Witches brews and haunted walks - Haunted Harbour returns to Thunder Bay

The spooky side of the historic Alexander Henry icebreaker is going on display once again as the popular Haunted Harbour event returns to Thunder Bay.

While the event certainly promises its share of scares this year's centrepiece is once again haunted walks through a spooked-up Alexander Henry icebreaker there will be plenty on offer for families and younger children, as well.

"I'm not gonna give too much away in regards to what is happening on the ship, but we know something's happening," said Jon Hansen, creative director with Q8 Productions, which is in charge of this year's haunted tour of the Alexander Henry.

"Maybe some people going missing, maybe not," he said. "We're going back to our roots a little bit and we're going to focus more on the spook scare. Not so much of a story arc, but really just making people jump and want to get off the ship as fast as possible."

Two sets of haunted tours will run each day. The earlier tours, which run from 6:30-8 p.m., are a bit more subdued, organizers said.Those looking for full-on frights can sign up for the later tours, which take place after 8 p.m.

This year's Haunted Harbour also has plenty to offer for younger children and their families at the Witches Brew.

"Our goal is to set up an immersive activity area so they can engage in arts and crafts, painting," said Marcia Arpin, creative director of All the Daze Productions, which is organizing the family events. "There'll be carnival games, much as witches would set up, with frog tosses and witches brews."

"Face painting is always a popular event, and we're actually going to host a karaoke and dance party."

And Haunted Harbour will once again support Our Kids Count (OKC).

"This is our third year partnering with the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay," said OKC Executive Director Jackie Knough. "From the first year to now the third year, there's just so many improvements that we're making and some different things that were bringing in this year."

All funds raised will go to support OKC and the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay.

Haunted Habour runs Sept. 27 and 28, and from Oct. 3-5 and 10-12.

The Witches Brew family events, meanwhile, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Oct. 12.

Tickets are available now and more information can be found on theOKC website.