What makes Canada's terrifying horror stories unique?

One factor is the vast and often wild landscape. The large, uninhabited areas like the Canadian tundra or deep forests can be a perfect backdrop for horror. It gives a sense of isolation and the unknown, which is very scary.

There are also stories about haunted lighthouses in Canada. For example, Peggy's Cove Lighthouse. Locals and visitors have reported seeing strange lights and shadows around it. Some say they can hear the cries of sailors who lost their lives at sea. It's as if the spirits of those who perished are still lingering around the lighthouse, warning others of the dangers of the sea.

The unique geography of Canada plays a role. Its vast wilderness, thick forests, and long, cold winters provide a perfect backdrop for spooky tales. For instance, stories set in the deep forests can involve strange creatures lurking in the shadows, which is a common theme in Canadian scary stories.

One famous Canadian horror story is about the Vanishing Hitchhiker. There are numerous accounts across Canada. Supposedly, a hitchhiker is picked up, gives a destination, and then mysteriously disappears from the moving vehicle. It's a spooky tale that has been passed down for generations.

The Arctic setting makes it unique. The vast, cold and unforgiving Arctic landscape creates a sense of isolation. In horror, isolation is often a key factor as it makes the characters more vulnerable. Also, the stories in it might draw on Arctic myths and legends which are not well - known in other parts of the world, adding an element of the unknown which is terrifying.

The use of psychological elements. For example, in 'Black Swan', the main character's descent into madness is both fascinating and terrifying. The stories play on our deepest fears, whether it's the fear of being alone, the fear of the dark, or the fear of something malevolent that we can't see. They also often use elements of the supernatural, like ghosts or demons, which are inherently scary to most people. The combination of these factors in the stories of '13 most terrifying horror stories' makes them truly terrifying.

The unknown factor. In many of these stories, there are elements that are not fully explained. For example, a strange noise in the attic with no clear source. It makes the reader's imagination run wild, creating a sense of fear.

The element of the unknown. In horror stories, not knowing what's going to happen next or what lurks in the shadows is what scares people the most.

In 2017 horror, there was a trend of mixing horror with other elements. Take 'Get Out' for instance. It wasn't just a typical horror with ghosts or monsters. It blended horror with social and racial issues. This made the horror more relatable and also added a deeper layer of meaning. It made the audience not just scared but also made them think about real - world problems.

One thing that could make it unique is Michael Story's personal perspective. If he has a different background or set of experiences compared to others writing about Canada, that would shine through in his sketches. Maybe he has a particular focus on a lesser - known region of Canada.