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Spooky Alberni Valley!

Fun Halloween Events plus Haunted Places in and around Port Alberni

Ghost stories and haunted places in Port Alberni, Paper Mill Dam ghost

Looking for a spooky way to spend this Halloween in the Alberni Valley? Believe it or not, Port Alberni is home to a number of famous haunted spots, from ghost sightings to eerie creatures lurking in deep, dark waters. We’ve gathered some of the scariest local ghost stories for your spooky enjoyment, including tales of haunted places like Paper Mill Dam and the mysterious Cameron Lake Creature. Who knows, maybe you’ll even want to do a little ghost busting yourself!

If you are looking for fun Halloween themed events, check out the October events in Port Alberni listed at the end of this post.

Paper Mill Dam Ghost Sightings

Rumors abound surrounding the Paper Mill Dam area of the Somass River. According to local sources, there is an apparition of a woman floating on top of, or emerging from, the water. The woman is allegedly searching for her lost baby and has been known to call out as she passes by. Others have seen ghost lights floating along the river. This haunting dates back to the 1930s and is well-known among longtime residents of the Alberni Valley. To learn more about this legend and others, check out “The Haunting of Vancouver Island” by Shanon Sinn.

Cameron Lake Monster: The Local Legend

Cameron Lake Monster sighting

Source: CTV News

What could be lurking beneath the surface at Cameron Lake? Could there be a giant sea monster? In 2009, a group of Cryptid Scientific Investigators from the BC Scientific Cryptozoology Club scoured the bottom of Cameron Lake to test the legend. What they found was rather interesting: indeed, there is something very large residing in the deeps—something long and cylindrical in shape. Could it be a large sturgeon, or perhaps something else? (Psst… we mean snake monster!)

“It could be a sturgeon – could be something else, but whatever it is – it’s large.” – John Kirk, co-founder of the BC Scientific Cryptozoology Club. (source)

Read more on CTV News or “Is There A Cameron Lake Monster?” over at Visit Parksville Qualicum Beach.

The Mysterious Weiner House Explosion

This tale will make you want to check the stove twice before heading off to bed!

Nils Weiner arrived with his wife Carolina (Anna) in the Alberni Valley around 1913, settling near what is now Sproat Lake Landing. A homesteader, avid hunter, and fisherman, Nils was a true outdoorsman. Tragically, his beloved wife Anna died suddenly at the age of 42, leaving Nils alone and heartbroken. Although he remained a well-respected member of the community, Nils became troubled in his later years and was rumored to have a few run-ins with locals.

Then, one September night in 1944, Nils mysteriously vanished without a trace. In the early morning hours of September 23rd, 1944, residents surrounding the lake were awakened by a tremendous explosion that rattled doors and windows for miles. The Weiner house was gone, and all of the outbuildings were burned to the ground. Nils’ body was never found. Was it an accident, foul play, or a marvelous act of “self-disappearance”? No one will ever know…

Source: Cowichan Valley Citizen

If that’s not enough to send shivers up your spine, we suggest you take a stroll tonight and see if you can find your own spooky story to share!

Fun Halloween Events in the Alberni Valley This October

Looking for some festive ways to celebrate Halloween in the Alberni Valley? From pumpkin patches to family skate nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of local events to make this October memorable:

  • Alberni Pacific Railway: Autumn Express – Saturday, October 12th. Enjoy some Hot Apple Cider while you decorate your own Pumpkin Ornament at the Craft Station. Perfect for those who enjoy a little history with their Halloween!
  • Sproat Lake Witch Paddle – Saturday, October 12th. Paddle along the beautiful Sproat Lake in costume with friends and family for a whimsical day on the water.
  • Pumpkin Patch Tours at Arrowvale Campground – Every Saturday and Sunday in October. Bring the whole family to pick the perfect pumpkin and enjoy some seasonal activities in the great outdoors.
  • Dark Arts Market Day – Saturday, October 26th & 27th. Explore unique local arts and crafts with a seasonal twist. It’s a great opportunity to find some Halloween-inspired treasures!
  • Halloween Beerfest (19+) – Saturday, October 26th. For the adults, enjoy a night of festive brews and good company at this lively beer festival.
  • Family Halloween Dance Party – October 31st. Put on your favorite costume and dance the night away at this family-friendly Halloween bash.
  • Arrowsmith Family Skate Night – October 31st. Get into the Halloween spirit with a family skate night at Alberni Valley Multiplex, where costumes are encouraged, and fun is guaranteed!

With so many great options, the Alberni Valley is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween this year. Whether you’re looking for family fun or a little seasonal craftiness, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the festivities!