Banff Springs Hotel

The Haunted Banff Springs Hotel: A Grand Resort with a Ghostly Legacy

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, is an architectural masterpiece with a storied past. Built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the 848-room hotel was designed to resemble a Scottish baronial estate. Its majestic halls have welcomed countless visitors over the years, but not all its guests—or staff—have checked out.

The Banff Springs Hotel has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most haunted destinations, with ghost stories that continue to intrigue and mystify guests. Its grand corridors and lavish rooms are said to harbor the spirits of those who once lived, worked, or stayed within its walls. Among these spectral residents is the industrious phantom of Sam McAuley, a former bellman whose loyalty to the hotel seems to have transcended death.

The Phantom Bellman: Sam McAuley

Sam McAuley worked as a bellman at the Banff Springs Hotel for decades and was beloved by both guests and staff for his friendly demeanor and tireless work ethic. Before his death in 1969, McAuley was known to quip that he would return to help out during the hotel’s busiest times. True to his word, many believe that Sam’s spirit continues to roam the hotel’s halls, lending a ghostly hand.

Reports of Sam’s presence are frequent during the morning and evening rush hours, when the hotel is at its busiest. Guests have often claimed to call for a bellman, only to find their luggage already delivered by a polite older man fitting Sam’s description. When they inquire about him, the staff often smiles knowingly and says, “There’s no one here by that name anymore.”

Sam’s ghost is said to be friendly and helpful, embodying his lifetime dedication to ensuring the comfort of guests. His appearances add a unique charm to the Banff Springs Hotel’s already legendary reputation.

Other Hauntings of Banff Springs Hotel

While Sam McAuley is the most well-known spirit at the hotel, he’s far from the only one. The Banff Springs Hotel is steeped in paranormal lore, with numerous ghostly sightings and strange occurrences reported over the years.

The Bride on the Stairs

One of the hotel’s most famous ghost stories involves a young bride who tragically died on her wedding day. Legend has it that she tripped on the grand staircase, her long gown catching fire from a nearby candle. Devastated by the accident, her spirit is said to linger, often seen in her wedding dress, moving gracefully through the halls or ascending the staircase where she met her untimely end. Guests and staff have reported hearing faint sobs or catching glimpses of a veiled figure disappearing into the shadows.

Room 873: The Sealed Door

Room 873 is the subject of one of the hotel’s most enduring mysteries. The room, located on the 8th floor, is said to have been permanently sealed after a horrific murder took place there. Guests who stayed in the room before it was closed reportedly experienced strange occurrences, such as disembodied screams, flickering lights, and handprints appearing on the mirrors. Today, a section of wall where the room once existed looks slightly different from the rest, fueling speculation and intrigue.

Unexplained Sounds and Shadows

Throughout the hotel, guests and staff have reported hearing strange noises—footsteps echoing down empty hallways, faint whispers, and the sound of furniture being moved when no one is around. Shadows and flickering lights often catch people off guard, further cementing the Banff Springs Hotel’s reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity.

A Hauntingly Beautiful Stay

Despite its ghostly reputation, the Banff Springs Hotel remains one of Canada’s most iconic and beloved resorts. Many visitors are drawn to its luxurious accommodations and stunning surroundings, while others come specifically to experience its haunted history. Whether you’re seeking a restful retreat or a brush with the supernatural, the Banff Springs Hotel promises an unforgettable stay.

Dare to walk its grand halls, explore its shadowy staircases, and listen closely—perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of Sam McAuley or another spectral resident. But be warned: once you enter the Banff Springs Hotel, you may leave with more than just memories.

FURTHER READING:

• Mead, Robin. Haunted Hotels: A Guide to American and Canadian Inns and Their Ghosts. Nashville: Rutledge Hill Press, 1995.

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits– Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – September 1, 2007