Even if you don’t believe it, Canada has many locations and abandoned sites with ghostly stories and a dark history. This has led to a massive online interest in dark tourism in Canada.
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 scary and unusual sites.
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 out the history of disease 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 Canada’s most prominent dark-tourism destinations.
Canada has many dark-tourism sites that tell tales of human tragedy or are infamous for spooky experiences. Let me share brief accounts of 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 no longer done here, 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, asbestos use became widespread by the mid-20th century. It was a chosen material for roofing, insulation, and fireproofing. Slowly, people discovered it caused many health hazards for workers in the industry or those living near an asbestos plant or mine.
Despite the drop in global demand and many other countries banning its use, import, and export, Canada kept 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 6 December 1917, the French ship SS Mont-Blanc and the Norwegian ship SS Imo collided. Both were carrying explosives, and the collision caused a major explosion. Almost 2000 people died, and many were injured, making it the biggest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb disaster.
This human tragedy, however, marked a milestone in changing Halifax’s medical landscape. Two prominent examples were improvements in pediatric surgery and the establishment of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
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. On paranormal tours here, you can explore paranormal equipment and meet experts for an otherworldly experience.
You can also visit Edmonton’s haunted buildings. 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 its 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 fiancé left her on their wedding day.
So, she committed suicide by hanging herself 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, if you’re 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 being 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. This also suggests paranormal activity.
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.
The museum carefully places all the collectibles to create a sense of fear. The aim is to show how people emotionally react to certain things. Also, Brendan, one of the museum’s founders, does not believe things can be haunted or related to paranormal activity.
According to him, things, at 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 feelings of repulsion.
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 winters in the Prairie region drove residents to leave.
In the 1800s, many Europeans came to Canada and received free land to set up a working farm within a year. As a result, the prairie became a bustling home for 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 Saskatchewan’s ghost towns, you will never feel alone. You’ll always feel like someone is following you or walking with you.
Even at the most dilapidated structure, you feel like someone could come out at any moment.
I planned to go inside some of the structures. However, a knotty feeling in my stomach stopped me. As hours passed, I grew anxious and left.
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 was a town of about 500 people in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the town, causing residents to leave. A lack of rain dried up 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 and Legends of the Fall used some of these buildings as locations.
Visit Rowley in the summer, when it offers free tours. Also, the pizza parties here on the last Saturday of every month are fun! These pizza parties fund restoration and preservation efforts.
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 1920s scenarios.
So, if you have a faint heart, avoid peeking through the glass windows of the historical buildings. It is not very pleasant to find a mannequin looking back at you.
Overall, the experience felt like being in a classic Western movie.
Alberta Frank Slide
Alberta Frank Slide is one of Canada’s most tragic dark-tourism sites. 121 years ago, this place witnessed Canada’s deadliest slide. 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 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 in 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 each year, and scientists suspect it will come down again.
That said, there is still time for such an incident, and it will not be as deadly as the one that happened in 1903.
When you’re in Alberta, don’t forget to visit The Crowsnest Pass. A landslide and a mine explosion in 1910 hit the area hard. Again, at a stone’s throw away is the Hillcrest town, where 189 miners died in a coal-dust explosion on 19th June 1914.
Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.
The Aeolian Village Beach resort, located on the western coast of Lesvos, in the village of Skala Eressos, is the go-to destination for holidaymakers worldwide, offering them a carefree, relaxing, dreamy vacation.
Among the people who choose the Aeolian Beach Resort for their holidays are families with children, couples, and groups of friends who wish to enjoy an adventure tailored to their needs and preferences.
The resort offers an amicable blend of luxury, serenity, and solitude, making their stay there one to remember.
Things to do during your stay.
A variety of Water and Ground Activities are available for those who seek fun and adventure even when on holiday.
For holidaymakers who wish to enjoy amazing water activities - sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and SUP are available, and for those who prefer to explore the island on two wheels, road cycling, and mountain biking are ideal.
Moreover, the Aeolian Village has included tennis lovers on their list of considerations when planning their activities, as not one but three floodlit tennis courts are available, as well as tennis equipment, and a tennis instructor, for those wishing to improve their skills and technique.
On the other hand, for those with a more laid-back lifestyle, swimming and sunbathing are the perfect option, as the pool and the private beach are there to offer them relaxing times.
There is also an exquisite spa, offering the ones to visit it personal consultations and treatments designed to suit their needs and preferences.
What also shouldn't be missed, every September, women from all over the world come together in Skala Eressos for a week-long celebration of music, art, and culture.
The International Women's Festival in Skala Eressos features performances by world-renowned musicians and artists, as well as workshops, seminars, and other events focused on promoting women's empowerment and creativity.
Located just a short distance from the festival grounds, the Aeolian Village Beach Resort provides the perfect home base for festival-goers looking for comfortable and convenient accommodations.
With spacious rooms, beautiful ocean views, and a range of amenities, including multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and restaurants, the resort has everything you need to relax and recharge between festival events.
Additionally, those visiting the hotel with their kids could not be an exception, as having fun is a priority for them.
Therefore, plenty of activities are available for them, too, with a kids’ club, swimming pools, and restaurants featuring specially designed kids’ menus that all kids love.
During the day, children can spend hours at the kids’ club, where there are games and toys, and do some arts and crafts under the supervision of educated and experienced nannies.
If, however, they prefer the outdoors, they can choose from a variety of sports and games at the resort’s premises, or at the beachfront, under the beautiful Greek sun.
Different types of accommodation
The hotel offers guests different room options to suit their style.
Twin-room bedrooms with modern designs are ideal for couples and friends, whereas Studio Suite Bedrooms are suitable for those seeking something a bit more extra and luxurious.
The Superior Suites can accommodate up to four persons and are truly elegant and spacious.
Moreover, there is also the option of the bungalow Suites, which have a green space outside, which families, in particular, might prefer, as the kids will have some space outside to play before leaving the room.
The island of Lesvos
Lesvos is the most popular northern Aegean island with amazing sandy beaches, a unique destination for travelers who wish to combine fun and quiet time with their holidays.
There are different ways by which you can reach Lesvos island, either by plane or by ferry.
The easiest way to reach the island is from Athens. Travelers can choose to fly from Eleftherios Venizelou Airport and arrive at the island one hour later or get a ferry from Piraeus port which departs around 4-5 times a week.
During the summer months, the airport gets busy as it receives flights from Heraklion, Rhodes, Samos, Chios, and some European countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK.
There are, of course, also ferries that connect the island, and in this case, the traveling is significantly more inexpensive than a Lesbos flight.
Upon your arrival, you can reach your destination either by taxi or using public transportation on the island.
Places to visit in Lesvos
Not everyone wishes to lay on a beach and enjoy the sun on their holiday.
There are people who wish to explore the area they are visiting and get to know more about the culture, civilization, and history of the place.
Lesvos has many delightful places tourists can choose to visit.
Among the most popular is the ‘Caste of Molyvos,’ the ‘Petrified Forest of Lesvos,’ the ‘Natural History Museum,’ and ‘Panagia Glykofilousa.’
The most visited beaches are ‘Skala Eressos Beach’ and ‘Agios Isidoros Beach.’
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For parents, the opportunity to explore the world with their children is invaluable.
Not only does it open the door to new experiences for the kids, but it also offers a chance for the family to grow closer together.
Family-friendly destinations like Pigeon Forge, TN, are perfect examples of places that kids and adults love.
These locations provide a diverse range of activities and experiences that can enrich a family vacation, making every moment memorable.
In this article, we will delve into six reasons why parents should consider traveling the world with their kids.
Diverse Experiences
When speaking of diverse experiences, Pigeon Forge is definitely going to top the list.
Pigeon Forge, TN, is home to The Island, an entertainment complex that epitomizes the kind of diverse experience ideal for family travel.
This location is more than an entertainment center.
It is the ultimate attraction offering fun and learning.
With an array of shops, restaurants, and attractions like The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, The Island offers something for everyone in the family.
The variety of experiences available at The Island means that parents and children can enjoy a range of activities together.
You can explore unique shops and dine at family-friendly restaurants.
Also, enjoy the spectacular views from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel as part of experiences tailored to create lasting memories.
The Island’s mix of attractions ensures that every family member’s interests are catered to.
Such destinations showcase how travel can be both entertaining and educational for children.
They learn through engaging and interactive experiences.
Given the popularity of family-friendly attractions like The Island, Pigeon Forge sees an influx of vacationers every year.
Educational Opportunities
Traveling provides children with invaluable educational opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
As families explore new places, children are exposed to different cultures, languages, and historical contexts.
This exposure is not only educational but also eye-opening, providing real-life context to lessons learned in school.
For instance, visiting historical sites offers a tangible connection to history.
Encountering different cultures fosters a sense of global awareness and understanding.
Thus, children learn about diversity and tolerance.
Participating in language exchanges or trying new foods can also be fun, interactive ways to learn.
These experiences contribute to a well-rounded education, where children learn about the world in an immersive and interactive way.
Building Stronger Family Bonds
Traveling together as a family is an excellent way to strengthen family bonds.
Shared experiences, whether the excitement of exploring new destinations or overcoming the challenges of travel, bring families closer together.
These shared memories become a foundation for stronger relationships.
Activities that encourage teamwork, like hiking or navigating a new city, enhance family bonds.
Children and parents learn to rely on and support each other in different situations.
Involving children in travel planning also increases their sense of involvement and investment in the trip.
They feel valued and heard, which is important for their self-esteem and the overall family dynamic.
Family vacations are not only fun.
They are an opportunity for deeper connection and understanding among family members.
Developing Adaptability And Resilience In Kids
Traveling is an excellent way for children to develop adaptability and resilience.
When families explore new environments, children learn to adapt to different situations.
It can be navigating a new city, trying unfamiliar foods, or interacting with people from diverse backgrounds!
These experiences teach kids flexibility and problem-solving skills as they learn to handle unexpected challenges and changes in plans.
The ability to adapt and bounce back from difficult situations is a crucial life skill.
Travel exposes children to minor setbacks or changes.
These include delayed flights or weather changes in a safe and controlled environment.
Handling these situations helps children build resilience, equipping them with the ability to cope with bigger challenges in life.
Moreover, overcoming these obstacles can boost their confidence and self-esteem, making them more willing to take on new challenges in the future.
Encouraging Curiosity And Creativity
Traveling with kids can significantly boost their curiosity and creativity.
Being in a new place with different sights, sounds, and smells stimulates children’s senses and piques their curiosity.
This natural curiosity can lead to a deeper interest in learning about the world around them.
Different travel experiences, whether visiting museums or exploring natural landscapes, provide opportunities for creative thinking.
Children are inspired to think outside the box and view the world from different perspectives.
This exposure can lead to creative problem-solving and innovation.
Additionally, these experiences can ignite a passion for new hobbies or interests, such as photography, art, or history, further enriching their lives.
Promoting Physical Activity And Health
Travel often involves a variety of physical activities that can be beneficial for both children and adults.
Activities like hiking, swimming, or simply exploring a city on foot encourage physical movement.
So, these are essential for maintaining good health.
For children, engaging in physical activities while traveling can instill a lifelong appreciation for exercise and an active lifestyle.
Outdoor activities, in particular, have numerous health benefits.
They provide fresh air, help with vitamin D absorption, and reduce stress and anxiety.
These activities also present an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, away from the distractions of technology and daily routines.
Encouraging an active lifestyle through travel not only promotes physical health but also contributes to mental well-being.
Let's Go On A Trip With Kids
It is time to explore the world with your kids, as it offers far more than just a break from the routine.
It is an enriching experience that contributes significantly to their development and strengthens family bonds.
Traveling helps develop adaptability and resilience.
It also fosters curiosity and creativity and promotes physical activity and health.
Overall, the benefits of traveling with children are immense.
These experiences not only create lasting memories but also lay a strong foundation for a well-rounded, healthy, and fulfilling life.
As parents, taking the opportunity to travel with your kids is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
It is a world of learning, discovery, and togetherness.
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This time of the year is amazing for organizing a trip to an amazing summer destination to spend some leisure time with your loved ones. But packing for a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to your beauty essentials.
It's essential to pack smartly and efficiently to ensure that you have everything you need while still leaving enough space in your luggage.
One of the most crucial aspects of packing your makeup bag is choosing the right products. With limited space and weight restrictions, it's crucial to bring only the essentials that you will use throughout your trip.
If you're unsure which items to include in your travel makeup bag, you are in the right place!
Here Are Four Important Essentials Things To Keep With Your Makeup Bag
Read below and we've got your back! We have for you a list with all the essentials to keep with your makeup bag during a trip, in order to feel fresh and pretty on every occasion!
1. Moisturizer with SPF
One of the most crucial products to pack in your makeup bag is a moisturizer with SPF. Traveling can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dull due to different climates, water, and air.
By using face moisturizing products with SPF, you can hydrate and protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This way, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about sunburn or premature aging caused by sun damage.
2. Mascara
Moreover, if you love makeup you might already know that quality mascara is a must-have item in any travel makeup bag. It instantly opens up your eyes and makes them appear more awake. Opt for a volumizing or lengthening mascara that suits your lash type and enhances your natural beauty.
Choose a waterproof mascara that can cope to prevent smudging and smearing, especially if you'll be swimming or sweating. In case you don’t have quality mascara, it is time for shopping! A mascara will make your eyes look amazing and your makeup even more impressive!
3. Multi-use products
Another amazing tip to save space in your makeup bag, consider bringing multi-use products. For example, a light-tinted moisturizer with a high SPF can provide hydration, coverage, and sun protection in just one step. You can also use it as a base for your makeup or as a touch-up during the day. Similarly, cream blush can double as a lip tint and add a pop of color to your cheeks.
4. Brushes or sponges
Last but not least, don't forget to pack the tools you need to apply your makeup. Brushes or sponges can make a huge difference in how your makeup looks and lasts throughout the day.
Choose the ones that work best with your makeup products and bring a compact brush cleaner to keep them clean and hygienic. Choose to buy some quality brushes because they are very important when it comes to the final result. A quality sponge will apply the concealer much better than a cheap one.
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