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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families with children.
Wildlife
History
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.
Conservation
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
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.
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.
Tours Offered
10
Varied routes and themes
Typical Duration
60–90 min
Walks from 60 to 90 minutes
Private Options
Available
Book private or group tours
Featured Tours
Ghostly & Story Tours
Seasonal and themed experiences
Book a Ghostly Walk, historical tour, or private experience with Discover the Past and uncover the city’s stories.
Dress for December chill
Evening temperatures can dip sharply; layering ensures comfort during the hour-long walk.
Arrive early at Wharf Street
Meeting in front of the Visitor Information Centre ensures a prompt start across from the Empress Hotel.
Purchase tickets in advance
The Ghostly Walks sell out quickly in December; book your spot online to guarantee entry.
Suitable for families
Stories are curated to engage children 6 and up, making it a fun, spooky outing for all ages.
Warm jacket
Keeps you comfortable during chilly evening temperatures.
winter
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating city streets and cobblestones safely.
Flashlight or phone light
Helpful in low-light conditions along dimly lit route sections.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the historic architecture and moody winter street scenes.