Victoria is one of the most haunted places in Canada. You knew that, right? Welp, hope you’re not too creeped out by poltergeists and spectres hovering around, because there is likely at least one place that you frequent on this list. Are you ready to learn about which of your favourite spots hosts the perennially paranormal? Buckle up because here we go!
Beacon Hill Park: The Screaming Doppleganger is the name given to the spectre haunting the park at sunrise. She was once a young woman, murdered near the Douglas and Superior entrance to the park.
photo: web.uvic.ca
Bastion Square: If you remember from our 10 Facts you Didn’t Know article, Bastion Square was once home to Victoria’s gallows. Bodies are still buried underneath the cobblestone steps. The ghost you must beware of here is named Matthew Baillie Begbie, the old hanging judge charged with sentencing men to death.
Market Square: Although this area does not have one particular resident ghost, it is said that all lost souls who used to find themselves succumbing to their vices in Victoria still frequent the Square. Johnson Street was, after all, Victoria’s infamous red-light district back in the day.
James Bay Inn: This historical building/hotel is said to be one of the many buildings that the ghost of artist Emily Carr haunts. People report seeing her and hearing inexplicable noises.
Helmken House: Look to the upper floor window. Do you see a young lady looking back at you? Wave and she will not respond – she is the vision of Cecilia Helmken, watching over her property.
Bedford Regency Hotel: Okay guys, this one I can honestly attest to. Having worked at the hotel’s coffee shop (pre- Churchill), I have seen 2 people. I know know these two to be Lady Churchill, and Brady, the resident ghosts.
photo: victoriaheritagefoundation.ca
Old Point Ellis Bridge: A Bridge that once existed in Victoria, this is now simply the site of a devastating disaster. When the bridge collapsed, 55 lives were claimed. Nowadays, people in the area say they’ve seen an ominous red light hovering just above the ground.
Thetis Cove: Located right near Four Mile Pub, Thetis Cove is home to an apparition named “The White Lady”. In fact, if you wander into the pub you can see a stained glass portrait of The White Lady. Go take a peak and then wander down to the cove to see if you recognize her!
Fan Tan Alley: One of the most famous ghost stories in Victoria is told at our famous Fan Tan Alley. It is said that a man by the name of Chung can be seen running through the alleyway. He had fled to the alley after he murdered a woman who was not returning his romantic advances.
China Flats Highway #14: Another very creepy backstory is the Chinese man on the Sooke highway who has been seen throwing himself in front of vehicles. When people get out to investigate, he is nowhere to be seen.
The Empress: The Empress Hotel ghosts are numerous, and their stories, spooky. Keep your eyes peeled for the spirit of Francis Rattenbury (the building’s architect), the 6th Floor maid, the “lady who can’t find her room” (and actually knocks on your door!) and the hanged construction worker.
photo: Vancouverisland.com
Hatley Castle: You’ve heard of the Dunsmuirs, right? The affluent family who owned not only the Craigdarroch Castle, but also the expansive Hatley Castle… well Miss Laura Dunsmuir is said to have never left the halls of Hatley. Guests of the property have even tried to snap photos of the apparition said to be this Dunsmuir daughter.
Rogers Chocolates: The history of Rogers Chocolates is truly spectacular. A man and wife, immigrating to Canada to start a new life, and building a Chocolate empire – surely they would want to stick around to see how it has fared over the years? Both Charles and Leah Rogers are said to be seen wandering through the store.
Craigdarroch Castle: A number of haunting occurrences have been documented at this particular spot. Although the phantoms remain unidentified, guests have noticed feet and legs walking up the stairs… they have heard music playing and smelled candles burning. Many guests report the sense of being watched. But who are these ghosts?
Victoria Golf Course: The story goes that Victor and Doris Gravlin were having trouble in their marriage. They had been separated for quite some time, but decided, for the sake of their son, they would try and reconcile. One night they met at the Victoria Golf Course to talk it out… days later golf personnel found Doris, strangled, and left out on the field. Victor was never seen again. People often report seeing Doris walking around the course in April.
photo: clippervacations.com
Pioneer Square: The small park located across from Christchurch Cathedral at the junction of Rockland and Quadra was once a cemetery. That’s right, a stroll through the park ain’t quite the same when you know that there are 1,300 bodies buried beneath your feet! A number of ghosts have been said to wander the area.
Are you sufficiently spooked? Because I am! Report all ghost sightings to us @VictoriaHype on Facebook!
Feature Image: vancouverisland.com