Haunted Canada: Victoria Ghost Walk

There are almost too many things to love about Victoria, B.C. British Columbia's capital is rich in both First Nations and British culture, dazzling gardens, excellent restaurants and charming walks, from harbor to highway. It’s also full of ghosts.

At least it is according to Victoria’s Ghostly Walks, an excellent way for any Morbid Traveler or curiosity seeker to spend a cool August night in BC (No kidding! They have cool nights in August in Canada! Fabulous) and the most chilling place - not temperature-wise - was unquestionably  Helmcken Alley in Bastion Square. In this former prison the dead inmates were buried onsite in unmarked graves and where they’re still alleged to be. 

MT’s looking for a place to stay in BC might want to try the gorgeous Gatsby Mansions, where  floating heads that appear to guests who take room #5.

Unless, of course, you can afford the famous  Fairmont Empress, Victoria’s grand landmark,. Built between 1904 and 1908, the Empress made Travel & Leisure’s Top Ten Hotels in Canada list (only if you click the link you’ll see a picture of the Parliament buildling; we have a picture of the Empress, above). It’s is so luxe some guests have decdied to stay forever. And ever.  

This includes the regal structure’s architect, Francis Rattenbury. Rattenbury. Rattenbury was a star but as his fortunes and marriage declined he took a lover, Alma, into the home he shared with this wife according to The History of Metropolitan Vancouver, and, as I recall, our Ghostly Walks guide. The Rattenbury scandal was too much for the public to take: commissions dried up and eventually “Ratz” and Alma both divorced their spouses and went to England where Alma took a lover, the  18 year-old chauffer, George Stoner who eventually bludgeoned Rattenbury to death in a jealous rage. Alma was acquitted of the crime but committed suicide upon hearing of Stoner’s death sentence;. That sentence was commuted to life, thanks to public sentiment; Stoner served seven years. At the age of 61 he was seen in the audience of a play about his own story. Rattenbury is still seen as well:  his tall, young, mustachioed figure, is said to walk the halls of the Empress, his greatest accomplishment. 

We can tell you for a fact that a smart cocktail on the veranda of the Empress is a delightful way to let an afternoon drift by and we understand their high tea is a world class experience as well. Like all of BC’s capital city the hotel is exquisite and for those who are looking for a little extra paranormal zhuzh the tower in that photograph above is said to be haunted as well.

The Victoria Ghost Walk was one of my favorite evenings out in the city which is saying a lot - I’d do it again in a minute even though I felt like everywhere I went after that was haunted by something. Or maybe I just had such a good time I wanted it to be. When in Victoria you’re going to enjoy walking anyway; get some dark romance and amazing stories on this excellent tour while you do it. 

Oh, the candy apples? There's also a haunted sweets shop on Government Street, but we don't want to have too many spoilers in case you decide to walk the walk. Besides we're pretty sure you can find something that looks like this all on your own...

How much does it cost? Victoria's Ghostly Walks tours are $14 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $8 for kids, $35 for families and $22 for the Ghost Walks Extreme tour, for which you have to make reservations. Check the website (link above) as dates vary throughout the year or call 250-384-6698.

How do you get there? Victoria is an island so once you get to a closer point, like Seattle. If you go that route you can get there via our favorite method, the Victoria Clipper, which will let you kick back, relax, have a beer, have some food and enjoy a view that will relax you like Valium (they also provide whale watching tours, so if you don't see any ghosts, maybe you can see some whales). Form Vancouver and other places you can try BC Ferries and if you love to fly (like we do) and have some cash (like we don't)  you can go for a small plane, sea plane or helicopter for as low as $200 RT - see VictoraBCCA.com for a list of airlines. The cheapest way to go is going to be ground transportation which you can manage for about $20 yfrom both Vancouver and Seattle - go to Victoria BC Tourism's recommendations page for links.

Post by EditrixMTraveler
All photos by EditrixMTraveler. First photo: Totem poles in Beacon Hill Park. Second photos: Fairmont Empress Hotel. Third Photo:candy apples from a sweet shop - though not the haunted one - on Government Street, Victoria, BC.