In the midst of a global health crisis, you may be wondering if there’s a need for more fear. However, with Halloween approaching, the answer is a definite yes! Spine-chilling frights and the month of October are a perfect match. Jump scares are just as essential as candy during this season. Keeping this in mind, we embarked on a quest to uncover some of the eeriest locations in Canada that are so creepy they could easily be featured in horror movies.
From beloved cult classics to indie gems, and from cheesy hidden gems to a highly anticipated blockbuster, these films showcase chilling scenes shot in various locations across Canada, spanning from Cape Breton Island to Victoria.
Take a look at the list, watch the movies – we’ve spotlighted some of the most haunting moments (spoiler alert!) – and then compare these hair-raising scenes to their real filming locations. If you dare, visit these places in person. And fear not, we have suggestions on nearby activities to help you unwind afterward.
“My Bloody Valentine (1981)”
This ’80s slasher gem, branded as “a movie made by the mentally warped for the mentally warped,” is centered on Valentine’s Day festivities disrupted by a gas mask-wearing, pickaxe-wielding serial killer.
Filmed in Sydney Mines, a quaint community on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, the movie’s setting, Valentine Bluffs, was based on this location. While the Princess Colliery, which was transformed into the movie’s Hanniger Mine, no longer exists, you can still explore several filming spots around town, like the intersection at Clyde Avenue.
For a relaxing experience, consider taking a scenic drive to the Cabot Trail, just a short distance from Sydney Mines, especially enchanting during the autumn season when Cape Breton’s coastal cliffs are ablaze with fall foliage.
“Blood Quantum (2019)”
This ultra-gory Canadian zombie flick premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and achieved significant success at the Canadian Screen Awards. The plot revolves around an undead uprising on a Mi’kmaq reserve.
While the movie was filmed in Quebec and New Brunswick, some of the most gruesome scenes, including a zombie encounter with a combine harvester on the J.C. Van Horne Bridge, were shot in Pointe-Ã -la-Croix, Que., and Campbellton, N.B.
To unwind, consider a visit to Sugarloaf Provincial Park near Campbellton for a rejuvenating one-kilometer hike, featuring breathtaking views from the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.
“The Thing (1982)”
In this acclaimed John Carpenter classic featuring Kurt Russell, a research team in Antarctica battles a shape-shifting alien parasite. The film’s most chilling scene involves a defibrillation gone awry, leading to a grotesque transformation.
Filmed in various locations, including Alaska and northern British Columbia, many scenes featuring Outpost #31, where the characters are stationed, were shot near Stewart, B.C., close to the Salmon Glacier.
After exploring the Outpost #31 area, take time to visit the Salmon Glacier, the fifth largest glacier in Canada, offering a stunning panoramic view.
“Pet Sematary (2019)”
A remake of Stephen King’s 1989 horror tale, the movie follows a family’s move to a rural Maine village, uncovering a pet cemetery with dark powers. The story takes a sinister turn as the father resurrects his daughter with horrifying consequences.
Filmed in Hudson, Que., standing in for Ludlow, Me., key locations include St. James Church and a house used for chilling flashbacks. Relax at Jack Layton Park and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Ottawa River to unwind.
“American Psycho (2000)”
Patrick Bateman, a homicidal Wall Street executive, leads a double life of ruthless ambition and sadistic killings. The film, shot in New York City and Toronto, showcases Bateman’s violent outbursts at the Omni King Edward Hotel.
After exploring the real-life filming sites, indulge in afternoon tea at the Omni King Edward to unwind from the disturbing narrative.
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)”
Set for release in mid-November, this supernatural comedy follows a single mother and her kids discovering their connection to the original Ghostbusters when they move into a mysterious farmhouse in a small town.
Filmed across Alberta, from Calgary to Drumheller, visit Fort Macleod to experience the movie’s Summerville and the Empress Theatre. For a relaxing break, explore the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering historical insights and picturesque views.
“Cult of Chucky (2017)”
This installment in the “Child’s Play” series features the iconic possessed doll on a killing spree inside a psychiatric hospital. The Millennium Centre in Winnipeg stands in as the eerie psychiatric hospital in the film.
Unwind at Nonsuch Brewing Co., just a short walk from the Millennium Centre, and
