One mile from the village of Monastery is a small body of water called “Tracadie Lake”, that is rumored to be haunted by evil spirits, and of spirits of the soldiers killed in the battle at Beausejour.
In 1758 the British forces at Fort Louisbourg planned to attack Fort Beausejour. Since ships were not plentiful enough to carry all of the troops, some were carried to the Canso Strait and then left to march on foot. These troops were to try and keep the English ships in sight at all times while making their way to Beausejour.
Once across the Strait they marched onward and soon discovered "Tracadie Lake", overlooking St. George’s Bay. Here they set up camp to train. During the day they practiced in their red uniforms and at night their drums and music added an eerie atmosphere to the previously tranquil area.
Local natives were quite fearful of their presence and would have called in Glooscap had the forces not soon departed. However the music and drums of the evenings continued long after the troops had moved on. Native elders claimed it was the evil spirits coming to haunt them.
Some believe it was the spirits of the soldiers killed in the battle at Beausejour returning to the site, where they spent their last peaceful night among the living, hence the nickname “Ghost Lake.” If you know of any Ghost stories from this area, or have a story of your own that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you!
Read another great story! - The Witch of Mull River
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