Where the Interlake Gets Its Frights

October in Manitoba’s Interlake comes alive with ghost stories, eerie landscapes, and haunted adventures. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly frights or bone-chilling experiences, here are the best ways to celebrate spooky season.

Nature with a Spooky Twist

Oak Hammock Marsh After Dark

The marsh transforms at night. Join an owl prowl or an evening walk where mist, moonlight, and the sounds of the wild make for a naturally spooky experience. Tucked near the Interpretive Centre sits “Duck Factory No. 1,” a weathered 1938 ranger’s cabin from the very first Ducks Unlimited project in Canada, a lonely little relic on the edge of the wetland.

Hecla Ghost Stories

Old Icelandic legends and shipwreck tales haunt Hecla Island. A dusk stroll through the historic village is the perfect way to let those stories sink in.

Steep Rock Cliffs at Sunset

Jagged limestone cliffs and shadowy caves on Lake Manitoba set an eerie stage as the sun dips below the horizon.

Abandoned Interlake

For those drawn to the ghostly beauty of what’s been left behind, the north Interlake hides its own eerie landmarks. Far up in the RM of Grahamdale, the abandoned Canadian National Railway swing bridge still spans the Fairford River, a rusting steel truss built around 1910 to carry the line to the Gypsumville mines, once designed to pivot open for passing ships and now silent. It’s a haunting stop for history buffs and photographers willing to make the drive.

Haunted Heritage & Historic Spots

Scary Dog Central | Prairie Dog Central’s Halloween Takeover (New for 2026)

The Prairie Dog Central Railway rolls out its first-ever Halloween takeover this year, and it’s a big one. Board the historic train at Inkster Junction (64099 Prairie Dog Trail, Rosser), ride the rails into the countryside, and step off at the festival grounds in Warren, MB, for activities, treats and photo ops before the trip home. Two experiences to choose from:

• Family Fun Halloween Adventure: not-so-scary, all ages, with music, characters and family surprises. Daytime runs, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., on Oct 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31.
• Train of Terror: an after-dark ride with live scares, theatrical performances and haunted attractions (recommended 14+), 6:00–10:30 p.m., on Oct 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30 & 31.
• Watch for the special Transylvanian Train of Terror on Oct 22 & 29.

Buy tickets in advance online; popular dates will sell out. Grab yours at scarydogcentral.com.

Lower Fort Garry Ghost Walking Tours

Stone walls, dim lanterns, and echoes of the past make this fort hauntingly atmospheric. The Friends of Lower Fort Garry host Ghost Walking Tours across ten October nights: Oct 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31, running 6:30–10:30 p.m. Because of the frightening nature of some of the stories, it’s not recommended for children under 10. Book through folfg.com.

Selkirk’s Historic Sites

Wander the grounds of the old psychiatric hospital or join a ghost walk through Selkirk’s historic district. With layers of eerie history, the town has plenty to set your spine tingling.

Frightful Fun & Festivals

Six Pines Haunted Attractions

Just beyond the edge of Winnipeg lies one of Manitoba’s most elaborate Halloween destinations, celebrating 28 years of scaring souls. Six Pines Haunted Attractions isn’t your average haunted house; it’s a full-scale fright park with themed houses, outdoor mazes and live actors. Fear by Night cranks the terror up for thrill-seekers (viewer discretion advised), while the Family Ghoul Flashlight Haunt offers gentler chills on five select afternoons in October. Nightly capacity is limited, and tickets are on sale now. See the October calendar and book at sixpineshaunted.com.

Boonstra Farms Corn Maze

Every fall, Boonstra Farms near Stonewall turns its fields into a twisting 10-acre corn maze that draws families from across the region. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00–6:00 p.m., with admission of $13 / adult, $10 / child (4–12), free for 3 and under. Admission includes the corn maze and kids’ maze, petting zoo, hayrides, bale maze, train ride and Murray’s mountain slide, and Boony’s Chip Truck is on site. The Halloween maze starts October 17 and adds the spine-tingling Tower of Terror and Black Hole. (Weekdays are reserved for group bookings of 25+.) While you’re there, look for the weathered Langtry Fox Farm Tower on the property, a roughly 1919 fur-farm tower on Highway 67, a genuine piece of eerie Interlake heritage.

Marine Museum Halloween Haunt

Selkirk’s Marine Museum of Manitoba, at the entrance to Selkirk Park (490 Eveline St.), offers one of the province’s most unique Halloween experiences: a haunted house set aboard historic ships. The S.S. Keenora is the scariest. Expect strobe lights, fog, dark passageways and stairs (parental discretion strongly advised; not suited to very young children), while the M.S. Lady Canadian is decorated for gentler fun that little ones can enjoy, and a third ship is packed with games and activities. Held on select Friday and Saturday evenings over the last two weekends of October, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Pay at the door (no advance tickets; cash, debit and credit accepted), with a heated concession ship on board.