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.
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.
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!
"Discover the top 10 apps for travelers who study online, making your travel experiences more enriching and your studies more efficient. From language tools to study aids, these apps are a must-have for any journey."
When traveling and studying online, staying connected and efficient is crucial. Whether you're a digital nomad, a student on a study abroad program, or simply someone who loves to travel while keeping up with online courses, the right apps can make all the difference. In this article, we explore 10 essential apps that cater to both your travel and study needs. For comprehensive online exam help, consider visiting 123homework for expert assistance.
1. Google Maps: Your Go-To Travel Guide
Subtitle: Navigating New Destinations With Ease
Google Maps is indispensable for travelers. With real-time GPS navigation, traffic updates, and transit information, it ensures you never lose your way in a new city.
2. Duolingo: Language Learning Made Fun
Subtitle: Break Language Barriers While Traveling
Duolingo offers a fun and interactive way to learn new languages, perfect for communicating with locals and enhancing your travel experience.
3. Airbnb: Find Your Home Away From Home
Subtitle: Unique Accommodations Worldwide
Airbnb connects travelers with local hosts, offering unique lodging options that go beyond traditional hotels, ideal for long-term stays or immersive experiences.
4. Evernote: Organize Your Study And Travel Plans
Subtitle: Keep Your Notes And Itineraries In One Place
Evernote is a powerful tool for organizing travel itineraries, study notes, and schedules, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks while exploring new destinations.
5. Zoom: Stay Connected With Online Classes
Subtitle: Seamless Video Conferencing Anywhere
Zoom is crucial for online learners, offering reliable video conferencing to attend lectures, participate in discussions, and collaborate with peers, regardless of your location.
6. Skyscanner: Book Flights At The Best Prices
Subtitle: Making Air Travel Affordable And Convenient
Skyscanner compares flight prices across different airlines, helping you find the best deals for your travel dates and destinations.
7. Coursera: Expand Your Knowledge On The Go
Subtitle: Access A World Of Online Courses
Coursera provides access to a wide range of online courses from top universities, allowing you to continue your education no matter where you are.
8. Xe Currency Converter: Manage Your Finances Abroad
Subtitle: Real-Time Currency Conversion
The XE Currency Converter app is essential for managing your finances in different currencies, offering live exchange rates and simple conversion tools.
9. Tripadvisor: Discover The Best Local Spots
Subtitle: Insider Tips For Dining And Attractions
TripAdvisor is a treasure trove of user reviews and recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and activities, helping you make the most of your travel experiences.
10. Trello: Project Management for Your Studies
Subtitle: Keep Your Academic Projects Organized
Trello is an excellent tool for managing academic projects and assignments, with features that allow you to track progress and collaborate with classmates.
11. Slack: Effortless Team Communication
Subtitle: Streamline Your Study Group Discussions
Slack is an excellent communication tool for students involved in group projects or study groups. Its organized channels and direct messaging make coordinating with classmates seamless, even across time zones.
12. Headspace: Mindfulness And Meditation
Subtitle: Stay Focused And Relaxed On The Go
Maintaining mental wellness is crucial, especially when balancing travel and study. Headspace offers guided meditation sessions that help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
13. Tripadvisor: Discover The Best Local Spots
Subtitle: Insider Tips For Dining And Attractions
TripAdvisor is a treasure trove of user reviews and recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and activities, helping you make the most of your travel experiences.
14. Kindle App: Your Portable Library
Subtitle: Access Academic And Leisure Reading Anywhere
The Kindle app offers a vast selection of e-books, including textbooks and leisure reading, making it easy to keep up with your studies and enjoy personal reading while traveling.
15. Udemy: Diverse Learning At Your Fingertips
Subtitle: Learn New Skills In Various Fields
Udemy provides a wide range of courses in different areas, from professional development to personal hobbies, allowing you to learn new skills or deepen your knowledge in your field of study.
Conclusion
Balancing travel and online studies requires the right tools and apps to stay organized, connected, and informed. The apps listed above are designed to enhance your travel experience while ensuring your studies remain on track. Embrace technology as your ally in your dual journey as a traveler and an online student.
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A passport is not just a travel document but a key to unlocking a world of opportunities. While it primarily serves as a means of identification when crossing international borders, having a passport is also crucial for getting emergency assistance and crucial services.
Moreover, it is an important document for career advancement in another country and ensures personal freedom.
As a tourist, you must be aware of all the other benefits of having a passport so that all your rights are reserved, you remain protected during travel, and you stay abroad.
Benefits Of Having A Passport You Did Not Know
When something like a passport has been there since the time of the Bible, you must know how important it is. The Book of Nehemiah mentions that everyone needed a royal travel document from King Artaxerxes I of Persia for travel.
Nevertheless, according to popular versions, King Henry V made traveling with passports official.
Again, with time, many perks and benefits were added as the advantages of having a passport. And here, we will discuss them in detail.
1. International Travel Opportunities
One of The most obvious benefits of having a passport is traveling internationally. With a valid passport, individuals can visit countries worldwide, whether for leisure, work, or study.
Traveling abroad provides an enriching experience, exposing people to different cultures, languages, and landscapes. It fosters personal growth, broadens perspectives, and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a vacation to a distant beach, a cultural tour in Europe, or exploring a new city for work, a passport is your ticket to adventure and discovery.
If you have an upcoming trip and your passport has expired, you can apply for emergency passport replacement with expedited services.
2. Career Advancement
In the modern workplace, international experience is often seen as a valuable asset. Many employers seek individuals who can work across borders, manage global teams, or interact with international clients.
A passport lets employees take advantage of business opportunities abroad, attend international conferences, or work on overseas projects.
Whether you’re moving to a new country for a job or simply taking a short business trip, having a passport can open doors to career advancement and networking opportunities that may not be available without it.
3. Educational Opportunities
Unlocking educational opportunities in foreign countries is one of the prime benefits of having a passport. Many students choose to study abroad, whether to earn a degree or participate in exchange programs.
Having a passport is a prerequisite for enrolling in such programs and allows students to gain exposure to different educational systems, research opportunities, and career paths.
Study abroad experiences often enhance personal development and improve academic performance, making students more competitive in the job market upon their return home.
Moreover, students can build a global network, establishing lifelong friendships and professional connections.
4. Easier Access To Healthcare And Services
While having a passport is not a direct gateway to health insurance or services, it can make it easier to access medical care while traveling.
Many countries offer reciprocal healthcare agreements, which allow citizens of certain countries to receive medical treatment while abroad. For instance, some European countries provide emergency healthcare to travelers from other member states.
In addition, having a passport makes it easier to apply for travel insurance, which often includes health coverage for medical emergencies abroad.
5. Emergency Assistance Abroad
In times of emergency, a passport is crucial for obtaining assistance from your home country’s consulate or embassy.
If you lose your passport, encounter legal trouble, or experience an emergency while abroad, your embassy can assist in arranging a replacement passport or help with emergency services.
Having a passport means you have a lifeline to diplomatic and consular support, making your travels safer and less stressful.
6. Identity And Security
A passport serves as an official proof of identity, particularly useful when dealing with immigration authorities or international institutions.
It provides a standardized and secure form of identification that is universally recognized. This helps reduce the risks of identity theft, as passports often come with sophisticated security features, such as biometric data, that make them difficult to forge or alter.
7. Romance Beyond Borders
Yes, in this world of Meta, Tinder, and everything digital, you may find your soulmate across borders. So, it’s an international romance, and every time both of you plan to meet and either of you travel, you will need a passport.
Further, it’s not just about finding a partner beyond the borders of your country. You may plan to fly to exotic locations for pre-wedding shoots, destination weddings, or even a dream honeymoon.
Irrespective of the purpose of the international travel with your partner, both of you will need a visa.
8. An Autobiography Or A Travel Saga Someday…
Are you an avid traveler? How many times has your passport been stamped? These stamps can be your pride and like keeping track of the places you have visited. So, a few years later, your passport can be a memoir for you.
Those stamps can vouch for your achievements as a traveler. When you write an autobiography or a travel saga, your passport will be like the reference book.
9. Passport For Someone Always On The Move
One of the benefits of having a passport is readiness. Suppose your parents live in another country or your company headquarters is elsewhere. Whenever there is a requirement, you will have to rush.
If you have a passport, you will be ready for these sudden travels. However, always be particular about the expiration date of your passport. You must make it a point to renew your passport at least six months before expiration.
10. Legal Safety And Better Child Law Protection
Does your child have a passport? It can ensure better legal protection for them. Unfortunately, divorce cases are very common these days, and a lot of couples fight over child custody.
If your ex-partner lives abroad and there is an ongoing custody battle or incidents like kidnapping around it, a passport is crucial to fly with your child to safety.
It’s very easy to get a passport for a child. So, you must apply and get one for them.
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Ferries are a unique kind of boat used to traverse water. On every continent, several ferry links occasionally travel great or short distances.
Travelers like Thailand, Spain, and Greece frequently use ferries to reach locations close to the sea.
Ferries that travel long distances between major destinations are usually treated like frequent local buses, with tickets purchased on board or just before boarding.
Further, when you travel a country by ferry, you can easily avoid the traffic even during the peak holiday seasons.
This article gives you an even deeper insight into why traveling to a country by ferry is beneficial.
This Is Why Should Travel A Country By Ferry
Given below are some of the most important reasons why you should consider taking the ferry to travel around the world and across countries and create memories—
1. These Trips Can Be More Relaxing Than The Roads
When you travel a country by ferry, you get amenities and activities, making the trip itself an enjoyable part of the vacation.
Ships offer a unique experience of traveling on water, allowing you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Plus, ships often come with even more amenities and activities, making the trip itself an enjoyable part of the vacation.
Travelers can do some planning and paperwork at a time because they can take their time to their next destination.
Additionally, a boat ride provides a unique perspective of the coastal landscape and the opportunity to observe marine life.
This is your chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and truly enjoy the beauty of the sea.
2. It Is A Good Option When Traveling With Kids
Ferries offer a variety of activities and entertainment for children, including kids' clubs, water parks, and age-appropriate games.
Parents can relax and enjoy their vacation with all-inclusive meals and onboard babysitting services.
Teens can also look forward to a wide range of entertainment, from water parks and miniature golf courses to climbing walls and zip lines.
3. You Can Carry Your Pets Along When You Travel A Country By Ferry
Pets are often allowed on ferries. However, it is important to check with the ferry company in advance that all required pet documentation and vaccinations are up to date.
Some ferries also have designated pet areas where owners can stroll and stretch their paws with their furry friends during the trip.
Bringing some of your dog's favorite toys and blankets is also a good idea to make them more comfortable during the trip.
In addition, some ferry companies may restrict the size and breed of dogs allowed on board. Therefore, it is important to double-check these guidelines.
We recommend booking your pet's trip in advance to ensure availability and avoid last-minute troubles.
4. They Offer To Carry Your Vehicles
Ferries allow you to bring your company car or your private vehicle to avoid the cost of renting a vehicle upon arrival.
This can save you a lot of money, especially if you travel for long periods of time. In addition, having your own car gives you a sense of familiarity and comfort in unfamiliar places.
You can find variable luggage restrictions depending on the ferry company and itinerary. Therefore, if you plan to carry heavier items like vehicles, you can inform the ferry company and note the rules and restrictions.
You can also carry tools and extra luggage inside your vehicle. This will help you avoid carrying everything at once and dragging heavy items at every destination.
With your ferry journey, you can plan and sort the items you will keep in the car and the ones you’ll carry handy.
5. Enjoy Easy Booking And Great Services With Efficient Private Companies
Private ferry companies offer a variety of ticket options, including one-way and round trips.
Many ferry companies offer user-friendly websites and mobile apps that make booking and managing tickets easy and convenient.
Moreover, you can find platforms that help travelers to choose private ferry companies from a wide range of choices.
For example, FerryGoGo, a leading online platform, provides a convenient and reliable ferry booking service with a user-friendly interface that allows travelers to search, compare easily, and book ferry tickets to various destinations.
Privately-owned companies guarantee hassle-free ferry travel on various routes and timetables.
The ferry company offers secure payment options and customer support to ensure a seamless booking experience.
They offer competitive pricing, frequent special offers, and amenities like onboard restaurants, lounges, and entertainment.
Some places offer transportation by car, so it is convenient for those who want to bring their own car or motorcycle.
Travel A Country By Ferry: Exploring The USA And Its Popular Crossings
When you travel a country by ferry, and that country is the United States of America, you can explore many celebrated crossings. Some most popular crossings on a ferry ride in the USA are:
1. Nantucket
Traveling to Nantucket by ferry is super easy. You can take a ferry from Hyannis, New Jersey, and New York to reach Nantucket.
Taking a ferry to Nantucket is the best way to enjoy the scenic views and vistas of the Cape Cod Coastline. The coastline and ocean will appear before your eyes as you sail across Nantucket Sound.
2. Block Island
Taking a ferry ride from Mainland to Block Island will give you the quintessential ocean experience. The scenic view on the route is spectacular. Further, white sandy beaches lie before you as long as you can see.
Moreover, the boutique-line streets add to the charm of this beautiful island.
3. Statue Of Liberty
You can reserve a round-trip ticket to the Statue of Liberty statue on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. With a reserved ticket, you will get priority reserved boarding.
Along with the Statue of Liberty, the other two points of attraction in this ferry ride are the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and the Statue of Liberty Museum.
4. Martha’s Vineyard
A ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard can be on your wishlist while exploring the USA in any season. This ferry ride is enjoyable, with beautiful views of many lighthouses.
You will get a whiff of history on this largest island of New England. The eastern portion of this island, or Down-Island, has more prominent historic villages like Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Oak Bluffs.
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