Ghosts always fascinated me when I was growing up. They still do.
I remember buying books from the school book fairs explaining, in a child-friendly manner, supernatural events from around the world. I'm not sure what grasped my interest - the uncertainty surrounding the events or the first-hand accounts of people swearing they are telling the truth about their supernatural encounter.
Well, I've had a couple myself - nothing evil or dangerous though. Basically, back when I lived in Hamilton, I would hear voices saying my name when no one else was home. In similar situations, lights and faucets have been turned on when I was home alone. My brother experienced similar phenomena in the basement. Recently, my mom told me the toilet flushed downstairs when she was in the laundry room while my dad was out golfing. So, this stuff is fairly common for me. Well, as common as ghost encounters can be.
When Fort Battleford's ghost walk flyer crossed my desk, I figured it was a perfect opportunity to experience some supernatural stories. There were ghost walks back in Hamilton, but they didn't seem to have any history behind them. The chance to hear about stories from the past seemed like a great opportunity.
I pulled up to the Fort about 20 minutes before the doors opened at 9:30 p.m. and there was a line starting to build in the parking lot. Once I got in line, the confidence I was dripping with as I drove to the Fort started to melt away. There were families in the line, so how bad could it be, right?
After buying my ticket to the first walk at 9:45 p.m., I asked Brianna, a staff member at the Fort, what the walk was like. She said that first walk was the easiest to do because it was still light for the walk between the buildings.
Suddenly, I got a rush of confidence again.
As I milled about the visitor's centre waiting for the tour to start, the people kept pouring in. There appeared to be a walk every 15 minutes, with the bravest people waiting for the final walk.
Kelley, our tour guide, gathered the 9:45ers near the side door before heading out. Clad all in black and carrying a lantern, it was as if she was going to summon the spirits in the buildings herself. She told us the rules, including no cameras or cell phones. If any of us weren't feeling brave, Kelley told us she'd show that individual outside to wait. Alone.
We were led through the barracks first. It would have been pitch black if not for Kelley's lantern. Now, I'm not going to share any of the stories told during tour. If you want to hear them, go on the walk yourself. I can't do the stories justice in print. The first building was dark throughout, which added a creepy feeling to the mannequins dressed in Mountie uniforms.
Following the barracks, Kelley led the group in a trek to the fort. She asked if any of us had any experience with ghosts, so I gave my little spiel. It was a nice way to break the ice on the walk.
The tour continued on to the commanding officer's residence. We were told stories on the main floor before being told to go upstairs. Seriously? Upstairs? That's one of the main rules of horror movies. Never go upstairs! Nevertheless, we all creeped up the narrow, creaking staircase to enter into a plain room with a solitary table. Just picture any kid's room from a Victorian-era horror film and this is what that room looked like. As I listened to the story, there was a direct reference to the corner where I was standing. So, I casually slid to the opposite side of the room. Not that I was scared or anything.
We left the residence and went next door to the officer's quarters. Kelley told us this was her least favourite building on the tour, but it's a big part of it. It was the only time she pulled out notes during the tour. Her hands and voice trembled as she read from the page. It added some emphasis to a graphic story.
The last building before the end of the tour was the jail. It was our choice if we wanted to go in or not. Kelley told us the stories outside and opened the door. I walked around the loop, took a couple of quick glances in the cells. They seemed much smaller at night than when I saw them during the Fort's Canada Day celebrations.
As we walked back to the visitor's centre to wrap up the proceedings, Kelley told us more stories about experiences previous guests have had with ghosts or other supernatural entities. We were left at the parking lot to disperse after an entertaining walk.
The next ghost walk at Fort Battleford is July 25. Doors open at 9:15 p.m. If you are braver than I was, try out the last walk. Apparently you see things.
