Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Podcast Episode original air date: April 16, 2021.

The topic of this post, along with the Crescent Hotel is part of a two-parter podcast episode that was done for the Creepy Cases & Spooky Spaces one month anniversary.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as The Castle of the Rockies, was built in 1888 in Alberta, Canada. Originally a wooden structure, it was built as a high-class hotel for people traveling along the Canadian Pacific Railway.

With its breathtaking mountain scenery and natural hot springs, it was viewed as more than just a stop off point along the track, it was seen as a world-class travel destination.
After a major fire in 1926, the building had to be completely reconstructed, the new building loosely based on a Scottish castle aesthetic, with towers and stone walls.
In the 1930s, the hotel experienced quite the uprise when celebrities and royalty began flocking to the hotel.

Some would use the word “magical” when describing the service and amenities of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
With 768 guest rooms, some more tucked away in the private corners of the castle, suites overlooking Alberta’s mountains, you can find downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, skating, 27-championship golf, hiking, fishing, river rafting, horseback riding, and more! - no wonder the spirits want to stick around after the body has passed on!

Offering families a wide array of children’s activities - clubs, menus, and babysitting.
Willow Stream Spa is in the center of Banff Springs, and you have choices of quick service or table service restaurants with cuisines such as Canadian, Italian, Bavarian, Japanese, which all feature health-conscious meals.
Not to mention the pubs, bars, and lounges.

Nearby Lake Louise also has events and attractions, local galleries and museums, along with the Banff Gondola and mineral-rich hot springs.

It definitely sounds like a dream.

Photo: Avenue Calgary - I do not claim this photo is authentic, it is used for descriptive purposes.

Let’s talk about the spooky details of this beautiful paradise.

Secret Room: During the construction of the original hotel, a room was built with no windows or doors, a fact not shared with the hotel owner. The room was only discovered after a fire broke out in 1926. Since then, apparitions are often seen roaming the hall near this room.

Burning Bride: Stories of a woman who died in her wedding gown on the staircase.
As she was walking up the candlelit stairs, her dress caught fire, and in a panic, she tripped, falling down the stairs - dying of a broken neck.
People have reported seeing her ghost in full wedding gown - often dancing in the ballroom, some say they could see the flamed from her dress as she dances. Others have seen her on the staircase where she lost her life.
There have also been strange noises heard in the bridal suite - even when it’s been vacant.

The Bellman: The most popular of the spirits at Banff Springs is Sam Macaully. Once a bellman at the hotel during the 1960s - 1970s. While I couldn’t find much about how or where he died, his ghost is said to haunt the hotel to this day. He has been known to appear in his 1960s uniform - clean and pressed - helping guests get into their locked rooms, turn on room lights, or help with carrying bags.
He’s often seen on the 9th floor, but if you try to start a conversation with him, he vanishes.

The Bartender: There’s a bartender who cuts people off, telling them they’ve had too much to drink and should go to bed. - I kinda love that.

There’s been a headless man who is seen playing the bagpipes, which to me sounds like a pretty interesting sight to see!

Room 301 seems to be a hot spot for paranormal activity.
One guest reported they felt something touching his head and tugging at his sheet.
Another claims they were woken up with their toes being tugged on - that’s a big nope from me, do NOT touch my feet.

The sounds of footsteps are heard, unseen forces fluff the comforter.

A third guest says he was awaken multiple times by the cover being pulled from the foot of the bed. When he looked, he saw a man in “vintage” clothing with a top hat vanish.

The 4th floor seems to have a lot of activity from the cleaning staff.

A guest noted in a story that while staying in room 424, she awoke to the feeling of someone or something was standing over her bed. She woke up her husband, noting the time of 1:35.
In the morning, they found that their daughter had called and left a message telling that a storm had knocked out the power, causing sparks and commotion in the neighborhood…at 1:35.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is an absolutely stunning hotel that offers much more than just a pretty face. Inside its walls, it’s buzzing with activity.

It’s definitely one that should be added to anyone’s Spooky Space Bucket List.

Crescent Hotel

Stanley Hotel