6 spooky Calgary urban legends that locals still whisper about
Calgary may be known for its mountain views, rivers, and vibrant downtown, but don’t be fooled, the city definitely has its fair share of eerie tales and mysterious sightings.
From haunted landmarks to ghostly encounters, here are six spooky Calgary urban legends that locals still whisper about today.
The Denae House Ghosts
City of Calgary – Your Local Government/Facebook
Built in 1906, this historic Deane House, located in Inglewood, is now a restaurant, but many years ago, it was a boarding house, and some say its residents never left. Some strange things reportedly happen in the house, like a disconnected telephone that rings, strange noises, and reports of people seeing a man smoking a pipe.
Bownessie
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In 1942, the Calgary Herald ran a story about a mysterious creature living in the Bowness Lagoon. The article described it as an “Ogopogo,” just like the legendary monster that lives in the water of Okanagan Lake. The article even included a reported sighting. While there have been no recent reports or sightings of Bownessie, you can find a mural of the creature beneath a bridge in Bowness Park.
Barney the Monkey
Hose and Hound Neighbourhood Pub/Facebook
When the Hose and Hound was Fire Station No. 3, Calgary’s first fire chief, James “Cappy” Smart, was fond of animals and had a pet monkey named Barney. One day, while the firefighters were out on a call, they had left Barney outside the fire hall, and he attacked a boy in the community. Due to this, Barney was put down. Some people say that Barney haunts the pub.
The Calgary Paranormal Society even spent a night at the pub years ago and reported a strange reflection in a photo that looked like the silhouette of a monkey.
Historic City Hall’s Ghosts
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Calgary’s sandstone city hall might be one of the prettiest buildings downtown, but some say it has a ghostly past. Security guards and other employees have reported ghost sightings in the stairwell and basement of the building. The man is believed to have died in the police lock-up many years ago, but there have been no reports of a woman dying in the building.
The Lady in White
Heritage Park/Facebook
The Prince House once belonged to Calgary businessman Peter Anthony Prince, founder of the Eau Clair Lumber Company. Today, the house is located in Heritage Park, where it’s said to be one of the most haunted spots on the grounds. One of the most famous ghosts is the “Lady in White,” a woman often seen cradling a baby in the upstairs nursery of the home. There are many theories as to who she is, but most believe she is Prince’s first wife, Margaret.
Devil’s Playground
Devil’s Playground might be one of Calgary’s most well-known urban legends. According to local lore, a schoolhouse burned down in the early 1900s, tragically killing several children inside. Now, people believe the children haunt the site of the schoolhouse.
Over the years, some people have claimed to hear laughter and the sounds of children playing. When crews came to redevelop the area, they reportedly experienced unexplained equipment malfunctions.