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Halloween may be known today for costumes, candy, and jack-o’-lanterns, but its origins are rooted in something far older, and eerier. The celebration we now recognize evolved from ancient traditions that honoured the dead, feared the supernatural, and blurred the line between the living and the spirit world.
While ghosts and haunted houses are mostly symbolic now, these age-old beliefs still shape how we experience certain places, including homes. And in Vancouver? We have our fair share of real-life ghost stories.
Where Halloween Began: From Samhain to Trick-or-Treating
The story of Halloween starts over 2,000 years ago with the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), celebrated in what is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France. Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest.
To ward off spirits, they lit bonfires and wore disguises to confuse wandering souls. When Christianity spread, the church rebranded this time of year as All Hallows’ Eve, eventually morphing into Halloween.
By the time the tradition made its way to North America, it had evolved into community gatherings, games, costumes, and eventually modern trick-or-treating.
But the connection to spirits, and haunted places, never fully faded.
Vancouver’s Real-Life Haunted Homes and Ghostly Legends
British Columbia, with its long colonial past and Indigenous history, has its share of ghost stories. Vancouver is no exception. Whether rooted in urban legend or local lore, several locations in the city are rumoured to host more than just residents.
Gabriola House (The Macaroni Mansion), Davie Street
Once the private mansion of B.T. Rogers, founder of the Rogers Sugar empire, this 1901 Shaughnessy-style home is now a heritage building. Over the years, strange occurrences, like unexplained noises, flickering lights, and shadowy figures, have been reported. Though it’s no longer a private residence, the site retains its mysterious reputation.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – The Lady in Red
This iconic downtown hotel is home to one of Vancouver’s most famous ghosts. “The Lady in Red,” believed to be a former socialite named Jennie Pearl Cox, has reportedly been seen gliding through hallways and near the 14th floor. Staff and guests alike have shared eerie encounters.
Hycroft Manor, Shaughnessy
Now home to the University Women’s Club of Vancouver, Hycroft Manor was once the estate of General Alexander Duncan McRae. Visitors have claimed to see apparitions and hear strange footsteps in the halls. The site’s wartime history and long-standing energy contribute to its haunted status.
FAQ
Where did Halloween originate?
Halloween evolved from the Celtic festival of Samhain, where people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off roaming spirits.
What are some haunted places in Vancouver?
Gabriola House, Hycroft Manor, and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver are all known for spooky stories and unexplained events.
Do people still believe in haunted houses?
Many enjoy ghost stories for the history and mystery they bring. Haunted houses remain a staple of folklore and seasonal storytelling.
What makes a home feel “alive”?
Light, warmth, and meaningful memories. Whether you prefer historic charm or modern comfort, the energy of a home is shaped by how we live in it.
Welcome the Wonder of the Season
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, Halloween reminds us to slow down, get creative, and enjoy the little moments, costumes on doorsteps, stories shared by candlelight, and neighbourhoods that come to life in the glow of fall.
Whether you’re celebrating with kids, carving pumpkins, or simply enjoying the changing season, take time to soak in the magic this time of year brings.
Contact details
Sayed Najibi
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Phone: 604-649-6520
Website: www.sngroup.ca