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Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This

Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This

Sep 30, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 29, 2025

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

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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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Sibashree Bhattacharya

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!

A Guide To National Parks In Alabama – Latest Guide

BY Mashum Jul 26, 2021

There is a famous quote about the national parks in North America, “National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” - Wallace Stegner. There are about 423 national parks scattered across Alabama for visiting and some. Nonetheless, there exist some National parks in Alabama Camping. The National Park Service (NPS) of the country maintains and curates these areas. The key aim of these national parks is to bring the demonstrated tragic and victorious history of the state to its visitors. Alabama is a perfect place for spending a few days of your vacation. I hope you are here because you are looking for some suggestions for the famous national parks in Alabama. Well, you are at the right place because today we will discuss the historical parks in Alabama suitable for sightseeing. The Best National parks In Alabama Generally speaking, the national parks in America are a combination of history and environmental beauty. No more waiting because the list of top national parks in Alabama is here. Brace yourself to explore some incredibly thrilling places in your upcoming holidays: 1. Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site National Park Service (NPS) has designated this institute as a national historic site known as a historic national park. With a variety of fauna, it is the first university campus to receive honor from the government. The park is located on the University campus itself, which makes the destination accessible to all. It also has a museum covering George Washington Carver’s rare photos and unique life details. The burial ground is the best place to spend some alone and silent quality time. The site is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily for visitors. 2. Freedom Riders National Monument This monument symbolizes the protests of freedom riders whose one bus was firebombed by KKK members. You will sense a feeling of courage and confidence by going through the historical facts of them below the monument. The park offers a drive-only tour to many historical points to remind you of the tragic event at Greyhound Bus Terminal. Additionally, the Anniston Memorial Hospital that holds the remembrance of the burnt bus is also noteworthy. 3. Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail It is one of the most popular national parks in Alabama; however, it also carries significant historical events. The event also made the public furious. The route of the marchers in the site is a national historic trail now providing a sneak peek at American History. The place will cherish you with the march of 600 people across 54-mile roadways to Montgomery. The Future Georgia congressman John Lewis led this procession on 7th March 1965. What’s more?- you will find rich insights while visiting the three interpretive centers along this route. Please note that the journey would begin at the Selma Interpretive Center if you plan to visit this place. It is at the foot of the bridge on Broad Street. These centers open at 9 a.m., whereas they close at 4:30 p.m. 4. Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail There are special touches of history in the majority of the national parks in Alabama and this one is also not an exception. One native name of this place in the chronicle of America is “The Journey of Injustice.” The site will make you remember the struggling lives of Native Americans who relocated to Oklahoma from their homes in Alabama. The forceful removal between 1830 to 1840 from their native land makes their journey route “The Trail of Tears.” The National Park Service (NPS) has scheduled stops in multiple packers along this route as a part of the driving tip. It includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. You can visualize the events of this historical movement at different stops in Alabama itself. Some of the most famous ones are Willstown Mission Cemetery, Waterloo Landing, and Fort Payne Cabin Site. 5. Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site honors the legendary military of the first Afro-American fighter pilots of America. Two aircraft hangars lounge on the site. Once you reach the place to visit these hangers, you will observe a wide range of engaging exhibits. In addition to that, several areas of the park present documentaries of the pilots’ daily livelihood, training, and hassles during the war. All these have made it become one of the ‘best national parks in Alabama.’ The perfect time to visit the place is before Memorial Day for Tuskegee Sairmen Fly-in. Furthermore, both the museums in hangar one and hangar 2 remain open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. 6. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park It has been consistently ranked in the list of the best national parks in Alabama. Precisely, you will get awestruck once you stand in front of the entrance of the park. It is one of the favorite holiday spots for travel freaks owing to its stunning environment and deep serenity. But beyond these, the site had experienced a ruthless and blood-shedding war about 100 years ago. The horseshoe bend of the Tallapoosa River was the accurate pinpoint of the battle. The oppression of Native American Tribes weaves the stories of this place. The visitor center is the starting mark of your tour. You can also enjoy a film of 15 minutes demonstrating the concept of battle. The park is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Final Thoughts After reading this guide, is not your mind asking you to book a ticket and set out for Alabama? The national parks in Alabama mentioned above are significant pieces of remarkable and revolutionary history. We hope that the list of national parks in Alabama will be of immense help while visiting here. As we have covered the key takeaways of each site along with opening and closing time, you should not face any more difficulties in planning a tour. Moreover, if you have any opinions to share with us, feel free to comment in the comment box below. Lastly, keep supporting us in getting more travel guides on mesmerizing places across the globe. More Resources Alabama Travel Guide Canary Wharf: A Mini-Guide For Your Next Visit A Guide To National Parks In Oklahoma – Latest Guide

Navigating The World Of International Movers: Understanding And Obtaining Quotes

BY Abdul Aziz Nov 29, 2023

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but the logistics of an international move can be overwhelming. One of the crucial steps in this process is obtaining quotes from international movers. These quotes serve as a roadmap for understanding the costs and services involved in relocating your belongings across borders. In this article, we will explore the significance of international moving quotes, and the factors influencing them. So, sit back and check out this article that provides tips on how to navigate this complex terrain. The Importance Of International Movers' Quotes A crucial aspect of moving internationally is getting reliable and accurate moving quotes. Whether you are moving in for the first time or just a seasoned veteran, understanding the significance of internal movers’ quotes is important. So, keep reading to know more. Cost Transparency: International movers' quotes offer a transparent breakdown of the costs associated with the relocation. This transparency is vital for individuals and families to plan their budgets effectively and avoid unexpected expenses during the move. Service Comparison: Each moving company may offer a unique set of services. Quotes allow you to compare these services, helping you choose a moving company that aligns with your specific needs. From packing and transportation to customs clearance, understanding what each quote includes is essential. Customized Solutions: International moves are not one-size-fits-all. Quotes enable moving companies to tailor their services to your specific requirements. Whether you need special handling for fragile items or assistance with paperwork, a complete quote ensures that your needs are addressed. Factors Influencing International Movers' Quotes This is the time to finalize your moving date and look for perfect moving company quotes. It is crucial to hire the best company, and for doing so, you might need to consider a few factors. Volume and Weight: The amount and weight of your belongings significantly impact the cost of the move. Movers will assess the volume or weight of your items and explore options such as Premier shipping containers AU to determine the size of the shipping container required and the associated moving globally expenses. Distance and Destination: The distance to your destination and the specific country's regulations can influence the cost. Longer distances and complex customs procedures may result in higher quotes. Some countries have stricter import regulations, affecting the paperwork and associated costs. Packing and Unpacking Services: If you opt for full packing and unpacking services, it will be present in the quote. Movers will consider the time and materials necessary to ensure your items are safely packed and unpacked at the destination. Insurance Coverage: Insurance is a crucial aspect of international moves. Movers may offer various insurance options to protect your belongings during transit. The type and extent of coverage will impact the overall cost, and it's essential to understand the insurance terms in each quote. Tips For Navigating International Movers' Quotes Moving internationally is itself a big deal. Don’t make things go all wrong by choosing an imperfect internal movers’ quotes. Here are a few tips that will help you to find an ideal quote and ensure a smooth journey. Get Multiple Quotes: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Request quotes from multiple international moving companies to compare costs and services. This process will help you make an informed decision as well as potentially negotiate a better deal. Understand Inclusions and Exclusions: Carefully review each quote to understand what is there in the list and what’s not. Be clear on what services you are getting and any additional fees that may apply. This will prevent surprises on moving day. Ask Questions: If anything in the quote is unclear, don't hesitate to ask questions. Seek clarification on specific services, timelines, and potential extra charges. A reliable moving company will be transparent and willing to address your concerns. Check Reviews and Credentials: Before finalizing a moving company, research its reputation and credentials. Read customer reviews, check their licensing and certifications, and ensure they have experience with international moves. Inclusions In An International Moving Quote Any reputed industry that provides door-to-door international moving quotes generally provides the following services: Pre-Move Queries: It is the responsibility of the moving company to schedule an appointment, which helps them to assess the freight’s size and weight. Furthermore, it also determines any special requirements related to handling. Crating and Packing: Secondly, thinking about professional crating and packing services ensures the protection of your belongings. They use only high-quality materials for packaging and specialized crating for expensive items. Transporting Goods: The moving industry must handle every transportation aspect carefully. This includes everything from arranging the proper transportation mode to coordinating other logistics. Insurance: Rarely, moving companies provide insurance coverage for your goodies. But if they do so, you know the company is worth investing in. An international movers’ quotes consist of all risk coverage as well as third-party liability insurance. Difference Between A Quotation And An Estimate A quotation and an estimate are very different when it comes to offering a cost estimate for international moving. Estimate refers to a cost calculation based on your move’s requirement. The final cost varies depending on the items and services you use. These are usually covered under the fixed costs. On the other hand, a quotation refers to a firm's offer to provide specific services. The price is usually fixed, and it includes everything from the items and services necessary for the move. Moreover, the final cost does not have a lot of difference from the quoted price. They are much more desirable and offer a more precise cost estimate. Conclusion Obtaining quotes from international movers is a crucial step in the relocation process. It provides the transparency necessary to make informed decisions and ensures that the moving partner understands your specific needs. Moreover, they also help you plan your move efficiently. By understanding the factors influencing these quotes and following tips for navigation, you can embark on your international adventure with confidence, knowing that your belongings are in capable hands. Now that you know these tips make sure to save this article and use it for later needs. Read Also: Moving To Paris – How To Start The Most Beautiful Places In The World Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore In 2023!

7 Modes of Transportation Analyzed: What is the Most Cost-Effective Way to Reach the Airport?

BY Abdul Aziz Jun 24, 2024

If you are planning to fly out of an airport this travel season, you need to spend a little time thinking about how you will get there. Transportation to an airport can quickly get expensive, and perhaps you do not have a whole lot of extra cash at the moment, especially if you’ve spent a lot on tickets, hotel accommodations, etc. Finding a more reasonably priced option means you can save money that will likely come in handy at another point during your trip. Maybe you need to save cash for a Los Angeles van rental or for getting into museums and other attractions once you arrive at your destination. In these circumstances, keeping as much money in your pocket as possible when heading to the airport is often crucial. We will discuss seven modes of transportation that are worth your consideration in the following article. Most Cost-Effective Way to Reach the Airport Read this article till the end to know which is the most cost-effective ride to the airport. You Can Walk Is it possible to walk to an airport? Sometimes it is, but that would have to mean you would already have to be pretty close to it. The most practical time to walk to an airport is if you stayed at a hotel adjacent to it the previous night. Most other times, it is not possible or practical. Whenever you can manage it, though, you will presumably pay nothing. It really does not get much better than that if you are attempting to conserve your money. You will even get some exercise by walking, which is nice. If you can walk to the airport, make sure to watch out for traffic and only use roads with sidewalks. Using airport access roads or ones only intended for cars is dangerous. Saving money is great, but not if it comes at the possible price of being hit by a taxi or airport shuttle. You Can Consider Hiring an Uber or Lyft In the past decade, hiring an Uber or Lyft has become a piece of common knowledge in the urban scene. You can book a ride on these rental cars within seconds with the help of apps on your phone. If you are not a very tech-savvy person, you can still get the Lyft or Uber app, order a vehicle for yourself, and ride to the airport with someone else handling the driving duties. The real drawback with either Uber or Lyft is the expense. During surge hours pricing can become quite expensive in the case of these rental cars. At certain hours when the demand for these rental cars increases, Uber or Lyft increases their pricing as well. Hiring a rideshare vehicle off hours is almost always cheaper. You Can Hire a Taxi The option of hiring a taxi can be efficient and expensive. For example, if you book a cab from Midtown Manhattan to JFK it will easily cost you $50 or more. This cost varies based on the demand of the cab, city or state, and other circumstances affecting the booking prices. If you are in a smaller city with a less busy airport, getting a taxi may not break the bank. If you are considering this option but have a tight budget, it never hurts to go online and do a little research before you flag down the nearest taxi on the street. Take a Hotel Shuttle Hotel shuttles are usually free if you are staying at that hotel, so getting to the airport that way is certainly an attractive prospect. Hotel shuttles are usually clean and well-maintained. They are also generally air-conditioned, which is nice. You should have at least a couple of dollars to tip the driver if you go this route. $5 for a tip is usually the expected amount, but the driver will likely be happy if you give them anything, since not all travelers do. Get a Public Bus or Train Cities that have public buses and trains you can take to the airport are another one of the cheaper options in most instances. These choices can save money, but they often take much longer to get to the airport because they make many stops. If you decide to grab a train or bus, make sure to leave yourself plenty of time for this reason. Rent a Town Car You might also rent a town car if you have enough money. A town car offers a VIP feeling, meaning you get a ride to the airport in style. Then this experience comes at a high cost so you will try this only when you feel like treating yourself. Again, if you can afford the cost of renting a town car then that is a great advantage. Your advantage is that you get to enjoy the ride alone without sharing it with anyone. It will also most likely be air-conditioned and comfortable. The only danger if you decide on this option is a chatty driver. If you do not mind making small talk, though, that might not be a significant source of concern for you. Take an Airport Shuttle Many airports operate shuttles that will pick you up throughout the city. Generally, you can find the operating routes of these airport shuttles through the airport’s website and choose the shuttle accordingly. On the other hand, a hotel shuttle is free, unlike an airport shuttle which can be expensive. Conclusion To recap, walking is usually your only free option. Taking public transportation can keep the price down while getting a hotel shuttle is generally free. Other options can be expensive for you such as Lyft, Uber, or hiring a taxi or town car. Then again this expense comes with an advantage of not sharing the ride with anyone. If these options don’t work for you, then just ask a family member or a friend to drive to the airport if they are available. This is only an option in cities where you know someone, though. If someone you know is willing to give you a lift, you might be obliged to buy them breakfast or something along those lines as a way of saying thank you. Know More: How To Stay Safe In New Orleans: A Traveler’s Guide Is San Francisco Safe? THIS Is What You Should Know! Is Savannah Safe? What You Need To Know Before Visiting!

Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This