As the world grapples with a global health crisis, you may wonder if there’s a need for more fear. However, with Halloween approaching, the answer is a definite yes! The eerie ambiance of October and spine-chilling thrills are synonymous with this time of year. Jump scares are just as essential as candy during the Halloween season. In light of this, we embarked on a quest to uncover some of the most spine-tingling locations in Canada, eerie enough to serve as backdrops for horror films.
From cult classics to festival favorites, from cheesy hidden gems to anticipated blockbusters, these movies feature chilling scenes filmed in various locations across Canada, ranging from Cape Breton Island to Victoria.
Explore the list, watch the movies – we’ve highlighted some of the most haunting moments (spoiler alert!) – and then compare these terrifying scenes to their actual filming locations. If you dare, visit these places in person. And fear not, we’ve got you covered with nearby activities to help you shake off the fright afterward.
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
An iconic ’80s slasher film known for its gruesome nature, My Bloody Valentine, is set amidst Valentine’s Day festivities disrupted by a pickaxe-wielding killer donning a gas mask.
Real-Life Setting: Sydney Mines in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island stands in for Valentine Bluffs, the film’s eerie backdrop. While the Princess Colliery, transformed into the movie’s Hanniger Mine, no longer exists, visitors can still explore various shooting locations like the intersection at Clyde Avenue.
Relaxation Spot: Although not featured in the movie, a drive to Cabot Trail, approximately 30 minutes from Sydney Mines, offers breathtaking views of Cape Breton’s autumn landscapes.
Blood Quantum (2019)
Blood Quantum is a gory Canadian zombie flick that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received accolades at the Canadian Screen Awards. The storyline revolves around a zombie uprising on a Mi’kmaq reserve.
Real-Life Setting: While filmed in Quebec and New Brunswick, some of the movie’s most gruesome scenes take place on the J.C. Van Horne Bridge connecting Pointe-à-la-Croix, Quebec, to Campbellton, New Brunswick.
Relaxation Spot: Visit Sugarloaf Provincial Park near Campbellton for a refreshing one-kilometer hike with stunning views from Sugarloaf Mountain.
The Thing (1982)
In the acclaimed sci-fi horror film The Thing, a research team in Antarctica faces a shape-shifting alien that threatens their survival.
Real-Life Setting: Filmed in various locations including Alaska and northern British Columbia, many scenes featuring Outpost #31 were shot near Stewart, British Columbia, close to the Salmon Glacier.
Relaxation Spot: Explore the Salmon Glacier, Canada’s fifth largest glacier, near Outpost #31 area for breathtaking views from the Summit Viewpoint.
Pet Sematary (2019)
A remake of Stephen King’s novel, Pet Sematary follows a family in rural Maine who discovers a pet cemetery with supernatural powers that bring the dead back to life with sinister intentions.
Real-Life Setting: Hudson, Quebec, doubles as Ludlow, Maine, in the film. Visit St. James Church and the nearby house at 647 rue Main for chilling filming locations.
Relaxation Spot: Take a peaceful walk along the Ottawa River starting from Jack Layton Park in Hudson to unwind after the spooky experience.
American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho follows the story of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street banker with a dark side, engaging in a series of violent acts.
Real-Life Setting: The film was shot in New York City and Toronto, with the Omni King Edward Hotel’s Consort Bar being one of the notable locations.
Relaxation Spot: Indulge in afternoon tea at the Omni King Edward Hotel to unwind after a thrilling tour of Bateman’s murderous escapades.