Spooky Films and Series Filmed in Nova Scotia

From haunted waterfront towns and eerie lighthouses to supernatural mysteries inspired by some of horror’s biggest names, Nova Scotia has played a starring role in unforgettable spooky-season watches. Add these films and series to your October watchlist, then explore the real-life locations where the stories came to life.

The Lighthouse (Film, 2019)

Two lighthouse keepers descend into paranoia and madness while isolated on a remote island off the New England coast.

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Yarmouth

Visit: Explore the iconic Cape Forchu Lighthouse and dramatic coastline near Yarmouth. While the towering lighthouse seen in the film was a purpose-built set that no longer stands, visitors can still experience the rugged landscape that helped create the film’s haunting atmosphere.

Promo image for the film The Lighthouse, filmed in Nova Scotia

From (Series, 2022- )

Residents of a mysterious town struggle to find a way home while avoiding the terrifying creatures that emerge after dark.

Starring: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, David Alpay, and Shaun Majumder.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: The mysterious town at the centre of the series is a purpose-built set in Beaver Bank, just outside Halifax. Additional filming took place in Oakfield Provincial Park and throughout the Halifax area.

Visit: Explore Oakfield Provincial Park and the wooded landscapes around the Halifax region that help create the show’s eerie atmosphere.

Promo image for the series From, filmed in Nova Scotia

The Sinner (Season 4, 2021)

Retired detective Harry Ambrose finds himself pulled into a chilling investigation while vacationing in a small fishing community.

Starring: Bill Pullman, Alice Kremelberg, Frances Fisher, and Jessica Hecht.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester, Riverport, Hubbards Beach, and Halifax.

Visit: Explore Ovens Natural Park, stop in at The Knot Pub, wander the streets of Lunenburg, and enjoy the waterfronts of Mahone Bay and Chester. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic also appears in the series.

Promo image for the series The Sinner, filmed in Nova Scotia

Haven (5 seasons, 2010-2015)

An FBI agent arrives in a small seaside town where residents are plagued by mysterious supernatural afflictions known as “The Troubles.”

Starring: Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour, Adam Copeland, and John Dunsworth.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Production was based in Chester, with filming throughout Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Hubbards, and Halifax.

Visit: Explore the Lunenburg Waterfront, catch a show at the Chester Playhouse, browse the Village Emporium, and make time for a stop at Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.

Promo image for Haven series filmed in Nova Scotia

Locke & Key (2 Seasons, 2020-2022)

After their father’s mysterious death, three siblings discover magical keys hidden inside their ancestral home, unlocking powers and dangers beyond their imagination.

Starring: Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup, Emilia Jones, and Jackson Robert Scott.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: The historic town of Lunenburg served as the fictional town of Matheson.

Visit: Explore Ovens Natural Park, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and the colourful streets of Lunenburg. Fans can also check out local favourites including Salt Shaker Deli, Recardo’s Pizza, and Sweet Treasures Confectionary.

Promo image for the series Locke & Key filmed in Nova Scotia

Chapelwaite (1 season, 2021)

A grieving sea captain moves his family into an inherited estate, only to uncover terrifying secrets hidden within his family’s past.

Starring: Adrien Brody, Emily Hampshire, Jennifer Ens, and Christopher Heyerdahl.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Halifax, Dartmouth, and the Windsor/West Hants area.

Visit: The Boone family mansion is actually the historic Mounce Mansion in Avondale (listed on Airbnb), near Windsor. Other filming locations include the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum and Avonport Beach.

Promo image for Chapelwaite series filmed in Nova Scotia

The Mist (1 season, 2017)

When an unexplained mist engulfs a small town, residents must confront both deadly creatures and their own fears.

Starring: Morgan Spector, Alyssa Sutherland, Frances Conroy, and Danica Curcic.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Locations included Windsor, Halifax, Bedford, and Fall River.

Visit: Explore the town of Windsor, which has become a favourite backdrop for Stephen King adaptations and other supernatural productions filmed in Nova Scotia.

Promo image for the series The Mist filmed in Nova Scotia

Bag of Bones (2 part miniseries, 2011)

A bestselling author returns to his lakeside retreat after his wife’s death and becomes entangled in a chilling supernatural mystery.

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Melissa George, Annabeth Gish, and Anika Noni Rose.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Including locations around Grand Lake, Milford, Brooklyn, and Halifax.

Visit: Spend the night at The Clockmaker’s Inn in Windsor, which appeared as Max Devore’s house in the miniseries.

Promo image for Bag of Bones filmed in Nova Scotia

Books of Blood (Film, 2020)

Three interconnected stories weave together supernatural encounters, haunted spaces, and unsettling mysteries.

Starring: Britt Robertson, Anna Friel, Rafi Gavron, Yul Vazquez, and Nicholas Campbell.

Inspired by: Books of Blood by Clive Barker.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Filming took place in Halifax and Dartmouth, including locations on Johnstone Avenue.

Visit: Explore the historic streets and waterfronts of Halifax and Dartmouth, which have appeared in countless film and television productions.

Promo image for Books of Blood filmed in Nova Scotia

The Child Remains (Film, 2017)

An expectant couple’s getaway at a secluded heritage inn takes a dark turn when they uncover disturbing secrets tied to its past.

Starring: Suzanne Clément, Allan Hawco, and Shelley Thompson.

Filmed in Nova Scotia: Windsor and Elmsdale.

Visit: Horror fans can visit The Clockmaker’s Inn in Windsor, which also appeared in Bag of Bones, or stop by Briarwood Bed and Breakfast in Elmsdale, which served as the Mercy Home for Unwed Mothers in the film.