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Victoria's Most Haunted: Ghost Stories from BC's Historic Capital City
Ghost stories from Canada’s most haunted city, including tales from iconic sites such as the Empress hotel, Hatley Castle, and Ross Bay Cemetery. Beautiful, charming Victoria is world renowned for its seaside attractions, flourishing gardens, and breathtaking ocean views. But looming behind its picture-perfect façade is a city shrouded in mystery, with restless, disembodied beings that whisper ghastly tales of mystery, violence, and horror. Known as British Columbia’s most haunted city, Victoria is teeming with a plethora of spirits. Through this brand-new collection of disturbing tales, you’ll come face to face Get to know Victoria’s best-known hauntings along with some you may have not have heard before.
- GenresNonfictionHistoryTravel
208 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2017
28 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Ian Gibbs
14 books13 followersBorn in the UK and emigrating to Canada with his family when he was young, Ian carries with him the celtic gifts of his heritage. Always fascinated by story telling, social history, ghosts and hauntings, Ian found himself more and more assisting friends with their ghost problems and learning much more than simply stories along the way.
Ian is very grateful to have an incredible publisher to work with in TouchWood Editions as well as producing some self published (Ghost Story Guy Editions) works.
Ian looks forward to hearing more of your ghost stories and having the chance to share even more stories of the paranormal and things that go bump in the night. When not writing, Ian holds down a regular day job, as well as doing guided Ghostly Walks around Prince George and producing and co-hosting a podcast (Ghosts 'N Bears) in Prince George, BC where he lives with his family. Ian really enjoys hearing from his readers the most.
Ian is very grateful to have an incredible publisher to work with in TouchWood Editions as well as producing some self published (Ghost Story Guy Editions) works.
Ian looks forward to hearing more of your ghost stories and having the chance to share even more stories of the paranormal and things that go bump in the night. When not writing, Ian holds down a regular day job, as well as doing guided Ghostly Walks around Prince George and producing and co-hosting a podcast (Ghosts 'N Bears) in Prince George, BC where he lives with his family. Ian really enjoys hearing from his readers the most.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 13, 2017
When my mother, a Victoria resident, mentioned this book to me, I bought it immediately and devoured it as soon as I could. Victoria has been a magical place for me since I was a kid. Gibbs brings to life its spooky side while still allowing it to be the charming place I've always known it to be. Great read!
October 29, 2017
I collect regional ghost story books. Many are full of interesting tales but are often, well, let's say mediocre, when it comes to the writing itself.
I'm happy to find that this author, Ian Gibbs, knows his way around a dictionary and is capable of clearly communicating the stories at hand. Clearly, there has been editing and proofreading, which produces a much more enjoyable read.
That said, nearly the entirety of this collection of stories are firsthand descriptions of spectral encounters, backed by research and local corroboration. Very neatly put together.
I have always loved ghost stories for both the thrill of the supernatural experience and the touchstones of tragic history.
Best local ghost book I've read, thus far.
I'm happy to find that this author, Ian Gibbs, knows his way around a dictionary and is capable of clearly communicating the stories at hand. Clearly, there has been editing and proofreading, which produces a much more enjoyable read.
That said, nearly the entirety of this collection of stories are firsthand descriptions of spectral encounters, backed by research and local corroboration. Very neatly put together.
I have always loved ghost stories for both the thrill of the supernatural experience and the touchstones of tragic history.
Best local ghost book I've read, thus far.
May 9, 2023
With its simple and entertaining ghost stories from around BC's capital city district, this book gives some perspective and insight into Victoria's rich history.
My favorite story in this little collection is about the origins of the modern-day pub, "The Bard and Banker". As reflected in the name, the building was originally a bank in the 1870s. In those days, the young male bank clerks actually lived above the bank in small apartments, which served as a deterrent to robbers. One young clerk who worked and lived at the bank was a bit superstitious, especially about the undertaker's premises just down the street from the bank. He made it a habit always to approach the bank from the opposite way so to avoid going near the business that dealt with death, even if it required him walking an extra block to go around the other side of the block to get to the nearby pubs. One dark and stormy night on his way home from the pub, the weather had turned terribly nasty, so he decided to break his rule and proceed directly home to the bank by way of the undertaker's. Through the murky wind and rain, he was shocked to see little lights inside the opened door of the undertaker's as he passed by. Suppressing his fear, as he thought a potential attack on the bank was being staged from the neighboring business, he cautiously stepped inside the undertaker's, only to stumble on something. As he hit the ground, he was horrified to find himself face-to-face with a cold wet corpse! After recovering, he learned that the undertakers were busy that stormy night because of a shipwreck. The bodies were being collected wherever there was room, including the hallway floor! The young banker was never quite the same again, and decided to leave Victoria, and head north to quieter parts. This brings us to the next part of the how the modern pub got its name. We know the banker, but who was the bard? It turns out that the banker is also the bard. When he traveled north, the former banker ended up in the Yukon during the gold rush. He had many experiences there that also reflected his fear and wonder of the supernatural, including a tale that took place under the northern lights on the shores of Lake Labarge: the cremation of one Sam McGee. Indeed, the banker had become one of Canada's most famous bards, Robert Service.
My favorite story in this little collection is about the origins of the modern-day pub, "The Bard and Banker". As reflected in the name, the building was originally a bank in the 1870s. In those days, the young male bank clerks actually lived above the bank in small apartments, which served as a deterrent to robbers. One young clerk who worked and lived at the bank was a bit superstitious, especially about the undertaker's premises just down the street from the bank. He made it a habit always to approach the bank from the opposite way so to avoid going near the business that dealt with death, even if it required him walking an extra block to go around the other side of the block to get to the nearby pubs. One dark and stormy night on his way home from the pub, the weather had turned terribly nasty, so he decided to break his rule and proceed directly home to the bank by way of the undertaker's. Through the murky wind and rain, he was shocked to see little lights inside the opened door of the undertaker's as he passed by. Suppressing his fear, as he thought a potential attack on the bank was being staged from the neighboring business, he cautiously stepped inside the undertaker's, only to stumble on something. As he hit the ground, he was horrified to find himself face-to-face with a cold wet corpse! After recovering, he learned that the undertakers were busy that stormy night because of a shipwreck. The bodies were being collected wherever there was room, including the hallway floor! The young banker was never quite the same again, and decided to leave Victoria, and head north to quieter parts. This brings us to the next part of the how the modern pub got its name. We know the banker, but who was the bard? It turns out that the banker is also the bard. When he traveled north, the former banker ended up in the Yukon during the gold rush. He had many experiences there that also reflected his fear and wonder of the supernatural, including a tale that took place under the northern lights on the shores of Lake Labarge: the cremation of one Sam McGee. Indeed, the banker had become one of Canada's most famous bards, Robert Service.
November 1, 2023
Enjoyed the book as we had just returned from Victoria & a lot of the landmarks we’ve been to (& nope I didn’t really pick up any vibes from the places). Even though it appears I’m not sensitive to these things it was still a very entertaining read. A good mix of personal & third party stories. Only complaint was that I would have like a bit more investigation or digging on some of the places to explain the ghostly presence. A lot did have this but there were a few stories that just had a haunting but no explanation as to the possible who & why.
4 stars.
4 stars.
February 18, 2018
I loved learning more about the creepy/haunted history of my home town. There are a few restaurants I want to visit next time I'm in town.
October 8, 2022
4.5 stars, can’t wait to visit some of these places
November 27, 2018
some very good information about Victoria's ghosts.
June 8, 2018
Victoria is often semi-jokingly referred to as a city of the newly wed and nearly dead. But as Ian Gibbs shows in Victoria's Most Haunted, this Canadian coastal city is not just full of students and retirees - but also the not-so-recently departed.
Gibbs, a tour guide for Victoria's popular Ghostly Walks, reproduces the experience of these nocturnal jaunts into the city in this attractive book from Touchwood Editions. Each section begins with an artful black and white photo of the building (many taken by Ray Shipka), and you get the feeling of pausing before each one, gathering around the site, while your tour guide spins tales of heartbreak, murder, madness, suicide, and accidental death.
Like the ghost tour leaders I've listened to in Edinburgh, New Orleans and Vancouver, the author shares his own encounters with the paranormal as well - often with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour and snark. But, he assures his reader, he's not out to convince you that ghosts exist. If you're not in the believer camp, there is still plenty of local history here to tempt you (not to mention it's a great tourism brochure, featuring several great-sounding hotels, pubs and chocolate shops. Although there are a few rooms and floors at the Empress I'll avoid, thank you very much).
There were a couple of sections - "Cathedral Hall" and "The Deanery" - where I would have liked a little more research and background detail to go along with Gibbs' personal experiences, but the author more than makes up for this in "Bishop's Chapel" and (my favourite) "The Home on Fort Street." I also noticed that Gibbs refers to "First Nations" in different tales, and I wanted him todig further to find out specifically which First Nations group, village or settlement was involved - the same way he found out about the German family who lost a son to drowning, or the Second World War soldier who liked old hymns.
Despite these small missteps, Victoria's Most Haunted will take you on a thoughtful walk around colleges, jails, brothels, saloons, alleyways and biker bars - and you'll come away thinking maybe Victoria isn't so staid and sleepy after all.
Full disclosure: my last book was published by Brindle & Glass, part of the Touchwood publishing family, and they provided me with review copies of this book as well as copies to give away to readers of my e-newsletter. All I promised was an honest review of the book in return!
Gibbs, a tour guide for Victoria's popular Ghostly Walks, reproduces the experience of these nocturnal jaunts into the city in this attractive book from Touchwood Editions. Each section begins with an artful black and white photo of the building (many taken by Ray Shipka), and you get the feeling of pausing before each one, gathering around the site, while your tour guide spins tales of heartbreak, murder, madness, suicide, and accidental death.
Like the ghost tour leaders I've listened to in Edinburgh, New Orleans and Vancouver, the author shares his own encounters with the paranormal as well - often with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour and snark. But, he assures his reader, he's not out to convince you that ghosts exist. If you're not in the believer camp, there is still plenty of local history here to tempt you (not to mention it's a great tourism brochure, featuring several great-sounding hotels, pubs and chocolate shops. Although there are a few rooms and floors at the Empress I'll avoid, thank you very much).
There were a couple of sections - "Cathedral Hall" and "The Deanery" - where I would have liked a little more research and background detail to go along with Gibbs' personal experiences, but the author more than makes up for this in "Bishop's Chapel" and (my favourite) "The Home on Fort Street." I also noticed that Gibbs refers to "First Nations" in different tales, and I wanted him todig further to find out specifically which First Nations group, village or settlement was involved - the same way he found out about the German family who lost a son to drowning, or the Second World War soldier who liked old hymns.
Despite these small missteps, Victoria's Most Haunted will take you on a thoughtful walk around colleges, jails, brothels, saloons, alleyways and biker bars - and you'll come away thinking maybe Victoria isn't so staid and sleepy after all.
Full disclosure: my last book was published by Brindle & Glass, part of the Touchwood publishing family, and they provided me with review copies of this book as well as copies to give away to readers of my e-newsletter. All I promised was an honest review of the book in return!
December 13, 2025
It was okay, not the best. It was interesting to hear history and stories about different places that I've been going to for years. It just didn't feel very cohesive. It often jumped from a more recent tale about a location, to an older one, and then back to a new one. Had they been organized and then told chronologically it would've been less confusing.
Some locations' stories were barely there or a letdown overall. The author would often make a dramatic statement about how something that happened at a site was the most significant or terrifying or gruesome- and then would give a sentence or two about what occurred and it would turn out to be just a normal death or accident- completely lackluster- definitely nothing that needed that kind of buildup. For example: "He rowed his boat over to get his mail and something must have occurred because he fell out of the boat and drowned." Well obviously "something must have occurred". The guy fell out of his rowboat and drowned. So? Why is that so significant? Any idea "What must have occurred"? If one doesn't actually know (and clearly he doesn't because it wasn't mentioned) it just sounds incomplete to say that and again- that's not a dramatic story or even sentence about what occurred- so there's no reason to make it so because you just let down your reader.
Finally, the author would often make statements that just didn't make any sense because they contradicted each other. For example, in one story he spoke about a man who committed suicide. In one sentence he stated how his spirit lingered because he was "partly tormented by what he did"- and the very next part of the same sentence said "and partly because he didn't realize that he was dead". What does that even mean? How can someone (even a spirit) be tormented by taking their life And Not realize that they're dead? That makes zero sense.
I think I've just had the pleasure of hearing really good storytelling from historians and mediums alike, and that is partly why this book was kind of a letdown.
Some locations' stories were barely there or a letdown overall. The author would often make a dramatic statement about how something that happened at a site was the most significant or terrifying or gruesome- and then would give a sentence or two about what occurred and it would turn out to be just a normal death or accident- completely lackluster- definitely nothing that needed that kind of buildup. For example: "He rowed his boat over to get his mail and something must have occurred because he fell out of the boat and drowned." Well obviously "something must have occurred". The guy fell out of his rowboat and drowned. So? Why is that so significant? Any idea "What must have occurred"? If one doesn't actually know (and clearly he doesn't because it wasn't mentioned) it just sounds incomplete to say that and again- that's not a dramatic story or even sentence about what occurred- so there's no reason to make it so because you just let down your reader.
Finally, the author would often make statements that just didn't make any sense because they contradicted each other. For example, in one story he spoke about a man who committed suicide. In one sentence he stated how his spirit lingered because he was "partly tormented by what he did"- and the very next part of the same sentence said "and partly because he didn't realize that he was dead". What does that even mean? How can someone (even a spirit) be tormented by taking their life And Not realize that they're dead? That makes zero sense.
I think I've just had the pleasure of hearing really good storytelling from historians and mediums alike, and that is partly why this book was kind of a letdown.
September 4, 2023
Anyone else here watch Crime Scene Kitchen? Well, if you haven't, it is a cooking competition show where cooks (this season professional and home cooks) have to figure out what to bake based on clues left in a kitchen. Anyway, this season one of the pairs to make it to the finale was this queer pair (I am not sure if they are actually a couple, I hope they are but don't know). The pair appeared on a Canadian show called The Great Chocolate Showdown (and this show is Canadian but has both Canadian and American cooks). And what does that have to do with this book? Well, The Great Chocolate Showdown is sponsored by Rogers Chocolates which apparently is based in Victoria (or started in Victoria). When the company started making milk chocolate, the founder's ghost got upset and smashed the product. They had to explain aloud why the switch for the ghost to calm down.
(I enjoyed Crime Scene Kitchen more than Great Chocolate Showdown because you have to figure out what they should be cooking as well. The best cooking competition show on right now is America's Next Great Recipe on PBS. This season ANGR didn't get rid of people, just picked three to four people for the finale. You learn much watching that show).
Anyway, this is a good little collection, and Gibbs points out how colonists being stupid and mean lead to some of the hauntings. Places dealt with include hotels, private homes (with locations kept hidden), bars, restaurants, a bookstore, and a chocolate factory. There is some history here. I do wish Gibbs had a bit more questioning of some of the stories - for instance an story about a scorned would be lover beheading a woman with one blow using a fish knife.
It was a fun quick read. It also functions as ad for the ghost tours that Gibbs either founded or works at. He is a good storyteller so I would gladly go on a tour with him.
(I enjoyed Crime Scene Kitchen more than Great Chocolate Showdown because you have to figure out what they should be cooking as well. The best cooking competition show on right now is America's Next Great Recipe on PBS. This season ANGR didn't get rid of people, just picked three to four people for the finale. You learn much watching that show).
Anyway, this is a good little collection, and Gibbs points out how colonists being stupid and mean lead to some of the hauntings. Places dealt with include hotels, private homes (with locations kept hidden), bars, restaurants, a bookstore, and a chocolate factory. There is some history here. I do wish Gibbs had a bit more questioning of some of the stories - for instance an story about a scorned would be lover beheading a woman with one blow using a fish knife.
It was a fun quick read. It also functions as ad for the ghost tours that Gibbs either founded or works at. He is a good storyteller so I would gladly go on a tour with him.
January 28, 2025
This collection is a little uneven--some stories offer more than incidents reported by employees or visitors that have had ghostly experiences in the places around Victoria that are considered haunted. There is a fair amount of history here, giving enough information to set the scene of former residents that have not moved on from this realm. I learned about some early settlers that I'd not known about previously.
Gibbs himself says he's always had a "spidey sense" for supernatural beings, so he often tries to use this sense to try and detect or understand the ghostly force being felt. He has had some striking experiences, which offers some authority to his conclusions.
A quick and entertaining read.
Gibbs himself says he's always had a "spidey sense" for supernatural beings, so he often tries to use this sense to try and detect or understand the ghostly force being felt. He has had some striking experiences, which offers some authority to his conclusions.
A quick and entertaining read.
August 12, 2025
The author describes himself as a "sensitive" and has lived in the B.C. area for years attending school and working. He has an extensive history with most of the buildings contained in this volume and has done some good research on the architects who designed them and the past families who inhabited the residences. Since Victoria is a very old city, it is not surprising that many of its structures are said to house inhabitants that have long since left the realm of the living.
This is a fascinating book if you are into this type of research. Even more enticing is the history of the region and the beauty of the city and surrounding landscape. If you have the opportunity to visit Victoria, definitely take the trip!
This is a fascinating book if you are into this type of research. Even more enticing is the history of the region and the beauty of the city and surrounding landscape. If you have the opportunity to visit Victoria, definitely take the trip!
September 6, 2024
I grew up in Victoria BC and thought a good ghost story book would be a fun read. I did enjoy the nostalgia of thinking about streets and landmarks. When our kids were younger, we actually went on a ghost walk tour in Victoria and I recall a couple of the stories told then which were also in the book.
Overall, fast read. Maybe too fast. Each story was very short and didn't have too much depth to it. It was the same sort of "here is the history, here is what someone experienced and that's another story, on to the next"
Thanks for the memories though! I haven't been back there in almost 20 years, time for a visit again soon!
Overall, fast read. Maybe too fast. Each story was very short and didn't have too much depth to it. It was the same sort of "here is the history, here is what someone experienced and that's another story, on to the next"
Thanks for the memories though! I haven't been back there in almost 20 years, time for a visit again soon!
July 1, 2018
For the most part the stories were fun as was the tour the author’s company provides. However, after reading Tales of the Haunted South by Tiya Miles I am more cognizant of the dark side of ghost tales. With the Fan Tan Alley story, does the author really think the young girl bought to lure men into a brothel of slaves really like her life because she had food and nice clothes? Perhaps she did not want to run away from her owner for more complex reasons than she was happy. These are ghost stories. They are already dark. We as ghost story lovers can embrace a realistic version of history as well as individual tragedy.
I highly recommend Miles book to every ghost story lover.
I highly recommend Miles book to every ghost story lover.
June 2, 2023
I've picked up many volumes of ghost stories over the years and many have been very boring and disappointing, but that's not the case here! This is a great book, the writing style feels like your friend is telling you a story, it's vivid and exciting.
I bought the book in Victoria on my holiday, it's really fun because at least 90% of the places covered we either went to or walked past, so it was exciting to know not only the spooky stories but the history of these places too. I highly enjoyed this book and I'd love to go back one day now that I know where to check for ghostly vibes.
I bought the book in Victoria on my holiday, it's really fun because at least 90% of the places covered we either went to or walked past, so it was exciting to know not only the spooky stories but the history of these places too. I highly enjoyed this book and I'd love to go back one day now that I know where to check for ghostly vibes.
July 16, 2020
This was a super quick, easy but very interesting read. As I am somewhat familiar with Victoria this made the book more interesting to me. It also makes me want to go on a Ghost Walk to experience some of the phenomenon that has been talked about. It seems there are places you can go without a tour and I will definitely keep that in mind.
I would say read this book and enjoy it and be spooked by it a little and if you can go and experience it.
I would say read this book and enjoy it and be spooked by it a little and if you can go and experience it.
August 16, 2021
Interesting read, though a bit redundant at times, as you can only read about things going bump so many times. What made this book interesting was the fact that I've been to some of the places featured in this book and did a ghost tour in Victoria, as well, though I never "felt" anything other than maybe a chill. Quick read, but left me wanting more. Only slightly creepy, this book didn't keep me awake at night.
December 22, 2017
Absolutely loved this book!! I read it from cover to cover in one afternoon. It draws you right in with a addictive mix of spookiness, history and the author’s own experiences. I have since visited some of the buildings and areas written about in the book and it gives you a whole new perspective!! Wonderful read!!
November 26, 2017
A super collection of creepy hauntings! While some of the stories are generally known by ghost-curious locals and wonderfully detailed in the book, Gibbs also includes several personal experiences, putting a fresh spin on the tales of haunted Victoria. Recommended for locals and visitors and anyone obsessed with ghost stories!
July 12, 2020
Fascinating book about the ghosts lurking in and about Victoria. I'm really interested to take a ghost tour from the author and visit a lot of these places. I'm an hour away from Victoria so it won't be hard to do. My only regret with this book is that it didn't have any tales from Craigdarroch castle. I've definitely felt a presence in Joan Dunsmiur's bedroom.
May 31, 2018
I love haunted Victoria and I loved this book! Very entertaining stories written in a clear, engaging style. Makes me want to go back and visit some of the haunted places I haven't been to yet. The story about Robert Service is wild - It's become my favourite ghost story.
March 15, 2019
A really good and personal account of haunted locations in this part of North America. Great historical background is provided on each of the locations and stories. A must for fans of haunted locations.
July 30, 2020
I wasn't really a huge fan of the paranormal, until I started listening to the Ghost Story Guys podcast, then I had to read Ian's book (and Brennan's book, too, A Strange Little Place). This was a great read, well organized and with fascinating stories.
June 6, 2025
This is the last of three books I took out of my library recently with a local connection. It was my least favourite of the three. I knew I was going to get ghost stories, which I take with a generous helping of salt, but I found these to be a bit melodramatic and over the top.
February 5, 2018
Really fun and interesting read - especially when you live in town.
December 5, 2017
Awesome book! And creepy! All ACTUAL stories told about REAL places in Victoria!
July 7, 2018
Loved it, the stories and the history behind each location and the area. #ghoststoryguys
February 28, 2019
The book could use a second copy writer, but overall a good collection of Victoria ghost tales.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews