Halloween is here and the urge to uncover the paranormal is stronger than ever. Canada is no stranger to spooks, ghosts and apparitions, as these real life haunted houses will show.
The Customs House (Hamilton, Ontario) This Victorian era House is a testament to classical architecture and has been used for a variety of purposes since being built in 1860. The 
building is also home to a mysterious “Woman in Black” whose image has appeared before many visitors over the last century and a half. Along with the ghostly apparition, many residents have reported hearing disembodied voices, feeling unexplained drops in temperature and finding locked doors forced open. The House is now used by the Ontario Workers Arts and Heritage Centre (OWAHC), who recognize the importance that the “Woman in Black” has on Ontario’s heritage, as reports of strange activity continue.
Hycroft Mansion (Vancouver, B.C.) The former home of General Alexander Duncan McRae, this impressive mansion is also the reported home of several ghosts, many who allegedly appear in WW1 uniforms. Residents and visitors alike have reported hearing strange crying sounds from the mansion’s halls. The house is currently owned by the University’s Women’s Club and appropriately hosts many crews filming science fiction shows like The X-Files.
Madison’s Haunted Inn (Kincardine, Ontario) Built in 1858, this historic house had been a site of recurrent tragedy for its original owners, the Gentle family. Nearly all the family members died from falls, illness and suicide inside the home. It is said the family still haunts the halls as visitors at the Inn report seeing dark figures and hearing strange voices. The Madison Haunted Inn is a popular tourist attraction, welcoming brave souls to take tours of the rooms or even spend the night there.
Ceperley House (Burnaby, B.C.) Now an art gallery, it is said that the house’s original owner Grace Ceperley still stalks the halls, unable to rest in peace. Legend has it that Mrs. Ceperley wanted the sale of the house to go to charity after her death. Her widower however did not see to this and profited personally from the sale.
Dundurn Castle (Hamilton, Ontario) Another historical site in Hamilton, The Dundurn House is home to many sightings over 100 years, including moving objects, strange breezes and the appearance of figures floating across the halls. The surrounding area had been the site of many hangings and the isolation of cholera victims leading believers to pinpoint Dundurn as a haven for disgruntled spirits.
We at Text4Homes hope you’ve enjoyed this short list of real Canadian haunted homes. And don’t forget: if you’re in the market to buy real estate in Canada, make certain you find out if the house is haunted first - it might be real hard to sell it afterwards!
