October brings out a different side of Winnipeg. Behind downtown’s historic buildings and familiar streets are ghost stories, local legends and more than a few places rumoured to be haunted. Here are a few ways to explore the city’s spooky side this season.
Haunted History
Winnipeg’s downtown is filled with historic landmarks that have inspired ghost stories for generations.
The Fort Garry Hotel is perhaps the city’s most famous haunted landmark, with much of its lore centred around the legendary Room 202.
Read more about the Fort Garry Hotel
The Vaughan Street Jail, built between 1881 and 1883, has an especially dark past. Prisoners were housed there until 1930, and original cells can still be found in the basement.
Explore the history of Vaughan Street Jail
The Burton Cummings Theatre has also become part of Winnipeg’s supernatural folklore, with stories of unexplained applause, whispers and other strange activity inside the historic theatre.
Learn more about the Burton Cummings Theatre
Fort Garry Hotel, Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Get Into the Spirit
1. Exchange District Ghost Walk
King’s Head Pub, 120 King Street
(about a 12-minute walk from 300 Main)
Best for: local history, ghost stories and exploring the Exchange after dark.
Take a chilling stroll through Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District and hear spooky tales connected to some of the neighbourhood’s best-known landmarks.
Learn More: eventbrite.com
Exchange District Ghost Walk, Photo Credit: EventBrite
2. Fort Garry Hotel Room 202 Ghost Investigation
Fort Garry Hotel, 222 Broadway
(about a 6-minute walk from 300 Main)
Best for: paranormal enthusiasts and anyone brave enough to enter Room 202.
Spend three hours inside the legendary room with an experienced investigator, hearing its stories and taking part in a paranormal investigation. The experience runs through October.
Learn More: Room 202 Ghost Investigation
3. A Maze in Corn Haunted Forest
1351 Provincial Road 200, near St. Adolphe
(about a 25-minute drive from 300 Main)
Best for: a proper Halloween scare and outdoor adventure.
Head into the Haunted Forest for an interactive outdoor experience where creatures come alive with scares and haunting humour.
Learn More: A Maze in Corn
4. Blade Rave at The Park Theatre
The Park Theatre, 698 Osborne Street
(about a 7-minute drive from 300 Main)
Best for: vampires, costumes and late-night Halloween energy.
On 23 October, Blade Rave turns The Park Theatre into a vampire underworld inspired by Blade, with goth, techno and house DJs, themed visuals and costumes. The event is 18+.
Learn More: Blade Rave at The Park Theatre
From haunted landmarks to Halloween happenings, spooky season offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore. And from 300 Main, many of Winnipeg’s most legendary haunts are just minutes away.
