Haunted Vancouver British Columbia, Canada

Ghosts at the Orpheum Theater,Hycroft Mansion and Hotel Vancouver

Mar 10, 2007

Paranormal activity has also been detected at famous Vancouver Canada landmarks such as the Dominion Building, University of British Columbia, Beatty Street Drill Hall

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.

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The copyright of the article Haunted Vancouver British Columbia, Canada in Ghosts & Hauntings is owned by Maureen K. Fleury. Permission to republish Haunted Vancouver British Columbia, Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sep 10, 2009 5:01 PM

Guest :

Many staff believe the Western Institute of Deaf and Hard of Hearing building in Vancouver is haunted. It is a converted nunnery next to a school. Often staff feel creepy or unnerved in the basement/kitchen area, see movements from the corner of their eyes, feel wind blow across their face, or hear strange noises as if someone is shuffling around in the kitchen. One staff claimed to have been in a washroom stall alone in the basement when footsteps were heard on the other side of the stall door. She thought it might be someone waiting to go but when she came out, no one was there. The staff tend to believe the ghost is that of a nun who used to live there.