Spooky season calls for ghost stories—and some of Canada’s most famous hotels are chock full of them.

From the grandest of Fairmonts to quaint resorts, visitors and employees claim to have experienced inexplicable noises and encounters. Could they be the spirits of the past? Here are seven Canadian hotels with guests who simply refuse to check out. 
 

1. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Line Knipst/Pexels

Often referred to as the “Castle of the Rockies,” this renowned Banff hotel was built in 1888 and has no shortage of ghost stories. The most well-known is about Sam the Bellman—a former head bellman who died in 1975—and a bride who reportedly fell down the stairs to her death right before her wedding. Visitors claim to see the bride dancing in a white gown in the ballroom, or on the staircase where she died.

Another curious tale is about Room 873. Though the true story is unknown, legend goes that after a tragic family murder, the hotel boarded up the room. Nowadays, you can walk down the room without knowing it’s there.

2. Merrill House Hotel

Merrill House Hotel/Facebook

Opened in 1878, this charming boutique hotel in Ontario’s Prince Edward County is known for its hauntings. Guests claim to spot children playing and the long-dead Marchioness of Lorne, whose portrait is depicted in the hotel. In 2022, the hotel even offered a Haunted House package where visitors could stay in the old servant’s quarters, adorned with dark vintage furniture and spirit sightings. The hotel was also featured in an episode of CBC’s Ghosting.

3. Algonquin Resort St. Andrews By-The-Sea

Algonquin Resort St. Andrews By-The-Sea/Facebook

Built in 1889, this seaside resort in New Brunswick has experienced a fire, a war, and a change of ownership. There’s said to be a whole ensemble of ghosts wandering the property, including a jilted bride who cries through the halls, a bellhop who escorts guests to their rooms, and an old woman who rearranges the restaurant’s table settings. 

4. Fairmont Empress Hotel

Fairmont Empress Hotel/Facebook

This majestic Victoria, B.C., monument was named by Condé Nast as one of the most haunted hotels in the world. Opened in 1908, it is said to be haunted by the hotel’s architect, Francis Rattenbury. After reportedly leaving his wife and fleeing to England with his lover, Rattenbury was bludgeoned to death by her new lover and returned to haunt the hotel. Other spirits have allegedly been seen around the hotel, including a young girl and a maid cleaning on the sixth floor.

5. The Fort Garry Hotel

Fort Garry Hotel/Facebook

Originally built in the early 20th century as a railway hotel, many of the hauntings of this grand landmark lead back to Room 202. Legend has it that a woman took her own life while longing for her dead husband in the room. Guests have reported seeing blood dripping down the walls, flickering walls, and seeing the woman crawl into bed.

6. Fairmont Château Laurier

Fairmont Château Laurier/Facebook

This Ottawa relic has a haunting past. The original owner of the hotel, Charles Melville Hays, died aboard the Titanic on his way home from shopping for antique furniture in England. He’s said to have returned to the hotel.

7. Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel/Facebook

Believe it or not, this hostel is a part of the former Ottawa prison. Guests stay in real cell blocks, many of which have original iron doors and stone walls that are over 150 years old. The most well-known ghost is Patrick Whelan, a prisoner who was hanged at the jail for assassination. There are reports of unexplained footsteps and claims of Whelan standing at the end of visitors’ beds.
 

Recommended

10 Cute Canadian Towns You Have To Visit This Fall

By: Sara Romano

While Canada is undoubtedly home to dozens of charming towns, there’s something magical about experiencing them in the fall.

Read More

Recommended

The 9 best ghost walks across Canada

By: Day Helesic

Read More