Just as the nights grow longer and Lake Superior takes on that restless autumn energy, Thunder Bay becomes a gathering place for the curious once again this October. It’s not just ghost hunters and UFO enthusiasts who come to town—it’s people of all ages who share a fascination with the unexplained. At the heart of it all is the Lake Superior Paranormal Convention, a four-day event that has grown into one of the city’s most unusual and inviting cultural experiences.
Hosted by Lucky Paranormal founders Gail and Mel Willis, Paracon has evolved from a one-day gathering into a multi-day celebration that now stretches across historic sites, museums, and the city’s waterfront. This year’s edition, running from October 16 to 19, brings together 16 guest speakers, over 50 vendors, immersive workshops, and after-hours investigations. The goal is as much about connection as it is about chasing the supernatural.
“Everybody has a ghost story,” Mel says. “Paracon is where those stories can be told, heard, and validated. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or someone who’s just curious, it’s a safe space to connect.”
The idea was born after the couple spent years travelling across the U.S. to attend paranormal conventions. Eventually, they asked themselves, “Why not here?” “Thunder Bay is steeped in haunted history and local legends,” Gail explains. “We’ve got shipwrecks on Lake Superior, historic buildings with ghost stories, and strange lights in the sky. It makes total sense for an event like this to take root here. We have ghosts, too!”
What they created is equal parts eerie and inviting. One night, you might be deep in the wilderness on a Sasquatch Expedition, guided by filmmaker Jason Kenzie, learning tracking techniques in search of an elusive creature woven into Northern Ontario folklore. Next, you could be at Fort William Historical Park, listening to ghost stories by firelight while sipping hot chocolate, then stepping into a late-night investigation inside the storied grounds.
For Mel, the highlight remains closer to home—the Thunder Bay Museum. “There tends to be a lot of activity, and it’s different every time,” she says. “We’ve had REM-PODs trigger on their own, recorded piano music when no one was near, even captured apparitions on video. Once, during a séance, the table started to tip and move in response to questions—it was one of those moments that left the whole room in awe.”
Choosing locations like the museum or the fort isn’t random. The Willises believe these sites carry both history and atmosphere—qualities that heighten the paranormal experience. “Even though Fort William isn’t on its original site, our own investigations there have uncovered some intriguing activity,” Mel says. “It’s the perfect backdrop for ghost stories.”
Speakers are just as carefully chosen. While this year’s roster features big names like Shawn Leonard of Spirit Talker and UFO researcher Chris Rutkowski, Gail and Mel say it’s not about star power alone. “We look for knowledgeable, engaging individuals who bring both expertise and authenticity,” Gail explains. “It’s about creating meaningful conversations. We aim for a diverse range—investigators, authors, researchers, psychics, even skeptics. If someone can educate, inspire curiosity, and spark discussion, that’s who we want on our stage.”
This breadth of topics reflects shifting interests. Ghosts remain a perennial draw, but Sasquatch is having a moment. The new wilderness expedition has generated buzz, and tickets have sold quickly. UFOs, too, are gaining fresh attention thanks to mainstream coverage of UAPs in recent years. For the Willises, the subject is more than theoretical—they’ve witnessed unexplained lights in the sky themselves on two separate Thunder Bay investigations. “Many in our community have shared similar stories,” Mel says. “People have always been curious about what’s out there, and Paracon is a place where those experiences are taken seriously.”
Behind the scenes, staging a weekend of mystery takes very practical work. Coordinating travel, schedules, tech setups, and placement for dozens of vendors is like assembling a puzzle, Gail admits. But the payoff is worth it. “What makes it exciting is the variety. Our vendor lineup ranges from paranormal investigators and metaphysical shops to artists, authors, and local businesses. Every corner has something new to discover.”
Paracon’s impact now stretches beyond its venues. Attendees come from across the country, from Halifax to British Columbia, filling hotels and restaurants. “About half of last year’s attendees have already secured their tickets for this year,” Gail notes. “They tell us it’s the sense of community that keeps them coming back.”
That community spirit is what makes Paracon different from a simple scare-fest. Believers and skeptics mingle easily, something the organizers encourage. “It’s good to be skeptical—even believers should be,” Mel says. “Our goal is to create a respectful space where people can ask questions and share stories without judgment. Whether you’re convinced or just curious, there’s room for everyone.”
Regional folklore also plays a central role, giving the event its distinctive Northern Ontario flavour. Sasquatch legends, tales of haunted buildings, and UFO sightings over Lake Superior all anchor the programming in place. “It’s one thing to hear a ghost story,” Gail says. “It’s another when it happened just down the road. That local connection makes the experience more powerful.”
For the Willises, the most rewarding part isn’t the apparitions or eerie evidence—it’s the human moments. Strangers connecting over shared experiences. Friendships forged through late-night conversations. “Seeing people find community here is what keeps us going,” Gail says.
“Beyond the goosebumps, we hope people leave feeling inspired and curious,” Mel adds. “If someone goes home with a new perspective, or simply the courage to share their own story, then we’ve done our job.”
And in Thunder Bay, where ghosts, cryptids, and mysteries seem to linger in the landscape, there will never be a shortage of stories to tell. That’s what makes the Lake Superior Paracon more than just an event—it’s an invitation to explore those mysteries together. From October 16–19, 2025, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay and historic sites across the city will open their doors to believers, skeptics, and the simply curious. Whether you come for the Sasquatch expedition, the museum investigation, or just to swap ghost stories by the fire, you’ll leave with more than goosebumps—you’ll leave with community, connection, and a story of your own.
