11 haunted houses and ghost tours in Calgary to get you into the Halloween spirit

There is no better way to truly celebrate Halloween than getting scared. Whether you prefer the tamer thrills of a spooky ghost tour or the scream-worthy sights inside a haunted house, Calgary’s abundance of terrifying events won’t leave you disappointed.

Haunted houses

Aspen Crossing’s Train of Terror

What: As advertised on their website, this event is not for the faint of heart. This two and a half hour trip involves gory scenes, squeezing into small spaces, and getting up close and personal with both actors and props. If you manage to survive through the train cars, you can celebrate with some food and libations for purchase at the end.
Where: Aspen Crossing, 1 km west of Mossleigh, AB on Highway 24
When: October 21-22, 28-30 at 3 pm (Saturdays and Sundays only) or 7 pm
Cost: $69.99

Shawnessy Haunted House – 55 Feet of Terror

What: This haunted house starts in the graveyard, with ghouls and grim reapers. A home in Shawnessy is haunted for Halloween and open to everyone. Boasting 55-feet of terror, the haunted house is free to enter but donations are accepted for the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. Organizers say the house is moderately scary and can be toned down for kids by request. We dare you to not scream.
Where: 78 Shawbrooke Rise SW
When: October 29 – 31 from 6 to 9 pm
Cost: Donation to the Interfaith Food Bank

ScreamFest

What: ScreamFest is Canada’s biggest Halloween festival, and runs this year at The Grandstand Building at Stampede Park. Rated PG13, ScreamFest features a huge array of haunted houses, Halloween-themed carnival games, and plenty of creepy and disturbing entertainment. Although it is usually open to all ages, this year there will be a ScreamFest adults-only night on October 27, complete with booze and ID checks at the door.
Where: The Grandstand Building at Stampede Park – 3rd Street SE
When: Now to October 31

AirScares Airdrie Haunted House

What: Airdrie’s fifth annual haunted house features realistic special effects, hidden mazes, a mind freak room, animatronic props and actors competing for the most number of “unicorns” – the house’s safe word that guests can yell to be escorted out of the house if they’re too scared.
Where: 805 Main Street Airdrie
When: October 20-23 and 26-30 from 7 to 10 pm, times vary

Haunted Calgary’s The Coven

What: Visit this attraction set in Salem Massachusetts in 1692, where you can choose to have live actors (high scare) or no actors (low scare).
Where: 222 Rocky Ridge Bay NW
When: October 28, 29, 31 from 6 to 10 pm
Cost: By Donation ($10 Recommended plus two cans of food per person)

Silverado Drive Haunted House

When: For over 25 years the house on Midglen Way has been haunted at Halloween, featuring spooky decorations, scenes and effects for those willing to get a scare. Last year, they’ve moved to Silverado Drive for the 2015 event and are back there again this year.
Where: 407 Silverado Drive SW
When: Monday, October 31 from dusk to midnight

Ghost tours

Kensington Ghost Walk

What: Halloween is the perfect time to enjoy the creepy tales served up on this Calgary ghost tour. You’ll meet in front of the Kensington Pub (207 10A Street N.W.) Look for the cape and top hat.
Where: Starts at Kensington Pub – 207 10A Street NW
When: Sunday, October 30 at 7pm
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for children aged six to 12

Inglewood Ghost Tour

What: Experience another Calgary ghost tour but this time in one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods. Meet by the benches in front of Rosso’s on the corner of 13 Street and 9 Avenue SE.
Where: Starts at the corner of 13 Street and 9th Avenue SE
When: Sunday, October 30 at 7pm
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for children aged six to 12

Halloween at The Fairmont Banff Springs

What: Join the historic hotel for an exclusive heritage ghost tour of the famous Fairmont Banff Springs.
When: Friday, October 21 to Saturday, October 29
Where: Fairmont Banff Springs – 405 Spray Avenue, Banff
Cost: $479 CAD per night based on double occupancy

The Ghosts of Fish Creek Provincial Park

What: Learn about the ghosts that are said to have haunted the area. The event is great for all ages, but keep in mind that it may scare younger children.
Where: Bow Valley Ranch – 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE
When: Wednesday, October 26 and Thursday, October 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost: $7

Paranormal Halloween Party

What: As a former funeral home, The Rose and Crown pub on 17th Ave is the perfect spot for a chilling evening. Ghost Hunt Alberta members will be on hand to discuss creepy stories and evidence of paranormal activity, or you can get one-on-one psychic readings from Bonnie Milner of Shadowdivination.
Where: 1503 4th Street SW
When: Sunday, October 30 from 7 to 11 pm
Cost: $50 not including food and drinks

If you were excited to check out Grim Manor again this year, you’ll have to wait until 2017 as they’re announced a hiatus for 2016.