Vancouver is a young city by North American standards, but apparitions and auditory phenomena are experienced despite its short history. Some hauntings reflect tragic events or identifiable people, whereas some occurrences cannot be explained.
Orpheum Theater Vancouver
The Orpheum Theater was built in 1927 and has been host to a variety of venues over the years. The spirit of an acrobat who died by accident in a vaudeville act has been sighted many times.
Vogue Theater Vancouver
The Vogue Theater, built in 1941, was established as a movie house and a stage for concerts, plays and big name performers. Two ghosts are believed to have taken up residency at this theater. Footsteps are heard in the downstairs dressing room area. In the seating area, many people have seen a man dressed in a white tuxedo and black bow tie.
Dominion Building Vancouver
Adjacent to Gastown is the majestic Dominion Building. Opened in 1909, this 13-storey building was the tallest in the British Empire. The ghost of the architect who designed the building is believed to be grounded at this site. This man either accidentally fell or threw himself down the stairs during the grand opening celebration.
Hotel Vancouver
Hotel Vancouver, a well-known landmark recognized by its copper roof and gargoyles, is believed to be haunted by a lady dressed in red. Guests and employees have seen this elegant lady walking on an invisible ledge. The hotel’s elevator often makes an unscheduled stop on the 14th floor. When the doors open, this same lady appears to be floating along the hallway.
Beatty Street Drill Hall Vancouver
The Beatty Street Drill Hall, also known as the Beatty Street Armory, is a castle-like structure and home to the British Columbia Regiment. Auditory phenomena such as footsteps and voices can be heard, especially in the basement. Books have fallen down from shelves, pictures and other wall hangings fall off the walls. The image of an unknown man has been sighted in the Officer and Senior NCO messes. In Officer’s Row, a renovation project seemed to stir up ghostly activity. Staff members hear footsteps, feel cold spots or have the feeling of being touched. Phones which are unplugged will unexpectedly ring.
University of British Columbia
At the UBC, the main library is believed to be haunted by an elderly lady in a white dress. There is no explanation for the appearance of this woman.
Close to the University of British Columbia, a woman got out of her boyfriend’s car after having an argument and decided to hitchhike a ride home in the rain. Sadly, she was run over by a car. She is still seen walking along the same street on rainy nights. Her image is extremely vivid; in fact, drivers will stop and ask her for a ride. For some reason if a driver has a passenger in the car, she will ignore the offer and continue walking. If the driver is alone, she will jump in the rear seat. When asked where she would like to go, she disappears.
Hycroft Mansion Vancouver
Hycroft Mansionwas a stately home built for politician and war hero General Alexander Duncan McRae. Many ghosts are believed to be grounded at this site. An elderly man dressed in a World War I uniform has been seen and is believed to be General McRae. Others have seen a figure of a lady, who may be his wife. During and World War II, this mansion was used as a Veteran’s Hospital. Apparitions of three identifiable World War I vets are seen, in addition to the head nurse. Sounds of a crying man are also heard. It appears that ghostly activity only occurs when film crews are shooting on location, especially eerie shows. Many scenes from X-Files had been filmed there. Paranormal activity seems to halt when parties or receptions are held at the mansion.
Whether the ghostly activity is audible and/or visual, the reports seem to be consistent. At some locations, paranormal activity did not begin until renovations were done. At other sites, it seems some spirits are trapped by tragic events and others hang on to the familiar places in their earthly life.
Related Articles on Haunted Places in British Columbia:
Haunted Gastown District in Vancouver Canada
Haunted New Westminster British Columbia
Haunted Burnaby British Columbia
Haunted Victoria Hotels and Shops
Haunted Victoria Graveyards and Golf Courses
Haunted Victoria Museums and Castles
Haunted Victoria Restaurants, Theaters and Parks
Related Blog on Haunted Places in Canada:
The Canadian Pacific Hotels are Haunted
Maureen K. Fleury - Maureen joined Suite101 in March 1999 as a Contributing Editor and worked her way up as a Managing Editor and Senior Managing Editor. In ...
