The Chaleur Phantom or the Phantom Ship, is a form of ghost light – an unusual visual phenomenon. Some eyewitnesses have described a ball of fire far out on the bay, usually seen before a storm. Its cause is unknown.

The legend of the burning phantom ship in the Bay de Chaleur dates back more than two centuries. The most credible story centres on two Portuguese explorers who are believed to have made voyages to the Chaleur Bay region around 1500. A sail ship burned in the waters to the north of the city – possibly from the Battle of the Restigouche.

The ghost of the vessel and its crew is visible on the water in certain weather and light conditions to this day.

Photo: Boltero, Wikimedia Commons