Experience the spookier side of Colwood in the upcoming Haunted Heritage Fall Bus Tour and take the opportunity to learn about the city’s rich history.
Marcy Lalande, tour organizer, city employee, and volunteer at the Heritage Commission, said that the hope is to bring awareness to the many historical sites around the area, as many are simply not well known.
“For me, seeing ghosts is just a bonus,” she said.
The tour started this past May, and became an instant success, selling out quickly. Hosted by seasoned guide John Adams, the tour means to fascinate, educate, and genuinely creep its guests out.
Lalande said that several guests anonymously reported spotting ghosts and ghouls this past spring, including one individual that claims to have seen a 1950s couple sitting on a bench outside Pendray House.
“He liked the bench – he liked the woman in particular,” reads Lalande off of the comment card.
This time around, the tour will make fewer stops, allowing guests to spend more time at each location, and to have a better chance to explore.
“It’s definitely more laid back. We’ll be spending more time wandering around graveyards and telling spooky stories,” said Lalande.
The tour also helps to promote local business and create a community atmosphere. “We’re bringing more awareness to the hidden jewels of Colwood,” said Lalande. “The collaboration between all the different organizations has been amazing.”
One of the participants and beneficiaries of the tour is Coast Collective, a centre showcasing local artists and offering art workshops, which is located in the famous Pendray House.
“We have definitely seen an increase in interest since the last tour,” said Terri Rodstrom, a director and artist at Coast Collective. “That’s how we get our name out there – word of mouth.”
Rodstrom and many volunteers have experienced the supernatural in Pendray House, including the feeling of being embraced, hearing ping pong balls bouncing and having their shoulders tapped.
“There’s definitely a presence here,” said Rodstrom. “Whether it’s one person or a busload of people, it’s possible that others will experience the same things.”
The Haunted Heritage Fall Bus Tour will run on Oct. 4, 5, and 6, and will visit St. John the Baptist Heritage Church, Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University, Pendray House, and includes a walking tour at the Pioneer Cemetery and Hatley Memorial Gardens. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Colwood City Hall or the Coast Collective, located on Heatherbell Road.