Haunted Houses in Canada: Famous Properties with a Spooky Past

Canada’s landscape is dotted with historic properties that harbour dark secrets and ghostly tales that have survived generations. Many visitors search for “haunted houses near me” hoping to experience a supernatural encounter firsthand, and Canada certainly delivers with its share of spine-chilling locations.

What makes these haunted mansions so compelling isn’t just the ghost stories—it’s how these tales intertwine with real Canadian history. Tragic deaths, family secrets, and mysterious occurrences have turned ordinary buildings into extraordinary places where the past refuses to stay buried.

Craigdarroch Castle (Victoria, BC)

Standing proudly on a hill overlooking Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning example of Victorian architecture and one of British Columbia’s most famous houses. Built between 1887 and 1890 for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this Scottish Baronial mansion showcases intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and period furnishings.

The castle’s haunted reputation stems from its troubled beginnings and the Dunsmuir family’s unfortunate history. Robert Dunsmuir never lived to see his grand home completed, as he died in 1889 before the construction was finished. His widow, Joan, moved in with their daughters and lived there until she died in 1908. Following Joan’s death, the property served as a military hospital, college, and music conservatory before becoming the museum it is today.

Visitors and staff regularly report encountering the ghost of Joan Dunsmuir, often seen as a woman in white standing near the windows or walking down the grand staircase. The castle’s piano has been known to play by itself, with phantom notes echoing through the halls when no one is near the instrument. Perhaps most unsettling are reports of a spectral presence that follows guests through the castle, creating the sensation of being watched as they tour this magnificent haunted mansion.

Keg Mansion (Toronto, ON)

Originally known as Euclid Hall, the Keg Mansion was built in 1868 for Arthur McMaster, nephew of the prominent businessman William McMaster. It was subsequently purchased by Hart Massey in 1882. With its elegant architecture, ornate detailing, and magnificent grounds, it embodied the wealth and status of Toronto’s elite during the late 19th century.

The mansion’s haunted reputation is tied to several tragic events that occurred within its walls. In 1915, Lillian Massey, Hart’s daughter, died in the home, devastating the family. Shortly after, a distraught family maid, overcome with grief at Lillian’s death, reportedly hanged herself in the mansion’s foyer.

Restaurant staff and patrons have reported numerous ghostly encounters over the years. The most frequently seen apparition is that of the maid, spotted hanging near the main staircase or wandering the second floor. Employees have reported experiencing wine glasses moving on their own, mysterious cold spots throughout the building, and a sensation of being watched while closing up late at night. Women using the second-floor washroom have reported feeling someone watching them and having the door locked from the outside.

Marr Residence (Saskatoon, SK)

The Marr Residence holds the distinction of being Saskatoon’s oldest building still standing on its original foundation. Constructed in 1884 for stonemason Alexander “Sandy” Marr and his family, this modest one-and-a-half-storey house showcases early pioneer life on the Canadian prairies. While lacking the grandeur of other famous houses in Canada, the Marr Residence offers an authentic glimpse into Saskatchewan’s settlement era.

The house gained historical significance during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, when it served as a field hospital for wounded soldiers from the Battle of Fish Creek and other conflicts. Despite its small size, several injured men were treated within these walls, and not all survived their wounds. The pain and suffering experienced during this tumultuous period in Canadian history left an indelible mark on the property.

Visitors and caretakers of the Marr Residence have reported phantom footsteps climbing the stairs and crossing empty rooms, while doors open and close on their own. Some visitors claim to have seen shadowy figures of men in military uniforms out of the corner of their eye, only to find empty space when they turn to look directly. The most common apparition is that of a bearded man believed to be a soldier who died in the home, occasionally spotted gazing out the upstairs window.

Government House (Regina, SK)

Built in 1891, Government House served as the official residence for the Lieutenant Governors of the Northwest Territories until 1905, and then for Saskatchewan until 1945. With its ornate architecture, beautiful gardens, and luxurious interiors, it demonstrates the British influence on Canadian governance during the early years of confederation.

The haunted reputation of Government House centers around a spirit affectionately known as “Howie.” According to local accounts, Howie was a Chinese immigrant named Cheun Lee who worked as a cook in the building from 1936 until his death in 1945. Known for his dedication to his work and for the distinctive slippers he wore while moving about the kitchen, Cheun is supposedly the only person to have died in the house.

Staff and visitors regularly report encounters with Howie throughout Government House. The most distinctive evidence of his presence is the sound of slippered footsteps heard in hallways and the former kitchen area when no one is present. Objects in the kitchen and dining areas have been known to move or disappear, only to reappear elsewhere. Employees report doors that open and close repeatedly on their own, and some have even glimpsed a figure in the areas that once comprised the kitchen.

Hatley Castle (Victoria, BC)

Hatley Castle stands as an imposing Scottish Baronial masterpiece on Vancouver Island, just outside Victoria. Completed in 1908 for coal baron James Dunsmuir (son of Robert Dunsmuir of Craigdarroch Castle) and his wife Laura, this magnificent 40-room mansion showcases stunning craftsmanship with its granite façade, oak and rosewood panelling, and picturesque gardens.

The castle’s haunted reputation stems from the numerous tragedies that befell the Dunsmuir family. James and Laura lost their youngest son, who drowned during the WWI sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915. James was heartbroken by the death of his son, and died in 1920, leaving Laura alone in the massive estate until she died in 1937. The property was then sold to the Canadian government and later became Royal Roads Military College.

Multiple spirits are said to haunt Hatley Castle, with the most frequently reported being Laura Dunsmuir herself. Staff and visitors have reported seeing her apparition walking through the main floor or gazing out from upstairs windows, often dressed in white. Security guards have reported hearing a woman’s footsteps following them during night patrols, only to find empty hallways when they turn around. Former military cadets recount stories of belongings mysteriously moving overnight, hearing mysterious footsteps in empty corridors, and lights turning on and off by themselves.

While exploring haunted mansions can make for an exciting adventure, eventually most of us need to settle down in a home without uninvited ghostly guests. But what if you’re considering purchasing a house famous for being haunted? The real estate experts at RE/MAX can guide you through these unusual circumstances. Check out our helpful article on Buying or Selling a Haunted House for advice on buying famous people houses that are stigmatized.