Haunted Cranbrook: Uncover the Ghostly Secrets

October 3, 2024 |

Cranbrook, British Columbia, may seem like a picturesque mountain town, but beneath its serene landscape lies a secret—some believe it to be one of the most haunted places in Canada. The town’s downtown core, once a vibrant hub of activity, now carries a shadow of its history. It is known that many of Cranbrook’s architectural gems—like the magnificent Dominion Building, celebrated for its expert masonry and marble details—were unreasonably demolished, only to be replaced by simpler structures of wood, metal, and glass. This raises an eerie question that lingers in the minds of locals: could there be more behind these unexplained demolitions than meets the eye?

Knowing what we now do about many of the remaining heritage buildings in downtown Cranbrook, it may not be a stretch to suspect that the new owners of these structures were trying to rid themselves of more than just the buildings. The most popular haunting in downtown Cranbrook may be The Ghosts of City Hall. Our favourite Cranbrook historian, Jim Cameron, has been shedding light on the haunted basement of Cranbrook City Hall for years:

“It's not any type of noise in particular, just general office-type hubbub; low murmurs, occasional clatter and thuds — that kind of thing. You move to close your office door, the better to concentrate, and glance out in the hall just in time to catch a fleeting glimpse of a young girl darting out of sight around a corner. Hmm, could it be the daughter of the lady in the Victorian outfit casually floating down the hallway? Oooh-kay. In fact, the whole thing is rather problematic because you know perfectly well that you're the only one in the building. As for the others, well, there's some say that you're never really alone at City Hall…

As to the ghosts of City Hall, the simple fact that the cells saw over 50 years of thieves, rapists, murderers, addicts, pushers, embezzlers, gamblers, prostitutes, pimps, the insane and the condemned might account for a general residue of despair lingering about the place. There have been at least four deaths in the basement of city hall, and quite likely more.”

Directly behind City Hall, staff of Fire Hall Kitchen & Tap have shared that they struggle to accept some of the history that may exist within the renovated building. The 11^th Avenue landmark had a controversial start, with many residents upset that the heavy-in-history building was being turned into a for-profit business. The discontent of community members was short lived, thanks to the owners’ creativity and dedication to preserving its history. However, it may appear that not all ‘residents’ have accepted the popular watering hole.

Fire Hall staff have long whispered of strange occurrences, but lately, the unsettling events seem to be happening more often. As night falls, the sound of footsteps echoes through the wooden stairwell, though staff are certain the building is empty. Upstairs, shadows drift across the lounge—dark shapes moving long after the restaurant has closed. It’s not just the stairs or the shadows, though. Both employees and visitors frequently feel icy pockets of air, chilling the room in sharp bursts, with no clear source.

Yet the most disturbing thing might be the fires. Cleaning rags have inexplicably burst into flames so often that staff now keep them locked away in a sealed metal container. Fires… What better way to catch the attention of the local fire department?

Fire Hall staff also say that on the anniversary date of our local fallen firefighters, our firefighters sometimes gather in the evening at the watering hole to remember their fallen brothers. At the end of the night, they pour a beer to be left behind for the night. While it is said that the drink is a show of respect for their fallen brothers, the staff are convinced there is something more to it, as paranormal activity seems to slow for a short period after each commemorative evening. Maybe it is no coincidence that one of Local 1253’s biggest event of the year is the Halloween Bash.

Down the street from Fire Hall, the Mount Baker Hotel has a history all its own. It feels fated that Mount Baker Hotel would harbour spirits, given that it opened on Halloween Night, October 31st, 1923. The most infamous are two young girls, whose photograph used to hang discreetly on the walls of the hotel’s restaurant lounge—until it was quietly removed after recent renovations. Stories suggest that the girls passed suddenly and unexpectedly. It is alleged the girls were in some way connected to Theodore (“Teddy”) Clauson, the original proprietor of the Mount Baker Hotel.

Over the years, staff have learned to tread carefully around the girls’ presence. Late at night, when the restaurant is almost closed, staff hear the faint giggles of children, yet the dining room remains empty. Water taps have turned on by themselves, and lines unscrewed in the dead of night, though the building is locked and alarms undisturbed. And then, there's the girl in the pink dress—one former employee swears they saw her calmly walk through a door without opening it. But it wasn’t until the photo of the two girls flew across the room in front of the staff that they became certain: the girls are still here.

Guests at the hotel have their own stories. Footsteps echo down the hallways late at night, but when the door swings open, there’s no one there. Shadows, too—dark shapes moving alongside people as they walk through the corridors. And some say they’ve heard soft, rhythmic breathing in their rooms at night, though they’re certain they were alone.

It’s no wonder Ghost Hunt Alberta has chosen the Mount Baker Hotel for Paranormal Investigation. With so many unexplainable events, it’s clear something- or someone- doesn’t want to be forgotten.

Residents of Cranbrook are no strangers to these hauntings. While some residents and business owners may try to bury these secrets, it is best they accept that some things refuse to stay dead. Because in Cranbrook, our history isn't just remembered- it is waiting, for those brave enough to listen and those who try to hide from it. So, if you still decide you want to visit us here in Cranbrook, please don’t be surprised if you leave with more than just memories…

Discover more buildings in and around Cranbrook that are known for their paranormal activity:

The St. Eugene Mission Resort: The former residential school is one of the most well-rumoured haunted locations in the Cranbrook area. The building has a dark history of mistreatment of Indigenous children, including neglect and loss. Many visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences, such as unexplained noises, cold spots, and eerie feelings in certain areas of the building.

The Royal Alexandra Hall: Though not necessarily widely known for hauntings, some believe that this historic building, originally built in Winnipeg and relocated to Cranbrook, may have lingering spirits. It has a unique atmosphere that leads some visitors to feel a sense of unease.

Fort Steele Heritage Town: Located just outside Cranbrook, Fort Steele is a restored 19th-century town that serves as a living history museum. Several of its buildings are said to be haunted, with visitors and staff reporting sightings of ghostly figures, unusual noises, and strange happenings, particularly in the Windsor Hotel, the Wildhorse Theater, and some of the residences.