Kelowna 
The time of year has come when we are surrounded by images of witches, skeletons, monsters, and, of course, ghosts!
There is no other fitting time of the year than October to delve into stories of haunted houses, ghosts roaming the streets, or businesses being visited by spirits. While British Columbia has only been a province for a little over 150 years, there is no shortage of ghostly tales or places to visit during this spooky month (or anytime). Many even consider B.C. to be the most haunted province in Canada!
The Fairmont Empress Hotel – Victoria
We need to start our list with one of the most famous hotels in British Columbia and the oldest hotel in the city of Victoria – the Empress Hotel. Built between 1904 and 1908, this magnificent hotel is purportedly home to several different ghostly entities, including the architect.
The regular sighting of a dapper, slender man with a moustache and walking with a cane leads staff and visitors to believe that he is the ghost of Francis Rattenbury, who helped build the hotel. Rattenbury was an infamous character in Victoria, and scandals followed him throughout his life.
The legend is that his spirit is said to have returned to the Fairmont Empress after death, hoping to hear the people’s praise once again for his architectural masterpiece.
You may be able to catch a glimpse of him walking on the staircase to the lower lobby and down the hallways.
Guests at the Empress Hotel have also reported seeing a ghostly maid on the 6th floor, continuing her cleaning duties – this would be Lizzie McGrath, who plunged to her death accidentally from her room in 1909. At times, her apparition can be seen just outside the main entrance on the right-hand side, still wearing her uniform and clutching the rosary that she was saying prayers with at the moment of her death.
Another ghostly presence in the building is known only by the first name of Margaret, who died of natural causes in her room, also on the 6th floor in the recently added tower just after WWII. The room in which she perished continued to be rented out until claims of activity became overwhelming, and the room was eventually turned into an elevator shaft. Nowadays, guests will see a full-bodied apparition who knocks at their doors, apparently confused and looking for her room. When they try to help her, she moves towards the elevator and disappears.
There may be many more spirits who wander the halls at the Empress Hotel, but you won’t hear about them from the hotel itself as they try to remain close-lipped about their otherworldly visitors. Why not take a chance to see them yourself?
Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria
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Waterfront Station – Vancouver
The city’s busy train station has been running for more than 100 years, and the ghostly stories that surround this interesting building are many. In fact, this is probably the most haunted building in all of Vancouver!
Located at the very end of Gastown (more to come on Gastown’s own hauntings), the apparitions that have been witnessed here have scared several workers and visitors alike. Used during a time when train travel could be elegant and luxurious, the station is still currently used as a hub for public transportation and is as busy now as it was back then.
The building was originally home to a restaurant and dance hall, along with residences and rented rooms for travellers, with it now housing a restaurant and office space.
A nighttime security guard tells a story of seeing a woman in a 1920s flapper dress dancing alone on one of the platforms. He reported hearing the music she was dancing along to… up until the moment that she vanished. On another late-night round, another security guard had the fright of his life as he encountered a luminous ghostly woman in an empty room. As she reached out to him, he turned and ran. Yet another night patrol guard had a frightening experience as desks were silently moved by an unseen force to block his exit from the storage room he was in. On other evenings, the sound of footsteps from unseen visitors echoes through the empty halls.
Numerous patrons and guards have seen the apparitions of three elderly ladies sitting on one of the benches, as if still waiting for their train to arrive. Nearby, on the railway tracks north of the building, appears the goriest vision – the headless ghost of a rail worker who was accidentally decapitated in 1928. He still carries his lantern as he wanders the tracks. We will never know if he thinks he is still working or if he is just looking for his head.
Where: 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
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Gastown and The Old Spaghetti Factory – Vancouver
The Gastown area in Vancouver is famous for a variety of spirits and ghosts, with the building that currently houses the restaurant The Old Spaghetti Factory being called the most haunted in the area, with four known active spirits. Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood and has survived fires, pandemics and tragic accidents. There are many stories of sightings of spirits here, especially on the block between Waterfront Station and The Old Spaghetti factory, where there have been reports of more than a dozen different ghostly entities spotted.
Inside the restaurant itself, patrons find the historic Number 53 trolley car that is part of the décor and has brought with it a resident ghost – a tram conductor who likes to sit inside the trolley after closing time. Many staff members have reported seeing the apparition in full uniform observing them as they go about their closing duties.
Guests and staff alike have found themselves confronted by a red-headed, slight man in red long johns, who has been known to roam the kitchen, call staff members by name, and scare women in the public bathroom. He has been heard laughing and is referred to as being highly mischievous.
The third and fourth resident ghosts are of children – a little boy named Edward who has a tendency to bend and move cutlery and run around the restaurant (causing one poor waitress to resign on the spot when she looked at him and saw that he had no eyes), and a little girl with a balloon who likes to chat. Apparently, she told a friend of the managers that she was looking for her mother.
Perhaps these ghosts are attached to some of the historic items that decorate the property, or perhaps, as a visiting psychic said, there is a vortex at the back of the building that attracts spirits here. There is no way to know for sure, but you can certainly try to have your own experience as you are enjoying a meal here, or, if you like, you can join a walking ghost tour of Gastown to get the full scoop of the scary stories and sightings.
Address: 53 Water Street, Gastown, Vancouver
The Stave Falls Powerhouse – Mission
This seems to be an odd place for haunting, but there have been many reports of strange activity happening on the premises. The powerhouse opened back in 1912 but was decommissioned in 2000, after which it turned into a visitor’s center providing information on hydroelectric power. It was once B.C.’s largest hydroelectric power source and is now designated as a National Historic Site.
Staff have reported seeing shadowy figures, echoing voices from unseen entities, and loud banging noises from various places in the facility. There have been instances of furniture being moved while no physical being is in the building, and tour guides and staff have stated that displays and exhibits start-up or shut down on their own, and the elevator doors have been known to open and close without anyone being in the elevator.
One tour guide tells a story of stepping backwards and feeling as if she bumped into someone, only to turn and find that she was alone. Another staff member recalls a morning when she opened the doors and turned off the alarm, only to hear a man’s voice yell out hello as she entered. Others have glimpsed a dark-haired man in windows and shadowed areas.
Are there spirits roaming the property? You can visit and find out.
Address: 31338 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Mission
Craigdarroch Castle – Victoria
While the owners said nothing behind the rumours that the Castle is haunted, there are many visitors and staff who claim that they have experienced strange and unusual things while inside the house. This historic, magnificent house was built in the late 1800s as a family residence for the wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and is one of Victoria’s most significant landmarks. Unfortunately, Robert died before the house was complete, and his sons finished the building. In later years, the 39-room house was a military hospital, college, offices and a conservatory before it was turned into a historical museum in 1979.
An apparition of a little girl has been seen in various parts of the building, along with the vision of a maid going about her duties. Running footsteps sometimes echo down the stairs, with only the apparition of a pair of women’s feet accompanying the sound. Mysterious music plays with no source. The sound of children crying has been heard. Otherworldly spectres sightings include a white woman who stands alone in the ballroom, a child in the basement staring at the floor, or even the original owner’s wife – Joan Dunsmuir – strolling down the main staircase in a ballgown.
There is so much history here, along with artifacts showcasing the life and times of the people who lived and worked there, that it would be difficult to believe that there are no ghosts. We are choosing to believe the stories, and you can decide for yourself during a visit to the Castle.
Address: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria
Central Park – Burnaby
A park seems to be a strange place to experience spectres, but there are so many stories surrounding this park that is impossible to believe otherwise. Founded in 1891, this park covers an impressive 90 hectares. Many visitors to this park report seeing ghosts near the stadium, lake and forested area, although no one seems to know why or who they are there. One was even caught on camera!
Over the years, the four or five different entities have given people quite the scare. Some people have reported hearing a woman screaming out unintelligible words. The legend is that a woman lost her children in the park back in the 1930s, and it is her ghost who is still looking for them, although others think that it is the ghost of a young woman who was killed accidentally in the park during a fireworks display in the 1950s.
This is an easy place to visit to try to see the spirits wandering there; just be prepared to have a ghostly encounter!
Address: 3883 Imperial St, Burnaby
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Vogue Theatre – Vancouver
The Vogue Theatre opened for business in 1927, and although the building is not yet 100 years old, there are plenty of ghostly stories and encounters that plague this theatre. One of the former house managers referred to the basement as a “ghost highway.” Apparitions seem to be the normal residents of buildings and businesses such as this, so no one seems too surprised that more than one spirit is haunting the theatre.
There have been sightings of a menacing man sitting in the projector booth on a director’s chair with a scowl. It is said that a ghost even appeared to an actor in the middle of a performance! Other instances of ghostly activity include hearing drums playing in the empty theatre, said to be played by a ghost who appears to be in his mid-thirties and dressed in a cream-coloured dinner jacket.
The grand hall is home to a ghostly woman who stands up to applaud an unseen performance and then vanishes into thin air. The men’s bathroom hosts an angry washroom attendant in full uniform, who has scared many theatre-goers as they head to use the facilities. And, last but not least, the vision of an orb of light has appeared to staff and visitors alike. The orb is said to be the spirit of a high-flying acrobat who fell to his death while performing a vaudeville act during the theatre’s early years. However, there are no records to prove that this happened.
Is it time for you to check out the theatre and see if you can run into any of the spirits that reside there?
Address: 918 Granville St, Vancouver
Vernon Towne Cinema – Vernon
While this business is currently a cinema, this building started as an actual theatre back in 1928. Used as a dance hall and a theatre for a variety of productions, it was turned into a cinema for movies in 1928 by the Famous Players Corporation. Once again, the stories of hauntings give us fair reason to believe that theatres are great places to come into contact with all sorts of spirits. There are so many unusual occurrences here that they have been chronicled in the book Ghosts II by John Belyk.
There seems to be more than one ghost in this building because staff have reported different activities at different times, but to make things easier, they have nicknamed the entity or entities, “Lloyd”. The rumour is that he was a projectionist at the theatre and just doesn’t want to leave. Freshly washed floors will show footprints of an unseen walker; equipment is moved by unseen hands; the sound system turns on by itself to play music; footsteps are heard on the stairs; hair is pulled; along with many other occurrences that may scare the wits out of someone. One of the owners was even confronted by a full-body apparition, that of an older man dressed in a shirt, tie, and light blue jacket, which gives reason to the name that the staff chose.
Is it time to see a movie? Perhaps the infamous Lloyd will make an appearance.
Address: 2910 30th Ave, Vernon
Hycroft Mansion – Vancouver
Completed in 1911, this stately house is purportedly home to seven different ghostly entities. Built for the distinguished General Alexander Duncan McRae and his wife, Blaunche McRae, this house was a happening spot for the elite in the 1920s and 30s. Donated to the Canadian Government in 1942, the building was then used for a war veterans hospital before being abandoned. In 1962, the University Women’s Club of Vancouver purchased the site and restored the building to its former glory.
This 30-room house has an impressive 20 thousand square feet for ghosts to roam around in, and there is no shortage of activity here. An apparition of an older gentleman dressed in a WWI officers’ uniform is frequently seen and is assumed to be the original owner – General McRae. A beautifully dressed woman, who is assumed to be his wife, is also known to haunt the site. The sightings have all the makings of a romantic ghost story and a new meaning to together forever.
To the amazement of staff and guests, the ghosts here are very visible, and it is easy to tell who they might be. One of the other resident spirits is a woman in a nurse’s uniform. She’s thought to be a head nurse from when the mansion served as the convalescent home. Along with the nurse, the apparitions of three army veterans have been seen in various parts of the house, seemingly from the same time period. They’re known as “The Pranksters” by staff because they are prone to opening and closing doors and causing lights to flicker. The last known spirit is called the “Crying Man” due to his loud sobbing that’s heard coming from a room on the lower floor of the building.
If you would like to try to see these spirits firsthand, the Club rents out spaces for weddings and other special events, or you can check out their own events on their website.
Address: 1489 McRae Ave, Vancouver
Rogers Chocolates – Victoria
Since Victoria is named the most haunted city in the province, it makes sense that so many on our list are located right in this beautiful city. This location is probably the most tantalizing, as you can not only enjoy the sweet delights that are produced and sold there, but you can also watch out for the ghosts of the founders who are said to frequent the store.
This location was where Charles and Leah Rogers made their first-ever chocolate confections, and the historic building is said to still be home to the couple. Staff have claimed that Leah will rearrange the displays to her satisfaction and that milk chocolates are regularly thrown onto the floor by Charles, who loathed that particular type of chocolate. In fact, he disliked them so much that they weren’t produced in that shop until after his death. Workers have also claimed that Charles is responsible for hiding things in strange places – a bit of a trickster! Another ghostly activity is a child’s handprint that appears on the mirror above the door! No one knows who the child might be or why it appears so high up from the ground.
You might as well head down to the chocolate shop to see if you can spot these resident ghosts, and perhaps pick up some amazingly delicious chocolates at the same time.
Address: 913 Government Street, Victoria
James Bay Inn – Victoria
Built in 1911, this hotel is the third oldest in the city of Victoria. During WWII, it was sold to Mother Cecilia’s religious order and in 1945, the famous artist Emily Carr came to stay after a stroke. She died there on March 2, 1945, and there are many claims that she still spends time on the property. She is said to be seen in some of the first-floor rooms and the pub.
This hotel also has had a lot of reported paranormal activity that is not attributed to Emily Carr, including phones ringing at odd times, flickering lights, and a fireplace turning on by itself, and many people have said that they feel as if they are being watched when alone.
You can have your own paranormal experience here, as both the Inn and the pub are still operating, so it is easy to get in the door to try to see the ghost of Emily Carr or whoever else is haunting this building. If you are planning on staying the night, perhaps ask to stay in one of the first-floor rooms to increase your chances of an encounter!
Address: 270-C, 270 Government St, Victoria
Hatley Castle – Victoria
You could spend days visiting the haunted sites in and around Victoria as our list grows longer with the stories of spirits and ghostly activities. The gorgeous and historic Hatley Castle is no exception – the activity that has been reported here has scared many, including cadets who were housed here when it was used as a naval training academy.
Built in 1908 for the son of Robert Dunsmuir (owner of Craigdarroch Castle), James Dunsmuir, a former politician and lieutenant governor of B.C., the castle was home to his family until the late 1930s. From 1940 to 1995, it was used by the government for a naval training academy, then turned over to Royal Roads University and is currently used as their administration office.
Of course, the resident ghosts seem to be those of the Dunsmuir family, who never appear to want to abandon their properties completely upon death. One cadet reported having his foot grasped while lying in bed by an apparition of an old woman, supposedly Laura Dunsmuir, searching for her youngest son, who was killed in WWII. Others have reported hearing bells chime out of nowhere, doors and windows opening and closing on their own, an apparition of a crying girl who floats out towards the sea, and the spirit of a maid who died while in the employ of the family. The scariest of stories comes from a family who claims that a resident spirit of a nanny followed them home and pestered them with the sounds of a crying baby and moving objects.
This is a National Historic Site, and you are able to visit the house and grounds to see for yourself if the stories are true or not.
Address: 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria
Beban House – Nanaimo
Down the road from Victoria, you find the home of sweet Canadian chocolate treats and a good old-fashioned bathtub race – the city of Nanaimo.
Hauntings are commonplace here as well, with many stories surrounding the unique Beban House, which was built in 1930. This log-sided mansion is listed on the historic register of the province as it is a design unique to Vancouver Island. The original owner was a wealthy timber baron, Frank Beban, and was his residence until 1952 when he passed away, and the city bought the property. Recently, the house has been used as a daycare, a mobile office for the RCMP, home to Tourism Nanaimo, the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club, and currently the office of the Nanaimo Clippers.
There are many unexplained activities here, but the stories all center around one young ghost, that of a Chinese child who was accidentally killed on the property. However, these are just rumours, as there is nothing to substantiate this story. The house does seem to be enjoyed by the spirit of a child, though, as many people have reported hearing a ball being bounced down the stairs and hallway, filing cabinets opening on their own, doors being locked without keys, water taps being turned on by themselves; and live children reportedly playing with a young Chinese boy with a long braid whom no one else can see. There have also been sightings of women wandering the hallways and the sound of teacups clanking together.
Address: 2290 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo
Newcastle Island
Located just off the coast of Vancouver Island by Nanaimo, the stories told by overnight visitors can make your heart pump faster and your blood run cold.
This is not an island to visit if you don’t want to have the daylights scared out of you! The most infamous evil spirit said to be on the island is that of Kanaka Pete, who murdered his wife, child and in-laws. He tried to escape to Vancouver on a canoe but was caught on Newcastle Island and hanged at Gallows Point. He was buried in an unmarked grave on Newcastle Island and was heard to say that revenge would be his and he would return. Apparently, he has.
He is reported to haunt the east side of the island, and legends say that he was responsible for the mining disaster on the Island in 1887 that killed 150 people. People who have been brave enough to spend the night have claimed they heard screams and chopping sounds late at night in the forests on the east side. A Boy Scout troupe who spent the night and went exploring after dark reported cold air, glowing eyes, growls and other noises. There are also stories of people disappearing after going to the far side of the Island at night.
Are you brave enough to spend the night on this Island? If you do, heed the signs saying where to camp and where not to camp… otherwise, you may not be returning to the mainland.
Barkerville Historic Town & Park
It’s no surprise that this historic town is home to more than one unusual resident. The spectres that haunt the town are many, increasing the odds that you may encounter one during your visit. In times past, Barkerville was a booming gold rush town; however, now you will only find costumed staff members and plenty of tourists, along with the ghostly inhabitants. With its unique streetscape of more than 125 heritage buildings, period displays, satellite museums, restaurants and shops, there is much to explore and many places to seek out spirits.
Of course, the theatre here has its own ghost – a gentleman in a top hat and tails who appears at times on stage left. In the St. George Hotel, solo gentlemen guests have reported seeing a young blonde woman in white who appears around midnight at their bedsides. The old Barkerville Hotel is also home to another woman, a shadow who presents herself at an upstairs window in the now-empty building. These are just a few of the ghosts that make themselves known in this interesting town.
In past years, Barkerville has offered up a Halloween experience for those willing to try their luck to view one of the past residents. Check out their website for upcoming events or to view their hours and admission rates. We are pretty sure that the ghosts here don’t only make themselves known at Halloween.
What about the 108 mile heritage site, any feedback?