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In Good Spirits
You could say modern spiritualism came out of Canada since sisters Kate and Margaretta Fox were born in Consecon, pre-Confederation, in what’s now Ontario. In 1848, after the Fox family’s move to Hydesville, N.Y., the sisters captured public attention and helped spark a movement, claiming to hear mysterious “spirit rappings” in their home. Whether supernatural event or clever prank, the sisters went on to become mediums and inadvertently launch the trend to communicate with the dead. The Fox sisters toured the U.S. and Canada, where author Susanna Moodie attended readings with equal parts curiosity and skepticism. Today, people remain fascinated by this Victorian-era pastime, and museums have responded. Here are several Canadian spots where you can learn more about efforts to contact the spirit world.
Secrets of Séance at Discovery Harbour
Experience a seance at this living history park on Ontario’s Georgian Bay. Then, uncover the tricks behind the illusions and explore how spiritualists persuaded people to actually believe them.
93 Jury Dr., Penetanguishene, Ont.
Saturdays from July 4 to Sept. 5
discoveryharbour.on.ca/events/ secrets-of-seance
Fulford Place
Visit the dressing room in Sen. George Taylor Fulford’s home (a National Historic Site), where, in 1932, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King first tried to communicate with the dead at a seance led by medium Etta Wriedt.
287 King St. E., Brockville, Ont.
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The Haunted House of Trois-Pistoles
Visit the 1830 stone house built by Magloire de l’Île and his brothers on the St. Lawrence River, a remote waterfront site long tied to eerie local folklore — and one of Quebec’s most famous haunted locations.
Chemin de la Grève-de-la-Pointe, five kilometres west of the Bureau d’information touristique de Trois-Pistoles on Route 132, Les Basques, Que.
Saturdays from July 4 to Sept. 5
tourismelesbasques.com/legendes/la-maison-hantee
Atlas After Dark
Those aged 18 and up can experience this nighttime tour at the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, about 20 minutes from Drumheller, Alta. Atlas staff will guide you on the excursion to “unearth the darker side of the Drumheller Valley’s history.”
110 Century Dr. W., East Coulee, Alta.
Oct. 17, 24 and 30 (pre-booking required)
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Ghost Tour at the Confederation Centre of the Arts
Take an evening trek through downtown Charlottetown with Heritage Players Historic Walking Tours, with a “gravedigger” leading you through tales of heritage and howls in the city.
Kent and West streets, Charlottetown, P.E.I.
July 7 to Nov. 7
confederationcentre.com/event/ghost-tour-26
Ghost Tours at Castle Kilbride
Evening ghost tours at Castle Kilbride National Historic Site, led by Ghost Walks, explore reported paranormal activity inside the historic mansion.
60 Snyder’s Rd. W., Baden, Ont.
Sept. 19 and Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24 (pre-booking required)
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