Do you believe in Ghosts?

It’s a question people have pondered throughout history. Some people strongly believe in the “other side,” and others just as strongly do not.

The popularity of local tours like Calgary Ghost Tours demonstrates that there is a part of our population that is fascinated by ghost stories even if they’re not complete believers in the subject. But come on, let’s face it, we all love a good scary story. Remember being curled up in your jammies at a sleepover, or sitting around a fire as someone told you a story that had you shivering and laughing at the same time?

Nose Hill Library hosted Mischief, Mayhem, and Murders of Calgary on February 5, 2012, and were treated to some historical spine-tingling tales by Johanna Lane of Calgary Ghost Tours. During the presentation she proved to be a talented and lively speaker, sharing her unique knowledge of Calgary's haunted stores, homes, and pubs. Guests were also invited to share their own ghostly encounters with the group and ask any questions they have throughout the presentation.

Even skeptics of ghosts and the paranormal, learned a lot of the more interesting history behind some of the buildings they may have frequented in the past, and some they'll never even know existed. However, for those looking to get spooked, Lane has some pretty bone-chilling material to work with as well.

If you missed this wonderful trek through Calgary’s past, you'll be happy to know she will be out touring again come May. Take a tour, if only to learn just a little bit more about our city's often neglected ghostly history.

So are you still on the fence –Are ghosts more than just a flick of lights – Truth or coincidence? Who knows for sure?

Calgary certainly has an interesting, colorful past – I think we can all agree on that.