Four of British Columbia’s spookiest spots

4 of B.C.’s most haunted places

1. Craigdarroch Castle – Victoria

When it comes to haunted places, a castle should definitely be on the list and in B.C., we have Craigdarroch Castle. Nestled in Victoria, this historical site is believed to be home to a number of spirits, making it a focal point for paranormal activity enthusiasts. Built between 1887-1890 for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, the castle is now a popular tourist attraction that’s been known to give its visitors quite a scare.

Stories about the unexplained phenomena at Craigdarroch Castle are numerous, with many visitors and staff reporting inexplicable cold spots, strange sounds, flickering lights, and even sightings of apparitions. Some believe that these occurrences are the spirits of the Dunsmuir family or the many people who resided in the castle when it served as a military hospital during World War I.

The most well-known ghostly encounter involves a woman in white. She has been seen wandering the corridors and rooms at all hours of the day and night, causing a few frights among those who’ve encountered her seemingly appearing from nowhere.

• Located in the beautiful city of Victoria.
• Built by the wealthy Dunsmuir family.
• Famed for its rich history and haunting tales.
• Visitors report feeling bursts of cold air and hearing odd noises.
• Many people claim to see a figure of a woman dressed in white.
• Suspected ghosts include members of the Dunsmuir family and war patients.

2. Fairmont Empress Hotel – Victoria

Next on our ghostly journey throughout B.C. is again in Victoria, the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Opened in 1908, this historic hotel has seen countless guests come and go over the years, and according to many reports, some have never left. It’s not just the grandiose of this landmark Victorian building that intrigues visitors but also its eerie history of chilling occurrences.

One recurring ghostly guest at the Empress is believed to be the architect of the building himself, Francis Rattenbury. Guests have noted seeing a man fitting his description wandering the halls looking disoriented and sad. This would make sense considering his tragic end; he was murdered in England and his wife, who was charged with the crime, committed suicide shortly after.

Another apparition frequently sighted at the hotel is a maid from the early 1900s, seen continuing her cleaning duties in the older guestrooms. Sightings of her are so regular that the hotel staff reportedly leave an empty room for her.

• The imposing Empress Hotel has stood since 1908.
• Guests claim to see a disoriented man resembling the building’s architect.
• A maid from the early 20th century is said to still carry out her duties in the hotel.
• Ongoing reported paranormal sightings from guests and staff alike.
• Has earned rank among the most haunted hot spots in B.C.
• Hotel allegedly keeps a room unused due to continuous sighting of the maid.

3. Waterfront Station – Vancouver

We now move our journey to mainland B.C., specifically downtown Vancouver. A prominent structure and one of Western Canada’s major transportation hubs, Waterfront Station, is known for more than just facilitating travel. Apparently, after-hours, it transforms into a bustling hub of paranormal activity!

The station, built back in 1914, is believed to house several spirits including a woman in red seen dancing to non-existent music and an old-timey rail worker who vanishes when approached. These alleged ghosts seem to be remnants of an era long past, destined to re-enact their lives in the afterlife.

Besides these individual apparitions, there have been reports of 1920s jazz music playing through the dead of the night, phantom footsteps echoing when no one is around, and lights flickering seemingly of their own accord. Given such occurrences, it’s unsurprising that Waterfront Station has become a must-visit location for ghost hunters.

• The station was built over a century ago in 1914.
• Many claim to see a woman dressed in red, joyfully dancing to silent tunes.
• An old rail worker has reportedly been spotted disappearing when people approach him.
• The sound of ‘20s jazz era music often fills the station at quiet times.
• There are stories of mysterious footsteps and inexplicable light incidents.
• Waterfront Station is one of Vancouver’s paranormal hotspots.

4. Tranquille Sanatorium – Kamloops

Our last stop takes us to Kamloops and it’s a place with a history that sends shivers down the spine. The Tranquille Sanatorium, initially established as a healthcare facility for tuberculosis patients in 1907, later functioned as a mental institution before finally closing its doors in 1985. Today, it is nearly abandoned, but rumors of ghostly residents persist.

Visitors brave enough to venture into the sanatorium have reported hearing haunting screams and moans, unseen hands tugging at clothing and terrifying faces peering out from dark corners. The long history of sickness, death, and mental health struggles seems to have left an imprint on this place, making it one of B.C.’s most supposedly haunted locations.

The spirits suspected to roam the hospital include former patients whose lives ended tragically within its walls and hospital workers trapped forever in their duty. Their stories continue to animate this deserted place and incite curiosity—and fear—in many who visit.

• The Tranquille Sanatorium was initially a tuberculosis hospital, then a mental institution.
• Rumors persist of ghostly figures and strange occurrences.
• The spirits residing here are thought to be the sanatorium’s tragic past patients and dedicated workers.
• Many visitors report eerie sensations such as unseen hands on them and unexpected noises.
• Groans and screams are said to frequently echo through the now empty halls.
• The Sanatorium’s haunting history makes it attract visitors despite its creepiness.