Two Sask. sites make list of Canadian places to give you goosebumps

by Tyler Marr, for Battlefords Now

Some speculate it could be the work of aliens. Others say cattle sat on the trees and gave them their shape.

Either way, the Crooked Bush outside of Hafford is one of two Saskatchewan sites on a list of places 1,200 Canadians said will promise to give you goosebumps for their scary, exhilarating, beautiful, cold or mysterious nature.

Citing a quiet, seemingly haunted trail alongside the strange vegetation, the crooked aspen trees opting to curl down as opposed to the sunlight earned the site a spot in the Expedia list.

“When choosing cities that give you goosebumps, we wanted to highlight some unexpected spooky destinations,” author Jennifer Cuellar said. “The Crooked Bush in Hafford is so odd and mysterious that you can’t help but get goosebumps when speculating what makes the trees curl down and sideways.”

The trees have long been of keen interest for passerby along Highway 40 between North Battleford and Prince Albert. According to the Tourism Saskatchewan website, scientists believe the tree growth is the result of a genetic mutation — though they are unsure what caused it.

Meanwhile, local legend points to everything from a UFO landing to a lightning strike that affected the region’s soil. People have also reported feeling dizzy near the site, and cattle are said not to venture too close to the tree, according to the website.

Also on the list is St. Louis for the legendary Ghost Train. The legend is a conductor was hit and beheaded at the site, but his body was never found. Some say a mysterious light that floats near the now-shuttered tracks is either the train searching for him or the man looking for his head.

Many have reported seeing the light, though conclusions on what it could be have run thin.

Also making the list is Spruce Woods Provincial Park near Glenboro, Manitoba and Ancaster, Ontario’s The Hermitage burned down mansion.