by Ian Gibbs
The other energy that Dawn picked up was that of an “elemental.” Elementals are a distinct type of spirit, often described as an elf, gnome, leprechaun, fairy, brownie, mermaid, or even goblin. The job of an elemental is to look after the natural kingdom and keep it sustained. If you notice yourself unwinding and relaxing in nature, that is believed to be the work of an elemental. The one Dawn picked up on was of a very primal, ancient being. Elementals are created by the land to protect it. This one was not overly bright or cunning; it was gentle and just happy to exist and do its job. Dawn said it was exceptionally strong near the fort and the lighthouse, which makes a lot of sense as both are embedded in nature.
If you have a chance, do head to Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse. If nothing else, you will get to see a small glimpse of what life was like for the men and some women who spent a great deal of time there. They have left more behind than a bunch of old buildings.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
WRITING A BOOK is never a one-person endeavour—at least this one sure wasn’t! I want to use up as little space as possible, but also want to make sure everyone who is so deserving of thanks receives it. Those of you who feel you deserve some thanks —and we both know you do—and were not mentioned by name, I apologize unreservedly. In light of my intentions, the following people need to be acknowledged:
My family, Margaret and Jansen, for letting me go on and on and on about ghost stories and local history while they so graciously pretend to be interested. Margaret, I appreciate and love you for always being willing to be the first person to whom I tell my newly acquired stories. You and Jansen keep me going!
Taryn Boyd, Tori Elliott, Renée Layberry, Kate Scallion, and Pete Kohut—and everyone at Touchwood—thank you for seeing this book before I did. You have made this experience an adventure I want to enjoy again.
From the writing side of things, thanks for the author-to-author advice from Barbara Smith, Brennan Storr, and John Adams. You kept me focused and positive while you each imparted some very hard-won wisdom.
My Ghostly Walk friends, you are all amazing and I learn from each of you every time we work together. Thanks, Brynne, for letting me steal your jokes!
To all the wonderful people who shared their stories with me: I won’t list names as some of you have asked me not to, but it’s important that you get thanked. You know who you are, and I’m eternally grateful. Many people took time to meet with me and share of their hearts and experiences; I’m honoured by the gift you have given.
My kind coworkers, Alison, Corrina, and Kim: thank you so much for putting up with me while I relentlessly talk about this project.
Much gratitude to Andrea Bailey and Dawn Kirkham, who graciously and comfortably invited me into their ghost investigation worlds: you showed me that there is a compassionate side to working with the spirit world, and you are both excellent examples of that.
Thanks to Ray Shipka, who took so many pictures for this book. You are an artist, sir, and I’m grateful I was lucky enough to have you offer—and I’m happy I was smart enough to accept!
And thank you to you, reader and fellow ghost inquirer. I hope that your story and experiences will appear in the next book. I look forward to hearing from you!
PHOTO CREDITS
COVER PHOTO Hatley Castle, davemantel, istockphoto.com
AUTHOR PHOTO Gary Quinn
INTERIOR PHOTOS by Ray Shipka, except for the following:
HOTEL ON LOCHSIDE DRIVE, P. 158 Fotogal, istockphoto.com
THE WILKINSON JAIL, P. 166 Hallmark Heritage Society Archives
HOME ON ELK LAKE DRIVE, P. 172 Luca Pierro, Stocksy United
VICTORIA-AREA LAKE HOUSE, P. 178 Christian Tisdale, Stocksy United
FORT RODD HILL AND FISGARD LIGHTHOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES, P. 190 Emily Norton, istockphoto.com
IAN GIBBS was born in the United Kingdom and emigrated to Canada when he was young. As such, he carries with him the celtic beliefs and gifts of his heritage, and has always been fascinated by storytelling, ghosts, and hauntings. He lived in several city centres across Canada before settling in Victoria, arguably one of the most haunted places in all of Canada, in 2000. During the summer months, he guides tours for Victoria’s popular Ghostly Walks walking tours. Visit GhostStoryGuy.com, and listen to his podcast, Ghost Story Guys.
Copyright © 2017 by Ian Gibbs
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For more information, contact the publisher:
TouchWood Editions
103–1075 Pendergast Street
Victoria, BC V8V 0a1
Touchwoodeditions.com
The information in this book is true and complete to the best of the author’s knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or the publisher.
Edited by Kate Scallion
Cover design by Pete Kohut
Interior design by Setareh Ashrafologhalai
Proofread by Claire Philipson
Photo credits on page 199
LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA CATALOGUING IN PUBLICATION
Gibbs, Ian, 1972–, author
Victoria’s most haunted : ghost stories from BC’s historic capital city/Ian Gibbs.
Issued in print and electronic formats.
ISBN 978-1-77151-213-8 (softcover)
1. Ghosts—British Columbia—Victoria. 2. Haunted places—British Columbia—Victoria. I. Title.
BF1472.C3G515 2017 133.109711’28 C2017-900366-6
C2017-900367-4
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts, and of the province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council and the Book Publishing Tax Credit.