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Hey New Locals,
Halloween’s just around the corner—next Friday, Oct 31—and if you think it’s just about candy and costumes, you’re missing out on one of Canada’s most colorful, community-packed celebrations. When you’re new here, it’s a fantastic excuse to connect with neighbors, dive into Canadian culture, and have some legit fun (and if you’re still in the planning phase, it’s one of those things you can look forward to in your new future 😉)
Halloween seems like a small time in Canada at face value. And being Nigerian/African, you may not see exactly what the allure is (at first). But for a culture that pushes neighbourhood haunted house events and actual ghost tours, you quickly see that this holiday is serious business here. It’s history, community, spooky storytelling, and a whole lot of seasonal pride rolled up into one.
🧭 Where did Halloween come from anyway?
Here’s a quick lesson for the history buffs and curious minds: the roots trace back to Samhain; a Celtic festival where folks marked the end of the harvest and believed the barrier between the living and dead rolled back for a night. When Christianity came into the picture, it morphed into All Hallows' Eve, now Halloween as we know it. Cool, right?
What’s Halloween like across Canada?
Costumes: Everyone gets in. Kids — adults too — dress as witches, superheroes, ghosts, pop stars, you name it.
Trick-or-treat: This classic? Alive and kicking. Kids ring doorbells, shout “Trick or Treat!” and neighbors hand over candy like it’s magic.
Pumpkin carving: Though carving turnips was the OG tradition in Europe, pumpkins took center stage here. They’re easier to carve and way more fun to display.
Spooky scenes: From creepy haunted houses to community parties, decorations everywhere, even haunted corn mazes in some spots — Canada doesn’t hold back.
Local flavors you gotta know.
Newfoundland & Labrador: Their mummering tradition is not just Christmas; it happens at Halloween too. Picture people disguised in wild costumes, visiting houses, performing little skits or dances, and getting treats or drinks. It’s a riotous mix of mystery and fun.
Ontario & Maritimes: Ghost tours are big, alongside lantern-lit walks and “Mischief Night” nicknames for Halloween eve.
British Columbia: Haunted forests, spooky Indigenous tales woven in, and corn mazes that’ll test your nerve.
Prairies: Pumpkin patches, haunted farms, fun community fairs—perfect fall vibes and scares combined.
Quebec: Old Quebec’s ghost walks dive deep into centuries of haunted buildings and mysterious history.
Top 10 Canadian ghost tours worth checking out
If you want to step up your spooky game, these tours bring chills, laughs, and history to every step:
St. John’s Haunted Hike, Newfoundland
Niagara on the Lake Ghost Walks, Ontario
Haunted Montreal, Quebec
Ghostly Vancouver Tours, BC
The Haunted Walk Toronto, Ontario
Winnipeg Ghost Walk, Manitoba
Banff Ghost Walk, Alberta
Edmonton Ghost Tours, Alberta
The Halifax Ghost Walk, Nova Scotia
Ghosts of the Don Valley, Toronto
Best tip? Dress warm, book early, and keep your camera ready; you never know when a ghost might photobomb!
What’s your plan this Halloween weekend?
🏢 COME TO CANADA
Why skill trades could be your next career move
We got a hot tip for folks who want a solid career fast. Canada needs 700,000 trades workers by 2028, especially in Ontario, where the construction boom is wild.
Forget old-school stereotypes — modern trades use cutting-edge tech. You’ll work with tablets, digital tools, and smart systems while learning on the job. Women and newcomers are smashing barriers, like Shannon Scott: she switched from TV production to trades and is now killing it in apprenticeship with support from groups like TBDC.
Wanna learn more? The TBDC Explore Skilled Trades program helps newcomers with free training, tools, and job connections. Real paths from zero to pro—quick, practical, and rewarding.
⏳ Quick update on family visits: Super Visa made easier
Got family stuck far away? Canada just made qualifying for the Super Visa easier. It means your parents or grandparents can visit longer without the fuss. If you’re looking to make the move yourself and have family in Canada, it could also work for you. Want to know more? Check out the full scoop here:
Deal alert for internet lovers
Starlink Canada is offering a limited-time free hardware rental deal. If you’re in a rural or semi-remote spot, this could mean blazing fast internet without the usual hardware cost. Plus, they’ve got a free 30-day trial and with shipping in just 1-2 weeks, Christmas may be coming early for you!
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💼 Jobs This Week
What are the hottest CA jobs this week? Check out our weekly live sheet, with fresh roles and salary notes across all niches and industries.
✉️ THE WRAP-UP
That’s a wrap for this week, fam. Embrace the spooky joys, explore career moves that work for you, and keep those connections strong with family and community.
Catch you next time,
Dami from New Local.
You can always reach us at [email protected].
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