Whilst North America has some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world, it is also home to some of the most spooky and spine-tingling folklore. From Civil War battlegrounds to haunted hotels, the USA and Canada are full of chilling legends that are perfect to explore this Halloween. Here’s a few of our personal favourites that really put the “spook” in spooky season.
Witch Trials and Haunted Legends Come to Life
Salem, Massachusetts, USA
What better way to kick off a spooky travel blog than with Salem, Massachusetts? Renowned for its infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem offers a hauntingly enchanting atmosphere ideal for a chilling getaway. Surprisingly, despite its ghostly legacy, Halloween is best avoided if you prefer a more serene experience. The ideal times to visit are early September and early November when you can explore the town without the bustling Halloween crowds. However, if you’re determined to embrace the Halloween spirit, consider visiting in early October for a taste of the festivities while still managing to steer clear of the busiest streets.
Salem is steeped in history, whether you’re drawn by its infamous witchcraft past or its rich maritime heritage. Spend a day delving into some of the town’s most fascinating museums. Start with the Salem Witch Museum, where you’ll uncover the chilling events of the 1692 witch trials. Then, head to the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in the U.S., showcasing a diverse range of art and artefacts. Don’t miss the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the first of its kind in the U.S., offering insight into Salem and New England’s seafaring legacy. Literary fans will enjoy The House of the Seven Gables, a historic mansion made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. For a direct link to the witch trials, visit The Witch House, the only structure in Salem with authentic ties to the trials.
If museums aren’t your thing, there’s no shortage of haunted houses, harbour tours, walking tours and ghost tours, or even psychic readings and séances throughout the town. Visit hauntedhappenings.org to find out more!
For a great start to your day, head to A&J King or Red’s Sandwich Shop for breakfast, both known for their delicious, hearty options. Recharge and refuel after your days of exploring with the cosy, fall ambience at Olde Main Street Pub, or opt for a more sophisticated dining experience at Settler, offering a perfect blend of modern flavours in a charming setting.
Ghostly Soldiers on America’s Most Haunted Battlefield
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Gettysburg is known for being the site of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, as Union and Confederate Troops clashed in the rolling Pennsylvania countryside. 160 years later, the battlefield is equally as famous for its frequent ghost sightings, as well as eerie audio of musket shots and cannonballs still being fired across the field in the 21st century.
When it comes to unravelling the spectral secrets of Gettysburg, the Ghosts of Gettysburg Guided Tour reigns supreme as a hauntingly delightful experience. Revered for its expert guides, this tour intricately weaves together chilling tales and rich historical tapestry, transporting you through the fog of time to the very spots where ghostly encounters abound. Visitors rave about the blend of spine-tingling legends and historical insights that make each step feel like a journey into the past.
Beyond the battlefield, Gettysburg has other haunted attractions on offer. Take a visit to the Jennie Wade House, the home of the only civilian killed in the battle. Previous visitors tell tales of how the home is still haunted by her spirit, feeling a cold presence and reports of objects moving on their own. Another chilling location is The Old Cemetery, which contains the graves of many Civil War soldiers. As such, people have witnessed strange lights and ghostly figures walking between the tombstones.
For those looking to extend their haunting experience, Gettysburg offers many different lodging options that promise a spooky stay. The Farnsworth House Inn, which served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg, is particularly notorious for ghost sightings and strange occurrences. Guests have reported ghost sightings and strange occurrences, including unexplained noises and apparitions. Guests have shared tales of at least 16 spirits, including an 8-year-old boy, several soldiers and a former midwife, all said to still roam the halls.
Explore the Mystery of Mothman’s Haunting Presence
Point Pleasant, West Virginia, USA
Point Pleasant is home to one of the most haunting and famous cryptids in the world - the elusive Mothman. As such, the town is full of captivating attractions that draw you back to the haunting time that gave rise to this notorious monster.
The Mothman is a humanoid creature that was seen throughout the Point Pleasant Area, West Virginia, from 1966 to 1967. It was most infamously seen before the collapse of the Silver Bridge on December 15th 1967, leading many people to believe that the Mothman serves as an omen of oncoming danger. The Mothman is most often portrayed as a tall, black feathered humanoid with wings, and piercing red eyes that strike fear into the unlucky few who have seen it.
Almost 60 years on from the collapse of the Silver Bridge, Point Pleasant has now capitalised on this legendary creature, with a plethora of attractions and monuments celebrating the elusive creature.
The Mothman Statue – This 12-foot-tall, polished steel statue stands in the centre of downtown Point Pleasant and has become a popular photo spot. It was created by artist Bob Roach in 2003 and has glowing red eyes, a nod to the reported sightings of the creature.
Mothman Museum – Dedicated to all things Mothman, this museum features exhibits on Mothman sightings, the mysterious events that surrounded them, and the broader cultural phenomenon. It includes artefacts, newspaper clippings, documentaries, and even props from the film The Mothman Prophecies.
Mothman Festival – Held annually, usually in September, this festival draws cryptid enthusiasts from all over the world. The event includes guest speakers, vendors, tours, and Mothman-themed food and merchandise. It's a major celebration of the Mothman legend.
A Haunted Mountain Retreat: Inspiration for ‘The Shining’
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA
There’s a good reason that Stephen King based the Overlook Hotel from his infamous novel The Shining on the Stanley Hotel, Colorado; it's extremely haunted.
The Stanley Hotel offers a fascinating concoction of history and the supernatural, with its magnificent Georgian architecture and chilling tales from beyond the grave. Built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, it was known for its luxurious rooms and breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. In the modern day, its most famous guests might have overstayed their welcome, with reports of numerous ghost sightings and paranormal activities.
Upon arrival, you are free to explore the hotel's haunted history. You can visit the infamous haunted room of 217, where King himself stayed. Following on from that, the fourth floor is known to have reports of the ethereal laughter of children, as well as shadowy figures dancing across the walls.
The Stanley Hotel offers ghost tours, taking guests through its most haunted areas, including the underground tunnels and the old concert hall, where some claim to hear the piano played by the ghost of Flora Stanley. Beyond its spooky reputation, the hotel boasts stunning views, elegant rooms, and fine dining, blending a high-end experience with supernatural intrigue.
Whether you're drawn to its paranormal past, looking for a scare, or just want to soak in the Halloween atmosphere, the Stanley offers a thrilling escape. Guests often leave with unexplained chills, ghostly encounters, and stories to tell—making it a perfect Halloween destination for those seeking both luxury and mystery.
A Haunted Fortress of Forgotten History
Bannerman Castle, New York, USA
Bannerman Castle is an ideal day-trip from New York City. Located on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, the haunted site is a must-see for anyone interested in history, mystery and the paranormal. Constructed in the early 20th century by Francis Bannerman VI as a storage facility for surplus military supplies, the castle was left partially completed and abandoned after the architect's sudden death in 1918. A fire in 1969 further deteriorated the site, leaving the ruins visitors see today.
The castle is said to be haunted by the spirits of workers who died during its construction, alongside the lingering ghosts of the castle’s military past. Visitors often report spine-chilling encounters, from ghostly apparitions to unsettling noises that echo through the ruins, creating an atmosphere thick with mystery and intrigue.
A guided tour to Bannerman Castle will typically last around two hours. You’ll start the tour with a boat ride to the island, giving you the opportunity to explore its haunting beauty up close and perhaps even leave with a chilling tale or two of your own.
For those of you looking to extend your spooky experience, the nearby town of Cold Springs offers a range of ghost tours that delve into the area’s haunted history. The Hudson Valley, with a rich past and supernatural lore, is also home to Sleepy Hollow. This legendary village was made famous by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. This makes an ideal excursion for fans of gothic and ghoulish novels.
Whispers of the Past in a Haunted Port Town
Port Townsend, Washington, USA
Port Townsend, Washington, is an underrated yet captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, hauntings and stunning natural beauty. Located on the scenic Olympic Peninsula, this charming town boasts a rich maritime heritage, evident in its well-preserved Victorian architecture and eerie tales of ghostly apparitions of those who once sailed the Salish Sea.
Start your journey at The Palace Hotel, where guests have reported sightings of unexplainable figures and mysterious sounds. Built in 1889 by retired sea captain Henry L. Tibbals, and home to many businesses throughout the years, but most famously ran as a brothel from 1925 to 1933. Rumour has it, some of the girls never left.
For a truly spine-tingling experience, join one of the popular ghost tours that wind through the town’s historic streets, where knowledgeable guides share chilling stories of lost sailors and haunted buildings.
While wandering the historic district, be sure to visit the Port Townsend Cemetery, where visitors have reported encounters with spectral figures. The nearby Fort Worden State Park also has its share of ghostly legends, with tales of soldiers from the past lingering in its bunkers.
With its blend of history and haunting stories, Port Townsend offers a unique and thrilling getaway for those looking to delve into the paranormal, making it a top destination for curious travellers.
Elegance Meets Eerie in the Rockies
Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada
Opening in 1888, The Banff Springs Hotel is renowned not only for its breathtaking views and stunning architecture, but also for its ghostly legends.
Perhaps most famously, tales have been shared of a bride who tragically fell down the grand staircase on her wedding day. Guests have reported seeing her spirit, dressed in her wedding gown, wandering the halls. Room 873 is notorious for unexplained phenomena, where visitors have experienced eerie noises, cold drafts, and even glimpsed a spectral woman believed to be associated with the room's tragic past.
Whether staying at the hotel, or simply exploring, don’t miss the chance to join a ghost tour, where guides, appearing as the spirits that roam the halls, share chilling stories of its haunted history and encounters with otherworldly beings. The hotel’s opulent interiors, dark hallways, and rich history provide the perfect backdrop for a spooky adventure.
Whether you're drawn by the luxury, the stunning mountain scenery, or the allure of its haunted tales, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers an unforgettable experience that blends elegance with a touch of the supernatural.
Echoes of Incarceration in a Gothic Landmark
Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania, USA
Once a notorious prison, Eastern State Penitentiary is a must-visit location over the Halloween season if you love exploring eerie, forgotten places. Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, Eastern State now stands as a haunting ruin that offers a glimpse into the past. Its crumbling cellblocks and Gothic architecture are perfect for an afternoon of exploring.
You can easily spend 2-3 hours wandering the eerie corridors of Eastern State Penitentiary. The self-guided audio tour, narrated by Steve Buscemi, offers a well-rounded experience, covering the prison’s rich history, notorious inmates, including Al Capone, and distinctive architecture. If you’re someone who craves even more detail, join one of the penitentiary’s guided tours that dive even deeper into the stories within these walls. Visit during the Halloween season for an unforgettable experience, from special events such as “Terror Behind the Walls”, a haunted house experience, guaranteed to deliver a spooky thrill.
Wanting to combine the penitentiary into a Haunting Weekend Break? Philadelphia has a tonne of spooky attractions to pair with your visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary. Check out The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride in nearby Glen Mills for an intense haunted hayride and chilling sets. In South Philly, Fright Factory delivers high-intensity scares in a massive, creepy warehouse. For a more historic experience, explore Laurel Hill Cemetery with its ghost tours and candlelit walks through the hauntingly beautiful grounds, or take the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia through the haunted streets of Old City, where centuries of stories seem to linger. If you’re up for a real thrill, visit Pennhurst Asylum, a former mental institution turned haunted attraction — it's just an hour outside the city, but the chills will stay with you for much longer!
As autumn casts its enchanting spell over North America, the perfect opportunity arises to explore the region's haunting history and spine-tingling folklore. From the chilling tales of Salem's witch trials to the ghostly soldiers of Gettysburg, each destination invites you to uncover the mysteries of the past while experiencing the beauty of the season. Whether you seek the elegance of the Banff Springs Hotel or the eerie corridors of Eastern State Penitentiary, these haunted adventures promise not just a thrill, but a deeper connection to the stories that have shaped these remarkable places.
This Halloween, embrace the adventure of exploring the supernatural alongside the breathtaking landscapes. Each location offers a unique blend of history, legend, and a dash of the unknown, making them ideal for those who love to delve into the eerie side of travel. So gather your courage, pack your bags, and prepare for a spooky season filled with unforgettable memories that will linger long after the last ghostly tale is told.
If you’re ready to start planning your haunting getaway, contact us at Tides & Trails Travel Co. to create your customised itinerary today! Happy haunting!
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