(Published with permission from Discover Saint John)
Saint John’s streets are alive with history, but it’s the whispers of the past that truly capture the imagination. Beneath the surface of this historic port city lies a world of eerie legends, sordid battles, and ghostly encounters waiting to be uncovered.
Dare to explore the haunted side of Saint John?
Disclaimer: While this blog is meant for entertainment purposes and the ghost stories are all speculation, the historical facts provided for each location are true and may be upsetting to some due to the nature of the content.
Loyalist House – The Spirits Within
120 Union Street, Saint John
Stepping into Loyalist House is like stepping back in time, with its stately rooms and period furnishings offering a glimpse into Saint John’s earliest history. The historic home, built in 1817, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Merritt-Harrison family, whose many generations kept the house continuously occupied for 150 years until it was acquired by the New Brunswick Historical Society in 1959. Remarkably, Loyalist House was one of the few structures to survive the devastating Great Fire of 1877, and stands today as the oldest wooden building in Saint John that has not been structurally altered. The home’s Georgian features remain largely untouched, including its original grand staircase.
Spooky Speculations: Every corner of the Loyalist House whispers tales of the past – but some say they hear more than just whispers. Many claim to hear children laughing and playing as they explore the home, but whenever someone investigates, no one is there. Even more puzzling is the tale of disappearing shoes that vanish from one spot and turn up in an entirely different room. Though the spirits of the house seem more mischievous than malevolent, you can’t help but wonder whether those who called this place home ever truly left.
