Caribou Hotel — Carcross, Yukon - Ghosts and Hauntings on Waymarking.com

Nestled in the Yukon town of Carcross, the Caribou Hotel is more than just a historic building — it is a treasure trove of folklore, ghost stories, and mysterious happenings that have fascinated locals and visitors for over a century.

At the heart of these legends is Mrs. Bessie Gideon, who took over the hotel after her husband Edwin’s death in the 1920s. Bessie lived and worked in the hotel until her own passing in 1933, but many believe her spirit never left. Locals tell stories of eerie footsteps echoing through empty hallways and doors that slam shut on their own, especially on the hotel’s upper floors, which remain off limits to visitors today.

One of the most enduring tales is that of Bessie’s ghostly figure, often seen in a long, old-fashioned dress, standing or sitting by the third-floor windows. Some say she watches the wilderness beyond the hotel, forever waiting for loved ones or lost travelers from the Gold Rush days to return. Others claim she protects the hotel’s guests, quietly warning those who might be in danger.

Adding a unique twist to the hotel’s folklore is the story of Polly, the famously mischievous parrot who lived at the Caribou Hotel from 1918 to 1972. Polly was known for his operatic singing, sharp wit, and colorful language, often startling guests with unexpected outbursts. His funeral was said to be quite the event, complete with a procession and ceremony, and some say Polly’s spirit still echoes through the halls with sudden squawks and laughter.

Visitors and staff have also reported strange flickering lights, cold spots that make the hair stand on end, and unexplained knocks or tapping sounds—phenomena that fuel the hotel's reputation as one of Yukon’s most haunted places.

The Caribou Hotel’s stories are deeply tied to the rugged history of the Yukon Gold Rush—a time of hope, hardship, and mystery. The hotel itself was originally built in Bennett, British Columbia, then floated across Lake Bennett to Carcross, where it witnessed decades of human drama, joy, and tragedy. This history feeds the folklore, making the haunting feel like a living part of the hotel’s soul.

Today, the Caribou Hotel has been carefully restored. Its main floor welcomes visitors to a cozy café, while the upper two floors remain closed to protect both the building and the spirits that may dwell within. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Caribou Hotel’s rich tapestry of stories offers a fascinating glimpse into Yukon’s past—and a chill or two for those who dare to listen closely.

Public access?: There is public access to the ground floor. The upper two floors are being restored to serve as a hotel again. Website about the location and/or story: [Web Link] Visting hours: Not listed

Visit Instructions:

• Please submit a photo(s) taken by you of your visit to the location (non-copyrighted photos only). GPS photos are also accepted with the location in the background, and old vacation photos are accepted. Photos you took of paranormal activity are great. If you are not able to provide a photo, then please describe your visit or give a story about the visit
• Tell your story if you saw, felt, or smelled anything unusual. Post pictures of what you saw.
• Add any information you may have about the location. If your information is important about the location, please contact the waymark owner to see if it can be added to the description.
• Be careful and do not enter areas which are off limits or look dangerous. No waymark is worth harm. Use your 6th sense, because sometimes there are unseen things which are telling you to stay out.
• Use care when using your camera flash so you do not disrupt any possible nearby residents. Time lapse can be the best tool on your camera in many circumstances.

 

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