Mike Vieira still remembers the night his home turned into something unrecognizable. It was a chilling experience that underscored his commitment to paranormal investigation in B.C.
The lights flickered erratically. Shadows danced where they shouldn’t, and a chilling voice whispered a threat in the darkness: “I’m going to get that little brat.” That’s when he knew something had followed him home.
For Mike and his team at The Unknown Paranormal, ghost hunting isn’t about thrills—it’s about uncovering history’s hidden voices.
The family-run paranormal investigation team is composed of Mike & his wife Christie Taylor, and Christie’s brother, Phil Taylor. The trio have spent years exploring British Columbia’s most haunted locations, collecting evidence of the unknown and shedding light on the province’s creepy past.
A Natural Calling to the Paranormal
“The paranormal has always been a natural thing for us,” Mike says.
“Each of us has had our own personal experiences—seeing, feeling, or witnessing things that couldn’t be explained.”
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, the trio decided to formalize their investigations, launching The Unknown Paranormal. Through social media and YouTube, they have shared their findings with a growing audience fascinated by paranormal investigation in B.C.’s haunted history.
B.C.’s Coldest Case: The Ghost of Janet K. Smith
Of all their investigations, one case still haunts Mike and his team—the grave of Janet K. Smith, a victim of one of Vancouver’s most infamous unsolved murders. Smith was brutally killed in 1924, and her case remains an open mystery.
“This case took us on late-night drives, mapping out her last known locations,” Mike explains.
“We captured photos of what we believe was Janet, and we had clear communication with something answering our questions—all except one: ‘Who killed her?’”
Their search for answers continues, documented through eerie EVP recordings and disturbing visual evidence posted on their YouTube page.
What Makes a Paranormal Investigation in B.C. Valid?
For The Unknown Paranormal, confirming a paranormal investigation in B.C. begins with research.
“The simplest way to determine if a place is haunted is to dig into its history,” Mike says.
“What happened there? Who was involved? Does the land itself carry a story?”
Their investigations blend historical records with modern ghost-hunting equipment and personal intuition. “We use devices, but we also rely on our awareness to pick up on things technology can’t always capture.”
When Ghosts Follow You Home
Not every encounter is harmless. One investigation at an abandoned penitentiary cemetery took a sinister turn when the team conducted the Delco Experiment, a sensory deprivation technique used in paranormal research.
“As we asked questions, the entity started antagonizing Phil,” Mike recalls. “When Phil challenged it, the entity responded, ‘How about I take this one?’ At that exact moment, Christie, who was wearing the sensory goggles, said everything went black, and she had to tap out.”
The real horror began after they returned home. Friends stopped visiting.
A dark energy lingered in their space, manifesting as deep, guttural voices.
“The breaking point came when Christie woke up to a voice threatening our child,” Mike says. “We realized we had brought something home with us.”
They performed a series of cleansing rituals, ultimately seeking help from a paranormal team specializing in dark entity removals. Within days, the haunting activity stopped.
Tools of the Trade
Contrary to popular belief, not all ghost-hunting tools are high-tech. While The Unknown Paranormal does use EMF detectors, spirit boxes, and thermal cameras, they often find that historical trigger objects—items from a spirit’s era—can yield the best results.
“A candle, a bell, even a toy car—these simple objects help spirits feel more at home, making communication easier,” Mike explains.
Skeptics and the Science of Hauntings
Skeptics argue that paranormal experiences stem from electromagnetic interference or the brain’s tendency to fill in gaps. Mike acknowledges this but challenges the skeptics with tangible evidence.
“Sure, our brains are powerful, but how do you explain an EVP recording responding in real time? Or a sudden temperature drop on a warm night? That’s why we follow the rule of threes—three photos, three repeated sounds, three consistent readings. If it happens multiple times, it’s harder to dismiss.”
Unsolved Mysteries and Dream Investigations
The Unknown Paranormal has conducted countless investigations, reinforcing their reputation in paranormal investigation in B.C., but a few locations remain on their bucket list. The Conjuring House, the Amityville House, and Vancouver’s Dead Man’s Island top their list of dream investigations.
“Every region has its own spiritual activity and practices, which shape the types of hauntings that occur,” Mike says. “That’s what makes this work so fascinating—every case is unique.”
A Final Warning for Aspiring Paranormal Investigators
For those eager to start ghost hunting, Mike has one crucial piece of advice.
“This isn’t Saturday night entertainment. You’re communicating with people’s loved ones, with spirits who had real lives, real families, real tragedies. Respect them. Do your research. And most importantly, always know when to say goodbye.”
The Haunting Continues
As The Unknown Paranormal continues their search for answers, one thing remains certain—B.C.’s ghosts still have stories to tell. Through careful research and modern technology, Mike and his team continue to expand their work in paranormal investigation in B.C., determined to listen.
For those curious about paranormal investigation in B.C., The Unknown Paranormal’s findings are just a click away, offering chilling insights into the city’s haunted past. But be warned—some encounters stay with you long after the investigation ends.