Calgary may be a beautiful city, but it's an old city. With its history comes some spooky tales, just like any place. We may not be known for hauntings and Halloween horror, but Calgary has plenty of stories to tell. Here are some of the haunted sites and scary stories from right here at home:
- The Deane House: " While the historic building was a boarding house, it was the scene of many murders. The apparition of a ghostly man who was gunned down on the front porch has been seen by visitors, as well as a man missing his legs in a hallway on the ground floor. In Mr Deane’s study, the apparition of a gentleman in period clothing has been seen smoking a cigar. Ghostly laughter is heard, cold spots are felt and a piano in a room on the second floor plays by itself" (Haunted Places).
- Devil's Playground: "Listed as one of the most haunted places in Canada, the story of Devil’s Playground starts when an old schoolhouse burns down. A fire started in a hallway and claimed the lives of three children. Over the years, people have reported the sound of children playing around the charred foundation. Other stories tell of wrecking crews having malfunctions when they came to develop the area" (Daily Hive).
- Fairmont Palliser Hotel: "Both clients and staff have reported in the hotel include seeing the ghost of a man dressed in a conductor’s uniform. Raucous parties have been reported in certain rooms, with hotel staff finding them empty upon arrival. There are reports of a 1940s debutante heading down stairs towards what was once the hotel’s drawing room. Guests report being awoken by someone tapping on their arm. And, a haunted staff elevator sometimes seems to have a mind of its own" (Avenue Calgary).
- The Zoo Bridge: "Strange events have been reported in the [Zoo Bridge] area where [a little boy named] Donnie was killed. Some passers-by have heard a boy’s voice, crying for help. And in decades past, security staff at the Calgary Zoo said they used to hear a small knock at their door, only to find no one there. They believed their visitor to be the young boy’s spirit, so one security guard would take a child’s ball and toss it outside for Donnie. Whenever he did so, the ball would mysteriously reappear at the security entrance sometime during the night" (The Calgary Herald).
- Lougheed House: "Lady Isabella Lougheed, the late owner’s wife, has appeared in period clothing to greet select visitors. She has been seen gazing longingly out a front window. Witnesses also claim to have seen the couple and various other family members’ ghostly apparitions dancing in the ballroom of the house" (Curiosity).
What's your favourite Calgary ghost story? Let us know in the comments!
(Image via Canva)