Archie MontroseExploring Vancouver has always been a joy for me, but my love for ghost stories drew me to its darker side.
The thought of haunted buildings and eerie alleyways was too intriguing to resist. I knew wandering through historic spots and hearing spooky secrets would be the perfect adventure around the city for me.
If you’re also fascinated with haunted stories, come along as I recap the tours you’ll want to take on!
Vancouver’s Haunted Past
Let me take you through some of Vancouver’s most chilling corners and stories.
In 1886, the Great Vancouver Fire devastated the city, just a few months after Vancouver was declared the fourth city in British Columbia.
A thousand people homeless, about a million dollars lost, and some say the spirits of those who didn’t survive still wander the streets.
Around the same time, a smallpox outbreak came down on the city and everyone infected was sent to Deadman’s Island near Stanley Park.
Many who were sent there never returned.
The bodies added up to the perished Indigenous people, sailors, construction workers, and many more unknown that had taken refuge on the island. They all became fodder for ghostly lore in the years to come.
Then, there’s the Waterfront Station, built in 1914, which also became a hotspot for ghost sightings. People have reported seeing three elderly women waiting for a train that never comes and a 1920s flapper dancing in the corridors.
One of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods, Gastown, is also filled with ghost stories.
Blood Alley’s violent past and the Old Spaghetti Factory, where the ghost of a tram conductor is said to haunt a vintage trolley car, are just a few of the spooky tales that locals and visitors love to tell.
If you’re joining a ghost tour in the city, these historic sites rich with paranormal stories are some of your essential stops.
The Top-Rated Ghost Tours in Vancouver
If you’re up for some spooky fun, these top-rated ghost tours will show you Vancouver’s haunted history. Visit eerie landmarks, hear chilling stories, and maybe even spot a ghost or two!
Ghostly Gastown Tour
Media by @allymatos
Location: Angel of Mercy Statue in front of Waterfront Station, 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1, Canada
Phone: +1 604 484-9393
Book Now
This tour by Ghostly Vancouver Tours takes you through Vancouver’s oldest area, exploring cobbled streets and darkened alleyways. You’ll hear stories of the city’s ghostly residents, with tales of the wild west, murder, intrigue, and hauntings.
The tour begins at 7:30 pm on weekends starting in April 2024 and lasts about 90 minutes. Note that it’s not recommended for anyone under 12, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Pro tip: Wear comfy walking shoes and bring a jacket. Vancouver’s evenings can get chilly even in the spring, and there’s a lot of walking involved.
Ghostly West End Tour
Media by @ghostlyvancouvertours
Location: Sylvia Hotel, 1154 Gilford St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2P6, Canada
Phone: +1 604 484-9393
Book Now
Walking through Vancouver’s West End, this tour offered by the same provider delves into stories of ghosts, murder, and scandal.
Starting at the Sylvia Hotel, you’ll hear a lot of urban legends and scandalous tales for 2 hours. Due to mature content, it’s best for those over 12.
The next tour is scheduled for July 6, 2024, with refunds available up to 7 days before the event.
Pro tip: Arrive early to find parking nearby and take a stroll around the beautiful West End before your tour starts.
Ghostly Downtown Tour
Media by @ghostlyvancouvertours
Location: To be determined (Next tour TBD)
Phone: +1 604 484-9393
Book Now
In this next tour, you’ll get to explore some of the most haunted spots in downtown Vancouver.
The guide will take you to places like the Vogue Theatre, where staff have seen a dark-haired man wandering around, the Hotel Vancouver with its famous “Lady in Red” ghost on the 14th floor – and don’t even get me started on Waterfront Station!
Just a heads up, like the other tours offered by Ghostly Vancouver Tours, it’s not for kids under 12, and minors need to be with an adult.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the website for the next tour date and book early—spots fill up fast!
The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour
Media by @forbiddenvancouver
Location: Outside Monaco Cafe, 356 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1, Canada
Phone: +1 778 320-3409
This tour by Forbidden Vancouver whisks you through Blood Alley and the old jail, and brings to life tales of murder, fire, and smallpox from Vancouver’s early days.
Dramatic guides make you feel like you’ve stepped back into Vancouver’s seedy early days.
Expect ghostly legends and historical intrigue at every turn. The tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and ends at Maple Tree Square.
Pro tip: Bring your camera. The historic sites and lamplight make for amazing photos.
The Haunting of Vancouver Film Tour
Location: Front of Vancouver Art Gallery on the West Georgia Street side
Here’s another interesting tour. Within 2.5 hours, you’ll get a mix of real-life hauntings with tales from horror films shot in Vancouver.
In 2.5 hours, you’ll visit haunted spots like the Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Street, and Blood Alley and hear the stories from local actors like Ryan Haneman and Shalyn Ferdinand.
The tour happens rain or shine, covering about 3 kilometres (2 miles), and ends at Waterfront Station.
The current price is $49, and it’s available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 7 pm.
Pro tip: Dress in layers and bring an umbrella if it looks like rain. You’ll want to stay dry and comfortable during this spooky adventure.
