Victoria Canada Haunted Shops and Hotels
Ghosts at Empress Hotel, Bradford Regency Hotel,Rogers Chocolates
Apr 24, 2007
Victoria is graced with many heritage buildings that have been saved from the wrecking ball. As a popular vacation destination, downtown hotels thrive on the tourist trade. Guests have reported apparitions of former residents and auditory phenomena in these historic hotels.
The Empress Hotel Victoria
The Empress Hotel which opened in 1908 is a famous landmark at the Inner Harbour. The apparition of a thin man with a mustache has been seen by many visitors and staff. He fits the description of Francis Mawson Rattenbury, the architect who designed the Empress and the nearly Parliament buildings.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Although Francis Mawson Rattenbury moved back to England in the 1920s and was murdered, he still lurks the halls and stairways. His ghost is also seen in the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. Staff and visitors at the Empress have also seen the spirit of a woman who is believed to be Lady Douglas, the wife of city founder James Douglas.
Hotel Douglas Victoria
The Hotel Douglas built in 1912, once housed a morgue in its basement. There have been reports of knocking at the entrance door to the basement that is kept locked. This door is situated behind the lobby desk and only hotel employees are allowed in the area. Any time an employee unlocks the door in response to the knocking; there is nobody on the other side. This door is the only entrance to the basement.
Bradford Regency Hotel Victoria
Located near Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the historic Bradford Regency Hotel appears to have a ghost in the dining room. The spirit of “Lady Churchill” can be felt in her old room by the scent of her perfume. Across the street at Camille's West Coast Fine Dining restaurant, the ghost of Lady Churchill and her gentlemen friend, Brady, have been seen.
Cherry Bank Bed & Breakfast Hotel Victoria
At the Cherry Bank Bed & Breakfast Hotel, there is the spirit of a woman who rearranges the place settings in the dining room. She is believed to be Miss Kathleen Hamber, daughter of a wealthy industrialist, who took up permanent residence in her latter years. There are reports of a girl running in the hallway. Apparently, this is the daughter of the original owner of the house.
James Bay Inn Victoria
The James Bay Inn is a historic hotel in the downtown area where auditory phenomena occurs frequently. Guests have reported that their room phone will ring at odd hours and there’s nobody on the other end. The volume on the television sets in the rooms will rise for no apparent reason. Cold spots are felt in several locations and there is the eerie feeling of being watched.
Rogers Chocolate Shop Victoria
Rogers Chocolates, located in Old Town, is the oldest and famous chocolate shop in Victoria. The spirits of the founders, Charles and Leah Rogers, have been sighted.
Old Morris Tobacconists Victoria
Two blocks down the street is Old Morris Tobacconists where footsteps and cupboard doors opening and closing can be heard from the upstairs floor. It is believed to be the ghost of a former employee who met a sudden death in the upper floor workshop.
If you plan to visit Victoria, be sure to check out the famous Ghostly Walking Tours. It is something that you just cannot miss!
Related Articles on Haunted Places in British Columbia:
Haunted Victoria Graveyards and Golf Courses
Haunted Victoria Museums and Castles
Haunted Victoria Restaurants, Theaters, and Parks
Related Blog on Haunted Hotels in Canada:
The Canadian Pacific Hotels are Haunted
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