As a kid, I had an infinite curiosity for ghost stories. I remember staying up way past bedtime to watch scary TV movies, and reading Grimm’s Ghost Stories by flashlight under the covers. As an adult, I avoid all things spooky. Horror movies? No way. Frightening fiction? Not a chance.
I do enjoy learning about real-life haunted places, though, and decided to be a tourist in my own hometown. The “Talking to the Dead” excursion with Muddy Waters Tours is a three-hour adventure designed for the ‘spirited’ personality. I was game, but also hesitant.
Our mission was to visit four Winnipeg locations suspected of hauntings, and investigate using basic tools and techniques. It sounded like an exciting way to spend an evening. I just hoped we wouldn’t actually encounter any ghosts.
What would that even be like? Our guide Kristen talked about sensations we might feel, such as dizziness, sudden change in temperature, being touched, or hearing sounds. She introduced us to the tools of the ghost hunting trade – dowsing rods, pendulums, and K2 meters. She also had an array of simple kids’ toys, and kids’ music on her phone, which would come in handy later.
First stop is the Manitoba Legislature, known to have a number of restless souls roaming its hallowed marble halls. Formally opened in 1920, it was here we ventured to see who – or perhaps what – was lurking in the shadows. After some initial questioning by Kristen, we got flickering on the K2 meter, and dowsing rod movement. Thrilling, yes, but not quite convincing.
Next, we stopped at Elmwood Cemetery, which is creepy enough after dark even without ghost hunting. Throw in a few tragic tales, and a child’s gravesite preserved like a spooky shrine, and it’s enough to get your imagination running. If I wasn’t with a group, my legs would have done the same and gotten the hell out of there.
At the Fort Garry Hotel, we heard a few strange bumps, which were definitely unnerving. It seemed like things were getting more real and a little more chilling as the tour progressed.
Then there’s St. Boniface Museum. Built for the Grey Nuns who arrived in the Red River Colony in 1844, it’s recognized as Winnipeg’s oldest building. With a history steeped in sickness, death, and war, it’s downright eerie.
We gathered in complete darkness, with only a flashlight. As Kristen asked questions, the K2 flickered. It appeared we had connected with a child, or possibly children. Since little ghosts are known to like music, together we sang Frere Jacques. Both the pendulum and K2 reacted some more. Then something utterly unexplainable happened.
Kristen put a children’s song on speaker phone, placed it in the middle of our circle, and told the kids if they liked the song, they could dance. The K2 lights went wild. I felt a chill down my spine. At that moment, all doubt flew out the window. I believed.
And now that I know where the ghosts are in my hometown of Winnipeg, I’ll be staying as far away as possible.
