As October ushers in cooler weather and Halloween draws near, many visitors seek more than fall foliage and cozy vibes. For those with a taste for the paranormal, Georgina offers a spine-tingling selection of haunted locations, each steeped in history and eerie tales. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious traveller, these haunted spots in Georgina promise to give you goosebumps. Here are five of the many spookiest places to explore this October:
1. The Church St. Diner (formerly Sax’s Fish and Chips)
Location: 207 Church St., Georgina
The Church St. Diner has long been dubbed Keswick’s most haunted spot and with good reason. Many staff members and visitors claim to have seen or felt the presence of a spirit, particularly in the basement. In 2013, a camera set up by the Georgina Paranormal Society (GPS) captured a shadowy figure when no one was around. Some believe it’s a former owner, while others think it’s a restless spirit who haunts the basement, throwing paper towels at doubters and sending chills down the spines of those brave enough to venture downstairs. Currently closed, you can catch a glimpse of the building while visiting Historic Uptown Keswick.
2. The Stephen Leacock Theatre of Performing Arts
Location: 130 Gwendolyn Blvd., Georgina
The Stephen Leacock Theatre of Performing Arts is home to more than just art and performances – it’s also home to a mysterious phantom janitor. Visitors and staff have reported seeing a man out of the corner of their eye, cleaning or dusting with no explanation. Some believe the spirit of Stephen Leacock himself lingers in the theatre, helping nervous actors recall their lines and influencing performances with creative energy. Mysterious footsteps, strange lights and self-flushing toilets add to the eerie charm of this haunted theatre.
3. St. George’s Anglican Church
Location: 408 Hedge Rd., Georgina
St. George’s Anglican Church is a quiet, historic site by day, but by night it comes alive with ghostly activity. Both famed Canadian authors Mazo de la Roche and Stephen Leacock are buried here, and many claim to have seen their spirits roaming the grounds. Visitors often report hearing disembodied voices, seeing glowing orbs and witnessing strange lights darting across the graveyard late at night. This peaceful resting place is anything but quiet after dark, making it a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts.
4. Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives
Location: 26557 Civic Centre Rd, Georgina
Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives is a treasure trove of paranormal activity. Many visitors have had unsettling experiences, especially in the historic buildings. The old train station is particularly active, with ghost hunters reporting strange lights and a mysterious mist during flashlight sessions. Many staff and visitors have reported sightings of a little girl who haunts the Noble House. She is known to be a friendly spirit often seen playing inside and has been known to turn electric candles on. There have been occasions when she has greeted visitors of the Noble House with a faint “hello.” The village’s history combined with its reported hauntings make it a great stop for those seeking a spooky experience. For a truly immersive experience and to learn about the history behind each property on site, download the Pioneer Village App for a self-guided tour.
5. The Briars Resort and Spa and Room 217
Location: 55 Hedge Rd, Georgina
The Briars Resort and Spa is a beautiful escape and a hotbed of paranormal activity – especially in Room 217. Guests and staff alike have encountered eerie happenings, from handprints appearing on freshly made beds to curtains billowing in a room with no breeze. A ghostly woman in a white gown, described as having long dark hair and a sweet scent of rosewater, has been spotted disappearing into thin air. If you dare to spend the night, you might just have a spectral guest join you!
Spooky events in Georgina
If you’re planning a haunted tour of Georgina, be sure to time your visit to include some of the town’s spooky and otherworldly October events:
Georgina Mystic Fair
Date: Oct. 18, 2024 | Time: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: The Link
Step into a world of wonder at the second annual Georgina Mystic Fair! The event, organized by Naturally Enchanted, is more than just a personal journey – it's a chance to connect with others who share your passion for the mystical. Meet like-minded souls, share your stories and exchange knowledge as you explore the fair. Who knows? You might discover something new or even make lifelong friends!
Take a break from the excitement and treat yourself to delicious food and beverages at the stalls. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, the mouthwatering offerings will keep you energized for your mystical adventure.
Family Fright
Date: Oct. 19, 2024 | Time: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives
Get ready for a Halloween celebration like no other at Family Fright! Dress up in your favourite costume and enjoy an evening of magic shows, a creepy village walk, DIY slime-making and other spooky surprises. With an entry fee of just $2 per person, it’s a frightfully fun and affordable way to celebrate Halloween. Plus, the first 400 families will receive a free pumpkin, courtesy of Canadian Tire Keswick—perfect for carving your own jack-o’-lantern!
Two Dark Nights
Dates: Oct. 25 and Oct. 28, 2024 | Times: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives
Prepare for a ghostly experience you won’t forget! Join the Town of Georgina and the Georgina Paranormal Society for a spine-tingling guided ghost walk around Georgina Pioneer Village. Using state-of-the-art ghost-hunting equipment, you’ll explore the village’s haunted history and learn about eerie encounters that have taken place on-site. By the end of the night, you’ll want to sleep with the lights on! Space is limited, and pre-registration is required for this 18+ event.
Embrace the spooky spirit
There are several activities and resources you can explore while visiting Georgina.
Spooky programs and workshops
This October, Georgina Pioneer Village transforms into a haven for both kids and adults craving hands-on Halloween fun! Dive into their spooky programs and workshops where you can craft eerie apothecary décor, conjure up your very own wooden folk-art witch or weave a ghostly pumpkin garland to haunt your home.
Georgina Paranormal Society (GPS)
Ready to go ghost hunting? The Georgina Paranormal Society (GPS) is your guide into the unseen world of spirits and hauntings! These experts specialize in documenting the supernatural and investigating local hauntings across Georgina. If you’ve ever suspected something lurking in the shadows of your home or heard footsteps when no one’s there, GPS can help. They offer confidential investigations and advice for those facing mysterious paranormal happenings. Whether you’re curious about ghostly encounters or need a helping hand with a spirit, GPS is your go-to for uncovering Georgina’s spectral secrets!
Solace Serenity Healing
Feeling a little too close to the supernatural? At Solace Serenity Healing, you’ll find everything you need to protect yourself from malevolent forces. Located at 5189 Baseline Rd., Georgina, this mystical shop is brimming with crystals, candles, and esoteric goodies designed to keep the spirits at bay. Stock up on protective talismans, healing crystals and spiritual tools that will help you ward off anything spooky that may come your way this Halloween season.
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just looking for some October thrills, Georgina’s haunted locations and spooky events offer an experience you won’t soon forget! Prepare for eerie encounters and make sure to share your ghostly stories with fellow travellers – you never know what (or who) you might encounter.