Vancouver, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, also harbors a darker side with locations steeped in eerie histories and paranormal activity. From haunted hotels to ghostly transit hubs, these places are not for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just curious, here’s a list of ten horror places in Vancouver you might want to avoid, especially after dark, along with their chilling backstories. Proceed with caution!
1. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
- Location: 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, opened in 1939, is home to the infamous “Lady in Red,” believed to be Jennie Pearl Cox, a socialite killed in a car accident outside the hotel in the 1940s. Guests report seeing her on the 14th floor or in the lobby, sometimes appearing in rooms, startling visitors who think their room is double-booked. Mysterious footsteps and elevator stops add to the unease.
- Why Avoid: The ghostly presence is friendly but unsettling, especially for those unprepared for supernatural encounters.
2. Waterfront Station
- Location: 601 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: Built in 1915, this bustling transit hub is considered Vancouver’s most haunted location. Apparitions include three old ladies waiting for a train that never arrives, a 1920s flapper dancing in corridors, and a headless brakeman wandering the tracks. Security guards report moving furniture and phantom footsteps, making late-night shifts eerie.
- Why Avoid: The station’s paranormal activity is unpredictable, and its history of strange occurrences makes it a hotspot for unsettling experiences, especially at night.
3. The Old Spaghetti Factory (Gastown)
- Location: 53 Water St, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: This popular family restaurant in Gastown houses four ghosts, including a tram conductor haunting the trolley car inside, added in 1969. Other spirits include a mischievous “little red man,” a young boy named Edward, and a talkative girl with a balloon. Diners report cold spots and objects moving inexplicably.
- Why Avoid: Eating pasta with ghostly spectators can be unnerving, especially with the tram conductor’s spectral presence looming nearby.
4. Vogue Theatre
- Location: 918 Granville St, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: Opened in 1941, this Art Deco theater is haunted by a man in his mid-thirties, dressed in a cream-colored dinner jacket. He’s known to play drum kits at night and rearrange stage props. Former manager Bill Allman reported a three-dimensional shadow in the basement, adding to the theater’s creepy reputation.
- Why Avoid: The ghostly activity, especially at night, can make attending late shows or working backstage a spine-chilling experience.
5. Hycroft Manor
- Location: 1489 McRae Ave, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: This Shaughnessy mansion, built in 1911, has a history of paranormal activity. Guests report cold chills, a child crying on the second floor, and a ghostly female figure in the hallways. Its past as a hospital and unaccredited school with alleged rituals adds to its eerie aura.
- Why Avoid: The manor’s history and frequent paranormal reports make it a hotspot for unsettling encounters, especially on upper floors.
6. Deadman’s Island
- Location: Off Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: Once a First Nations burial ground and later a smallpox quarantine site, this island is one of North America’s most haunted. Closed to the public, it’s known for strange phenomena like footsteps and the wail of a young woman, heard from a distance.
- Why Avoid: Its inaccessibility and dark history of death and isolation make it a place best observed from afar, if at all.
7. Penthouse Nightclub
- Location: 1019 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: Operating since the 1940s, this nightclub is haunted by a modestly dressed woman who opens and closes windows after hours, startling staff. Its history of hosting celebrities like Frank Sinatra adds intrigue, but the ghostly antics create unease.
- Why Avoid: Late-night visits could lead to encounters with this restless spirit, making it a risky spot for those sensitive to the supernatural.
8. Sam Kee Building
- Location: 8 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: Known as the world’s narrowest commercial building, this 1913 structure has reports of ghosts “pushing” people from behind. Its history of being rebuilt after the city took land for street widening adds to its eerie reputation.
- Why Avoid: The unexplained physical sensations and cramped, unsettling atmosphere make this a place to steer clear of, especially alone.
9. Riverview Hospital
- Location: 2601 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: This former mental health facility, now a filming location, is notorious for its haunted reputation. Shadow figures, feelings of being watched, and unexplained noises have been reported by crew members working late. Its history of patient treatment adds to the chilling vibe.
- Why Avoid: Closed to the public, its creepy appearance and paranormal reports make it a place best avoided unless you’re on a controlled film set.
10. Vancouver Public Library Central Branch
- Location: 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
- Why It’s Spooky: Despite opening in 1995, this modern library has a resident ghost: a man with long grey hair seen crouching among books on the fourth floor. When approached, he and the books allegedly melt into the floor, leaving no trace.
- Why Avoid: The unexpected nature of this apparition in a seemingly ordinary library can be startling, especially for late-night studiers.
Why These Places Are Best Avoided
These locations, while fascinating for their historical and paranormal significance, carry risks of unsettling experiences that could disturb even the bravest visitors. Many are linked to tragic histories—accidental deaths, battles, or institutional suffering—that seem to anchor restless spirits. Visiting at night, especially alone, is discouraged due to heightened paranormal activity and, in some cases, safety concerns in surrounding areas. For instance, Waterfront Station and the Sam Kee Building are near Downtown Eastside, which has a higher crime rate and can feel unsafe after dark.
Tips for the Curious
If you’re drawn to explore these haunted spots:
- Visit During the Day: Daytime visits reduce the likelihood of eerie encounters and enhance safety.
- Go in Groups: Having company can ease nerves and deter potential risks in areas like Gastown or near Waterfront Station.
- Research First: Check access rules (e.g., Deadman’s Island is closed) and local safety advisories, especially for Downtown Eastside.
- Respect the Spirits: Be mindful of the tragic histories and avoid provoking any supernatural entities.
Conclusion
Vancouver’s haunted places offer a thrilling glimpse into the city’s darker side, but they’re not for everyone. From the Lady in Red at the Fairmont to the ghostly conductor at The Old Spaghetti Factory, these locations blend history with horror. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these spots are best approached with caution—or avoided altogether if you prefer to keep your heart rate steady. For more on Vancouver’s spooky side, consider joining a guided tour like Forbidden Vancouver’s walking tours, but always prioritize safety and respect for these eerie landmarks.