The hallway was silent, except for the sound of footsteps on creaky stairs. As Regina Armstrong and Victoria Vancek climbed toward their rooms at the Pendray Inn in Victoria, B.C., a non-human voice whispered through the darkness. “I can see you,” the voice said. This encounter is one of many that make the Pendray Inn a top search result for haunted hotels in Victoria, and in paranormal British Columbia This eerie moment, experienced during a 2017 visit to the historic inn, marked a turning point for the sisters.
What began as a shared childhood fascination with ghosts and hauntings has since evolved into Haunted History BC, a growing venture that merges historical research with paranormal investigation. For Regina, who goes by Gina, and Victoria, it’s a way to preserve history, connect with communities, and satisfy their own curiosity about the unseen.
“We loved mystery shows, scary movies, and ghost stories as kids, but what really captivated us were books,” Gina said.
“We devoured everything from Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries to historical accounts of haunted places in England. Seeing the famous photo of the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall in a library book—that hooked us.”
Their fascination deepened over time, leading to basement seances and dabbling in the occult. Yet it wasn’t until adulthood that they ventured into Ouija boards and EVP recordings, taking their interest to new heights.
From Pandemic Hobby to Thriving Business
Haunted History BC began as a creative project born out of the pandemic, quickly becoming a cornerstone in paranormal tourism in British Columbia.
“In 2020, we were stuck at home and decided to create a haunted calendar using photos we’d taken since 2017,” Gina said.
“To our surprise, it sold very well. From there, we launched a website and social media accounts, not expecting much attention. But people were genuinely interested in what we were doing.”
By the end of the year, the sisters had been invited to radio shows and podcasts, sharing stories of ghostly encounters and historical landmarks.
What started as a hobby evolved into a full-fledged business. Today, Haunted History BC hosts walking tours, gives talks, and even leads public ghost hunts.
Their flagship publication, Evenings & Avenues—Hauntings in the Outskirts, has grown into a Canadian paranormal magazine, now on its fourth volume.
“Our goal is to preserve historical content through writing, photography, and storytelling,” Victoria said.
“Ghost stories might seem trivial to some, but they’re valuable cultural assets that engage audiences and add mystery to historic sites.”
Memorable Encounters with the Supernatural
For Gina, one of the most striking moments occurred at the Johnny Ward House in Yale, B.C. Known for its haunting history, including a murder that left bullet holes in the bathroom wall, the house delivered an unforgettable experience.
“I had lunch with a spirit there,” Gina said.
“I unpacked my snack, and a Rook EMF meter on the table emitted a high-pitched squeal. The device isn’t designed to make that noise. I asked questions, and it responded on cue. It’s never made that sound before or since.”
Victoria’s most memorable moment took place at the Maple Ridge and Port Moody museums, both of which house artifacts linked to infamous train robber Billy Miner. “I tried photographing a portrait of him, but my phone’s camera kept pixelating.”
“It happened at both locations, and my sister even captured it on video. It was surreal,” she said.
Haunted Locations and Unsettling Atmospheres
While the sisters rarely feel “terrified” during investigations, some places have left them unsettled.
The Mennonite Cemetery in Abbotsford stands out. “Both times we visited, something felt off,” Gina said. “Once, an inexplicably cold wind forced us to retreat to the car multiple times. Another time, locusts started pelting our windshield on the way there. It was bizarre.”
British Columbia’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage make it a hotspot for ghost stories. Haunted places in British Columbia, from castles to abandoned towns, offer endless intrigue.
“The combination of historical significance and atmospheric surroundings is unparalleled,” Victoria said.
“We’ve explored everything from the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria to remote woods where local legends thrive.””
Balancing History and Mystery in Paranormal British Columbia
The sisters emphasize the importance of historical research in their work. “History comes first,” Gina said.
“We delve into a site’s background — significant events, previous owners, architectural history — before investigating paranormal claims.”
Their approach involves cross-referencing historical data with findings from tools like EMF meters and EVP recordings, employing state-of-the-art paranormal investigation techniques.
“Even if we capture activity, we remain skeptical,” Victoria added.
“We’re methodical, verifying repeat activity when we revisit locations.”
A Family Affair Hunting Ghosts
Gina and Victoria’s individual backgrounds — artistic and scientific, respectively — complement each other.
Gina oversees social media and much of the writing, while Victoria handles graphic design and website maintenance. They collaborate, often brainstorming identical ideas simultaneously.
Gina’s husband, William (Bill) Armstrong, plays a supportive yet skeptical role.
“He’s not into ghost hunting, but he’s indispensable,” Gina said.
“He’s our navigator, equipment setup guy, and on-the-spot investigator.”
At one location, William investigated a mysterious doorbell that rang repeatedly with no one at the door. His practical approach adds balance to the sisters’ enthusiasm.
The Afterlife Debate
When it comes to what happens after death, Gina and Victoria hold differing views.
“I believe our energy stays behind,” Gina said.
“Spirits linger for various reasons — unfinished business, emotional attachments, or simply a love for a place.”
Victoria, on the other hand, is more philosophical.
“I’d like to think our energy continues in other dimensions,” she said. “Why some energies are more pronounced than others remains a mystery.”
Looking Ahead
After a whirlwind 2024, the sisters took a short break at the beginning of the year, but remain busy editing the latest volume of Evenings & Avenues and planning new paranormal events in the province for 2025.
“We’re especially excited to partner with historic sites to develop programs that embrace their haunted history,” Gina said.
“We’ll also continue our walking tours and introduce events for youth.”
Haunted History BC’s success speaks to the public’s interest in ghost stories and the sisters’ unique ability to blend historical research with supernatural intrigue.
Whether it’s uncovering eerie tales at abandoned cemeteries or connecting communities through folklore, Gina and Victoria are keeping B.C.’s haunted history alive, one ghost story at a time.