Haunted Regina: Ghost Stories of the Queen City
Regina, Saskatchewan, may be famous for its vast prairies, historic landmarks, and cultural scene, but beneath its friendly surface lies a world of eerie encounters and haunted places. From hospitals to bridges, some of Regina’s most iconic sites are rumored to be home to restless spirits. Here are five of the city's famous ghost stories:
1. Regina General Hospital
Regina General Hospital, 1911, Regina Archives, CORA-RPL-A-0343
Regina General Hospital is known not only for its healing but also for harboring ghostly presences. Built in 1901, it has served as a crucial medical center for over a century, but many believe its long history has left behind more than just memories.
Among the most chilling tales is that of a ghostly nurse, known to roam the halls, wearing an old-fashioned uniform from a bygone era. She is often seen checking in on patients late at night, but when staff or visitors approach her, she disappears. The sightings often coincide with tragic events, emergencies, or even deaths. Some staff members have reported cold drafts, objects moving on their own, and feelings of being watched, adding to the eerie atmosphere of this still-active hospital.
2. Old Regina Post Office
Regina Post Office, 1915 (now Globe Theatre), Regina Archives, CORA-RPL-B-0397
The Old Regina Post Office, now a repurposed building in the heart of downtown, dates back to 1907. Once a hub of communication for the city, it is now better known for its spectral activity than its postal history.
One of the most frequently reported hauntings involves the ghost of a former postmaster who is believed to still be on duty. His footsteps are often heard echoing through the hallways at night, despite the building being closed. Doors are said to open and slam shut by themselves, and cold spots can be felt throughout the structure, especially in the basement. The building’s long history and the many people who passed through its doors have contributed to its haunted reputation.
3. Albert Street Bridge
Albert Street Bridge, c 1950s, Regina Archives, CORA-RPL-A-0421.
Stretching across Wascana Lake, the Albert Street Bridge is a stunning piece of architecture, but it also holds a darker, more tragic tale. Built in 1930, this bridge is the longest bridge over the shortest body of water in the world, and it’s known for more than just its unique design.
Legend has it that a young woman, grieving the loss of her lover, jumped from the bridge into the lake below. Ever since, witnesses have reported seeing her ghost wandering the bridge at night, especially on foggy evenings. Some claim to hear soft sobbing or even catch a glimpse of her reflection in the water. She is often described as wearing a long, flowing dress, forever searching for her lost love. Locals advise not to visit the bridge alone after dark—her presence is known to be strongest during the late hours.
4. McCallum Hill Building
McCallum-Hill Building, 1920’s, Regina Archives, CORA-A-0503
The McCallum Hill Building, a modern office complex in Regina’s downtown core, may not seem like a place for ghosts, but its history tells a different story. During the building's construction in the 1920s, two workers tragically died in separate accidents. Since then, the building has been plagued by eerie occurrences.
Office workers have reported hearing the sound of heavy tools clanging, disembodied voices, and footsteps in areas where no one is present. Elevators have been known to move on their own, stopping at random floors as if invisible passengers were aboard. While the McCallum Hill Building stands as a symbol of progress, it also serves as a reminder of the lives lost during its creation, with some saying the spirits of those workers never truly left.
5. Bart's on Broad
Bart’s on Broad, 1988, Regina Archives, CORA--Q-263.16
Bart’s on Broad, a now-closed bar and nightclub, once stood in downtown Regina as a hotspot for live music and social gatherings. But what many patrons didn’t know was that Bart’s had a haunted past, linked to its over 100-year-old bar, which was imported from Butte, Montana.
The bar itself is said to be haunted by the spirit of Kid Letowsky, a man allegedly killed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in a saloon in Butte. The bullet hole from the fatal shot was still visible in the bar, and many believed Letowsky’s spirit came along with it to Regina. Patrons and staff reported strange phenomena, such as objects moving by themselves, unexplained cold spots, and feelings of being watched. Though Bart’s has since closed, the legend of its haunted bar lives on, making it one of Regina’s most intriguing ghost stories.
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
Regina’s ghost stories are a testament to the city’s deep history, connecting the past with the present in chilling ways. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just a fan of local legends, these haunted tales offer a glimpse into a side of Regina that few dare to explore. From hospitals to bridges, and even local bars, it seems the Queen City has more than its fair share of ghostly residents.
Have you had any spooky encounters in Regina? Share your ghost stories in the comments below!