other essentials during World War I.
On an unfortunate day, 6 December 1917, the French ship SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo, a Norwegian ship, collided. Both were carrying explosives, and the collision caused a major explosion. Almost 2000 people died, and many were injured, registering it as the biggest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb disaster.
This human tragedy, however, was a milestone in changing the medical scenario of Halifax. The improvement in pediatric surgeries and the establishment of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind were the two most prominent examples in this regard.
Today, the Fort Needham Memorial Park is a prominent site for dark tourism in Canada. The commemorative plaque there gives you a brief account of the incident. Also, the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower here has an annual memorial service for the explosion on 6th December.
Edmonton: The Hub Of Dark Tourism In Canada
Edmonton has many destinations for paranormal encounters, and Fort Edmonton Park is one of them. At the paranormal tours here, you can explore many paranormal equipment and encounter many experts for some otherworldly experience.
You can also visit the haunted buildings of Edmonton. The stories of these buildings will scare you to the bit. Also, you never know when an unknown entity gets close to you, and you can feel the breath.
Princess Theater: The Most Haunted Place In Edmonton
Another important haunted landmark here is the Princess Theater. In the 1920s, the theater was about to have an additional rental space. A bride-to-be rented that space, but her fiance left her on their wedding day.
So, she committed suicide by hanging by the neck. When the staff of the hotel found her, her body was swinging from the rope.
She was wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Legends have it that her ghostly figure is still seen at the theater. She is seen climbing down the stairs, wandering the theater halls, and moving around the projection room.
Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum: Meet The Restless Spirit
Moreover, when in Edmonton to experience haunted activities, Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum should be your destination. Many people have experienced a sense of choking, being grabbed, or disturbed at this place.
It is said that a construction worker called Peter fell from a third-floor window during renovation work in 1912. His restless spirit still lives here, and many informal investigations have captured strange silhouettes and erratic electromagnetic fields recorded here, which also vouch for paranormal activities here.
The Museum of Fear and Wonder
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxsrNX5L7Al/?hl=en&img_index=1
It is unusual to find a rural museum of horror in the Southern Alberta rural valleys. It is eerie to the bone with Ouija boards and ventriloquist dummies.
The little jack o’lantern dollhouse, Kiddo, leather doll, and the haunted doll, Robertina, are the most prominent collectibles here. Also, the artificial human body parts and life-like human bodywork made of wax are the creepiest things you will come across.
All the collectibles in the museum are carefully placed to create a sense of fear. The aim is to show how people emotionally react to certain things. Also, Brendan, one of the founders of the museum, does not believe that things can be haunted or they can be related to paranormal activities.
According to him, things, at the most, can cause a sense of uneasiness. Thus, all the items in the museum provoke discussion about the psychological impacts of different objects on different people. For example, an adorable doll can be an object of fear or discomfort for a person who has suffered childhood trauma.
Even dolls or toys can get old and develop an eerie appearance through wear and tear. They can look messy or dirty, creating repulsive feelings.
Thus, the Museum of Fear and Wonder is not about paranormal experiences or activities. It is a place to understand the human psychology behind fear and wonder.
Saskatchewan Ghost Towns – Insinger
As India has Kuldhara, Canada has Saskatchewan, where time stands still, and the deserted town lives in the shadow of the past. Unbearable winter in the Prairie region made the residents desert the place.
In the 1800s, many European people came to Canada and got free land to set up a working farm within a year. Thus, this prairie became a bustling residence of farmers and their families.
Visiting Saskatchewan And Its Many Wonders
In Saskatchewan, you will notice a Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The old church with a domed roof stands as a witness to the bygone era.
Do you know that Saskatchewan has so many ghost towns (more than 30) that there is a “Ghost Town Trail” here? You can drive around the route to explore the towns individually.
As you walk through the ghost towns of Saskatchewan, you will never feel alone. There is a constant feeling of someone following or walking with you.
Even looking at the most dilapidated structure, you will feel like someone will come out of it any moment.
I had plans to get inside some of the structures. However, a knotty feeling in my stomach stopped me. As hours passed, I started feeling anxious and left the place.
The Ghost Towns of Alberta – Rowley
If I were to decide, I would name Alberta the capital of dark tourism in Canada. If the haunted places of Edmonton are not enough, you can explore Rowley.
The small hamlet of Rowley in Alberta has deserted railway cars and buildings. However, it also tells some inspiring stories.
Rowley used to be a town with 500 inhabitants in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the place, making the residents leave. A lack of rain led to the drying up of the crops.Moreover, a fire destroyed many of the small buildings.However, only eight surviving residents of Rowley did a commendable job of transforming Rowley into a heritage site in the 1980s. They transformed some of the buildings.
Very few people know that movies like Bye Bye Blues or Legends of the Fall have some of these buildings as their locations.
Visit Rowley in the summer, as it offers free tours in the season. Also, the pizza parties here on the last Saturday of every month are fun! These pizza parties are fundraisers for restoring the buildings and preserving history here.
THESE Are The Places You Can’t Miss At Rowley
The historical buildings to visit in the ghost town of Rowley are:
Rowley Trading Post (Built in the 1920s)
A Printing Press
A School
Now Abandoned Former Hospital
Abandoned Railway Tracks
A Saloon with Swinging Doors (Dedicated to the memory of a previous owner)
Municipality of Starland Office
Canada National Telegraphs Building
Along with these historical structures, you will also find a building labeled Funeral Home and Embalming. Going inside, you will find paraphernalia and historical artifacts used in Bye Bye Blues.
The only thing I find creepy about Rowley is the mannequins. The residents have used mannequins in many places to recreate the scenarios of the 1920s.
So, if you have a faint heart, avoid peeping through the glass windows of the historical buildings. It is not very pleasant to find a mannequin looking back at you.
However, overall, the experience was like being at the location of a classic Western movie.
Alberta Frank Slide
Alberta Frank Slide is one of the most tragic spots for dark tourism in Canada. 121 years ago, this place witnessed the deadliest slide in Canada. The tragic incident took the lives of 100 people.
What Happened At Alberta Frank Slide?
It was 4:10 am on 29th April 1903. The 600 people in the mining community were still asleep as Mount Turtle crumbled down and released 110 million metric tonnes of rock. This incident took the lives of around 100 people.
Even today, if you pass through Highway 3 of Alberta or visit Frank Slide, you will find bodies and various belongings still buried under rocks.
“It was loud enough they could hear it up by the town of Cochrane, 200 kilometers away,” said Joey Ambrosi, the facility supervisor of the Alberta Frank Slide Interpretive Center. This interpretive center, built in 1985, tells the true stories of human tragedy and dismisses the myths around it.
However, the intrigue around this biggest slide does not end here. The mountain moves a few kilometers from each other, and scientists suspect it will come down again.
Having said that, there is still time for such an incident, and it will not be as deadly as the one that happened in 1903.
When at Alberta Frank Slide, don’t forget to visit The Crowsnest Pass. A landslide and a mine explosion in 1910 badly hit the area. Again, at a stone’s throw away is the Hillcrest town where 189 miners died of a coal-dust explosion on 19th June 1914.
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