Banff Springs Hotel, now named Fairmont Banff Springs, in Banff National Park is one of the most well-known haunted places in North America. The “Castle in the Rockies” was originally built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Scottish Baronial castle style architecture and interior designed by many interior architects and had additions over centuries, makes it an internationally famous luxury hotel and because of its age and significance. It has been declared a National Historical Site. The stunning mountainous landscape, Banff National Park, where this hauntingly stunning castle sits, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel has seen many celebrities, political leaders and royalty. Banff has a long and interesting history. If the walls could talk.
The Banff Springs Hotel has many accounts of ghost sightings, strange things and sounds. The staff also seems to confirm this.
One ghost that lingers the ballroom and stair case is that of a young bride. On her wedding day as she cascaded down the curved staircase her dress caught fire from a lit candle. Panicked, she accidently fell onto the floor below, breaking her neck. The heartbroken bride ghost has been seen dancing in the ballroom and moping by the stairs.
There is a haunting myth and mystery of Room 873. It is missing. It is said that the room has been drywalled over because a family was brutally murdered. Guests have seen bloody handprints on mirrors, apparitions and screams while near this room.
Sam Macauley, the Bellman, haunts the hotel, but in a more helpful way. He was an employee at the historical castle in the sixties. Guests have said that while waiting for assistance for a door that wouldn’t open, Sam helped the guests before the actual employee showed up. Sam has also been seen in his old office and often on the 9th floor.
In the bar, guests and staff have seen a ghost of a bartender.
Another interesting fact, in 1926 a fire took out the north wing of the hotel. Upon reconstruction a secret room was discovered that the current owners knew nothing about.
What other mysteries lurk in this haunted castle?
