The Ghosts of the Fairmont Banff Springs: Canada’s Most Haunted Hotel



Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is one of Canada’s most famous and luxurious hotels. But behind its breathtaking beauty lies a chilling history filled with ghostly encounters, mysterious figures, and lingering spirits that have made the hotel a paranormal hotspot for decades. Built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the hotel was designed to be a grand getaway for wealthy travelers. However, over the years, tragic events and unexplained occurrences have led to numerous ghost stories that continue to haunt the halls of this iconic hotel.

The Ghostly Residents of Banff Springs

The Tragic Bride – The Hotel’s Most Famous Ghost

Perhaps the most well-known spirit at the Fairmont Banff Springs is the "Ghost Bride". According to legend, in the 1920s, a young bride was descending the grand staircase in her wedding gown when she tripped, fell, and tragically died—some say due to the hem of her dress catching fire from nearby candles. Guests and staff have reported seeing a veiled woman in a white wedding dress wandering the staircases and hallways. Others claim to hear soft sobbing, eerie music, or even the rustling of a wedding gown when no one is there.

Room 873 – The Vanishing Room
One of the most chilling mysteries of the Fairmont Banff Springs involves Room 873, a room that has reportedly been sealed off permanently. According to legend, a family was murdered in the room, and after multiple reports of ghostly activity, including bloody handprints appearing on mirrors, the hotel decided to brick up the doorway. Guests staying near where the room once stood still report hearing unexplained noises, disembodied screams, and strange shadows lurking in the hallway.

The Helpful Bellman – Sam the Ghostly Doorman
Not all spirits in the hotel are terrifying—one is even known for his kindness. Sam McAuley, a former bellman who worked at the hotel in the 1960s and 70s, loved his job so much that many believe he never left. Guests and staff have reported seeing an elderly bellman in a vintage uniform, helping them with luggage or unlocking doors, only for him to vanish into thin air. Some even claim he bids them farewell with the words, "I still got it!" before disappearing.

The Shadowy Figures of the Hallways
Throughout the hotel, many guests have encountered shadowy figures lurking in hallways and rooms, only for them to disappear when approached. Some claim to hear phantom footsteps, whispers, or even knocking on their doors with no one there.

A Haunted Luxury Escape

Despite its eerie past, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel remains one of Canada’s most beloved destinations. Ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and curious visitors continue to explore the hotel’s haunted history, hoping to catch a glimpse of its famous spirits. Would you dare to stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs and risk encountering one of its many ghostly residents?