Ghostly Getaways! Exploring Alberta’s Most Haunting Places

Alberta harbours secrets as vast as its prairies and as old as its piercing mountains. As cool temperatures settle over the province, a different kind of chill begins creeping through our historic corridors and windswept landscapes. Welcome to Alberta's supernatural side – where restless spirits roam and centuries-old mysteries linger in the shadows. With Halloween fast approaching, there's no better time to explore the province's most thrilling destinations.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Perched like a gothic castle amid the misty peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Fairmont Banff Springs doesn't just flirt with the supernatural – it dances with it. Head Bellman Sam McCauley once joked to colleagues he'd return in the afterlife to haunt the hotel, but little do people realize they've run into the Scottish-voiced bellhop until he vanishes into thin air. Shortly following his passing, the first sighting of Sam's apparition appeared, and his friendly spirit is said to wander the baronial hallways still. Resort guests can learn about this ghostly apparition, the legend of the ghost bride and other mysterious tales October 18-31 during Ghost Tours at Fairmont Banff Springs.

Heritage Park

With an enchanting mix of spooky fun, historical charm and family-friendly activities, Ghouls Night Out at Calgary’s Heritage Park is a must-attend Halloween event. Unlike more intense or frightening events, Ghouls' Night Out is designed specifically for children. The spook factor is just enough to give kids a thrill without causing nightmares. Children can trick-or-treat safely through the park's vintage streets, encountering costumed characters and participating in themed activities like scavenger hunts and crafts. But you better dress up! Families are encouraged to join in the costume fun. Ghouls' Night Out runs October 24-27.

The older set can uncover the darker side of the Park with Calgary Ghost Tours. Running several dates in September and October, the tours delve into the unexplained occurrences haunting the Park’s historic buildings and grounds.

Sylvan Lake Haunted House

Fans of horror flicks with strong slasher vibes will want to sign up for Sylvan Lake's Freakshow Frights Haunted House. In such an intense atmosphere, you better not spook easily. Only the fearless can escape this house of horrors, but not without a bit of terror. If past years are any indication, this freak show is expected to sell out. Snag your tickets for the Oct 24-27 experience quickly.

TELUS Spark

TELUS Spark, Calgary's science centre, totally transforms into an adults-only playground during Spark After Dark events. For those who crave intellectual thrills, this series delivers hands-on activities and exhibits that play with your senses and mind, creating an unsettling environment full of surprises. Taking place on October 11, Killer Psyche lures you into the minds of history's most infamous serial killers. True crime enthusiasts explore chilling crime scenes and delve into the twisted psyches of notorious murderers, all while enjoying full bar service and themed cocktails. Pro Tip: Hop on the Limo Party Bus for complimentary shuttle rides to and from the Calgary Zoo LRT Station.

Last Chance Saloon

For a legit ghost town experience, look no further than the hamlet of Wayne near Drumheller. The surrounding landscape of the Canadian Badlands, once a bustling coal-mining hub, now stands deathly quiet. Within this rugged setting sits the Last Chance Saloon, a historic outpost with vintage decor, bullet holes in the walls and rich tales of outlaws. Buddy up to the bartender to get the scoop as you tuck into smokehouse favourites. Want to see for yourself if the rumoured paranormal activity is true? Brave souls can spend the night in one of the Rosedeer Hotel’s themed rooms.

Ghost Walks in Banff and Canmore

Though famed for their natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, there’s another side to Banff and Canmore waiting to be explored. Filled with historic landmarks, abandoned cabins and dark woods encircling the towns, it’s no wonder several supernatural events are rumoured to have taken place. During Banff Canmore Ghost Walks, you’ll hear chilling tales of tragic accidents, haunted hotels and ghostly sightings in the wilderness. Lantern in hand, your guide—often dressed in period attire, shares local legends of restless spirits, mysterious apparitions and unsettling occurrences that have menaced the area for decades. Routes are wheelchair-friendly, and service animals or family pets can tag along.

Step away from the slopes and into the paranormal on a ghost walk with Discover Banff Tours. What lurks in the shadows of this pristine mountain town’s side streets? Your interpretive guide will reveal all. Just be prepared for a ghostly encounter of your very own.

Galt Museum & Archives

Fort of Fear is an immersive Halloween experience that transforms Lethbridge’s historic Fort Whoop Up into a frightening attraction. Do you dare to uncover the Fort’s darkest secret, a terrorizing tale that’s never been told before? Those courageous enough to experience this bone-chilling, guided experience will begin the tour at The Galt Museum & Archives before descending into the river valley. You’ll experience the Fort as you’ve never experienced it before during the multi-sensory theatrical performance. You’ll want to reserve your spot quickly, as this 18+ experience will only run on October 26. Tour groups are limited to 15 guests, but three tours are running, lasting approximately 60 minutes each.

Historic Inglewood

The stunning historic buildings lining 9th Avenue, Calgary’s first main street, have borne witness to many tragedies over the years. Heritage Calgary has devised a self-guided haunted walking tour of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood. Luckily, you’re in a prime spot to down a cocktail and drown your fears before or after your tour. Both Deane House and the Hose & Hound serve up shiver-inducing spirits in more ways than one. For a guided experience, look to Calgary Ghost Tours, which offers weekly walks of several Calgary neighbourhoods and haunted pubs.

Edmonton Ghost Tours

For a harrowing dive into the city's otherworldly past, Edmonton Ghost Tours offers several eerie expeditions that'll send shivers down your spine. As twilight falls, you'll be welcomed into Edmonton's mysterious side, with each tour offering its own ominous tale. Ghostly apparitions supposedly wander the halls at the University of Alberta. And who can explain the strange occurrences in Old Strathcona, one of the city's most atmospheric neighbourhoods? Consider the Haunted Trolly Tour over the High Level Bridge for something a little different. For those who lean more towards history than hauntings, stroll through Mountain Pleasant Cemetery on a Heritage Tour.

Atlas Coal Mine

You won’t find any jump scares or jack-o’-lanterns at Atlas Coal Mine, just 20 minutes southeast of Drumheller. Still, you will find plenty of atmosphere during Atlas After Dark: Superstitions . This adults-only, small-group tour explores the superstitions of the mining community. Touring the vast, empty remnants of this former coal processing plant after dark, guided only by the light of helmet lamps and moonlight, feels slightly unnerving. The faint creaks of aging equipment, coupled with the lingering scent of coal, add an extra shiver to the already foreboding atmosphere.

As the group descends through the site, you might feel a strange presence, as though the plant itself is watching. Is it? Only time will tell as you ride on the National Historic Site’s 90-year-old locomotive and walk up the enclosed gantry to the top of the tipple, towering 125 feet above ground.