Last Night Was Magic: What I Learned from Our First YQR Haunts Ghost Tour
Last night, something truly special happened — our very first YQR Haunts Ghost Tour rolled through the streets of Regina, and I’m still smiling (and maybe a little hoarse from talking).
When my friend Keely Kulpa first created YQR Haunts: Guide to the Ghosts of Regina in 2024, I knew she was onto something. Keely doesn’t just tell ghost stories — she researches the real history and the people behind them. Through her podcast and her Access Communications radio show, she’s shared paranormal stories from across Saskatchewan and Canada, uncovering the fascinating connections between fact and folklore. Her first book, Coma, came out last year, and more Canadian stories are already in the works.
This summer, I suggested we take her research off the page and onto the streets with a Regina ghost-tour experience. I didn’t twist her arm; I just offered another set of shoulders to help carry the weight. And so, YQR Haunts came to life — a mix of storytelling, community, and a whole lot of Prairie heart.
Watching it come together has been amazing. The idea grew naturally — one chat, one connection, one “why not?” at a time. We wrote scripts, tested routes, and partnered with local businesses who immediately said yes. Before we even realized it, the tours were selling out.
The support from the community has been overwhelming in the best possible way. CBC Radio and the Leader-Post helped spread the word, and local shops welcomed our posters into their windows. Every message, share, and word-of-mouth mention helped make last night possible.
And what a night it was. Guests arrived full of excitement — some even showed up in Halloween costumes, ready to lean into the spooky fun. The energy was high and the laughter was contagious. The bus (thanks to Paradigm Charter) buzzed with chatter as we made our way through Regina’s haunted history. Government House opened its doors, Rebellion Brewing added that perfect touch of local flavour, and our sweet finale — a handcrafted treat from Pure Sweetness Treat Shoppe — sent everyone home smiling.
Standing on that bus, microphone in hand, I realized how powerful it is when a community rallies around something new. People didn’t just come for ghost stories — they came to connect, to laugh, and to experience their city in a whole new way.
For me, it was a mix of nerves and pure joy. Hosting, storytelling, and organizing all the moving pieces pushed me way outside my comfort zone — but it also reminded me why I love doing things like this. It’s the same feeling I get when I create something for QCGifts.ca: that spark of pride when you see local ideas come alive.
YQR Haunts started as a simple idea and turned into an unforgettable evening — and this is only the beginning. There are more tours ahead, more stories to share, and more chances to celebrate the incredible people and places that make the Prairies what they are.
So here’s to last night — to friendship, creativity, courage, and a city that believes in showing up for its own.
🌾 Inspired by the Prairies
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Stay tuned for upcoming tours, events, and stories that celebrate Saskatchewan and Canadian life.