The Charles Camsell Hospital

January 21st, 2009

The Charles Camsell Hospital is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and the building that stands originally opened in 1946. Since 1996, the building has been abandoned since the hospital shut its doors. The original part of the building that no longer exists was a tuberculosis sanatorium that reached its peak in the 1950s. Some of the patients in this sanitorium were put there by force, and other patients that had certain defects were sterilized without the patients approval. The hospital has bore witness to many deaths and tragic events, including in 1982, when a man working on the roof fell to his death.

The hospital is believed to be haunted, and people who just even walk past it feel as though there are hundreds of eyes looking at them through the boarded up windows. Satanic symbols and graffiti are a plethora on the fences, not helping the sites reputation as a dark and scary place. The fourth floor of the hospital was home to the psychiatric ward during its existence. On a recorder, the scream of a young woman has been captured there. A psychic believed this was the spirit of a teenage girl who had ripped her nails off from her fingers. The second floor was the surgical wing, and to this day there are still blood stains on the floor in one room. In the morgue, the elevator has been known to go up and down on its own accord. Footsteps are often heard, indicating that some of the patients still walk the halls, even in death.

(Source: Belanger, Jeff. Encyclopedia of Haunted Places. 2005.)

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  1. Some guy
    February 16th, 2009 at 17:21 | #1

    i have been there its very messed up

  2. July 8th, 2009 at 02:22 | #2

    hey im jay i am a first hand witness to the hospital
    about two years ago a couple of budies and i broke in and went for a tour
    well with in an hour or so we made it to the morgue well we were creeped out at that point we heard some weird nosies and discovers that the elevator was moving and we had hear footsteps geting closer and closer
    And what really funny we heard fain screams coming from the cooler in the morgue and i would really like to meet someone whho would come to the clinic with me again so let me know

  3. Andrea
    July 9th, 2009 at 03:27 | #3

    I was just in there and it was so cool i only got in like 20 steps
    because my friend with the flashlight ran out when we heard glass break
    but i definately wanna go back we didnt get to go back in because the
    k-9 unit came i was really disappointed i didnt get to hear any screaming or see any ghosts so im definately going back there soon. it
    wasn’t really scary to me at all.

  4. bree
    July 19th, 2009 at 22:55 | #4

    i would love to take one foot into that hosp. it would be an oppourtunity of a life time to experience something paranormal!

    and it feels as though if someone is looking at you when you walk by the hosp. until you turn a corner, its awesome!

    if anybody is willing to go, im up for a paranormal adventure!!

  5. Guido
    August 3rd, 2009 at 16:12 | #5

    Ive always wanted to go in to the hospital with a bunch of equipment to record all the paranormal happenings anyone up for a ghost hunt….

  6. LizzieB
    August 13th, 2009 at 15:12 | #6

    Hello all! My cousin and I went walking by there last nite and I swear I seen someone in one of the windows on the top floor on the northside of the building. You sure can feel the energy coming off the building. I would love to get a group of people together and go investigate (with permission of course) and record what the whole adventure. Sure would love to call Ghost Hunters to come take a look or one of the other shows. So if anyone wants to go let me know.

  7. Lauralee
    August 15th, 2009 at 17:41 | #7

    i was born there and now i am so interested to go into and see it.

  8. Ashley lewis
    August 15th, 2009 at 23:45 | #8

    @LizzieB
    Hello, I’m very glad to have come by your post, I would love to join you on this with other people. It would be very fun, please message me back. I’m an amature paranormal investigator, young and learning, it would be great to widen our team.

  9. Dakota H
    August 17th, 2009 at 18:13 | #9

    id like to join you guys. ive been very curious about this and would like to come and help. i dont have expirience in this but it is definately something i would like to get into. plz message me back.

  10. Angela
    August 27th, 2009 at 16:07 | #10

    @bree

    I would love to go there with you

  11. Angela
    August 28th, 2009 at 10:28 | #11

    @Dakota H
    I am definately interested in going with those who are willing to go, I would love to hear anyones thoughts on this.

  12. Eddie
    September 1st, 2009 at 04:34 | #12

    So i went there tonite with a couple friends who were too scared to go in! I totally wanted to but they didn’t!! I think it would be an experience like no other! I would have went by myself but I don’t think I am brave enough to do it alone lol. If anyone is willing, please message me!

  13. Rosaline
    September 10th, 2009 at 13:36 | #13

    I was there just last week, September 4to6, 2009. We look a few photos and was very tempted to clime the fence and try to go but fear got the better of me. It’s true one does feel a presence when outside. Very spooky.

  14. tiffany
    September 10th, 2009 at 16:34 | #14

    ive read alot about the camsell hospital and where the nurse and doctors garden was is a mass grave of native children that were experimented on its really sad but id love to go there also!

  15. Guido
    September 23rd, 2009 at 01:24 | #15

    well a couple of friends of mine and i went past the hospital tonight and noticed that a light was on in the east stairwell second from the top and looked like someone was waving in the top stairwell kinda creepy but yes im in on joining a team to investigate so please message me back thank you

  16. chrys
    September 30th, 2009 at 00:33 | #16

    me and my wife have gotten into the building once already but had to ditch out cause the K-9 guards started doing there rounds but as of the 24 of september i know a quick way into the ground level in the basement that will most likely still be open(managed to bend the tin covering the window halfway back into place). but we would like to get a crew together to take a look through the building, serious interest only please i don’t want to go in there with a bunch of half brained smash and run types, and be warned we don’t have permission so it does involve… less then legal methods of getting in, e-mail me at moodswingindustries@hotmail.com if your up for it (probably won’t be for a week or two due to work

  17. monkeybum626
    October 8th, 2009 at 20:53 | #17

    i live in Edmonton its a creepy place i knew someone who was born there and the reason why its creepy and ghost are there cause it was a native hospital full of natives and it probably had one of the largest morgues just saying and mostly every native that was in that hospital was very sick and ill they just died but a lot of elders and stuff have gone in there to smudge the hole place to let some spirits that are stuck there go and rest in piece

  18. Cheyanne
    October 17th, 2009 at 10:49 | #18

    Im not gonna lie this place seems pretty creepy, me and my friend went for a drive and wanted to find it, with our luck we did, and we got out of the car and just walked around then fenced off area, its dark ot so the building looks even more creepy than what it would during the day. Just looking at the building gives me the creeps, but it makes me want to go in. i want to expierience this for myself instead of reading storys from others LOL

  19. bryan
    November 12th, 2009 at 13:26 | #19

    I live in Edmonton and just caught word of this place. Me. And a couple buddies are going tomorrow night (Friday Nov 13 2009) anyone interested is welcomed. Hit me up by email for details
    BKBRAM3@gmail.com

  20. Peter
    November 13th, 2009 at 03:31 | #20

    I am a former television producer in the Edmonton area who was born at the Camsell. A few years ago we at the TV station had decided to make a documentary which would air Halloween night. Because of my burning curiousity about my birth place, and because an abandoned hospital seemed like the ideal place to search for ghosts, I decided the perfect location to shoot our documentary would be the Charles Camsell General Hospital. This program originally aired on Halloween 2001, and because of it’s popularity ran again the same night in 2002. In mid-October our crew went in at 6:00 one Saturday night and we came out at 5:00 the next morning. I had found a former Camsell nurse, and we invited her to take us on a tour of the building while she told us all about the hospital and shared her recollections of working there over a 25 year period. She had some very interesting stories….We then took a psychic through, and interviewed her as she walked through the building, all the time comparing her comments with the facts the nurse had presented earlier in the evening. It made for a fascinating night…I will say we found nothing sinister about or inside the Camsell, just stories about the people who worked there, and who were patients there, and in some cases because of their illnesses (usually TB) lived there a long time. Some of the stories were sad yes, and others a little frightening, but most of the memories people have shared with me about the Camsell were happy ones, and indeed it was generally thought of as a very happy, pleasant place to come to work. I actually felt very comfortable inside the building. The only part of the night which I found unnerving was when we were standing outside the hospital once we had wrapped our shoot. The other producer and I were looking back towards the completely abandoned building when we noticed a single light on in a ward room somewhere on the top floor. Keep in mind this was October and at 5:00 am, it’s still dark outside….My trip upstairs through long pitch black halls, illuminated only by street lights throwing shadowy beams from a handfull of rooms to switch off that lone light in that empty hospital room was fast, to put it mildly.
    I have actually learned a fair bit about the history of the Camsell, and I’m sorry to see it in a state of such disrepair and even more sorry to see the disrespectful abuse the building has sustanied at the hands of vandals. The building was still in good shape when we were there. Since then, I went back to visit the set of another film whcih was shot in the building a year or two after ours. The current hospital as it stands was opened in 1965 as a federal hospital, and it closed in 1996. It’s a shame it was closed. The Camsell was a great hospital becasue it was a big city facility, with full amenities, but it is small enough to evoke a local hospital feel.

  21. Peter
    November 13th, 2009 at 05:59 | #21

    To anyone who is considering going into the premises to explore: I strongly recommend you don’t. The building is now a health hazard. In the process renovating the hospital, and opening walls and ceilings, ASBESTOS has been discovered throughout. Since it has been disturbed, it is now an air borne substance. Entering the building will expose anyone not properly equipped to this harmful substance which is known to directly cause lung cancer and other respiratory problems.

  22. Bryan
    November 14th, 2009 at 14:13 | #22

    So here is an update, me and my buddy went there last night as intended. It’s pretty much pointless trying to go in there anymore as it’s pretty heavily watched. There is an easy way through the gate, but there’s also people watching you and ready to call security. We were being followed and met another few people there and advised them, a few minutes after talking to them security showed up with the K-9 dog. Anyways, the search for us continues looking for some good haunted places. We also checked out the 2 Oliver square cemetaries last night as well. Anyone ever interested in coming along with us send an email my way at BKBRAM3@gmail.com

  23. Ashley
    November 18th, 2009 at 04:51 | #23

    I must say the hospital is getting quite empty. I was there a few years back, and at that point the building beside it was still there, as well as the pile of debris by the one side, where you could find old things from which used to be used in the hospital. I’ve been in and out of the hospital a couple of times within the past month. It’s really not all too bad, very interesting. Still haven’t been able to bring myself down to the morgue. Recently, we’ve found a place near the town of Drayton Valley, it’s actually closer to the hamlet of Tomohawk. Down a gravel road by there, you can find an abandoned church and house. Rumors have went around about a man murdering his family in the church and then committing suicide in the house. I do not believe these rumors are true, but still a very interesting place. The cemetery is right on the other side of the church. Also there is supposed to be an abandoned one room school house in the area as well.

  24. Ashley
    November 18th, 2009 at 05:00 | #24

    Is there an abandoned asylum somewhere on the North end of edmonton at all? I’ve heard a rumor about there being one, but i’m still searching. Anywhere else you recommend checking out?@Bryan

  25. adam
    November 24th, 2009 at 18:11 | #25

    so this hospital is cold and terrifying i went a few time and when i left sonthing came with me

  26. Shawn
    November 29th, 2009 at 02:50 | #26

    Hey Ashley, I would love if you could give me more info on where that place is by Tomohawk…ie. which dirt road is it? If it doesn’t have a name, roughly how far out of Tomohawk is it and in which direction? Thanks!

  27. Courtney
    December 18th, 2009 at 09:54 | #27

    THERES A GHOST WALK AT THE CHARLES CAMSELL HOSPITAL TONIGHT!!! I AM SO GOING!! Its with a group of people. I dont think its inside the morgue, but its in the area,,,,where we CAN go. Edmonton Paranormal Society. Check it out on FB.

  28. Courtney
    December 18th, 2009 at 09:57 | #28

    Host: Edmonton Paranormal Society
    Type: Trips – Group Trip
    Network: Global
    Date: Friday, December 18, 2009
    Time: 8:00pm – 11:00pm
    Location: Meet-up at Ehren and Julia’s house prior to heading out!
    Street: 11828 67 Street
    City/Town: Edmonton, AB
    View MapGoogle
    MapQuest
    Microsoft
    Yahoo

    DescriptionEdmonton Paranormal will be holding a ghost-walk; weather permitting, of one of the most haunted areas in Edmonton. The Charles Camsell hospital will be the main event of the evening. We will not be stepping foot on the grounds or in the building, however if you feel that you have any extra-sensory abilities this would be the night to come out! We will be stopping at a few locations around the Camsell with the climax being a 7 story abandoned hospital eerily creeping out of the night. You don’t want to miss this ghost-walk as I am sure it will be eventful.

    Please R.S.V.P. before Thursday at Midnight.
    See you there!
    Ehren Ackerman
    President/Founder of the Edmonton Paranormal Society
    http://www.edmontonparanormal.ca
    (780) 235-1393

  29. Kaleigh
    January 5th, 2010 at 14:28 | #29

    Charles Camsell Hospital .. Is but far one of thde most haunted places I have ever encountered and I live a two minutes walk away from it. N0w everybody wants to get in there and check this place out and see some ghosts. Well I have seen some ghosts jusxt living buy there. And most get mentioned but some dont. I have seen Ghosts in the windows and when inside the Hospital a plethora of other creepy things . One ghost that Im sure I saw but no one else seems to have seem is a young woman out in the courtyard. Standing about eight feet in from the fence she didnt sseem angry or particularily aware that I was aroung but I have seen her more than once Ive taken to habit of walking byt there with my dog (who hates that portion of walk) so maybe If anyone might have seen this young woman or knows anything about her I sure would like to know

  30. Laura
    January 26th, 2010 at 19:39 | #30

    i saw a ghost in the window. And outside of it if you take binoculars and look up at the lamp post theres either blood or red paint…not too sure.

  31. Michael S Keller
    February 3rd, 2010 at 04:23 | #31

    @ Lauralee

    I was born there also…my story is very very
    Unique…I was the 13th child born, at the
    13th hour and 13th min…the letter M is the
    The 13th letter of the alphabet…I wanna go
    Back and search for the records…

  32. Michael S Keller
    February 3rd, 2010 at 04:32 | #32

    @ Michael S Keller

    Anyone want to let me know more information
    On records for 1985 for anything unusual in that year
    Like hauntings…ghosts…deaths…torture…
    Email me at nickxavier@hotmail.com

  33. sheena
    February 10th, 2010 at 20:42 | #33

    i been in there many times at least 50 now you cant even go in there the construction workers put holes in the floors everywhere so people would stop going in there never heard noises seen anything mind you thats not really what we went in there for i always wished it was thow.

  34. Keenan
    February 27th, 2010 at 23:54 | #34

    @jay
    Hey, i see you wanted to go back to the hospital. i went a year or two ago with some friends and it was flippen scary. we were walking for probably 2 hours and we constantly heard footsteps running behind us. we got to the roof and into the broiler room or whatever at the top but ya i want to go back.

  35. Quintin
    February 28th, 2010 at 16:21 | #35

    >Keenan If you guys all get a crew together I will join , a couple of my friends and i want to go so if anyone is interested email me / fb me

    qpoloway@gmail.com
    Quintin Polowyj

  36. Vanessa
    March 16th, 2010 at 23:04 | #36

    I went in twice with one of my girls. It was a thrill to go in and see what was in there. We did not make it to the basement only because there was a thunder storm that freaked us out, so we stayed on the 2nd floor most of the time.
    Psychic ability is in my family bloodline, and like my mother I can see or sense spirits. When i was in that hospital I have never felt or seen more spirits in my life. They weren’t evil or anything, just unrested. The energy levels of that place are really strong, and I would like to go back in…not for the thrill but for the connection of being around people that have passed away.

  37. Engineer
    March 24th, 2010 at 06:48 | #37

    Sorry to burst everyone’s bubble, I was on a project committee for the former hospital some years ago and have been updated of progress at this site. The bulk of the floors have fell victim to demolition over the past two years, any of the equipment or physical structures that were present six years ago are long gone. I would not recommend going below the Ground floor due to exposed asbestos and vermiculite, also the potential respiratory hazard of Legionellosis from water in flooded areas. This facility is no longer trespasser friendly and demolition crews have made it this way as indicated in earlier posts.

    Although it is good to see the ol’ girl still creates a buzz.

  38. Lauralee
    March 25th, 2010 at 17:06 | #38

    @Michael S Keller
    we should so do it! lol it would be so neat but im such a chicken.

  39. Brandon
    April 10th, 2010 at 16:25 | #39

    @Angela
    Hey, I was just there last night.. we got into the basement and saw little holes in the ground filled with blood and guts. We were going to attempt and get in to a higher floor but the majority of my group got pretty freaked out. If you want more people to go with you I’d be willing to, along with some of my friends aswell.

  40. April 11th, 2010 at 21:26 | #40

    Me Nd Some Of My Friends Went There Nd U Might Find This like A Joke But Im A Type Of Person Who Could C And Communicate With Ghosts Nd There Were Alot Of Them,They were Very Sad It Made Me Sad.. But We Kept Exploring And I Saved Most Of My Friends From The Crazy Ghosts Who Tryed To Hurt Them. But I Wanna Go C More And Investigate More Of It..

  41. April 11th, 2010 at 21:28 | #41

    @Lauralee
    dont be jus tbe a chicken when u get to the second and fourth floor lol

  42. April 11th, 2010 at 21:37 | #42

    @Angela
    id like to go again :D

  43. April 11th, 2010 at 21:39 | #43

    @Peter
    it would be koolif u could film me nd my friends going in there :)

  44. April 11th, 2010 at 21:50 | #44

    Why did It Get Shut Down Anyways?? And How Come U Get Arrested Just To Go Visit The Place Wat If Some1 U Loved Died There And U Wanted To Go Visit Them?? Why..Why..WHY?

  45. Breanna
    April 12th, 2010 at 16:02 | #45

    I was there two nights ago me and my friends saw a lady standing in the window it was messed. But when we tried getting in it was almost impossible. It’s a creepy place and I really wanna go in so if you know any way in please share

  46. Justin
    April 20th, 2010 at 22:52 | #46

    About a month ago me and a friend went in there. We unscrewed a board on the on the front of the hospital, near where the ambulances went in. right entrance.

    Have they welded this shut now too?

  47. Street
    April 25th, 2010 at 19:44 | #47

    I have been in and around this hospital at least 4 times a day. Yeah I am the guy that will arrest you. I will tell you right now if you have plans to go to the hospital and try to get inside your STUPID. The chance of you inhaling 1 little particle and being terminally ill for the rest of your life is a huge risk. Don’t be stupid. As well I will tell you right now most of the hospital is now gone inside. There are just construction areas. If your planning on visiting the place, don’t. All you get is a $285.00 fine….

  48. Kayla
    May 8th, 2010 at 22:25 | #48

    A few years ago, a group of us visited the hospital. We were taking photos for a CD cover for a local band. After asking a security guard for permission to enter the hospital WE wondered the hospital and ended up in the operating room. (This was before they gutted the place.) It was really eerie. So we embraced the eerie room and took some amazing photos. Although we never heard or saw anything, the feeling of being watched was there the entire time we were inside the hospital.

  49. John
    May 18th, 2010 at 13:46 | #49

    I am looking to go in..never been there but curious to see what the buzz is all about.How bad is the asbestos though and easiest way to get around security because i have no interest in paying 285 fine or getting sick lol.Get back to me at jj_fb9@hotmail.com with details and if your interested in going Thanks.

  50. wolf
    May 20th, 2010 at 23:01 | #50

    hay guys I go by the charles camsell hospital every once in a while when I go to west mount mall.It does have that eerie feel to it when you go by it on the bus. The #5 and the #135 goes by there. I always wonder if it was haunted because it sure looks it.I’ve never been in there myself. Reading the post on here I think it would be cool if taps from ghost hunters could come and look at the place. It would put us on the mape lol.

    hay Kaleigh and Laura I was reading your post I’d love to know more e-mail me at stormwolf1@live.ca

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