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Unsolved Canadian Mysteries
Unsolved Canadian Mysteries
Author: Unsolved Canadian Mysteries
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Behind every feel-good Canadian story is another that is dark, twisted and mysterious. Come listen and learn about the stories that shook the nation -- or maybe didn't -- in our new podcast series, Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, with co-hosts Kenton de Jong and Dylan Fairman.
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Deep in the misty waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence lies Anticosti Island, a place of treacherous shipwrecks, ghostly legends, and one of Canada’s most enigmatic figures—Louis-Olivier Gamache, better known as the Sorcerer of Anticosti Island.Born in 1784 in LeLay, Quebec, Gamache’s life was an odyssey of hardship and adventure. As a boy of eleven, he joined the British Navy, sailing across the world before returning to find his parents dead. With nothing left for him in his hometown, he sought a fresh start, opening a store in Rimouski—only to see it consumed by flames. Misfortune seemed to follow him, but instead of yielding to fate, Gamache carved out an existence on the remote and wild Anticosti Island.There, he made a home in Baie Ellis, surviving by hunting, fishing, and trading with passing ships. The island’s infamous shipwrecks became an opportunity, as Gamache provided supplies to desperate sailors who washed ashore. But his solitude and resilience soon took on an air of mystery. Was he merely a hardened survivor, or did something more sinister lurk in the shadows of his isolated existence?Stories of Gamache’s unyielding defense of his home began to spread. He was said to have kept an arsenal of weapons—rifles, pistols, and even bayonets—ready to fend off any who dared intrude. When an armed Innu man once ignored his warning, Gamache shot him in the leg, nursed him back to health, and then sent him away with a grim warning for others: the next man would be shot in the head.But it wasn’t just his fierce reputation that made Gamache a legend. It was the whispers of the supernatural. According to some, he was not just a man but a sorcerer, capable of calling upon dark forces. One tale tells of his ship, chased by pursuers, vanishing in a fireball—only for the wreckage to never be found. Another speaks of how he could summon the wind at will, leaving other vessels becalmed while his ship sailed on.Perhaps the most chilling story involves Gamache checking into an inn in Rimouski, ordering two extravagant meals. When the innkeeper inquired about his guest, Gamache coldly replied it was none of her concern. Yet when she later entered his room, she was horrified—both plates had been eaten from, both chairs drawn up to the table. But only Gamache was present. The town soon buzzed with rumors that the Sorcerer of Anticosti had dined with the Devil himself.Even in death, his legend refused to fade. A trapper named Goudreau discovered Gamache’s lifeless body in 1854 and buried him beside his wife. But some say his spirit lingers, bound to the winds and waves of Anticosti, where the lost souls of shipwrecked sailors still wander.Who was Louis Gamache? A man hardened by life’s cruelties, a trickster who played upon superstition, or something far more otherworldly? The full story of the Sorcerer of Anticosti Island awaits.
The Serial Killer of Toronto's Gay Village is a dark chapter in Canadian true crime history—one that exposed both the vulnerabilities of the city’s LGBTQ+ community and the investigative missteps that allowed a predator to go undetected for years. The man responsible, Bruce McArthur, was an unassuming landscaper and part-time mall Santa Claus, who managed to hide his violent tendencies behind a friendly smile and a grandfatherly demeanor.The case began in the early 2010s when men started disappearing from Toronto’s Gay Village. The vibrant neighborhood, known for its inclusivity and nightlife, was suddenly gripped by fear. Many of the missing men were of Middle Eastern or South Asian descent, raising concerns that the disappearances might be racially or culturally motivated. Families and friends of the victims voiced their concerns to police, but initial investigations turned up few leads. The Toronto Police Service, unfamiliar with the dynamics of the LGBTQ+ community and the intricacies of online dating apps where many of the victims met their killer, struggled to make progress.Bruce McArthur was initially overlooked as a suspect. He was a senior citizen, a landscaper with a solid work ethic, and a man who posed for cheerful holiday photos with children as Santa Claus at a local mall. But beneath his seemingly benign exterior was a deeply troubled individual. McArthur had a history of domestic and emotional struggles: a difficult upbringing, a failed marriage, financial problems, and a prior conviction for assault. Witnesses later came forward to report his violent behavior, but these red flags were initially dismissed.As more men vanished—each with similar backgrounds and physical characteristics—police began to suspect they were dealing with a serial killer. The breakthrough came when investigators connected McArthur to the disappearances through digital evidence on dating apps and GPS records linked to his landscaping business. In January 2018, police executed a search warrant at his apartment and discovered horrific evidence: photographs of his victims and personal belongings kept as trophies.Further investigation revealed that McArthur had hidden the remains of his victims in planters at properties where he had worked. The large flower planters were taken in for forensic analysis, eventually leading to the identification of eight victims. His crimes shocked the nation and raised critical questions about police practices and the systemic barriers that delayed the investigation.In 2019, McArthur pleaded guilty to eight counts of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. The case prompted an internal review of the Toronto Police Service’s handling of missing persons cases, particularly those involving marginalized communities.The story of Bruce McArthur is more than just a tale of a serial killer—it is a sobering reminder of the importance of listening to communities, improving investigative practices, and understanding that evil can sometimes hide behind the most ordinary of appearances.Join us as we uncover the chilling details of The Serial Killer of Toronto's Gay Village in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The Mystery of Charles Coughlin's Coffin is a tale of life, death, and a posthumous journey that has baffled historians for over a century. Charles Coughlin, a British actor with a flair for the dramatic, lived a life filled with adventure, scandal, and uncertainty. But it is not his performances on stage that made him famous—it’s the mystery of what happened to his coffin after his death.Coughlin was a well-known performer in the late 19th century, traveling across North America and Europe for his craft. His life off-stage was equally eventful, marked by tumultuous marriages, financial ups and downs, and a fondness for seaside retreats. He particularly loved his summer home in Prince Edward Island, a place he once described as his "peace away from the world."In 1899, Coughlin traveled to Galveston, Texas, to perform in The Royal Box. While there, he fell seriously ill. After a month of suffering, he passed away, far from the ocean breeze he cherished so much. His family, unsure of where to bury him, placed his body in a temporary crypt in Galveston while they debated their options. Some wanted him buried in New York, where his career flourished. Others believed he should rest in PEI, where he had found happiness.But before a decision could be made, nature intervened. In September 1900, Galveston was struck by one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The storm surge obliterated the city, killing thousands and leaving the landscape unrecognizable. Cemeteries were not spared. Coughlin’s mausoleum was torn apart, and his coffin was swept into the Gulf of Mexico, disappearing into the sea.For years, Coughlin’s family mourned his loss—twice over. His body, they assumed, was gone forever. Yet the story did not end there. Legend has it that years later, a coffin matching Coughlin’s description washed ashore in Prince Edward Island, thousands of kilometers from where it had been lost. Locals claimed the nameplate, though corroded, still bore his name.Was it mere coincidence, or was it something more? The waters of the Atlantic, driven by currents and time, had seemingly carried Coughlin back to the place he loved most. Skeptics dismiss the story as a maritime myth, but locals stand by their claim.Did Charles Coughlin’s coffin truly make the long journey across the Atlantic to rest at his beloved summer home? Or is this tale nothing more than a ghostly legend, carried along with the ocean’s whispers?Join us as we unravel the mystery of The Mystery of Charles Coughlin's Coffin in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The Paranormal Investigation of the First Wolseley Cemetery took us to one of Saskatchewan's oldest and most mysterious burial grounds. Nestled just outside the town of Wolseley, the cemetery is said to be the resting place of many early settlers who fought tirelessly to establish the community. But while history paints a picture of perseverance and hard work, local lore speaks of something much darker.The cemetery was abandoned after a devastating fire in 1905 destroyed many of the wooden grave markers. Without proper records, countless graves were lost to time, and the site was left to nature. Over the decades, stories of paranormal activity began to surface. Visitors reported hearing whispers, experiencing cold spots, and even encountering shadowy figures near the tree line. The sound of low growling, seemingly from nowhere, has been described by more than one witness.When we arrived for our investigation, we were surprised by the cemetery’s condition. Contrary to its haunted reputation, the site was well-maintained, with clear paths and preserved markers. The air was calm, and there was a palpable sense of respect and tranquility. We walked through the grounds, documenting our surroundings and searching for anomalies.Despite the eerie stories, the investigation yielded few signs of paranormal activity. Our equipment recorded no unusual electromagnetic activity, and the temperature remained consistent throughout the night. We captured audio recordings and reviewed them later, finding only the natural sounds of the prairie night.However, one unexplained anomaly left us intrigued. A faint, rhythmic knocking sound appeared on one of our recordings, seemingly responding to our questions. Was it the wind? A tree branch? Or perhaps something more?Join us for our second-ever on-location paranormal investigation as we share our findings from the First Wolseley Cemetery—and decide for yourself if the spirits of the past are still watching.
The Partridge Creek Monster is one of the Yukon’s strangest and most debated cryptid sightings. First reported in 1903, this mysterious creature has captured the imagination of locals, cryptozoologists, and skeptics alike for over a century. Witnesses described a massive, dinosaur-like animal prowling the snowy landscape—a creature seemingly from prehistoric times that had no business existing in the modern world.The first documented sighting occurred near the Partridge River in the Yukon Territory in 1903. The group of witnesses included French writer Georges Dupuy, gold prospector James Lewis Buttler, trapper Tom Leemore, Catholic missionary Father Pierre Lavagneux, and five First Nations individuals. They claimed to have seen a creature unlike anything they had ever encountered: a massive reptilian beast standing 12 feet wide and 30 feet long. Its skin was rough and dark, resembling that of an enormous lizard. The creature’s feet were five feet long, each tipped with razor-sharp claws measuring a foot in length. Its long tail, nearly 10 feet in length, dragged behind it, leaving deep impressions in the snow. Most notably, it bore a short, square horn on its snout and had the face of a dog.The witnesses followed the creature’s tracks for hours, observing it from a safe distance as it crossed frozen rivers and plowed through deep snowdrifts with ease. Father Lavagneux, a respected member of the community, was particularly adamant about what he saw, insisting the beast resembled illustrations of theropod dinosaurs like Ceratosaurus.Four years later, in 1907, Father Lavagneux claimed to have seen the creature again—this time accompanied by ten First Nations witnesses. Once more, the description matched the original sighting: the same massive body, the same horned snout, and the same lumbering gait through the snowy wilderness.The reports of the Partridge Creek Monster spread quickly, sparking international intrigue. Newspapers across North America and Europe published accounts of the sighting, with some suggesting that the creature could be a surviving dinosaur species that had somehow endured in the remote Arctic. Skeptics, however, were less convinced. They argued that the footprints could have been left by a large moose or bear and that the witnesses were either mistaken or perpetuating a hoax.The skepticism did little to dissuade believers, especially when new reports surfaced years later. In 1928, a group of Siberian hunters claimed to have seen a similar creature in the remote Russian wilderness. Then, in 1999, residents of Fairbanks, Alaska, reported spotting a massive, dinosaur-like creature moving through a riverbed.Scientists remain unconvinced. The idea of a Ceratosaurus—or any large dinosaur—surviving into the 20th century defies everything we know about extinction and evolution. The harsh Yukon climate would make survival for such a creature virtually impossible. Yet, the detailed and consistent descriptions from multiple witnesses, spread across decades and continents, leave room for curiosity.Was the Partridge Creek Monster a prehistoric survivor, an undiscovered species, or an elaborate hoax? And if it was a hoax, why have similar sightings persisted for nearly a century?Join us as we explore the fascinating mystery of The Partridge Creek Monster in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The Legless Wonder of Nova Scotia is a mystery that has perplexed historians and locals alike for more than a century. The tale begins on a chilly morning in 1863, when eight-year-old George Albright stumbled upon a strange figure on the shores of Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia. What he initially thought was a pile of driftwood turned out to be a man—unconscious, disoriented, and missing both legs.George ran to get help, and soon, the townspeople gathered around the mysterious figure. The man was brought to the Albright family home, where they tried to communicate with him, but he remained silent. The locals attempted several languages, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and even Latin, but the man did not respond to any of them. When asked his name, he eventually uttered just one word: Jerome.Jerome’s legs appeared to have been amputated just above the knees, and the wounds were clean and precise, suggesting a surgical procedure rather than an accident. He was dressed in fine clothing, indicating he may have come from wealth or a ship with high-ranking passengers. There were no identifying papers or possessions on him, and he seemed to have no recollection of how he got there.The people of Sandy Cove took pity on Jerome and cared for him, but his presence became a local curiosity. After some time, it was decided he should be sent to the nearby community of Meteghan, a predominantly Acadian Catholic settlement, as it was believed he was Catholic due to the rosary beads found in his pocket. The people of Meteghan welcomed him, though his presence quickly became a source of fascination.Jerome was soon put on display as a roadside attraction. Tourists traveled from across the province to catch a glimpse of the legless man of Sandy Cove. He sat silently, often scowling at the attention he received. Donations collected from curious visitors helped cover the costs of his care, but Jerome never revealed any more information about his origins.Speculation about his identity ran rampant. Some believed he was a sailor who had been injured at sea, while others suggested he was a deserter from a European warship. One popular theory claimed he was an Italian nobleman cast aside after some scandal or betrayal. Another rumor suggested he was the victim of a brutal punishment—his legs removed as retribution for piracy.Despite the intrigue surrounding him, Jerome lived out his days in quiet solitude. He was cared for by various families in Meteghan and nearby Saint Alphonse, where he died in 1912. To the very end, he never disclosed his true identity or the circumstances that led to his abandonment on the beach.Who was Jerome? Was he a soldier, a sailor, or someone running from a dangerous past? And why did he remain silent for all those years?Join us as we uncover the mystery of The Legless Wonder of Nova Scotia in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The disappearance of Mekayla Bali remains one of Saskatchewan’s most haunting unsolved mysteries. On April 12, 2016, the 16-year-old girl from Yorkton vanished without a trace, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a heartbroken family still searching for answers.Mekayla Bali was described by friends and family as a quiet, shy, and introverted teenager. She was a homebody who enjoyed spending time on her phone, using anonymous messaging apps to talk to people online. One of these apps was Kik, a popular platform that has since gained notoriety for being exploited by online predators. Mekayla often dreamed of traveling to larger cities like Regina or Saskatoon, though she had never ventured far from home on her own.The day before her disappearance, April 11, Mekayla made unusual comments to her friends. She mentioned plans to go on a trip and asked for a ride to the bank. When her friends were unable to help, she called the bank herself and deposited $25 into her account. She later claimed she would soon have $5,000 deposited and wanted a ride to the bank the next morning. However, police investigations later revealed that her account never had anything close to that amount.The next morning, Mekayla was dropped off at Yorkton Regional High School around 8:20 a.m. But instead of heading to class, she walked straight through the school and out the back door just minutes later. Surveillance cameras across Yorkton captured her movements over the next few hours. Footage showed her visiting a pawn shop, a local gas station, and a Tim Hortons restaurant. Witnesses later reported that she asked strangers for a ride to Regina, but nobody took her up on the request.By late morning, Mekayla returned briefly to the high school but left again almost immediately. Her last confirmed sighting was at a local restaurant around 1:45 p.m. that afternoon. After that, she vanished.The investigation into her disappearance was hampered by significant challenges. Mekayla’s use of Kik and other social media platforms complicated efforts to trace her online activity. The RCMP encountered a ten-month delay in obtaining her messaging history due to U.S. privacy regulations. When authorities finally gained access, the records only deepened the mystery. While Mekayla had been in contact with several individuals online, none appeared to have any concrete information about her whereabouts.Theories about her disappearance have ranged from the tragic to the sinister. Some suggest she may have run away to meet an online acquaintance or was lured into human trafficking. Others believe she may have died by suicide or become entangled in something more nefarious. Despite numerous leads and possible sightings across Canada and the United States, none have been definitively confirmed.Mekayla’s family remains hopeful that she is still alive. They have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about her case, sharing her story on social media and offering a substantial reward for information. To this day, the questions linger: Where did Mekayla go? Who was she planning to meet? And what really happened that April morning in 2016?Join us as we explore the chilling mystery of The Disappearance of Mekayla Bali in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
In the early 20th century, as the world grappled with the profound loss caused by World War I and the Spanish Influenza pandemic, one Canadian couple sought to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. Thomas Glendenning Hamilton, a respected physician and member of Manitoba's Legislative Assembly, and his wife Lillian May Hamilton, turned to the unknown in search of answers. Their experiments with séances and ectoplasmic photography would become some of the most famous—and controversial—paranormal investigations in Canadian history.The Hamiltons' journey into the supernatural began in 1919, following the death of their young son during the influenza pandemic. Overcome with grief, T. G. Hamilton remembered a conversation he'd had with a colleague years earlier about a psychic in the United States who claimed to communicate with the dead. Desperate for answers, the Hamiltons decided to explore spiritualism themselves.Their early experiments were modest—sessions with a Ouija board in the dim light of their Winnipeg home. But as time passed, their practices became more elaborate. They installed multiple cameras around their séance room to capture any possible paranormal activity. What they documented shocked even the most skeptical observers.The photographs the Hamiltons produced showed ghostly figures, floating faces, and strange, web-like substances emerging from the mouths and noses of their séance participants. This material, known as ectoplasm, was said to be a physical manifestation of spiritual energy. In one particularly famous image, a veil-like substance appears to extend from a medium's mouth, forming what some claim is the face of a deceased relative.The Hamilton séances attracted widespread attention. Prominent figures from across North America, including politicians, academics, and authors, attended the sessions to witness the phenomenon firsthand. Even former Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, who had his own interest in spiritualism, took notice of the Hamiltons' work.Yet, the legitimacy of ectoplasmic photography remains highly debated. Many spiritualists at the time were exposed as frauds, often using cheesecloth, gauze, or other materials to mimic ectoplasm. However, no conclusive evidence of deception was ever found in the Hamiltons' case. Their meticulous documentation, scientific approach, and insistence on multiple witnesses at every séance set them apart from many of their contemporaries.Skeptics argue that the photographs are likely the result of clever manipulation, misinterpretation, or the power of suggestion. Supporters, however, point to the consistency of the images and the detailed records kept by the Hamiltons. The paranormal community continues to study these photographs, some of which are now housed in archives at the University of Manitoba.Was T. G. Hamilton truly able to document the physical manifestations of the afterlife? Or were his photographs elaborate illusions, fueled by the couple’s grief and the societal fascination with spiritualism during that era?Join us as we examine the strange case of T. G. Hamilton's Ectoplasmic Photography in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
On the morning of September 1, 1974, Edwin Fuhr, a farmer near Langenburg, Saskatchewan, set out to harvest his canola fields. It was a clear, crisp day, and Edwin was operating his swather when he crested a small hill on his property. What he saw next would change his life forever.As Edwin brought his swather to a stop, he noticed five metallic, dome-shaped objects arranged in a semi-circle near a slough on his land. The objects hovered silently just above the ground, each rotating rapidly. Intrigued but wary, Edwin dismounted his machinery and cautiously approached the strange objects. As he neared them, he could see they were smooth, reflective, and eerily symmetrical—like massive stainless steel bowls suspended in midair.When Edwin got within 15 feet of the closest object, he felt an overwhelming sense of unease. The objects' rapid, counterclockwise rotation disturbed the grass beneath them, creating swirling patterns. As fear set in, Edwin retreated to his swather and sat frozen with shock. After a few tense minutes, the objects began to rise. One by one, they ascended into the sky with a blast of hot steam, leaving circular depressions scorched into the ground. The crafts then accelerated into the clouds, vanishing without a sound.When Edwin returned home, he realized that more time had passed than he expected. Hours seemed to have slipped by, though the experience felt like it had lasted only moments. He told his family what had happened, and his father accompanied him back to the site to investigate. They found five perfect circles of flattened grass where the objects had hovered. The grass was bent in a spiraling pattern, as though it had been pressed down by something immense and hot.Word of Edwin's encounter spread quickly. His wife told his sister, who told her husband, who in turn called the RCMP. Soon, officers arrived to investigate the site. The strange circular marks showed no evidence of human tampering—no tracks, no footprints, and no mechanical imprints. The investigators were baffled.Within days, Edwin's farm became a circus of curiosity seekers. Media outlets from across Canada descended upon the small Saskatchewan town, eager to document the mystery. Edwin's once-quiet life was turned upside down as journalists, ufologists, and thrill-seekers camped on his property.Theories surrounding the encounter varied wildly. Some believed Edwin had witnessed extraterrestrial craft conducting some kind of survey or reconnaissance mission. Others speculated that he had seen advanced military aircraft being tested in secret. A few dismissed the event as a prank or a hoax—despite the RCMP's official findings that the site showed no signs of fabrication.Perhaps the strangest twist came when Edwin claimed to have received a phone call from none other than Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. According to Edwin, Armstrong asked detailed questions about the objects' appearance and behavior before offering his own thoughts on unexplained aerial phenomena.Nearly 50 years later, the mystery of Langenburg's UFO Encounter remains unsolved. What did Edwin Fuhr see that day? Was it alien technology, a military experiment, or a trick of the imagination?Join us as we investigate the incredible story of Edwin Fuhr in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The Mystery of the Calgary Mummy is one of Alberta’s most perplexing cold cases—a story of unease, discovery, and unanswered questions that has haunted the community of Tuxedo Park since 1948.It began when Alfred Pearce and his family moved into a modest house at 1805 20th Avenue NW in Calgary. From the moment they arrived, Mrs. Pearce complained of a strange, oppressive feeling in the home. She described it as a "creepy presence," like unseen eyes watching their every move. Her daughters echoed this discomfort, saying they often felt a cold sensation brushing against their skin.The unease reached a breaking point on their first night in the house. While helping her mother with the dishes, one of the Pearce daughters screamed in terror, claiming a ghostly, disembodied hand had reached out and touched her shoulder. Alfred Pearce initially dismissed the encounter as imagination or nerves, but as he tucked the children into bed later that night, he noticed something unusual: the floorboards in the bedroom were sagging.Curiosity and concern led Pearce to investigate further. He retrieved a crowbar and pried up the wooden boards. What he found beneath the floor made his blood run cold. Lying in a bed of ash was a mummified human corpse. The figure was clothed in a decayed leather jacket, with skin preserved by the dry, ashy conditions. Pearce immediately roused his family and rushed them out of the house before calling the authorities.Calgary detectives Gordon Gilkes and Frank Whiteside arrived to investigate the grisly discovery. The body appeared to have been there for quite some time, and initial estimates suggested it had been hidden for nearly two decades. In the jacket pocket, detectives found a faded, crumpled letter bearing the name Thomas C. Hall—a man who had vanished without a trace in 1929.The investigation into Hall’s death raised more questions than it answered. His brother, Wallace Hall, was brought in to identify the remains, and he confirmed that the coat matched one his brother had owned. But the circumstances of Thomas Hall's disappearance remained unclear. No signs of forced entry or struggle were ever found in the house, and no one recalled seeing him enter the property.Theories swirled around the discovery. Some speculated that Hall had been lured to the house and murdered, with his killer using the ashes of the old coal furnace to conceal the body. Others suggested he had been involved in bootlegging during Prohibition, and that his death was connected to organized crime. Yet no arrests were ever made, and the case eventually went cold.Even today, residents of Tuxedo Park speak of strange happenings in the house on 20th Avenue. Tenants have reported sudden cold spots, disembodied footsteps, and the sensation of being watched—echoes, perhaps, of the spirit of Thomas Hall still seeking justice.Who killed Thomas Hall? Why was his body hidden beneath the floorboards for nearly two decades? And what exactly happened in that small Calgary home in 1929?Join us as we uncover the chilling details of The Mystery of the Calgary Mummy in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
From the late 1950s to the mid-1980s, the city of London, Ontario, became an unlikely epicenter of terror, earning the grim title of The Serial Killer Capital of Canada. During this period, the small city saw an unprecedented wave of serial killings, with over 30 victims and a suspected 6 to 9 serial killers operating within its borders. To this day, many of these crimes remain unsolved, and the question of why London became a hunting ground for so many predators still haunts investigators.The story of this dark chapter begins with cases like that of Jackie English. On October 4, 1969, 15-year-old Jackie was finishing her shift at The Metropolitan and needed a ride home. Her mother, who usually picked her up, was recovering from surgery, so Jackie made arrangements with friends to give her a lift. However, when she climbed into the car that night, she never made it home. Her body was found five days later—beaten, raped, and discarded. Her murder was just one of many that overwhelmed the London Police Service during this time.The police were already stretched thin, investigating numerous other unsolved murders that shared disturbing similarities. The victims were often young women or children, abducted from familiar places and later found in remote locations. Investigators struggled with limited resources, outdated forensic techniques, and a growing sense of panic within the community. As more bodies were discovered, the realization set in: London was in the grip of multiple serial killers.Several of these criminals earned sinister nicknames based on their methods. The Chambermaid Slayer targeted women working in hotels. The Mad Slasher brutally attacked victims in their homes. The Bedroom Stranger scaled apartment balconies to enter homes undetected, attacking women as they slept. Despite widespread fear and intensive police efforts, many of these cases never reached a resolution.Experts have long debated why London experienced such a disproportionate number of serial killers. Some point to the city’s geography: London sits along major transportation routes, making it easier for criminals to travel in and out undetected. Others suggest the rapid population growth in the post-war years created social anonymity, providing fertile ground for predators to operate unnoticed. Still, others argue that flaws in early investigative techniques and jurisdictional overlap allowed killers to evade capture for years.Perhaps most chilling of all is the knowledge that some of these predators were eventually caught—but only after years of unchecked violence. Several suspects were later linked to murders through advancements in DNA technology, while others remain unidentified to this day.Why did London become Canada's serial killer capital? Was it chance, geography, or something more sinister? And how many of these killers were caught—and how many are still out there?Join us as we unravel the mystery of The Serial Killer Capital of Canada in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The disappearance of the Jack family is one of British Columbia’s most haunting mysteries. On August 1, 1989, Doreen Jack, 26, Ronald "Ronnie" Jack, 26, and their two sons, nine-year-old Russell and four-year-old Ryan, vanished without a trace after accepting a job offer from a stranger. More than three decades later, the family’s fate remains unknown.It all began at the First Litre Pub in Prince George, where Ronnie was approached by an unidentified man who claimed to have a lucrative short-term job opportunity. The man said that Ronnie could work at a nearby lumber mill, while Doreen could cook for the camp’s kitchen. He assured Ronnie that childcare was available for the boys and promised good pay—but there was one condition: they had to leave immediately.Excited about the prospect of work and eager to support his family, Ronnie returned home and explained the situation to Doreen. The family quickly packed a few belongings and climbed into the stranger’s vehicle, leaving behind their apartment and their extended family without warning. Ronnie called his mother later that night to share the news and promised they would return in a few weeks—just in time for the boys to start school in September. They never came back.In the days following their disappearance, family members grew increasingly concerned. The police were contacted, but the investigation was fraught with missteps. Witnesses who claimed to have seen the family leaving Prince George were dismissed, and crucial leads were either mishandled or ignored. Some investigators speculated that the family may have gone on an impromptu vacation, while others suggested foul play, but no concrete evidence ever emerged.Over the years, various theories have circulated. Some believe the Jack family was lured into a human trafficking scheme, while others suspect they were victims of a targeted attack. The unknown man who approached Ronnie at the pub was never identified, and the supposed lumber mill job was never verified.What makes the case even more unsettling is how often the family’s story slipped through the cracks. Early reports were delayed, leads were missed, and the investigation stalled repeatedly. Despite efforts to raise awareness, the Jack family’s case remains one of many unsolved disappearances in northern British Columbia—a region known for the infamous Highway of Tears.What happened to the Jack family that night in 1989? Was it a case of opportunistic crime, or did they stumble into something far more sinister?Join us as we unravel the mystery of The Jack Family Disappearance in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
Come celebrate Halloween the Unsolved Canadian Mysteries way, with scary stories from Dylan, Kenton and our editor Christina. Some stories are true, some are legends, and some are, well... you'll find out. This is our first attempt at something like this, so we would love to know your thoughts, and would love to know (after you finish watching it), how would YOU end the story of the three kids?
The Possession of Barbe Hallay is Canada's oldest documented case of demonic possession—a terrifying tale of obsession, curses, and supernatural forces that dates back to 1660 in Beauport, New France, near present-day Quebec City. It is a story of unrequited love that turned into a nightmare, involving prominent historical figures, unexplained phenomena, and a community gripped by fear.Barbe Hallay was a young teenager when she took a position working for a family in Beauport. One day, a man named Daniel Vuil arrived at the household and asked for her hand in marriage. Although only 13, Hallay was legally old enough to consent, but she declined his proposal. This rejection enraged Vuil, who stormed away from the property. According to legend, he retreated to his home, where he invoked dark forces to torment the young girl and bend her will to his.Soon after, strange and terrifying events began to unfold. Barbe was plagued by seizures, convulsions, and hallucinations. Witnesses claimed she spoke in tongues and displayed unnatural strength. She described visions of demonic figures and was often found writhing in agony, screaming of unseen tormentors. Objects reportedly moved on their own, and eerie noises filled the household, terrifying the entire community.The situation escalated when local religious authorities were called to intervene. Jesuit priests, including Father Paul Ragueneau, performed exorcism rites, recording the events in meticulous detail. Their writings describe the battle as a war with the forces of darkness, with Barbe’s body contorting and her voice shifting into guttural tones. The priests believed she was possessed by demons summoned by Vuil’s malicious intent.As word of the possession spread, it attracted the attention of key figures in New France, including Governor Pierre de Voyer d’Argenson. The case became a sensation, with crowds gathering to witness the exorcisms. Meanwhile, Daniel Vuil disappeared, and some believe he fled the colony to escape justice.The exorcisms continued for weeks, with Barbe experiencing periods of relief followed by renewed torment. It was only after her mother’s unwavering faith and the community’s relentless prayers that the possession seemingly ended. Barbe recovered, though she carried the trauma of the ordeal for the rest of her life.Was Barbe Hallay truly possessed by demons, or was this a case of extreme psychological distress exacerbated by religious and societal pressures? And what happened to Daniel Vuil—did he indeed wield supernatural forces, or was he merely a spurned suitor with a dangerous imagination?Join us as we delve into the spine-chilling story of The Possession of Barbe Hallay in our Halloween Special episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The Curse of the Lost Lemmon Mine is one of Alberta’s most enduring mysteries—a tale of gold, murder, and misfortune that has captivated treasure hunters for over a century. It began in 1870 when two prospectors, Joe Lemmon and his companion, known only as Blackjack, ventured into the wilderness near the North Saskatchewan River, not far from present-day Calgary. Their goal was simple: to strike it rich. What they found, however, was far more than they bargained for.As they scoured the riverbanks, Lemmon and Blackjack discovered placer gold deposits glinting in the sun. They followed the trail upstream until they uncovered what appeared to be a rich gold vein. Excited by their find, they quickly mined what they could, filling their bags with gold and ore. Exhausted but triumphant, the pair settled in for the night.When Joe Lemmon awoke the next morning, he was met with a gruesome sight. Blackjack lay dead beside the fire, his body bearing no signs of struggle or injury. Terrified, Lemmon grabbed the gold and fled the camp, running blindly through the wilderness until he reached civilization. Once back in Calgary, the gold was assessed, revealing that Lemmon had brought back an astonishing $27,000 worth of gold ore—a fortune in 1870, equivalent to nearly $700,000 today.Shaken but eager to retrieve more of the treasure, Lemmon organized a second expedition. Yet, despite his best efforts, he was unable to relocate the site. Dense forests, shifting landscapes, and a growing sense of dread seemed to conspire against him. Each new attempt to find the lost mine ended in frustration or disaster. Some search parties were turned back by unexplained illnesses, accidents, and even violent encounters with others who had heard rumors of the gold. Thus, the legend of The Curse of the Lost Lemmon Mine was born.Over the decades, numerous treasure hunters have tried their luck, scouring the forests and hills around the North Saskatchewan River. Some claim to have found traces of gold; others tell tales of ghostly figures that guard the supposed location. Indigenous legends speak of a cursed land, warning outsiders to stay away. In 2005, a massive flood unearthed new deposits of quartz and gold in the region, reigniting interest in the mine's potential whereabouts.Did Lemmon stumble upon a lost motherlode of gold that remains hidden to this day? Was Blackjack’s death a tragic accident, or was it something more sinister? And is the mine truly cursed, or simply a story born from fear and greed?Join us as we dig into the mystery of The Curse of the Lost Lemmon Mine in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The story of The Mad Trapper of Rat River is one of Canada’s most legendary and perplexing wilderness mysteries. In 1932, a man calling himself Albert Johnson sparked a massive manhunt across the unforgiving Arctic landscape, leaving behind a trail of violence, confusion, and unanswered questions. His true identity remains unknown to this day.The ordeal began when local trappers reported someone tampering with their traplines near the Rat River in the Northwest Territories. RCMP officers visited Johnson's remote cabin to question him, but the man refused to cooperate or even speak. A few days later, when the police returned with a search warrant, Johnson opened fire through the cabin door, wounding Constable Alfred King. What followed was a violent and unprecedented pursuit through Canada’s northern wilderness.The RCMP besieged Johnson's cabin and eventually resorted to dynamiting it, believing he had no way to escape. Yet, when officers entered the smoldering ruins, Johnson was gone. He had slipped away without a trace, leaving only footprints in the snow. The pursuit intensified, with trackers, dog teams, and even military aircraft joining the search.For over a month, Johnson led the authorities on a relentless chase across 240 kilometers of frozen tundra. He displayed extraordinary survival skills, crossing icy rivers, scaling mountains, and evading capture despite harsh conditions and temperatures plummeting to -40°C. His ability to travel faster than the experienced Indigenous trackers astonished everyone involved.The chase ended in a final confrontation near the Eagle River. Johnson ambushed the pursuing officers, fatally shooting Constable Edgar Millen. The RCMP, now more determined than ever, closed in on him. On February 17, 1932, after a deadly shootout, Johnson was finally killed.When authorities examined his body, the mystery deepened. Johnson had no identification, no known associates, and no past that investigators could uncover. His fingerprints matched no records, and the origins of the stranger who had eluded capture for weeks remained unknown. He carried a substantial amount of cash, high-quality equipment, and gold teeth, suggesting he may have come from outside the region.Speculation about Johnson's identity has persisted for decades. Some theories suggest he was a fugitive from the United States, possibly an escaped convict or a former soldier with advanced survival skills. Others believe he may have been a Scandinavian immigrant, using his bushcraft knowledge to evade capture. Modern DNA analysis has provided some leads, but his true identity remains elusive.The story of The Mad Trapper of Rat River continues to intrigue historians, true crime enthusiasts, and conspiracy theorists alike. Was Albert Johnson a criminal on the run, a misunderstood hermit, or something more? Join us as we unravel the mystery behind this legendary fugitive in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
The story of Michael Eugene Oros, better known as The Mad Trapper of Sheslay, is a chilling tale of isolation, paranoia, and violence in the remote wilderness of northern British Columbia. Oros, an American draft dodger, fled to Alaska in the late 1960s to avoid conscription into the Vietnam War. But the harsh conditions of Fairbanks proved too unforgiving, and he soon moved south, settling in the abandoned mining village of Sheslay, British Columbia.Life in Sheslay only deepened Oros's paranoia. He became increasingly convinced that he was being stalked by shadowy figures he referred to as "sneak arounds." In his writings, he mentioned "torture druggers" who he believed were experimenting on him and poisoning his food. His isolation fed these delusions, turning him from an eccentric recluse into a man consumed by fear and suspicion.Over the years, Oros's behavior became more erratic and hostile. He set traps around his cabin, fired warning shots at passing strangers, and harassed local trappers and prospectors. Locals viewed him as a dangerous nuisance, someone best avoided. But the situation escalated dramatically when ex-Nazi and fellow recluse Gunther Lishy vanished without a trace. Suspicion fell on Oros, and the RCMP launched an investigation.The police soon discovered evidence linking Oros to Lishy's disappearance, along with disturbing writings and makeshift traps rigged throughout his property. Oros, however, refused to cooperate. As officers closed in, he lashed out, firing at law enforcement and injuring an officer in the process. What followed was a tense manhunt through the unforgiving terrain of northern British Columbia.On March 19, 1985, the chase came to a deadly conclusion on Big Island in Teslin Lake. RCMP officers had planned to surround Oros using two helicopter teams, but mechanical issues caused delays. When officers finally landed, they found Oros dragging a sled through the woods. He vanished into the trees and reappeared moments later with a rifle. From the shadows, he fired a shot that fatally struck Corporal Michael Buday in the neck. As Oros aimed his rifle toward Constable Garry Rodgers, the constable fired back, hitting Oros in the forehead and killing him instantly. Upon inspection, investigators discovered Oros’s weapon had jammed—he had pulled the trigger, but the bullet never fired.In the aftermath, eerie stories emerged. Big Island, where Oros made his last stand, is known in local Indigenous lore as a spiritually significant place. Some speculated that the island’s guardian spirit had intervened, possessing Constable Rodgers to protect the land. The fact that Oros’s rifle malfunctioned at the critical moment only added to the mystique, leading some to believe that something otherworldly ensured his demise.The mystery surrounding Oros's descent into madness and the fate of Gunther Lishy remains unsolved. Was Oros simply a victim of untreated mental illness, driven to violence by isolation, or was there more to his fears than anyone realized? And did a supernatural force truly intervene to stop him that day?Join us as we unravel the twisted tale of The Mad Trapper of Sheslay in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
On the morning of April 2, 1978, the quiet community of Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, was rocked by an ear-splitting explosion that sent shockwaves across the island and beyond. The epicentre of the blast was the Bickford family farm, where residents reported blinding flashes of light, deafening thunder, and electrical malfunctions that fried televisions and melted wiring. The phenomenon, which came to be known as the Bell Island Boom, remains one of Canada's most mysterious events.The explosion was so powerful that it registered on seismographs across the province, with reports of unusual atmospheric disturbances extending as far away as St. Pierre and Miquelon. Within hours, Bell Island became the centre of international intrigue. Canadian military personnel arrived to investigate, quickly followed by officials from the Soviet Union, the United States, and notably, two mysterious men allegedly linked to the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. These so-called "men in black" asked pointed questions and took samples of the scorched ground before disappearing without explanation.Theories about the cause of the blast vary widely. Some scientists attributed it to a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as ball lightning—a form of electrical discharge that, under the right conditions, can cause intense explosions. Others speculated that the island's network of abandoned iron ore mines, once among the richest in the world, may have acted like a giant electrical conductor, amplifying a natural electromagnetic event.However, locals who witnessed the explosion described it as unlike anything they had ever experienced. Many believed it was connected to the island’s long-standing reputation as the most haunted place in Canada. Bell Island has long been associated with ghostly sightings, strange noises from its defunct mines, and stories of shadowy figures wandering the coastline. Could the boom have been connected to something otherworldly?Adding to the mystery were reports of "sky quakes"—loud, unexplained sounds heard across Newfoundland in the months leading up to the explosion. Similar booms were reported in other parts of the world, sparking theories about secret weapons testing, electromagnetic warfare, or even extraterrestrial interference.Despite numerous investigations, including analyses by scientists and military experts, no definitive cause has ever been identified. The Bell Island Boom remains an unsolved mystery, blending science, folklore, and conspiracy into one of Canada's most compelling unsolved events.Join us as we explore the strange events of The Bell Island Boom in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
In the summer of 1899, the Dagg family of Clarendon, Quebec, experienced a terrifying series of events that would go down as one of Canada’s most infamous paranormal encounters. What began as playful pranks soon turned into a nightmare of violence and fear as an unseen force, later dubbed Dagg's Demon, made its presence known.The disturbances started innocently enough—objects moved without explanation, and strange noises echoed through the house. At first, the family dismissed the events as mischievous tricks. However, the phenomena escalated. Dishes shattered midair, furniture slid across the floor, and ghostly whispers filled the rooms. The force behind the activity seemed to target the family’s adopted daughter, Dinah, with particular malice.Dinah became the primary focus of the entity’s wrath. She was pushed, scratched, and even dragged across the floor by invisible hands. The family reported hearing guttural voices coming from the walls, with the disembodied voice mocking Dinah and calling her vile names. Witnesses described the voice as unearthly—neither male nor female, and filled with malice.Desperate to rid themselves of the entity, the Daggs sought help from both religious leaders and local folk practitioners. Pastors performed blessings, witches conducted rituals, and neighbors gathered to pray. Yet, the activity only seemed to intensify. The demon taunted the pastors, allegedly mocking their faith and threatening further harm.One terrifying night, the voice declared it would never leave, claiming it had come to punish Dinah. In a final act of desperation, the family held a marathon prayer session, calling upon their faith to cast out the malevolent spirit. As the prayers continued through the night, the entity’s voice grew weaker until it finally fell silent. The disturbances ceased, leaving the family bewildered but relieved.The case of Dagg's Demon has perplexed paranormal researchers for over a century. Was it a hoax, an extreme case of poltergeist activity, or something more sinister? Eyewitness accounts from neighbors, family members, and even local authorities lend credibility to the tale, but skepticism persists.Join us as we explore the eerie events surrounding The Haunting of Dagg's Demon in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.
Nick and Lisa Masee vanished without a trace from their North Vancouver home on August 11, 1994, leaving behind a mystery that has baffled investigators for decades. The couple, known for their financial connections and high-rolling lifestyle, was last seen the night before they were scheduled to meet with a potential investor for Nick’s new business venture. They never showed up for that meeting—and have never been seen since.Nick Masee was a former banker with the Bank of Montreal who had recently shifted gears to join Turbodyne Technologies, a company seeking to make waves in the automotive industry. His transition came with risks, as Turbodyne was linked to the volatile Vancouver Stock Exchange, which, at the time, was notorious for its reputation as the "scam capital of the world." Some believed that Nick’s new professional environment may have exposed him to dangerous individuals.The circumstances surrounding their disappearance are both peculiar and suspicious. The couple’s home showed no signs of forced entry, and their personal belongings were largely untouched. Their car remained parked in the driveway, and their passports were never used. Investigators discovered that Nick had recently taken a mysterious trip to the Cayman Islands, a known haven for offshore banking. This revelation fueled theories that the Masees may have been caught up in a financial scheme or even entered a witness protection program.Friends and family described Nick and Lisa as a happy, financially comfortable couple with no apparent reason to disappear voluntarily. Yet, some acquaintances noted Nick’s recent stress and preoccupation with work. Investigators explored multiple leads, including connections to organized crime, potential stock market manipulation, and even the theory that Nick may have uncovered sensitive information at Turbodyne.To this day, the case remains unsolved. The Masees left behind no clear answers—only a trail of unanswered questions. Did they leave willingly to escape danger, or were they victims of a more sinister plot?Join us as we unravel the many twists and turns of The Disappearance of Nick and Lisa Masee in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.




