Usually, Halloween is about dressing up in costume, candy corn, jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin spiced lattes. But to some, Halloween is the spookiest time of year. And what better way to scare yourself silly then to stay in a haunted hotel?
Thrill seekers will delight in visiting places where paranormal activity is prevalent. However, you may not be shrieking with delight after hanging out at these ghostly Canadian spook spots; you may be running away in terror!
For those who enjoy a little old-fashioned fear, consider a visit to these seven ghoulish Canadian locales. We’d normally warn you to watch out for things that go bump in the night but if it’s spooking you’re seeking, it’s a safe bet that our advice won’t be all that necessary.
1) Algonquin Hotel, Saint-Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
184 Aldophus Street, Saint Andrews, New Brunswick E5B1T7, Canada
The ghost at the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel in Saint-Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick isn’t scary, but she is pesky. This old biddy, who is thought to be a former staffer, will rearrange table settings at night the way she likes it, thank you very much. Just hope you run into her at night: the alternative is the ghost of a woman who sobs into the wee hours of the morning about being jilted at the altar.
2) Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta
Spray Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
(403) 762-2211
“Play it again, Sam” takes on new meaning at the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta. “Sam” was a real-life bellman at the hotel, where he worked until his death in 1976. The good news: he’s harmless, if not helpful; he’ll move your luggage and unlock your room just because he’s nice like that.
www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/
3) Château Laurier, Ottowa, Ontario
1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
(613) 241-1414
If someone died on the Titanic, you’d expect his spirit to be buried at the bottom of the sea. Not so for Charles Melville Hays, who met his end on the iconic British passenger liner. Hays, who had commissioned Château Laurier, was on his way back from Europe just 12 days before the hotel’s opening with new furniture for the dining room when he met his untimely demise. It is his ghost that reportedly shakes, rattles and rolls around the hotel, angry in death that he never saw the project in life that he had worked so hard to complete.
www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/
4) Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Vancouver
Canada Pl Way Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5, Canada
(604) 691-1991
The lady in red at the Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver may not dance with you but if you’re lucky, she just may deign to walk down the hallway with you. This ghostly figure has been seen walking the corridors of the 14th floor and, though you might not request it, the elevator has been known to make random stops there as well.
www.fairmont.com/waterfront-vancouver/
5) Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec
1 Rue des Carrières, Quebec City, QC G1R 3Y8, Canada
(418) 692-3861
You’ll get two ghosts for the price of one at the Château Frontenac in Quebec City. Not only is there a sad woman wearing a nightgown that might sneak up on you while you’re sleeping, but there’s a famous face in the form of 17th century governor Louis de Buade. This old chap, who died at the Château while his fiancée was overseas, reportedly haunts its halls looking for his love lost.
FYI: you might not want to stay here on Valentine’s Day!
www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/
6) Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba
222 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0R3, Canada
(204) 942-8251
If you really want to be scared stupid, head to the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba and request to stay in room 202. According to frightened guests, a woman in a white gown is known to stand at the foot of the bed and simply stare at those lying among its sheets, blankets and pillows. These same guests alleged that they had seen “blood” seeping down the walls and actually felt the ghostly spirit’s presence. Spooky!
www.fortgarryhotel.com/specials-packages-winnipeg/
7)James Bay Inn, Victoria
270 Government Street, Victoria, BC
(250) 384-7151
Emily Carr wanted to be as unforgettable as her paintings, which is why she simply won’t let guests at the James Bay Inn forget she was alive. She is said to haunt the hotel’s bar, which is where she’ll reportedly appear as soon as anyone mentions her name.