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Guest Appearance: Inside Haunted Canada with Joel A. Sutherland – ParaGhoul Paranormal: Discoveries from the Dark
Original air date: January 30, 2026
If you’ve ever picked up one of the Haunted Canada books and found yourself reading just one more story before bed, you already know my guest for this episode. Joel A. Sutherland is a Canadian horror author whose work has introduced generations of readers to true ghost stories from across the country.
Joel writes horror primarily for middle-grade readers, but his stories reach far beyond that age range. In addition to fiction, he has spent decades researching real paranormal experiences and the histories behind them, travelling across Canada to collect firsthand accounts of haunted places.
In this conversation, we talk about why horror works so well for young readers, how Haunted Canada became one of the most recognizable paranormal series in the country, and one of the most disturbing haunted house cases Joel has ever encountered.
Learn more about Joel and his books here:
https://joelasutherland.com
Interview Highlights
Why write horror for kids in the first place?
Joel A. Sutherland: “I truly believe that scary stories help us from a young age come to understand the world around us.”
Joel A. Sutherland: “If we can get through a scary story and survive, it gives us some of the tools we need to deal with real fears.”
Joel explained that his own love of horror started young, with comics, television, and eventually Stephen King novels borrowed from his older brother’s room. For him, horror was never something to be avoided, but something that encouraged curiosity and resilience.
How did the Haunted Canada series come into your life?
Joel A. Sutherland: “When my editor told me the project was Haunted Canada, the yes was out before the question was finished.”
Joel A. Sutherland: “I worried at first that there wouldn’t be enough haunted places left to write about. That fear disappeared very quickly.”
After taking over the series with volume four, Joel discovered just how haunted Canada really is. With stories rooted in every province and territory, the series continues to grow because there is no shortage of people willing to share their experiences.
Why do ghost stories work so well as a way to learn history?
Joel A. Sutherland: “Teachers use Haunted Canada because the ghost stories hook kids, but they’re secretly learning Canadian history.”
Joel A. Sutherland: “The places, the photographs, the past events, it all matters.”
Joel described paranormal storytelling as a gateway. Readers come for the ghosts, but stay for the history, architecture, and local stories they might never encounter otherwise.
Have you ever actually seen a ghost yourself?
Joel A. Sutherland: “I’ve never seen a ghost. I would love to.”
Joel A. Sutherland: “But after talking to so many people with convincing experiences, I absolutely believe in them.”
Despite spending years inside reportedly haunted locations, Joel’s belief comes not from personal sightings but from patterns, consistency, and the sheer number of stories shared with him by strangers, friends, and family alike.
What is the most disturbing haunted house you’ve ever researched?
Joel A. Sutherland: “She told me, ‘The ghosts won’t let me leave.’”
Joel A. Sutherland: “It’s easily one of the scariest houses I’ve ever heard of.”
Joel shared the story of a woman who had lived in a violently haunted home since the early 1990s. The former owners moved out after just a few months. A potential buyer fled the house, abandoning his tools and refusing to return. The activity escalated every time she tried to sell, leaving her feeling trapped by whatever remained inside.
What advice do you have for writers just starting out?
Joel A. Sutherland: “Write a lot. Don’t be afraid of rejection.”
Joel A. Sutherland: “Get out there, meet people, and enjoy the process.”
For Joel, publishing success came through persistence, community, and a willingness to keep going despite setbacks. His career grew through conversations, chance meetings, and a deep love of the work itself.
Conclusion
This conversation reminded me why Canadian paranormal stories matter so much. They are rooted in place, shaped by community, and carried forward by people who are brave enough to talk about what they have experienced.
Joel’s work shows that ghost stories are more than just scares. They are records of memory, history, and the strange things that refuse to be forgotten. And sometimes, they come from houses you can never leave.
Learn more about Joel and his books here:
https://joelasutherland.com
Do you think ghost stories are more frightening when they are rooted in real places and real history, or do you prefer pure fiction?
Explore More Local Hauntings
If stories like this make you curious about the ghosts in your own backyard, make sure to grab your free YQR Haunts: Guide to Regina Ghosts. It includes some of the top haunted locations in the city and a few stories you might not have heard yet.
👉 Download your free guide here
