Ghost Lore: Discover Haunting Tales from Victoria, Dawson City and Vancouver

Each city has unique tales of the supernatural that are rich in history and mystery. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, reading these stories about eerie destinations will give you a spine-tingling glimpse into the past. While Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA in Victoria, Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA in Vancouver, and The Downtown, A Coast Hotel, Midnight Sun, A Coast Hotel, or Eldorado, A Coast Hotel in Dawson City are not haunted, there are places nearby that have spooky sites. 

Victoria: The Haunted Capital

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, but lurking beneath its charming facade are tales of the supernatural. Bastion Square and Helmcken Alley are known as one of the most haunted places in Victoria. Bastion Square stands where the old Hudson’s Bay Company bastion and fort once stood and is known as the “heart of haunted Victoria” as every building in the square is said to have a ghost or two. The Supreme Court Building is said to be the most haunted in the square as it was built on the site of the city’s jail and first gallows. Indigenous communities have long believed this area had strong mystical powers, even before colonial settlers arrived. Visitors often report hearing strange noises and fleeting shadows in the area. In the heart of Bastion Square is Helmcken Alley, a narrow, cobblestoned passageway that adds to the eerie charm with tales of ghostly figures and mysterious happenings. Those brave enough to explore after dark might just encounter the lingering essence of Victoria’s past. 

No discussion of Victoria’s ghost lore would be complete without mentioning one of the most haunted hotels. It has been featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s list of 44 most haunted hotels in the world. This grand hotel, built in 1908, is said to be haunted by the hotel’s architect, Francis Rattenbury. Guests have reported seeing him on the lobby staircase. Rattenbury is not the only spirit that's said to have taken up residence at the hotel as several dozen ghost sightings have been reported at the hotel such as a maid still cleaning on the 6th floor and an elderly woman in pyjamas knocking on their door.

Another hot spot for ghostly encounters in Victoria is Craigdarroch Castle. While they do not acknowledge the building may be haunted, the rumors of sightings continue. Staff have reported seeing an apparition of a little girl and an image of a maid. A woman’s feet have been seen running down the stairs and music has also been heard playing, but the source of it all remains a mystery. The castle’s stunning architecture and rich history provide a perfect backdrop for tales of the otherworldly.

Dawson City: Gold Rush Ghost Town

Dawson City, known for its Gold Rush history, is a small town with a big reputation for hauntings. Its dusty streets and historic buildings hold stories that echo the ambitions and tragedies of those who sought fortune. The Palace Grand Theatre is a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts. Built-in 1899, it’s said to be haunted by the spirit of a female resident who wanders the halls, although no one is quite sure who she is. People have reported hearing unexplained sounds, smelling roses or rose water and hearing heavy footsteps walking along the supper floors’ corridors. They’ve also experienced lights turning on and off with no one else around. 

Another eerie spot in Dawson City is an old Hotel, commonly known as “The Pit”, which houses two bars, with a reputation for ghostly guests. Located downtown, this is another great spot to try and witness supernatural occurrences. Staff members have shared tales of shadowy figures moving out of the corner of their eyes, including a shadow of a man wearing a fedora who is believed to be the former hotel owner. The night cleaners have reported hearing knocks at the windows or doors only to find no one is there. They have also reported cleaning supplies being mysteriously moved to unusual places in the building. The hotel’s storied past, coupled with its rustic charm, makes it a prime location for those curious about the supernatural.

Vancouver: Urban Hauntings

Vancouver might seem too modern for ghost stories, however, it has its share of haunted sites, where history and the supernatural intertwine. With Gastown being one of the oldest areas in Vancouver, it’s no wonder it’s known as the most haunted. Many buildings in Gastown are said to be haunted, including the Old Spaghetti Factory. There have been sightings of a tram conductor from years ago. Some say he died in an underground collision beneath the restaurant, while others claim his ghost appeared after his tram was installed in the restaurant. A waitress also claimed to see a young boy running around the restaurant. She was so scared, she quit. The same young boy was seen bending cutlery and after staff told a manager, the cutlery miraculously returned to normal. Gastown’s cobblestone streets and vintage buildings provide the perfect backdrop for this ghostly figure.

Waterfront Station, is reported to have many ghosts. It was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1915 and is still used as a busy transportation hub today. A security guard reported seeing a ghost of a woman dancing in a 1920s flapper dress to 1920s music at night. When he approached, she vanished, along with the music. Another security guard said he encountered an old woman who was glowing phosphorus white. As he stood there, she reached out to him causing him to run out of the room, terrified. In addition to these encounters, more encounters have been reported, as well as sounds of phantom footsteps on the tile floors late at night while no one is around. 

Whether you’re planning a visit to Victoria, Dawson City or Vancouver, be sure to explore their haunted histories. There are many more haunted places and buildings in these 3 cities than what we shared, so there is no shortage of ghost lore to be discovered. These cities offer a unique blend of culture, history and the supernatural that will leave you with unforgettable memories and perhaps a ghostly encounter or two. While Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA, The Downtown, A Coast Hotel, Midnight Sun, A Coast Hotel, or Eldorado, A Coast Hotel are not haunted, they are all located near haunted buildings and places, so they’re the perfect homebase for your ghost tour. 

With comfortable rooms and suites, pet-friendly rooms, and great amenities, Coast Hotels is the perfect place to get cozy after a day or night of fright. So, start planning your ghostly autumn getaway, and embark on a ghost tour that will send shivers down your spine. Each city has their own haunted walking tours. Victoria’s Ghostly Walks tours bring the city’s ghosts and stories to life, Vancouver’s Ghostly Vancouver Tours offers haunted, historic walking tours of Vancouver's most atmospheric neighborhoods, particularly Gastown and Downtown Vancouver, and Dawson City’s Haunting Walk will take you to some of the most haunted places around town. Who knows what you might discover on these haunted walks? Happy haunting!