Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Fall 2019 Edition | Page 14

The undead haunt Fernie’s back alleys on
November 2nd. Join them if you dare!
Around the corner from the Ingram
Building on the corner of 1st Avenue,
the Royal Hotel may be the most
haunted building in Fernie. A crowd of
ghosts were reported partying in the
dining room one Christmas Day as the
proprietor prepared for a busy day,
seemingly alone, early in the morning.
When she went to investigate the
source of the ruckus, there was nobody
there. A little fair-haired girl has
appeared to many staff in the building
and seems to have a mischievous streak.
She likes to reach out a cold hand or
tug on people’s hair. A little boy, dining
with his family one day, appeared to be
having a conversation with someone
that nobody else at the table could see.
Many more reports have been made of
the little girl, but so far, she seems to be
friendly.
A man named Julius Beach died of a
stroke in one of the rooms upstairs in
1984 at the age of 85. Julius might
not have left quite yet, and he seems
to have a sense of humour. He likes to
rock in a rocking chair and has been
known to turn on music in unoccupied
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The Royal (centre of image) is home to a
motley assortment of ghosts.
rooms. He must not have been friends
with the Royal’s final ghost, who is said
to occupy the basement and does not
like loud noises. He harasses servers as
they go about their work, and it is said,
that if you stay very, very, quiet, he will
speak to you.
Soak up the atmosphere this October
with Fernie Ghost Tours, hosted by The
Arts Station. Call to book a private tour
or to inquire about dates. After the
Halloween parties, The Royal rounds
out the Hallowtide festivities with the
annual Zombie walk on November 2nd.