Haunted Places and Ghosts of Downtown Victoria, B.C

1. The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Address: 721 Government Street

History: Opened in 1908, the Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. This grand hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries over the years.

Ghost Activity: Guests and staff have reported numerous ghost sightings, including that of an older woman, believed to be the ghost of Margaret, a chambermaid who died in the hotel. She is often seen on the sixth floor, rearranging the sheets and cleaning up.

Death of the Ghost: Margaret’s exact history is unclear, but legend has it that she passed away while working at the hotel and continues her duties in the afterlife.

2. The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Address: 28 Bastion Square

History: Housed in the former site of the city’s jail and gallows, the Maritime Museum has a dark past. Bastion Square itself was once the epicenter of law and order, complete with a courthouse and execution site.

Ghost Activity: The museum is said to be haunted by Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie, known as the "Hanging Judge." His apparition has been seen wandering the hallways, and his presence is often felt by visitors.

Death of the Ghost: Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie passed away in 1894, but his stern spirit is believed to linger in the place where he once dispensed justice.

3. Rogers’ Chocolates
Address: 913 Government Street

History: Established in 1885 by Charles "Candy" Rogers, this chocolate shop has been a Victoria staple for over a century.

Ghost Activity: Employees and customers have reported seeing the ghost of Charles Rogers, who allegedly died of a heart attack in the shop. His ghost is said to appear in the store, especially around the stockroom.

Death of the Ghost: Charles Rogers passed away in 1927, and his spirit is believed to keep a watchful eye on the business he built.

4. St. Ann’s Academy
Address: 835 Humboldt Street

History: Founded in 1858 by the Sisters of St. Ann, this former Catholic girls' school and convent is now a national historic site.

Ghost Activity: The ghost of Sister Mary, a nun who taught at the school, is said to haunt the grounds. Visitors report seeing her spectral figure in the garden and the chapel.

Death of the Ghost: Sister Mary’s life and death details are murky, but her spirit is said to be seen praying or walking the grounds.

5. The Old Morris Tobacconist
Address: 1116 Government Street

History: This tobacconist shop, opened in 1892, is one of Victoria's oldest businesses.

Ghost Activity: The spirit of a former shopkeeper is believed to haunt the premises. Employees report cold spots, strange noises, and the smell of pipe tobacco when no one is smoking.

Death of the Ghost: The identity of the ghostly shopkeeper remains unknown, but his presence is strongly felt by those who work there.

6. The Victoria Golf Club
Address: 1110 Beach Drive

History: Founded in 1893, the Victoria Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Canada.

Ghost Activity: The ghost of Doris Gravlin, a woman murdered on the golf course in 1936, is said to haunt the fairways. Golfers and staff have reported seeing her ghostly figure, often referred to as "The Lady in White."

Death of the Ghost: Doris Gravlin was strangled by her estranged husband on the course. Her body was found near the 7th hole, and her restless spirit is said to wander the grounds.

7. Helmcken House
Address: 638 Elliot Street

History: Built in 1852, Helmcken House was the home of Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a prominent figure in early Victoria.

Ghost Activity: The ghost of Dr. Helmcken himself is believed to haunt his former residence. Visitors have reported seeing his apparition in the house and garden.

Death of the Ghost: Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken died in 1920, but his spirit seems to linger in the home where he spent much of his life.

8. Craigdarroch Castle
Address: 1050 Joan Crescent

History: This Victorian-era mansion was built in the late 1800s by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir.

Ghost Activity: Visitors and staff have reported hearing children’s laughter, seeing the apparition of a woman in a white dress, and experiencing unexplained cold spots.

Death of the Ghost: Robert Dunsmuir passed away before the castle was completed, and some believe his spirit, along with that of his family members, haunts the property.

9. The Inn at the Union Club of British Columbia
Address: 805 Gordon Street

History: Established in 1879, this private club has hosted numerous influential figures over the years.

Ghost Activity: The ghost of a former member, known for his love of cigars, is said to haunt the club. The smell of cigar smoke and an eerie presence have been reported in the lounge area.

Death of the Ghost: The identity and details of the ghost’s death remain a mystery, but his spirit is a well-known presence among club members.

10. Ross Bay Cemetery
Address: 1516 Fairfield Road

History: Established in 1873, Ross Bay Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Victoria’s notable figures.

Ghost Activity: Numerous ghosts are said to haunt the cemetery, including Sir James Douglas and Emily Carr. Visitors often report strange occurrences and apparitions among the tombstones.

Death of the Ghosts: The cemetery hosts many deceased individuals whose spirits are said to linger, making it one of the most haunted spots in Victoria.