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Writer's pictureLarissa Dawn

The Ghosts of The Banff Springs Hotel

Updated: Oct 2, 2021

FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL:



As I am Canadian, I decided that this episode should definitely be about a location in my country. I am a former haunted tour guide and absolutely love to hear local stories of what hauntings lie in my own area. Although this haunting takes place in Alberta (one province over from me) it would not be difficult to drive out there and do a bit of investigating. After researching this hotel, I have added it to my list of haunted locations to visit. I'll admit, this place is extremely expensive (around $400 a night for a basic room) but the views and the location hidden in the mountains has the feeling that you stepped into a Canadian version of the Shining.



The Banff Hotel in Alberta British Columbia opened to the public in 1888 (133 years old) and has a reputation for being a place to go if you want to experience the ultimate in beauty and luxury. It was built more out of necessity than anything else as the CPR expanded its route, a high class hotel was needed along the path.

In the 1930’s it became known as “The Castle in the Rockies”. This was pretty much the “hay day” of the hotel in the early years.

Records show that hundreds of thousands of people have stayed in the iconic hotel but there are a few “residents” who have never checked out.

Even with all its beauty, the hotel also boasts a history of murder and tragedy.

THE BRIDE:

This is the most frequently seen spirit in the hotel. She has even appeared on collector’s coins and stamps. No one is actually quite sure what happened to her, however, the most popular speculation takes place in the 1920’s. It is said the Bride was startled by something on the marble staircase and tripped on the hem of her gown, falling to her death. Some say the hem might have even caught fire and caused the tripping.

It has been reported that she has been seen dancing through the large ballroom, veiled. Others say they have seen her wandering the halls of the hotel, seeking that first dance that she never got to have with her love.

Employees and guests have even reported hearing noises coming from the bridal suite even when it is unoccupied.


ROOM 873:

It is believed that a man murdered his wife and daughter in the room. A story the hotel staff deny.

Guests have reported hearing screams in the middle of the nights and even seeing bloody handprints on mirrors and walls when they turn the lights on to investigate.

Maids who were tasked with cleaning off the bloody hand and finger prints claimed the blood just wouldn’t come off!

This room was highly sought after by spirit hunters and people looking for a good scare. However, the hotel kept receiving reports of guests being attacked in the room. They bricked over the room making it look like the rest of the hallway.

The hotel staff claims this is all merely “a ghost story” and no such murder ever took place. However, I speak from personal experience that many hotels have clauses in employee contracts that forbid them to speak of any hauntings or past history that might reflect negatively on the reputation of the hotel.


ROOM HAUNTINGS:

The hotel will not provide specific room numbers but many guests have reported paranormal events throughout the hotel. People have claimed to have had pillows yanked out from under them. Even going so far as being pushed off the bed!


THE SECRET ROOM:

During the original construction of the hotel (when it was still wood) an error was made during the build. A room was constructed with no windows and no doors. This information wasn’t even shared with the original owner! The room was discovered in 1926 after a fire broke out. There have been many sightings of spirits outside of this room ever since that fire.

SAM THE BELLMAN:

Sam McCauley was an older Scottish man who was the head bellman in the 60’s and 70’s. He passed in 1975 and many stories continue to spread regarding his continued presence in the hotel.

Sam is said to be a peaceful and at times a helpful spirit. There was a story I located that claim 2 elderly women found that their room key wasn’t working. After waiting for 15 minutes at the desk with no one there to assist them, they returned to their room to find it unlocked and a man in a plaid jacket (his old 60’s uniform) matching Sam’s description, disappearing down the hall.

There are others who claim to see and feel Sam in his old office (it is now a guest room located on the mezzanine floor). Others recall feeling cold spots on the 6th, 7th and 9th floors of the hotel that are accompanied by feelings of peace.

The ninth floor seems to be his most frequented spot. Those who have tried to speak with Sam or provide him with a tip say he simply disappears.


All in all I found this location fascinating! The mere look of this gorgeous castle in enough to make you wish I could visit and stay at length. The spirits that reside here seem to be fairly peaceful and do not mean any harm. In Sam's case, this appears to be the place that he was happiest in life so here he remains in death. The Bride is a much sadder story. It appears she continues to search for her fiancé and will continue to do so for as long as the hotel remain standing.


I will close with this....if you are visiting places to investigate hauntings and spirits, please do so with respect.


Happy Hauntings.

All images used remain fulling owned by their original owners and are only used her to show locations and add atmosphere. I do not own any of the posted images.


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