THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into Victoria’s Old Town with Discover the Past’s Ghostly Walks and hear haunted holiday stories that animate the city’s wintry streets. Perfect for fans of history with a spooky twist.
Step into Victoria’s Old Town with Discover the Past’s Ghostly Walks and hear haunted holiday stories that animate the city’s wintry streets. Perfect for fans of history with a spooky twist.
Book with Discover the Past
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Discover the Past · Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia, combines coastal charm with a deep historical fabric, making it a perfect backdrop for Discover the Past’s signature "Ghostly Walks - Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour." Operating exclusively in December, this one-hour walking tour offers guests a spine-tingling journey through the city’s Old Town district. Far from a typical holiday stroll, participants encounter vivid tales of haunted chocolate shops, an infamous Christmas Eve assassination, and the mysterious Lady in White, who first appeared during the winter of 1861. With narratives tailored to capture the eerie spirit of the holiday season, this experience is ideal for families and history buffs alike, weaving local lore with immersive storytelling.
Starting at 812 Wharf Street, right across from Victoria’s iconic Empress Hotel, the tour moves through cobbled streets and historic landmarks, where the frost of winter heightens the atmosphere. The old architecture—with its Victorian facades and gaslamp-lit alleys—adds a tangible backdrop to the chilling stories. Beyond folklore, the tours connect visitors to Victoria’s layered past, highlighting cultural moments that shaped the city’s identity. This blend of the supernatural with genuine historical context sets Discover the Past apart in Victoria’s outdoor recreational scene.
Offered at accessible rates and with strict adherence to small group sizes, the Ghostly Walks maintain an intimate, personal feel. Walkers engage directly with local guides whose passion for the city brings these ghost stories to life through vivid detail and warmth. As a December-only event, the tour is a standout seasonal highlight that showcases Victoria through a lens few visitors experience, merging outdoor walking with captivating storytelling in the crisp winter air.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families with children.
Yes, children aged 6 and older will enjoy the stories, which are family-friendly and engaging.
The tour begins in front of the Visitor Information Centre at 812 Wharf Street, across from the Empress Hotel.
Each Ghostly Walk lasts approximately 60 minutes.
No, the Ghosts of Christmas Past tour is offered exclusively in December.
Yes, tickets must be purchased online ahead of time to secure your spot.
Tours proceed regardless of weather; dress appropriately for winter conditions to stay comfortable.
Victoria’s Old Town area features buildings dating back to the mid-19th century, many of which provide the setting for local legends featured on the tour.
Discover the Past encourages low-impact tourism by keeping groups small and focused on walking to minimize disruption in Victoria’s historic district.
Discover the Past is a Victoria-based walking tour company that offers historical and ghost tours across downtown Victoria. The company runs a range of guided experiences, including Halloween-themed Ghostly Walks, multi-route ghost tours that end at St. Ann's Academy, The Old Burying Ground, and The Bent Mast, a Private Historical Walk, a 90-minute Victoria's Story Walking Tour, and a 75-minute Victoria's Queer Culture Walk led by Naomi Duska. Tours start from recognizable city points such as Market Square and the Visitor Information Centre, and durations typically range from 60 to 90 minutes. Guides present researched stories about local history, First Nations roots, the fur trade, the gold rush era, and documented legends like Lizzie McGrath and Kanaka Joe. Ghostly Walks explore reputedly haunted sites including Chateau Victoria Hotel and St. Ann’s Academy, while themed seasonal offerings include an annual Halloween Ghostly Walk and private Halloween tours. Private and customized walks are available for groups seeking tailored historical experiences. Discover the Past emphasizes factual storytelling, accessible walk routes through downtown Victoria, and guided experiences suitable for both newcomers and repeat visitors. The company’s combination of historical context and paranormal storytelling provides educational and entertaining tours that appeal to history enthusiasts, paranormal fans, and visitors looking for an engaging way to explore Victoria’s past. Booking options include scheduled public walks and private group bookings, with routes that highlight Victoria’s architecture, social history, community stories, and the city’s evolving cultural landscape, offering accessible narratives suitable for a wide range of visitor interests.
Book with Discover the Past