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When it comes to creepy occurrences and things that go bump in the night, surprisingly Alberta has more than its share. While some are frightened by such tales and would never even consider buying a home near a haunted house, others are drawn to them. Whether you're looking to avoid, or seek them out, here are some of the haunted buildings in this seemingly innocent province.
Banff Springs Hotel: Probably the most famous haunted establishment in the province, its chilling history began when a young bride was making her way down the spiral staircase when her gown was set on fire by the candles on either side of the staircase. In a moment of panic, she tripped and fell down the winding stairs, eventually breaking her neck. Since then employees have reported noises coming from the vacant bridal suite, or most tragic of all the willowy figure of a woman in a long dress coming down the stairs until it catches on fire and disappears - almost as though she is reliving her tragic fate over and over again. Apparently the scorch marks remain on the marble staircase to this day.
In addition to the tale of the wandering bride, rumor has it that a family was killed in room 873 at the hotel. The door has been covered with brick, but the outline of the old door is still apparent. After a child's fingerprints on the mirrors could never be removed, no matter how often they cleaned, management decided to seal the room. Stories of seeing the family members and a young girl hiding and giggling are commonplace.
Apparently the hotel is still the home of former employee, Sam Macauley. He worked here until he died in 1976 and has frequently been spotted in the hallways, and escorting people on and off the elevators. Some claim to have spoken to him before they realized his spooky presence.
The Deane House: Considered to be one of the most haunted homes in Canada, the Deane House in Fort Calgary has a violent history. Originally constructed to be the residence for the Superintendent of the Royal North West Mounted Police, Richard Burton Deane, was later moved and turned into a boarding house. There have been at least seven deaths that have occurred in the house over the years, including a murder/suicide of a husband and wife, a man dying after a fall down the staircase, a shooting death, and two suicides. In 1973 Deane House was turned into studio space for local artists and subsequently a restaurant. Tales of strange happenings are commonplace at this creepy abode.
Some of the stories include: sounds of laughter when no one is there, a blood stain in the attic (where a young boy committed suicide) that won't go away, a closet door that won't stay padlocked, a ringing phone that isn't plugged in, a piano that plays until someone enters the room, and a Native American man who claims the house was built on sacred ground.
Old Strathcona Guilty Martini: This Edmonton bar doesn't have a violent history, however staff have repeatedly experienced strange occurrences here. Often bottles will rattle and clink together even though they are set apart from one another, and unexplained cold spots and shadows will appear. Some have reported feeling a cold touch on their shoulder or being approached by a ghostly man in black. We're not sure, however, whether these stories are the result of the macabre, or just the martini talking.
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