Eerie Whispers: Exploring Canada’s Reluctant Relationship with Its Ghostly Lore

Why are Canadians afraid of ghosts?

Canada’s paranormal roots run deep. We tell ghost stories around flickering campfires and share unexplained encounters with family and friends. Yet our polite, risk-averse nation often buries these experiences, rarely encouraging them in the places we live or in our arts and entertainment. Fear of stigma and discomfort with the unknown -- especially death -- keep the supernatural in the shadows. We allow only flirtations with ghosts, ghouls, and goblins, mostly at Halloween.

Eerie Whispers explores Canada’s haunted history, drawing from the diverse folklore of its immigrant communities and the traditional stories of Indigenous Peoples. It asks why Canadians, unlike Americans or the British, are reluctant to celebrate this part of our culture. Brian Baker encourages us to embrace the uncanny and find the courage needed to amplify our nation’s supernatural voice.

Brian Baker has been a journalist for over fifteen years, which means the University of Toronto alum is plenty curious. He is intrigued by what Canadians believe when it comes to the paranormal. So much so that he founded the Superstitious Times -- a website dedicated to exploring Canada’s paranormal lore. He lives in Toronto.