The response to the 2025 Halifax Paranormal Symposium has been nothing short of supernatural.
One of the convention’s biggest triumphs was establishing itself as a national event within the paranormal, UFO and parapsychological communities.
A month after the November 1 gathering, Paranormal Phenomena Research and Investigation president Elliott Van Dusen said this year’s event was one of the strongest yet. Attendees travelled from across the Maritimes, Ontario and even the United States.
“Feedback has been, once again, overwhelmingly positive,” Van Dusen wrote in a November email. “Attendees praised the organization, venue and quality of presentations while offering thoughtful suggestions for next year, such as expanding to two days.”
Speakers included paranormal investigators Pierre Filiatreault and Tony Rathman, energy healer and Paraflixx founder Natalie Jones, parapsychologist Dr. Yana Greenberg and journalist Brian Baker. Topics ranged from Ouija boards and EVPs to self-healing, the Anunnaki ancient astronaut theory and how journalists cover cryptids.
Greenberg, who presented her work on ancient astronaut theory and how extraterrestrials may have influenced early human culture and technology, admitted she was worried her topic might be met with skepticism. Instead, she was warmly received by an attentive audience.
“I was braced for pushback, maybe some raised eyebrows at minimum,” she said. “But the openness in that room completely shifted my energy. Once I realized people were genuinely curious rather than defensive, I leaned in harder with the connections between ancient astronaut theory and our concepts of divinity.”
Greenberg travelled to Halifax from California and, despite the long flight, described the journey as easy and almost fated.
“I think I aged in dog years during that flight!” she wrote in a November email. “But honestly, the whole trip was so smooth, both ways, that it felt almost meant to be. Like the universe was rolling out the red carpet. I went for the symposium, but Halifax just wrapped itself around me.”
Canada often flies under the radar when it comes to paranormal conferences, Greenberg said, but the Halifax Paranormal Symposium lifts the veil on what many people have become desensitized to.
“They put Halifax on the map for global researchers while simultaneously waking up locals to what’s been in their backyard all along,” she said. “It’s this beautiful two-way mirror, bringing the world’s attention in while helping Canadians see their own paranormal landscape with fresh eyes.”
Speaking of connections with the paranormal, PPRI investigator Filiatreault led a lively presentation on Ouija boards that kept the audience engaged. He connected through humour and a light touch, mindful that some attendees were exploring the often-taboo subject for the first time.
“As a member representing PPRI, I had to ensure the presentation would meet expectations by showing that Team PPRI is both professional and knowledgeable,” he wrote in an email. “Every member of our team brings deep knowledge of the paranormal, and that’s why we work so well together.”
This year’s expanded conference, with more events, workshops and speakers, also helped boost public awareness. Even staff at the allegedly haunted Five Fishermen Restaurant were aware that the symposium was underway.
But the growing visibility of paranormal conventions now reaches beyond city limits.
“Events like this are incredibly important for like-minded Canadians,” Van Dusen said. “They foster a sense of community, promote open scientific and cultural dialogue about phenomena often overlooked and inspire collaboration among researchers, investigators and the public.
“In a country as large and diverse as ours, these gatherings help connect people who might otherwise never cross paths but share the same passion for discovery.”
The 2026 Halifax Paranormal Symposium is slated for October at the Halifax Tower Hotel.