The Banff Springs hotel in Alberta Canada, was built over 125 years ago by the Canadian Pacific Railway, as a luxury stop off point for train travellers. Don’t let its picturesque surroundings fool you though, it’s rumoured to be one of the most haunted in the country.
The Tragic Tale of the Doomed Bride
The story of the “Doomed Bride” is perhaps the most heart-wrenching of all the hotel’s legends. On her wedding day, over a century ago, a beautiful bride, adorned in her flowing white gown, met a tragic fate. As she descended the marble staircase, her dress brushed against a candle flame, catching fire. In a state of panic, she tripped and fell, breaking her neck. To this day, guests report sightings of a spectral figure in a wedding dress, dancing alone in the ballroom or wandering the staircase, the ethereal flames still licking the hem of her ghostly garment.
The Mystery of Room 873
Continue to the eighth floor of the hotel where once stood the doorway to the infamous Room 873. The legend speaks of a family brutally murdered within its walls. Despite the hotel’s efforts to conceal the room by sealing it off, guests and staff report chilling encounters in the adjacent hallway. Phantom knocks, blood-curdling screams, and ghostly apparitions of the slain family are said to haunt the area, a grim reminder of the tragedy that took place.
Sam the Bellman
Sam Macauley, a dedicated bellman of the 1960s and 70s, continues his service beyond the grave. Dressed in his vintage uniform, Sam’s spirit is known to assist guests by carrying their luggage, operating the elevator, and even unlocking doors. However, when acknowledged or offered a tip, he vanishes into thin air, leaving behind bewildered guests.
Guests have also reported sudden temperature drops, disembodied voices, and the feeling of being watched.
The Banff Springs Hotel’s paranormal history is a rich tapestry of tragedy, mystery, and unexplained events. Whether these stories are mere folklore or evidence of the afterlife, they have become an indelible part of the hotel’s legacy, captivating the minds of visitors and paranormal enthusiasts around the world
