Okay, Alberta, it’s time to turn our gaze over to Longview, where we’ll find a place that is drenched in history and ready to give you the ultimate jump scare. Twin Cities Hotel & Saloon opened its doors for the first time way back in 1938. It was built by three prominent NHL players and has been going strong for decades. Now owned by long-time resident, Chris Goss, the hotel is an institution and one of the few buildings around that remain as a reminder of the area’s rich history.
You can stay in one of the seven original hotel rooms for just $75 per night, or pop in to wet your whistle at the Saloon. You step back in time when you step through those saloon doors, with old motorcycles and historical memorabilia and photos all over the wood-panelled walls.
They serve all of the classics, from poutine to wings, tater tots to smokies. But, what we really want to focus on today is less comfort food and more spooky entertainment. The Twin Cities Hotel & Saloon has added a dinner theatre experience called “Murder at Twin Cities,” and it will be kicking off in February 2024. It’s a fast-paced comedy murder mystery show where a gang of quirky characters enlist your help to solve an extra suspicious murder. The immersive show will unfold all around you while you enjoy a delicious three-course meal. It’s the perfect idea for a date, birthday, special occasion, or just an excuse to do a little something different.
Tickets are just under $75. That includes the phenomenal show, the meal, and a chance to visit this iconic venue. Tickets can be purchased on Showpass, and there are multiple dates for you to choose from. So far, they’ve got dates available on Saturdays, Sundays, Thursdays, and Fridays, up until mid-February. Tickets are already selling out for earlier in the month, so you should probably act fast.
Why not make a full night of it and book a stay at the hotel, too? Well, actually, we should warn you first: the Twin Cities Hotel & Saloon is known to be haunted by “at least 6 ghosts.” No, we’re not joking.
Owner, Chris Goss, actually says that there are seven ghosts in the hotel and that the ownership and staff respect the heck out of the ghost and their stories. The hotel is basically unchanged from its original form from 1938, and the small, (very) vintage rooms are said to be haunted by former guests of the hotel from decades and decades ago. Things, like disembodies voices, footsteps, shadow figures, moving tables, and everything in between, have been reported and even recorded inside the hotel.
If you get scared easily, we might suggest that your evening concludes at the end of the dinner theatre performance, once the murder is solved. If you’re brave, you might as well celebrate a solved murder with a stay in the haunted hotel.
This place is visited on occasion because of the haunted lore surrounding it. However, it’s mainly visited because it’s a longstanding and deeply beloved institution in Longview and beyond. Whether you’re going to pull up a seat for the thrilling murder mystery or not, we highly suggest you pay this historical spot a visit.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the 2023/24 Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
