Halloween’s almost upon us! While we wait for the remaining days to go by, I’ve gathered here for you not the most famous ghost stories in Victoria but the stories that make sceptics like myself think twice about our incredulity around the paranormal. So get cosy and turn off the lights — it’s time for some ghost stories.
Parliament Buildings
BC’s Parliament Buildings are said to be haunted by many ghosts, but the most famous apparition is the buildings architect’s spirit, Francis Rattenbury. Bashed to death by his second wife’s lover, Rattenbury died in his hometown of England and was buried in an unmarked grave. Many believe that the architect comes back to haunt the Parliament Buildings, his most famous work, because he seeks the recognition he can’t find at his final resting place…
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Since its opening in 1908, the Empress—one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Victoria—has hosted very distinguished guests: from monarchy and famous films stars…to ghosts. Through the years, people have reported sightings of spectral apparitions – the most disturbing one being an old lady on the sixth floor who knocks on guests’ door and asks for help finding her room before vanishing when she reaches the elevator. It is believed that she used to haunt the room she died in, which was demolished, along with others, in order to make room for elevators – and since then she can’t seem to find her way back.
Some have also reported the sighting of none other than the hotel’s architect, Francis Rattenbury (yep, same guy who wanders in the Parliament Buildings. Apparently, he’s not content to haunt just one place).
Craigdarroch Castle
Built between 1887 and 1890, the Craigdarroch castle was commissioned by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant. He died a year before its completion in 1889 and left the entire estate to his wife, Joan. Current owners of Craigdarroch deny all rumours of it being haunted, but sightings and evidence of the paranormal from the public and even from the staff of the estate itself challenge the owners’ definite claims. Moving objects, the gloomy apparition of a girl and a maid, and a piano producing music without being played are just a few examples of what awaits the brave who decide to visit Craigdarroch Castle.*
The Bent Mast Pub
Originally built as a house in the 1880’s, this popular James Bay pub has gone through many transformations: it’s been a rooming house, a brothel, a student residence, an erotic gallery and several restaurants. Many speculate that there is a whole host of ghosts haunting the pub, but there is only one spirit whose manifestation converts even the most sceptical person into a believer: an old man who haunts the basement and harasses whoever comes down. In fact, many members of the pub’s staff avoid going downstairs, claiming that his presence is suffocating. His residence there makes people want to run upstairs as soon as possible. In fact, this feeling goes beyond the basement and has been experienced my most patrons, who can’t find a reason behind it…
Spooked yet? No? Well then, I dare you go check out these haunted places and see for yourself. Just one tip: don’t forget the salt.
*Note: Alright, to be honest I didn’t even know there was a paranormal factor involved in the estate until I was there and experienced it myself. While exploring the house, I was weirded out by the piano music playing in one of the rooms on the upper floors…since the musical instrument there was only gathering dust. And trust me, it didn’t sound like a recorder. It. Was. Live.