Unsolved Mysteries of the World
Society & Culture
Perhaps the most famous of Canadian Hauntings is that of the ghost bride of the Banff Springs Hotel. But before we reveal her story, let's dive into the history, the lore, and the many hauntings at the resort hotel.
This is Unsolved Mysteries of the World, Season One Episode 21, The Haunted Banff Springs Hotel
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta.
Canada's "Castle in the Rockies", has been providing legendary hospitality to guests for more than 125 years including, Prime Ministers, Presidents, actors and actresses such as Marylin Monroe and royalty from around the globe.
The luxurious Banff Springs Hotel is well known as the ultimate stay for the rich and famous.
It's also famous for the countless ghost stories it boasts. A place, many believe is haunted. Guests and employees alike have all kinds of ghost stories to tell.
Over the years, employees and guests have reported strange occurrences from tables moving on their own, to sightings of a bellhop to a bride engulfed in flames.
The site for a resort hotel was envisioned by William Cornelius Van Horne, President of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1880s. He chose a perfect spot along the bow river, near a massive waterfalls and near thermal hotsprings that was nestled into towering mountains. There was no more beautiful location in all the world, and Van Horne set out to make the most beautiful hotel.
The original hotel was built in 1888 like a Swiss Chalet and had 200 rooms in several wings. It also included, at the time Canada's tallest structure – a viewing tower.
In later years it was partially destroyed by fire, rebuilt and expanded in the Scottish Baronial style. The expansions and wings now make for a large, castle like structure. Originally opening with 200 guest rooms, the hotel now offers 778 guest rooms with a few dozen rooms known for their legends and hauntings.
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