Ghostly Getaways: Haunted Hotels Across Canada to Experience the Paranormal
Discover the Best Haunted Hotels in Canada for Your Next Spooky Adventure
Haunted Hotel Stays in Canada: The Best Ghostly Getaways is a compilation of some of the spookiest overnight stays Canada has to offer. As we've learned first-hand, the Great White North is home to more than just scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. It's also a haven for ghost hunters, history buffs, and thrill-seekers eager to explore the supernatural side of the country. In fact, for any intrepid souls who are fans of haunted tourism, Canada has plenty of spooky accommodations and attractions to raise goosebumps on even the bravest travellers. Whether you're a fearless explorer after a spine-tingling stay in a haunted jail cell, a paranormal investigator hoping to share your room with a ghostly visitor, or you're simply intrigued by eerie and unexplained encounters, Canada's haunted hotels promise an unforgettable experience unlike any other.
During the day, I don't believe in ghosts. At night, I'm a little more open minded."
by Unknown
Haunted Hotel Stays in Canada: A Thrilling Paranormal Adventure Awaits
When it comes to haunted hotel stays in Canada, the possibilities are endless. Across the country, historic hotels and haunted attractions have earned their ghostly reputations from decades of paranormal activity. Fortunately, many of these hotels are still functioning today, blending modern comfort with a rich and eerie past that includes ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and lingering spirits. From iconic landmarks such as the grand and luxurious Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario to charming and quirky stays like the Dorchester Jail B&B in New Brunswick, Canada has much to offer for those looking to add an eerie twist to their travels. From chilling paranormal encounters to ghostly sightings in century-old buildings, these haunted destinations offer an unforgettable stay steeped in mystery and adventure - if you dare!
Frightening Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia
One of the most iconic places on our list of haunted hotel stays in Canada: best ghostly getaways, is the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, Canada. We toured this majestic Victorian building overlooking the beautiful Inner Harbour, while walking the Trans Canada Trail in BC. As a result, we learned that while the Empress Hotel offers guests a luxurious stay with its grand architecture and world-class service, it also harbours a ghostly past. In fact, the Fairmont Empress has a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in Canada.
Among the most persistent tales is that of Francis Rattenbury, the architect who designed the grand building in 1908. After a tragic and violent death in England, many claim his spirit returned to the Empress, where he is said to wander the halls with a cane, still keeping watch over his creation. In addition, guests and staff have also reported ghostly apparitions of maids who never left their posts, disembodied footsteps echoing along seemingly empty corridors, and unexplained flickering lights. The Fairmont Empress Hotel offers visitors more than high tea and harbour views—it also provides a brush with the supernatural.
Eerie James Bay Inn,Victoria, BC, Canada
Another infamous haunt in Victoria, BC, the James Bay Inn, is a beautiful blend of historical charm and ghostly intrigue. This historic hotel, which opened in 1911, is one of the oldest in the city, and its eerie reputation gives it a place on our list of haunted hotels in Canada: best ghostly getaways. Located just steps from Beacon Hill Park and the Inner Harbour, the inn is best known for its connection to Canadian artist Emily Carr, whose ghost is said to still linger within the hotel.
Emily Carr, a renowned painter and writer, spent her final days at the James Bay Inn in 1945, and it's said that her spirit has never fully left. In particular, guests have reported seeing her apparition, often described as a "Lady in White," especially near the rooms where she stayed, which are now a men's washroom. Furthermore, unexplained footsteps, flickering lights, and a heavy sense of unease are common occurrences in the inn, particularly in the quietest, most secluded areas. The inn's connection to Carr adds an eerie layer to its history, making it a fascinating stop for those intrigued by both the arts and the paranormal.
In addition to Emily Carr's ghost, the James Bay Inn is known for other mysterious phenomena, such as sudden temperature drops, the faint sound of whispers, and the feeling of being watched. Whether you're a fan of Carr's work or simply seeking a thrilling ghostly getaway, the James Bay Inn is an unforgettable stop on your haunted hotel tour.
"Don't matter if you believe in them or not. If they're there, they're there ..."
by Joan Lowery Nixon, The Haunting
Bewitching Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is as grand in size as it is in paranormal history. This historic hotel, built in 1888, is known not just for its stunning mountain views and elegant décor, but also for its chilling ghost stories. One of the most famous apparitions associated with the Banff Springs Hotel is a bride who tragically fell to her death on her wedding day in the 1920s. Specifically, her apparition is often seen near the grand staircase or in the ballroom, where she's said to have stumbled to her death.
In addition, guests have also reported seeing Sam the Bellman, a friendly ghost who worked at the hotel in the 1960s and 70s. According to numerous accounts, Sam continues to assist guests long after his passing in 1975, offering directions or helping them with their luggage. Furthermore, there are also reports of other strange occurrences, such as flickering lights, sudden drafts, and eerie sounds, which are common in the more secluded rooms of the hotel. As a result, whether you're cycling the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail, soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or looking for a slightly more paranormal encounter, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience both luxury and a little ghostly excitement while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains.
Haunted Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan
Located in the heart of Regina, Saskatchewan, the Hotel Saskatchewan has long been a fixture in the city's landscape for many years. Opened in 1927, the hotel is a grand example of neoclassical design, and it has hosted numerous dignitaries and royalty over the years. However, the hotel's history isn't just one of elegance and luxury—it also holds a dark and eerie past that includes ghostly encounters. For example, guests at the Hotel Saskatchewan have reported sightings of a female ghost believed to be connected to several suicides within the hotel. She is often described as hovering above the beds of single men, and her presence is said to bring an unsettling energy to the room. In addition, another common apparition is that of a bellhop wearing an old uniform, which hasn't been worn in decades. Many guests have reported seeing him in the hallway, only to turn around and find him gone.
However, perhaps the most chilling ghostly event occurred in the Regency Ballroom, where the curtains inexplicably floated in mid-air. Staff members who witnessed this disturbing event fled in panic, and to this day, it remains one of the hotel's most talked-about hauntings. As a result, the Hotel Saskatchewan is a perfect destination for those seeking both historic elegance and a touch of the supernatural.
Ghoulish Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is one of Canada's most historically significant hotels—and one of the most haunted hotel stays in Canada. Built in 1913 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, the hotel is a beautiful example of French Château-style architecture. In addition, given its location along the route of Via Rail Canada's The Canadian it is a popular spot for visitors exploring the country by rail. However, it's also home to several disturbing ghost stories, especially in Room 202.
In particular, Room 202 is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who tragically took her own life there after hearing about her husband's untimely death. Guests and staff alike have reported disturbing phenomena in this room, such as blood dripping from the walls, and the feeling of a woman in a cloak standing at the foot of the bed. Moreover, guests have also reported seeing shadowy figures moving through the hallways or hearing strange noises, such as footsteps in empty corridors.
Despite its ghostly reputation, the Fort Garry Hotel remains a beloved and historic place to stay. It combines the charm of an early 20th-century hotel with an atmosphere that is undeniably eerie, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a ghostly adventure in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Spooky Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Ontario
Located in the heart of Ottawa, the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is one of Canada's most notorious haunted locations. This former prison, which housed some of the country's most dangerous criminals, has been transformed into a youth hostel, but its eerie history remains very much alive. In particular, the building was originally the Carleton County Gaol, and guests report experiencing unsettling paranormal activity in the old prison cells. We stopped by while birding the Great Trail in Ontario, and the experience certainly left us with goosebumps!
Many believe that the ghosts of former inmates still haunt the building. In particular, guests have described hearing unexplained footsteps, feeling cold spots, and encountering shadowy figures lurking in the dark corners of the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Some guests have even encountered the ghost of Patrick Whelan, who was executed in 1869 for the assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee. For those looking for an affordable yet unforgettable ghostly getaway, the Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a chilling experience that combines history with spine-chilling encounters.
Frightening Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, ON, Canada
The Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa is as famous for its elegance as it is for its eerie legends. The hotel's ghost stories trace back to its original owner, Charles Melville Hays, who died aboard the Titanic in 1912, just days before the grand opening. Many believe his spirit returned to the Château to oversee the project he never lived to complete. In particular, guests and staff have reported strange happenings within its historic walls—doors creaking open on their own, furniture shifting mysteriously, and a heavy, watchful presence that seems to linger in the corridors. In addition, several suicides are reported to have occurred over the years, adding to the chilling legends. For those who dare to visit, the Fairmont Château Laurier offers not just the highest luxury, but also a unique glimpse into the supernatural.
Paranormal Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
The Prince of Wales Hotel, located in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, has been welcoming guests since 1864. This Victorian masterpiece, with its elegant architecture and stunning views of the Niagara River, was originally built to accommodate theatre goers visiting the nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake Theatre. However, it's not just the picturesque surroundings that attract visitors—it's also the hotel's reputation for the supernatural. In particular, the Prince of Wales Hotel is said to be haunted by a number of restless spirits, the most notable being a spectral woman in a Victorian gown, often seen wandering the halls or gazing out of the windows. Room 207, in particular, is known for its chilling encounters. Some believe it is haunted by the ghost of a young bride whose husband went off to fight in World War I, only to return as a casualty. In addition, guests have also reported eerie footsteps, whispers, and sudden cold spots, making this historic hotel a must-visit for those intrigued by both its elegance and its ghostly lore.
Chilling Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec
The Fairmont Château Frontenac, a stunning landmark perched above Quebec City, has captivated visitors since its opening in 1893. Designed to resemble a French Château, this grand hotel quickly became a symbol of elegance, attracting dignitaries and celebrities with its luxurious interior. Furthermore, it is located along the route of Via Rail's The Ocean, making it a popular stop for railway travellers to this day. While it's renowned for its historic charm and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, the hotel is also famous for its eerie reputation. Guests have reported sightings of a woman in a flowing white gown, believed to be the ghost of a former guest who met a tragic end. Strange noises, including eerie whispers and ghostly footsteps, are often heard in seemingly empty hallways. The hotel's history, including its use as a military hospital during WWII, may be tied to its ghostly activity. As a result, whether you're visiting for its beauty or the spine-chilling tales that echo through its halls, the Fairmont Château Frontenac offers an unforgettable, haunted experience.
Dreaded Dorchester Jail Bed & Breakfast, Dorchester, New Brunswick
The Dorchester Jail Bed & Breakfast, located in Dorchester, New Brunswick, offers a truly unique and spine-chilling experience. In fact, this former provincial jail, built in 1875, is notorious for its ghostly inhabitants. The site of New Brunswick's last double hanging in 1936, the jail's dark history contributes to its haunted reputation. The owners of the property are happy to provide tours of the facility, and to share highly entertaining tales of its rich and twisted history, as we learned first-hand while visiting.
Guests have reported hearing whispers, feeling cold spots, and experiencing strange sensations of being watched, especially in the cells that once housed some of the province's most dangerous criminals. We spent a night behind bars in one of the windowless prison cells of the Dorchester Jail Bed & Breakfast during the New Brunswick leg of our cross-Canada hike, and lived to tell the tale. However, it was an experience we won't soon forget! Would you be brave enough?
Ready to Embrace the Supernatural?
Canada is home to some of the most haunted hotels in the world, each offering a unique opportunity to explore the supernatural and embrace the thrill of the unknown. From the haunted halls of the Fairmont Empress in Victoria to the eerie history of the Ottawa Jail Hostel, these ghostly getaways promise unforgettable experiences. So, are you ready to book your next haunted hotel stay, and prepare for a night filled with mystery, history, and the thrill of the supernatural?