In the age of a widespread pandemic, you might be pondering, “Is there a need for more fear?” Nevertheless, with Halloween around the corner, the answer is a definite yes! Fear and the twilight of October are synonymous. Jump scares are just as essential as candy during this season. With this notion in mind, an exploration was initiated to uncover some of the most eerie locations across Canada that are eerie enough to serve as settings for horror movies.
From cult classics to film-festival darlings, these movies, ranging from remakes to soon-to-be-released blockbusters, feature spine-chilling scenes filmed in various places across Canada, from Cape Breton Island to Victoria.
Peruse the list, enjoy the film—some of the most chilling scenes are highlighted (spoiler alert!)—then juxtapose these nightmarish images with their filming locations. For the brave, visit these places in person. Additionally, suggestions are provided for nearby activities to help ease the tension afterward.
**My Bloody Valentine (1981)**
An ’80s slasher gem described as “a movie made by the mentally warped for the mentally warped” by John Dodd of the Edmonton Journal, My Bloody Valentine centers around Valentine’s Day festivities disrupted by a gas mask–clad, pickaxe-wielding serial killer.
**The real-life scene of the crime:** Sydney Mines in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island stands in as Valentine Bluffs, the film’s setting. While the Princess Colliery—transformed into the movie’s Hanniger Mine—no longer exists, visitors can explore shoot locations like the intersection at Clyde Avenue.
**Where to take the edge off:** Although the Cabot Trail does not feature in My Bloody Valentine, it offers a scenic drive approximately 30 minutes away from Sydney Mines, especially captivating during the vibrant fall season.
**Blood Quantum (2019)**
This ultra-gory Canadian zombie flick, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and swept the Canadian Screen Awards, revolves around a zombie uprising on a Mi’kmaq reserve.
**The real-life scene of the crime:** Blood Quantum was filmed in Quebec and New Brunswick, with gruesome scenes, including a zombie-threshing moment, shot on the J.C. Van Horne Bridge connecting Pointe-Ã -la-Croix, Que., to Campbellton, N.B.
**Where to take the edge off:** Visit Sugarloaf Provincial Park near Campbellton for a rejuvenating one-kilometer hike with breathtaking views from Sugarloaf Mountain’s peak.
**The Thing (1982)**
John Carpenter’s acclaimed sci-fi horror masterpiece follows a research team at an Antarctic outpost besieged by a shape-shifting alien.
**The real-life scene of the crime:** The Thing was filmed in various locations, including Alaska and northern British Columbia, with many scenes featuring Outpost #31 shot near Stewart, B.C., close to the Salmon Glacier.
**Where to take the edge off:** While exploring the Outpost #31 area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Salmon Glacier, the fifth largest glacier in Canada, offering stunning panoramic views.
**Pet Sematary (2019)**
A remake of Stephen King’s chilling tale, Pet Sematary depicts a family’s dark encounters after moving to a rural Maine village and discovering a sinister pet cemetery.
**The real-life scene of the crime:** Hudson, Que., doubles as Ludlow, Me., in the movie. Visit St. James Church and the neighboring house on rue Main to witness key filming locations.
**Where to take the edge off:** Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Ottawa River at Jack Layton Park to unwind after the spine-tingling movie experience.
**American Psycho (2000)**
Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street executive with a dark secret life in this violent dark comedy.
**The real-life scene of the crime:** American Psycho was filmed in both New York City and Toronto, featuring the Omni King Edward Hotel’s Consort Bar as a pivotal filming location.
**Where to take the edge off:** Indulge in afternoon tea at the Omni King Edward to relax after following Bateman’s twisted escapades.
**Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)**
For a lighter tone, anticipate the release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife in mid-November, where a family discovers their connection to the original Ghostbusters in a small town.
**The real-life scene of the crime:** Filmed across Alberta, Ghostbusters: Afterlife features settings from Calgary to Drumheller, with Fort Macleod hosting pivotal scenes, including the Empress Theatre.
**Where to take the edge off:** Explore the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump near Fort Macleod, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience.
**Cult of Chucky (2017)**
The fan-favorite installment in the Child’s Play franchise, Cult of Chucky, showcases the