Did you know we live in one of Canada’s most haunted cities?
It’s true!
If you haven’t looked into the history of Victoria or taken one of the city’s Ghostly Walks, you may not have unearthed some of it’s creepy and ghostly history.
With Friday the 13th happening later this week, we thought it would be a perfect time to share some of the stories and urban legends of our city.
Here are 13 spooky facts and legends about Victoria ahead of Friday the 13th:
1. There are 1,300 skeletons buried under Pioneer Square
From 1855 to 1873, Pioneer Square was Victoria’s biggest cemetery. In 1908, the city cleared away the headstones but left the bodies underneath the square.
2. Ross Bay Cemetery is abundant with paranormal activity
Ross Bay Cemetery is the final resting place of Emily Carr, Sir Douglas and many more. Not only do locals report stories of seeing ghosts in the cemetery, it is also rumoured to have catacombs and tunnels underneath as well as rumours of satanic gatherings.
3. The basement under Hotel Rialto was once used as a morgue
Formerly known as Hotel Douglas, the basement of the Hotel Rialto was previously used as a morgue. Employees report hearing knocking coming from below.
4. You can enter a time warp on Shelbourne Street
According to urban legend, you can enter a time warp on Shelbourne Street. Locals report experiencing going back in time between 2 to 3 a.m. in October, by both car and on foot. According to legend, you will see ghosts and things of the past on your journey.
5. There are secret tunnels under downtown Victoria
If you have lived in Victoria long enough, you’ve heard about the tunnels under the city. You may have even wondered where they are or how you can access them. Rumour is there is a catacomb of secret tunnels under Chinatown, the Empress Hotel and Cafe Mexico along Johnson Street.
6. There is a burial site under Bastion Square
In the early 1800s, Bastion Square was home to Victoria’s first jail. During its operation, 11 people were hung in the square. Although the building itself is gone, the bodies of those who died still lay underneath the square and parkade. Many report hearing the rattling of chains.
7. You can summon a ghost at Victoria Golf Club by ringing a bell
According to Reddit, it is a rite of passage for Victoria residents to visit the Victoria Golf Club in Oak Bay, ring the bell and summon the ghost of Doris Gravlin. Doris is said to haunt the golf course.
In order to conjure the spirit, instructions say to visit at night, find the bell between the 6th and 7th hole and ring it 3 times.
8. Rogers Chocolates is haunted by the store’s original owners
The original owners of Rogers Chocolates, Charles and Leah Rogers, are said to still be present at the shop today. According to employees, the ghosts of the couple can be seen late at night in the back of the store. Employees have also reported returning to the store to open in the morning to find things moved, hidden and thrown around.
9. The Empress Hotel is inhabited by many ghostly guests
If you stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel don’t be surprised if you run into some ghosts! Visitors report a little girl running through the halls and a woman in pajamas who leads you to the elevator only to disappear.
10. Garricks Head Pub served prisoner’s last meals
According to history, Garrick’s Head Pub was once used as a spot for those heading to the gallow to have their last meal.
11. The Murchies staircase is inhabited by a poltergeist
Allegedly, Murchie’s Langley Street staircase is haunted. Visitors report doors slamming out of nowhere, small objects thrown and the elevator mysteriously activating itself.
12. You can hear a piano playing late into the night at Helmcken House
When Victoria’s first doctor, Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, fell ill his daughter would play piano late into the night to comfort him. Today, there are reports of the sounds of piano coming from the Helmcken House.
13. There is a 40+ year unsolved murder in Beacon Hill Park
The Beacon Hill Doppelgnger is one of Victoria’s most famous hauntings and an unsolved murder even to this day.
In the late 1970’s, several witnesses saw a tanned woman with long blonde hair standing at the entrance of Beacon Hill Park. She was standing on top of a rock with her hands above her head and mouth wide open. Reports of this strange sight went on for several months.
In 1983, a body was found in a shallow grave near to where witnesses had reported seeing the strange woman. Shortly after this discovery, reports of the same woman from the late 1970’s, acting in the exact same manner were witnessed again.
Do you know of any spooky facts or legends about Victoria?
