Haunted History Tour in Victoria by Discover the Past
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking on paved city streets.
Overview
Step into Victoria’s haunted history with Discover the Past’s Ghostly Walks Route #4, a spine-tingling urban tour that unearths tales of ghosts, exorcisms, and haunted pubs in the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Ghostly Walks Route # 4 - James Bay & Bent Mast Tour
Offered on a limited basis during the Summer
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a thrilling journey through Victoria's haunted past with Ghostly Walks Route #4. Discover chilling tales of exorcisms, ghostly residents, and the eerie history of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Conclude your adventure at The Bent Mast, one of the most haunted pubs, for an unforgettable experience steeped in mystery.
On our tours, we weave together the ghosts and the stories behind them, bringing Victoria’s dark history to life.
About
Ghostly Walks Route #4 Starts at the Visitor Information Centre and heads south past the Empress. Goes behind the Royal BC Museum to the site of the haunted cherry tree, past the old house haunted by Sir James Douglas’s youngest daughter, then into Victoria’s oldest heritage residential neighbourhood. Included on the route are stories about an exorcism on Heather Street, the James Bay Inn where famous artist Emily Carr died, a fortune teller and her crystal ball and many more. Finishes outside The Bent Mast, one of Victoria’s most haunted pubs.
Please note that due to construction, Downtown events or other circumstances beyond our control, the route followed might deviate from the above description.
Rates
Adults: CA$23 Ages 17+ Seniors: CA$18 Ages 65+ Students: CA$18 Must provide student I.D Children: CA$13 Ages 6-11 Content is not suitable for some young children. Parental discretion is advised.
Duration
60 Minutes
Meeting Location
Starts in front of the Visitor Information Centre at 812 Wharf Street. The Visitor Information Centre is directly across from the Empress Hotel.
How to buy Tickets
Tickets must be purchased online.
Adventure Tips
Book Online in Advance
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time online due to limited availability and group sizes.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour covers historic neighborhoods on foot, so sturdy shoes are recommended for pavement and uneven surfaces.
Bring a Light Jacket or Sweater
Evening temperatures by the water can be cool; layering helps keep you comfortable during the walk.
Prepare for Low-Light Conditions
Portions of the walk occur after dark; bring a flashlight or use your phone light carefully during storytelling stops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban-adapted gulls frequent the waterfront areas
- Occasional sightings of raccoons in residential neighborhoods
History
Victoria is British Columbia’s oldest city with roots dating back to the mid-1800s, a period marked by colonial expansion and rich Indigenous history.
Conservation
Tours like this promote awareness of heritage preservation by encouraging respectful visitation of historic districts and fostering community engagement in local history.
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Adventure Hotspots in Victoria
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for navigating the historic neighborhood streets comfortably.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm during cooler evenings and breezes along the waterfront.
fall specific
Flashlight or Phone Light
Useful for low-light sections of the tour, ensuring safe footing and better viewing.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer months while walking outdoors.
summer specific