In the middle of a global health crisis, you might be wondering if you need any additional reasons to be scared. Well, with Halloween approaching, the answer is a definite yes! Fear and the eerie ambiance of October are a classic combination. Jump scares are just as essential as candy during this season. With this in mind, we went on a quest to uncover some of the most spine-chilling places in Canada — locations creepy enough to be featured in horror movies.
From beloved cult classics and festival hits to cheesy hidden gems, noteworthy remakes, and an upcoming blockbuster, these films showcase chilling scenes filmed in various places across Canada, from Cape Breton Island to Victoria.
Explore the list, watch the movies — we’ve highlighted some of the most haunting moments (spoiler alert!) — then compare these hair-raising scenes to their real filming locations. If you dare, visit these places in person. And if you need to unwind, we’ve got you covered with nearby activities to help shake off the shivers.
“My Bloody Valentine (1981)”
A classic ’80s slasher film, My Bloody Valentine, known for its intense gore, revolves around Valentine’s Day festivities disrupted by a gas mask-wearing, pickaxe-wielding serial killer.
The actual crime scene: Sydney Mines, a quaint community on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, doubles as Valentine Bluffs, the setting for this iconic horror flick. While the Princess Colliery, transformed into the movie’s Hanniger Mine, no longer stands, you can still visit various filming locations, like the intersection at Clyde Avenue.
Where to relax: Although the Cabot Trail doesn’t appear in the film, it’s a short 30-minute drive from Sydney Mines, offering breathtaking views of Cape Breton’s fall foliage.
“Blood Quantum (2019)”
This ultra-violent Canadian zombie film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won big at the Canadian Screen Awards, centers on an undead uprising on a Mi’kmaq reserve.
The actual crime scene: Several gruesome scenes in Blood Quantum were filmed on the J.C. Van Horne Bridge, connecting Pointe-à-la-Croix, Que., to Campbellton, N.B.
Where to unwind: Head to Sugarloaf Provincial Park near Campbellton for a refreshing one-kilometer hike and stunning views from Sugarloaf Mountain.
“The Thing (1982)”
In this acclaimed John Carpenter classic, a research team in Antarctica faces a parasitic alien that imitates its victims. One of the most memorable scenes involves a grotesque transformation and a terrifying alien attack.
The real-life crime scene: The Thing was filmed in various locations, including sites in Alaska and northern British Columbia. Outpost #31, where much of the action takes place, was filmed near Stewart, B.C., close to Salmon Glacier.
Where to relax: If you visit the Outpost #31 area, don’t miss exploring the majestic Salmon Glacier, offering a stunning viewpoint.
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